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OverviewÂ
Welcome to the travel guide of the “City of Lights” or to some, it’s known as the “City of Love” Paris, France. The world’s most beautiful city is known for its gorgeous imposing monuments. One of the most eminent places in the world is Paris, which serves as the capital of France. After London, Paris receives the second-highest number of tourists in Europe. People who genuinely adore a place come back to it year after year to visit their favorite landmarks, streets, cafes, museums, stores, parks, castles, and other locations. Additionally, the French aesthetic can be enjoyed in lifestyle, culture, fashion, architecture, and other areas as well.
History
The Parisii, a Celtic tribe that landed on the banks of the Seine, is credited with founding Paris around 259 BC. The Romans took control of the fishing community in 52 BC, establishing Lutetia as a Gallo-Roman settlement.
During the fourth century, the city’s name was changed to Paris. So it would not be wrong if we say that it all began in the Middle Ages and progressed through the kingdom, empire, and ultimately republic. Therefore, it is not surprising that revolution, struggle, and conquest have molded its history. The nation’s rich legacy is intertwined with influences from a wide range of cultures, including English, Scandinavian, Roman, and Celtic. France, one of the most significant countries in Western culture and history, has contributed significantly to the advancement of European civilization.
With significant political, military, economic, and cultural sway over Europe and the rest of the world, the nation is now regarded as one of the world’s superpowers. Paris boasts one of the densest concentrations of historic sites and buildings in the world, with almost 40,000 legally recognized historic monuments tracing the country’s rich past.
These stunning sites in Paris, which range from Roman ruins to memorials from after World War II, are essential to comprehending the history of the nation, which is both rich and complex.
Highlights of Paris
Paris has a way of enchanting visitors, whether the sun is shining and glistening on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain or the Seine River is shrouded in gloom and obscuring Notre Dame Cathedral. A first view of the Eiffel Tower may spark an infatuation, which may subsequently blossom into strolls down broad streets lined with trees and through opulent formal gardens.
The city’s attractiveness entices visitors. Each quartier (neighborhood) exhibits its unique appeal. The Latin Quarter is a fascinating maze of historic cobblestone streets and little passageways. The chic Champs-Élysées is alive with activity and style. Montmartre, a district outside of central Paris, oozes quaint old-world charm and proudly displays its Bohemian past.
What makes the city of Paris special?
The art of capturing a fleeting moment of life in a busy urban metropolis is what defines Paris’ modernité. These and other factors make Paris such a renowned city. It’s always amazing to find breathtaking panoramas of Paris. Fortunately, Paris has a ton of aerial views that provide undeniable thrills. Enjoy a panoramic view of the City of Lights while dining at the Jules Verne Restaurant in Paris’s tourist hotspot, the Eiff.
5 Great Hotels in Paris
1. Hotel Les Deux Gares
It’s difficult to believe that hoteliers haven’t visited every inch of the French capital over the past ten years. However, there are still underappreciated areas to be discovered, as illustrated by Adrien Gloaguen’s most recent piece in Little India. When he first arrived at the location, which was a depressing two-star hotel at the time, and took in the skyline views from the train tracks connecting two of the city’s major stations, he knew he could transform it into something special. He also knew that British wunderkind Luke Edward Hall would be the ideal candidate for the job. The first hotel project for the interior designer is joyful, with allusions to the past everywhere but also modern energy.
The corner Haussmann-style building is flooded in vibrant color combinations, which attracted the creative crowd and caused it to be fully booked before it even opened. Hall describes it as “my own, extremely personal and whimsical take on Parisian style.” French antiques are placed next to mid-century lamps, leopard print clashes with checkerboard, and 1970s geometric carpets are placed next to Art-Deco ornamentation. The Café Les Deux Gares was created by Edward Hall from the outdated bar across the street. Locals and food writers already frequent the bistro, where they enjoy lunch menu items like tender pork loin with beetroot and natural wines.
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2. OFF Paris Seine
You may experience a genuinely unique perspective by staying on the Seine in Paris’s first boat hotel. The purpose-built barge, one of the biggest docked on the river, was built in Normandy and was tailored by Parisian nautical architect Gérard Ronzatti. Its design resembles an enormous catamaran encased in glass and steel. The elegant bar/lounge is the focal point and extends from the main deck to the U-shaped upper level where, in nice weather, locals and visitors congregate around the pool for cocktails, tapas, and selfies on inflatable gold swans.
