Bonjour! Usually I love to bend your ear about all things Disneyland and cruising, but today we’re switching gears a bit. This lucky gal got to experience Paris for 2 weeks back in March and it was a literal dream. I stayed in the 4th arrondissement also known as Le Marais. I highly recommend staying in this neighborhood if you enjoy boutique shopping, romantic cafes and feeling like a local. I really wanted to soak up as much of Parisian culture as I could and the weeks flew by. If you’re planning your own Paris getaway I think a week is the minimum amount of time to allow you to experience a decent array of what the city has to offer. Whether you’re stopping in for a week or extending your trip, I’ve narrowed down my “top 5 must do’s” when it comes to “the city of light”.
First off- The Louvre! If you are in Paris you’re bound to spend some time in and out of their fantastic museums- the city is overflowing with art and culture. If you have time (or energy) for one museum, make a point to visit The Louvre. The Louvre and Paris go hand in hand, but it can definitely be overwhelming. At a whopping 15 acres this museum is the most visited in the world. That being said do yourself a favor and book a tour. There is a wide range of tours to choose from, but my “must do” is an evening Louvre tour with a “skip the line” option. Know going in that you will barely scratch the surface of what this museum has to offer, but a guide can make sure you hit the iconic pieces. The cool thing about seeing it in the evening is the lack or crowds and the fun nighttime photo opportunities. It’s called “magic hour” for a reason folks!
You can’t leave Paris without experiencing some part of The Seine. The Seine is like the main artery in the heart of Paris. One of my favorite parts of my trip was jogging along this river before my morning croissant. Another great way to experience The Seine and see some of the most iconic highlights the city has to offer is to take a cruise tour. As with The Louvre there are an abundance of Seine River Cruise tours to choose from. I recommend booking a tour that includes the option to sip some wine while you cruise and take in the sights. Better yet, a dinner cruise at night would allow you to see the recognizable sights all lit up while you enjoy some Parisian delicacies.
Anyone familiar with The Phantom of the Opera? Well the Palais Garnier in the heart of Paris is the setting for the Gaston Leroux’s legendary novel, and a visit there is my number 3 “must do”. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ballet ticket while you’re visiting, do so! You can treat yourself to a night of theater with the locals. Regardless, this theater offers behind the scenes tours so guests can uncover all of the historical and architectural wonders of the ornate Opera House. Personally, the night I spent at the Palais Garnier was one of the most magical nights of the trip.
My next “must do” is actually about a 45 minute drive away from Paris, but SO worth it. Make sure to mark a day off for a trip to the Palace of Versailles! When it comes to this destination, my main tip is to get arrive as early as possible. From there you have 2 decisions- do you want to prioritize the castle or the garden. If you want to get a head start on the crowds for inside you need to try and knock this out first. The hallways are small and cramped and it can be very overwhelming navigating the masses. While the castle is a sight to behold, my heart lies in the gardens. There are golf carts available for rent on the grounds and they provide you with a map and you can leisurely tour on your own. In addition to the carts there are bikes available for rent and even canoes! There are so many different ways to explore these gardens and with numerous restaurants and coffee carts it’s a prime locations for lunch or an afternoon snack.
Last but not least, you must make time to take a cooking class while in Paris. You will learn so much about the food and culture and even meet some wonderful fellow travelers. I learned how to make the French staple Macrons, but the options are endless! Pick your favorite pastry and spend the morning learning how to make it. There are also classes that take you shopping in traditional French markets to buy ingredients to prepare a traditional dinner. It was so fun picking the brain of a local and getting recommendations on where to eat and what to try in the city. I was able to make memories and bring home a new skill!
Ok so you’ve got your itinerary; now you just need to figure out where to stay, solidify your flight details, and make a list of recommended restaurants and cafés to visit while you’re there.
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