Paris Picks!
Snail in the City
Getting Around
Paris is great to see on foot if you have the time, however it also has a wonderful Metro (Underground) System. A single metro ticket which last for a duration of 90 minutes is €2.10 or you can purchase a bundle of 10 tickets for a reduced rate of €16.90.
Iconic Sightseeing
EIFFEL TOWER
This is certainly the city’s most iconic monument. Built for the 1889 World Expo, 100 years after the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline of Paris and certainly lets you know that you have arrived. If you would like to make your way up the Eiffel Tower, make sure you book long before you visit! The official website can be found below. You can make your way to the 2nd floor or all the way to the top!
MUSÉE D’ORSAY
Home of the impressionists, Musée d’Orsay was formerly a train station that took commuters to South-West France. Now it is home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet and Manet to name a few. The large Clock Faces that grace the building to once ensure punctuality are now the back drop to the refined cafe that can be found within the museum walls. It is highly recommend that you pre-book your entry via the website below.
MUSÉE de L’ORANGERIE
The Musée de L’Orangerie was built by Napoleon III in 1852 to originally house the Citrus Trees of the Tuileries Gardens which currently cradle the Louvre Museum. Today, you will find Claude Monet’s famous series dedicated to Water Lilies.
LOUVRE MUSEUM
Before housing the iconic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre Museum was home to King Louis XIV before moving his residence got the famous Palace of Versailles. The Louvre Museum now comprises of 600,000 works of art with 35,000 on display. Just like most of the major sights, booking in advance is highly recommended. Check Out the link below to book!
PLACE DE LA CONCORDE
Place de la Concorde is a beautiful square that is cradled by the famous Champs Élysées on one side and the Tuileries Gardens on the other. This square was once known as Place de la Revolution where the executions of the French Revolution took place. Today you will find the Obelisk of Luxor gracing the centre of the square, transported all the way from the Temple of Luxor in Egypt. For those that are into popular culture, it is also where Anne Hathaway famously threw her phone into the fountain in the movie The Devil Wears Prada
CHAMPS ÉLYSÉES
The Champs Elysee is a glorious shopping Avenue that is named after the Elysian Fields believed to be the final resting place of the beloved dead according to Greek Mythology. Branching off from the Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue which is lined with Chestnut Trees is also home to some of the biggest names in fashion such as Louise Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier but to name a few.
SHOP - In addition to the Champs Élysées, you can also find yourself splurging in the infamous department store - Galleries Lafayette. Each department is spread horizontally instead of vertically as you may be used to in your hometown. It also has a rooftop bar and restaurant!
PALACE OF VERSAILLES
The famous Sun King Louise XIV thought that his existing residence, the Louvre Palace was too small and therefore decided to build the palace of Versailles. In doing so he spent 6 months worth of Tax Payer money to build an opulent palace cascaded in gold with extravagant gardens and symbolism honoring himself. It is also home to the hall of mirrors which is where the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of WW1. To skip the queue, book via the link below!
What to Eat
French food is well considered, refined and rich in butter! Those with a less adventurous palate may be apprehensive but it’s no coincidence that the world’s best chefs want to learn their craft in France. Below are some famous French dishes.
Breakfast Pastries
- Brioche - sweet bread
- Croissant - flaky pastry
- Pain au Chocolat - essentially a chocolate croissant but translates to “bread of chocolate”
- Eclair - choux pastry with a creamy centre and either chocolate, vanilla or pistachio icing on top
Starters:
- French Onion Soup
- Escargot - snails
- Duck Liver Pate
- Salmon Terrine
- Baked Camembert
Mains:
- Duck L’Orange - Duck in an orange sauce
- Boeuf Bourguignon - braised beef stew in a Burgundy Red Wine sauce
- Coq au Vin - Chicken Drumsticks in a slow cooked red win sauce
- Ratatouille - Vegetable Stew
- Steak Frites - Steak and Fries
Dessert:
- Crème Brûlée - custard with a blow torched top
- Profiterole - choux pastry filled with cream and covered in chocolate
- Crème Caramel
- Apple Tart
- Macarons - made with flavoured meringue
Where to Eat
Looking for Nightlife
The Latin Quarter
Found in the 5th and 6th Arrondissements, the Latin Quarter is a student hub full of bars and pubs where you can find cheap beer and tequila!
Le Marais
A quite alternative neighborhood, Le Marais is known for its LGBTQI bars and clubs. Located in the 4th Arrondissement, here you will also find some of the most fashionable crowds hopping from cafe to cafe and from bar to bar.
THERE IS SOMETHING TRULY MAGICAL ABOUT THE FRENCH CAPITAL THAT SEDUCES ITS VISITORS WITH THE PROMISE OF EXCELLENT FOOD, BRILLIANT ARCHITECTURE AND A HINT OF ROMANCE. THE CITY IS FILLED WITH AROMAS OF CHANEL, FRESHLY BAKED CROISSANTS AND ADMITTEDLY, TERRIBLE COFFEE!!! ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN… PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.
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