Address: 86 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
3. Hôtel Saint-Marc
With a sophisticated design and a wealth of unexpected facilities, this four-star hotel punches beyond its weight. This five-story, 18th-century home was changed by the Italian company Ditmore Studios over the past two years with striking additions like geometric-patterned draperies, Art Deco-inspired furniture, odd sculptures, and a vibrant palette of mustard, purple, and pumpkin.
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4. Generator Paris
The generator makes you feel like a visitor at a continual party from the time you check-in at the brightly painted reception, above the dazzling lights of the movie theater marquee-style sign. The brand, which is envisioned as the next generation of hostels, promotes distinctive architecture, interesting experiences, and food that is obtained locally while providing a variety of accommodation types and costs.
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5. Hôtel Lancaster Champs-Elysées
The interiors of this exquisite location, which started in the 1880s as the home of a Spanish aristocracy and was expanded into a hotel in the Roaring ’20s, are infused with the creative spirit of former occupants like Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, and Greta Garbo. The atmosphere of a private home still permeates the space thanks to the antique highlights, authentic craftsmanship, and portraits by the Russian artist Boris Pastoukhoff from the 1930s (another former inhabitant) that are offset with cozy modern furnishings.
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Our Top Pick On Entertainment:
Emily In Paris
We can not talk of Paris and not mention one of my favorite Netflix American comedy-drama series created by Darren Star. It’s set and filmed in Paris, the series stars Lily Collins as the eponymous Emily, an American who moves to France to provide an American point of view to Savoir, a French marketing firm.
Yes, it’s true the long-awaited season 3 is in the works as hinted by Lily Collins on her Instagram post here. However, as of right now Netflix has not officially announced an official premiere date of Emily in Paris season 3.
Netflix officially renewed the dramedy for seasons 3 and 4 in January 2022.
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Restaurants and Cafés
One of the most popular cities in the world for eating once again in Paris. The French capital is currently teeming with a magnificent constellation of eateries, including a plethora of openings that highlight how delectably global Paris has become: Menkicchi is arguably the best ramen restaurant in town, and MoSuke’s youthful Franco-Japanese chef Mory Sacko creates wonderfully inventive Franco-African-Japanese cuisine, and Le Bistrot Flaubert’s new chef Sukwon Yong demonstrates the expanding impact of Asia on modern French cuisine.
Additionally, there is a creative and varied selection of casual dining establishments, including Parcelles, a superb Bistrot a vins in the Marais, the reasonably priced Café du Coin, and the famous Montmartre restaurant Le Maquis. A rebirth of traditional bistros, brasseries, and chic eateries offering the traditional French cuisine made famous by Auguste Escoffier has also emerged in Paris’s long-established culinary scene.
1. Le Procope
Le Procope is historic even by French standards, but many things in Paris are considerably older than their equivalents in America— Paris is such a young place! The date on the inscription outside is 1686, which is sort of accurate because it was closed in 1872 and relaunched in the 1920s.
When it first opened, there were no women allowed, and Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Napoleon frequented the café. In 1772, a customer observed that “there is an ebb and flow of all sorts of men, lords and cooks, wits and sots, all chatting in full chorus to their heart’s content,” but today everyone is welcome here.
Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France
2. Café des Deux Moulins
Amélie made this café famous, and it is now a well-liked hangout for both tourists and residents. The Goûter d’Amélie, which offers you a choice of coffee (black or with milk), hot chocolate, or tea, as well as a crème brûlée, is one of the restaurant’s standout dishes and beverages. You may delve yourself into French culture and, if you’d like, take a photo next to a huge poster of Amélie thanks to its location in a less touristic part of Montmartre.
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3. Ob-La-Di Café
This tiny throwback café is tucked away in the Le Marais neighborhood. It’s also constantly crowded despite having only 15 chairs. If you’re able to find a seat, you’re in for a treat. Bloggers, photographers, and tourists seeking to get away from Paris’s bustle frequent the café. It’s strongly advised to order the avocado toast.
