Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world – a destination for lovers, designers, artists, and people who just want to experience a different way of life. Romantic, beautiful, and full of history, it is the perfect place to vacation to get just a little bit of everything. With so much to do, what are the best things to do?
Start with this list:
1. The buildings and monuments are gorgeous – the Eiffel Tower is the most famous of monuments, but it is hardly the only one. The Arc de Triomphe, at the end of the Champs Elysees is absolutely stunning and another monument your children and friends back home will recognize. It is actually Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1163, that is the most visited attraction in Paris. No trip would be complete without the Louvre and a glimpse at the Mona Lisa.
Tip: Look at the weather before and during visiting here – plan on seeing some of the indoor sights on days when the weather won’t be as great. It will be fuller those days, but with so much to do outside, it is worth it.
2. Pay attention to the history of the city – as it is very important to the culture. The Musee Carnavalet and the Musee de l’Armee are two very popular places to visits for insight into French–and, more importantly, Parisian–history. Carnavalet has different artifacts from medieval taimes, including furniture and clothing. Musee de l’Armee is all about the military history, perfect for any younger boys who would be interested in that sort of thing. Plus – you’ll get a ticket to see Napoleon’s tomb.
3. Shopping and fashion are the heartbeat of the city – go for the incredible sales, visit the great department stores Lafayette and Printemps, stroll along the Champs Elysees, or visit the annual fashion shows to get your fill of the latest and greatest styles. You can even find some great items at many second-hand shops that specialize in vintage pieces you will never have the chance to get again.
4. Visit the world’s most beautiful gardens – the Luxembourg Gardens is over 60 acres of free space for sunbathing, people watching, and romantic picnics. It also has some great areas for children to play in the water, ride ponies, and go on the merry-go-round. The gardens themselves are gorgeous and very well kept. You can even go inside the museum to see the 19th-century art that they have collected over time.
5. Walk on the morbid side – Pere LaChaise is one of the most famous graveyards in all of the world and is the final resting place to celebrities such as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. It’s a great place to visit, walk around, looking at the beautiful sculptures, and take a moment for clarity.
No matter what you do, make sure you take a walk around the streets of Paris and just absorb the culture, the people, and the experience. There is no place in the world like it and it is certainly one of the best spots in the world for a vacation.