Hi everyone! Paris, France is one of my favorite places to visit! This is my list of what not to miss on a trip to Paris! There is so much to see in the city and I know there is so much I could add to this, but I picked my favorite spots and what I think would be a well-rounded trip. I’ve also included some places on my list to visit next time!

The Eiffel Tower

Even though it’s a touristy spot, visiting the Eiffel Tower is one of my favorite things to do. I highly recommend spending the money at least once to go to the top to see the incredible view. I prefer to walk up the stairs because I find it so fun to say “I walked up the Eiffel Tower.” There are also elevators if you are unable to use the stairs. There are 3 levels that you can visit. The first two are accessible by the stairs or elevators, but the top is only accessible by elevator, and you have to buy that ticket in addition to the general ticket for the other 2 levels. I’ve only been to the tippy top once, but definitely recommend it. It does get crowded, so I do prefer spending more time enjoying the view on the other 2 levels, but it’s worth the crowds.

To get a great full shot view of the Eiffel Tower walk across the street to the Jardins du Trocadéro. Or if you want a more artistic shot check out Rue de l’Université. A great way to see a panoramic view of the city with The Eiffel Tower is to go up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which I haven’t done yet, but it’s on the top of my list to do next time!

Walk Along The Seine

One of my favorite things to do is walk along the Seine. On my last trip to Paris I walked all the way from The Eiffel Tower to the Botanical Gardens over the course of 2 days. It’s great way to experience a lot of the city and make stops along the way! If you start at the Eiffel Tower like I did, you can walk onto many of the bridges to see stunning views. Another great view of The Eiffel Tower with the Seine is from Passerelle Debilly. In the opposite direction you can go to Pont de Grenelle to see another view of The Eiffel Tower and view the Statue of Liberty. Something I want to do next time is walk the Allée des Cygnes from Pont de Grenelle to Pont de Bir-Hakeim. It’s a skinny park right in the middle of The Seine.

Along the Seine there are many great places! Walking towards the Tuilleries Gardens you can stop at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac which features indigenous art and cultures or the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris which is a museum dedicated to modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. If you walk across the Alexander lll Bridge you can visit the Grand Palais. Also the view walking along the Seine is just stunning and the walk is very relaxing!

Another great spot along the Seine across from The Louve are The Bouquinistes of Paris (The Booksellers of Paris). In the green book boxes you can find used and rare books, along with post cards and posters! I always love looking through the books to see if I can find any gems!

Visit Gardens and Parks

Something I did on my last trip was visit various gardens and parks around Paris. My favorite one was the Tuilleries Gardens, which is right next to the Louvre. I really enjoyed being able to sit and look at The Eiffel Tower in the background and watching the traffic in Place de la Concorde. It was also the most peacefully and relaxing place to read! I also visited the Luxembourg Garden. I wasn’t able to explore much of the park, but what I did see was very nice! Again, it was very relaxing and peaceful. Something that is great about the parks is that there are tons of chairs, so there’s always a nice place to sit. I also sat and read at Square René-Viviani, which is right next to my favorite bookstore and has a view of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Next time I visit, I want to explore Parc Monceau, which is near the Arc de Triomphe, Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th Arrondissement and Parc de Belleville in the 20th Arrondissement, which both have great panoramic views of the city!

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Right near the Notre Dame Cathedral is my absolute favorite bookstore, Shakespeare and Company! An English language bookstore, right on the Seine, has been welcoming readers and writers alike since 1951. Read more about the bookstore’s history here! Walking into the bookstore you are met with floor to ceiling shelves, tight corners, and quotes all over the walls, door jams, and stairs. My favorite quote that was on each step leading upstairs says “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being” -Hafiz. I also really liked “The hardest thing in the world is to live in it so be brave and live”, and “‘How do you know I’m mad?’ said Alice. ‘You must be’ said the cat ‘or you wouldn’t have come here.'” Even if you aren’t a reader it’s worth a visit, and you can stop at the café on your way out!

Les Catacombs de Paris

Another touristy spot, but worth the wait in line are Les Catacombs de Paris. Twenty meters (~65 feet) underneath Paris are the remains of people from the late eighteenth century. When the cemeteries were no longer an option, the city decided to bury the remains underneath the city in the former quarries. To learn more about the history check out the official website! It’s quite remarkable to walk through the caverns to see the architectural designs, but also very eerie, because the walls and structures were all someone in the past. I always take a moment to wonder what their lives were like and to respect their remains. I have visited the Catacombs two times and highly recommend!

Montmartre

Another great spot is the Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement. Montmartre is filled with art history and lovely shops. It is also home to the Basilique Du Sacre-Cœur de Montmartre. When I visited I didn’t have time to go into the Basilique, but even seeing the outside was stunning, and walking up all the steps to get the top was worth it for the view! Next time, I would like to tour the Basilique and visit the surrounding parks.

Also located in Montmartre is Le mur des je t’aime, “I love you Wall”. In 250 different languages le mur des je t’aime is a monument dedicated to love by artist Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito. Check out this link for more information about the wall!

I hope you enjoyed what I recommend as what not to miss on a trip to Paris! Let me know if you’ve ever been to Paris and what you recommend in the comments below!

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Take care and stay safe,

Renée