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4. KB Cafe Shop
On the other end of the spectrum from the traditional Parisian cafes, KB Cafe offers its own line of artisanal coffee and is more in line with modern, international cafes that are serious about the quality and flavor of their coffee, perhaps even more so than the cafe experience itself.
KB Cafe, which is situated on a popular corner of Southern Pigalle directly beneath Montmartre, imports and roasts its own beans from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Columbia, and Columbia in addition to developing its own mixes. Also offered are iced coffee alternatives, which are uncommon in France. Freshly made sandwiches are available for lunch at KB Cafe, along with a fresh juice bar, teas, house-made cakes, pastries, and scones.
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5. Cafe Carette
The Cafe Carette on Place Trocadero is the best position to see the Eiffel Tower and experience a Parisian cafe, with two locations in prime viewing locations.
With a menu that includes pastries, sandwiches, salads for the main course, and French classics like quiche, onion soup, foie gras, and beef Bourguignon, Cafe Carette is a cross between a tea salon, cafe, and restaurant. The portions are more than generous, unlike many Parisian restaurants, so if you order a salad or sandwich, there may be enough food for two people to share. The exquisite presentation of Cafe Carette, which uses Limoges porcelain, starched, white linens and tablecloths, and fine flatware, sets it apart from other cafes.
6. Le Select
Another historic cafe, Le Select was titled “the essence of Montparnasse” by Ernest Hemingway. From the 1920s until the 1940s, the Montparnasse district attracted painters, writers, and poets in much the same way as its cultural rival, Saint-Germain-des-Pres. At Le Select, Hemingway was known to write his soon-to-be masterpieces for hours on end. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry Miller, Picasso, and Chagall were also regular visitors.
In addition to serving standard cafe cuisine like croissants, coffee, and baguettes with butter and jam, the combination cafe and brasserie Le Select also serves escargot, charcuterie and cheese plates, omelets, duck confit, and steaks. A selection of aperitifs, cocktails, Champagne, as well as rum, cognac, tequila, and other alcoholic beverages, are available.
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7. La Caféothèque
Popular with residents, this small café on the Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville is renowned for its extensive global coffee variety. Take a seat comfortably, pick your favorite coffee flavor, and watch the sunset over Notre Dame.
Address: 52 Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris, France
8. L’As du Fallafel
On the other side of the spectrum, L’As du Fallafel, another of Paris’ most well-known establishments, offers meals for less than €10. It’s situated on rue des Rosiers, a street popular with falafel eateries in Le Marais’s old Jewish neighborhood. Even while L’As du Fallafel has a long-standing competition with Mi-Va-Mi across the street and Chez Marianne nearby, the latter is undoubtedly the more well-known. Customers frequently line up down the street for a quick and affordable supper.
Although it’s not the most appealing spot to eat, you can always order takeout and eat in one of Le Marais’ charming squares instead. It’s also important to remember that due to Shabbat, L’As du Fallafel and many other addresses on that street are closed on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Address: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France
9. Cafe Du Trocadero, Eiffel Tower
Take a seat at Cafe Du Trocadero, which is directly across from Palais de Chaillot, a cultural hub with two museums and a theater, and you’ll be rewarded with an unrivaled view of the Eiffel tower. The charming Cafe Du Trocadero features an Art Deco-inspired interior and a delicious French and Asian menu.
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Activities
Things to do in Paris:
1. Visit The Palais Garnier Opera House
The magnificent opera building in Paris is a tourist attraction that is usually overlooked. It is easy to see why this was the place to be seen at the height of its fame since it was constructed in the middle to late 1800s. Think gold all over as you look around the opera house’s interior, which is lavishly decorated and overly ornamented.
2. Dive Deep Into Impressionism At The Musée D’Orsay
The Louvre surely throws a shadow over the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, where it would be the “must-see” major attraction! Nevertheless, visiting this impressionist exhibition might be the trip’s high point. Why?
Some of the finest painters in the world, who changed the face of modern art, call the gallery home. This renovated railroad station features works by prominent artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and more. There are many fantastic pieces of art by well-known painters that you probably recognize, including Paul Cezanne’s Card Players, Bal Moulin Galette by Renoir, Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Latest celebrity sighting @ The Lourve
3. Visit The Sainte-Chapelle Chapel
The Gothic-styled Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel. Although the building’s architecture is beautiful, its 1,113 stained glass windows are the true highlight. The 49-foot (15-meter)-long windows feature scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
The stained glass is magnificent even on cloudy days when there is little sunshine coming through the chapel windows.
Take advantage of the fact that Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral are only a short five-minute walk apart by visiting both attractions simultaneously.
4. Explore The Parks And Gardens Of Paris
Flânering, or aimless strolling, is a popular past activity in Paris. So why not make the most of this justification to act like a local and visit Paris’ parks and gardens?
The Tuileries Parks near the Louvre museum and the Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement are two of the city’s most well-kept and magnificent gardens (featured photo). Although it may be anything you want it to be, this is undoubtedly one of the more romantic things to do in Paris.
The Buttes Chaumont park in northeastern Paris is where locals go to discover wonderful views of the city and unwind if you want to avoid other tourists. One of the nicest things to do in Paris is to spend some time enjoying the city’s green spaces, which the city takes great pride in and regards as pearls.
5. Join A Food Tour In Paris
One location where you should absolutely enjoy local food in Paris. It’s not a myth when people claim that bread in France is superior tasting.
Every culture revolves around cuisine, and the French think they understand it best. Their belief may or may not be accurate, but there is no denying that they have a clear and noble passion for the culinary arts. There are various ways to see this, but we think the best one is to go on one of our delicious culinary tours!
Why? In Paris, we tested a lot of culinary excursions, and the majority didn’t go inside any restaurants. Ours stops at four or more venues, including one for a sit-down supper, salty crepes, and a glass of really cool wine and cheese bar. Not to mention that it is located in Paris’ hip Le Marais neighborhood!
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Kids Interest
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is essentially one big playground, complete with a gazebo atop a hill and streams for kids to play in. Kids will adore the alcove with its thundering waterfall or the view from the suspension bridge. Even while the slopes provide for some dangerous walks, there are still plenty of opportunities to fall down the grassy knolls. Donkey rides and carnival games down by the main pond are excellent ways to cap off the trip.
2. Disneyland Paris
With extra European exoticism, Disneyland Paris is every bit as entertaining as its American rivals (Mickey speaks French fluently). The two parks may be visited in one day, making the short train travel from the city worthwhile. From Goofy to Captain Hook, fans may meet and greet them all. Halloween and Christmas celebrations are held in Disneyland in the fall. To prevent long lines, think about using the Fast Pass.
3. Musée Grévin
Although Madame Tussaud’s predates the Grévin wax museum, the concept is the same. The museum provides a silly but worthwhile taste of French culture right next to the covered passageways of the Grands Boulevards. There is a weekend course that guides kids through French history using their many wax mannequins, and wax figures of everyone from Napoléon to Céline Dion are available for playing “who’s who.”
4. Sacré-Coeur
A kid-friendly method to learn about religion and architecture and guarantee a restful night’s sleep is the magnificent climb to the pinnacle of the Sacré Coeur. There are about 300 stairs ahead of you, and there is hardly any line to wait in. Children who successfully reach the top will feel triumphant knowing that they are almost as high as the Eiffel Tower. From atop the dome, Paris is at your feet.
5. Jardin des Tuileries
Children aged five and older love the playground at the Jardin des Tuileries. While parents take in the splendor of the royal gardens, the kids can play on various spinning, bouncing, and swinging equipment. In the summer, there is a carnival with a huge Ferris wheel, a carousel, and even the occasional goat grazing on the grass, though people are advised to stay away.
Places to Visit in Paris
1. The Eiffel Tower
Without the iconic Eiffel Tower, what would Paris be? It is displayed at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889 after being constructed by Gustave Eiffel to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, drawing about 7 million tourists a year to its 324-meter height.
The Eiffel Tower 58, which has two stories and rises 58 meters above the ground, is located on the first floor. With a spectacular perspective of the earth below, the view from the second level is the greatest at 115 meters. You can finally see what Gustave Eiffel’s office looked like on the third floor at 275 meters.
It is feasible to use the stairs and ascend the steps for the more daring (1,665 to the summit).
To experience the breathtaking perspective of Paris, you must climb the Eiffel Tower.
2. Arc of Triumph / Champs Elysées
Napoleon asked Jean Chalgrin to create a triumphal arch honoring the valor of the imperial forces after falling under the spell of classical Roman architecture. It is the biggest monument of its sort in the world and was built in the 19th century. Its pillars are adorned with striking sculptures. Additionally, the top of the arch is inscribed with the names of 558 generals and notable victories. The French Unknown Soldier’s Tomb is located beneath the Arc de Triomphe.
Beautiful views of Paris may be seen from the rooftop patio above the door. The Arc de Triomphe, which is known as “the most magnificent avenue in the world,” is situated on the Place de l’Etoile and is 50 meters high, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. It is located 1.9 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. There are numerous upscale shops, entertainment venues, and renowned cafes and eateries.
3. Montmartre
The 130-meter-tall hill in the north of Paris has the name of the district it surrounds. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with its white dome at the top, is its most famous feature. It honors the French victims of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and was finished in 1919.
Visit the Square of Tertre, which is a few blocks from the Basilica, if you’re in the region. Many painters have set up their easels to paint visitors or display their work. The Place du Tertre serves as a reminder of the early 20th century period when Montmartre was the center of contemporary art, home to numerous painters including Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van A short distance from the Square of Tertre is the Espace Salvador Dal, a museum devoted mostly to the sculpture and drawings of the Spanish painter.
Montmartre is home to the renowned cabaret Moulin Rouge.
4. Disney World Paris
Mickey enthusiasts can travel 32 kilometers to Disneyland Paris, which has a connection to the suburban RER A.
There are two theme parks at Disneyland Paris: Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland, which has the castle from Sleeping Beauty. Big Thunder Mountain, It’s a Small World, and Space Mountain are the top attractions.
5. Versailles Palace
The most well-known castle in France is Château de Versailles. Versailles was the center of political power in the Kingdom of France from 1682 to 1789. It was constructed in the 17th century as a representation of French military might and a demonstration of French dominance in Europe. Any visitor who is interested in luxurious lodgings, opulent furnishings, and gilded Renaissance artwork should visit this enormous complex of buildings, gardens, and terraces.
The State Apartments and the renowned Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s room, are where you will begin your tour of Versailles. Remember to take a stroll through the renowned “French” gardens.
Hikes in Paris
Here are some of the top sites for route information and inspiration for hikes:
A family-friendly wilderness excursion
This quick 1-kilometer loop in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park is ideal for families with young children. This protected natural area is made up of a marsh where you can observe rich and varied flora and fauna, and it is fully equipped (stroller/pushchair accessible). Excellent outside experience for kids and a soothing dose of vegetation for your Sunday errands!
1. A peaceful retreat
Discover quaint towns and breathtaking rural vistas on this short trek through the countryside. Allow the splendor of the Renarde Valley, a little river that runs through Essonne, to sweep you away as you travel a 7 km loop. Don’t forget to visit the Segrez Arboretum to take in the amazing trees in this English-style garden and find some shelter.
2. Forest of Fontainebleau
The Fontainbleau Forest offers countless hiking opportunities! The easiest approach to experiencing a variety of landscapes in a single day is to do this. In addition, there are several difficult ridges to scale, but they are rewarded with stunning panoramas. The Transilien R (light purple) train travels from Paris to Fontainebleau in just 45–1 hour.
3. Forest of Vincennes
The least difficult place to get to, Bois de Vincennes, is undoubtedly the most rewarding! Wide-open fields and forest paths are just a short metro ride away on line 1! The Vincennes Forest is surprisingly large and is full of hidden jewels. The Parc Floral de Paris (Paris botanical gardens) is well worth the 2.50€ entrance cost if you’re looking for a picnic rather than a strenuous climb.
4. Dame Jouanne’s Massif which is 65 minutes away from Paris.
You can also check out Dame Jouanne’s Massif in Larchant, which is close to Nemours (77). Given that it is only 9 kilometers long, this trail is designed for occasional to seasoned hikers. Downtown Larchant is where you can access the path. You must go 60 kilometers from Paris to Auxerre on the A6 expressway until you reach exit number 14, “Malherbe’s.” Then you will proceed in Larchant’s direction. You’ll finally experience some fresh air and a change of scenery!
