The beautiful city of Paris is a dream destination for many people. It was a dream come true when I finally got myself to France for a holiday. I had to prepare for the tours months before. This gave me time to arrange for the place to stay and ensure I will be comfortable in Paris. The excitement was overwhelming as I got to Explore the city.
The problem started when I was trying to come up with a list of the things to do. Have you ever felt so wasted? I did not know where to start. This is something I wouldn’t want you to pass through. You deserve a peaceful holiday that will enable your mind and body to relax. To ensure you enjoy the lovely town to the fullest, here is a list of the things to do.
1. Explore the Louvre
It is the world most visited art museum. It is one of the best museums in Europe and the world. And is a historic building that you have to visit when in the city. Before being turned to the museum, it was known to be the royal residence of the famous French leaders.
In the present time, it showcases various arts from different cultures and ancient times. You will be treated to a tour down the memory lane with the Egypt Antiquities such as Egyptian mummy tombs, thousands of paints like the famous Mona Lisa and Liberty of the leading people masterpieces.
There is still more for you to explore. The museum is divided into sections that house the different artifacts. These include the Etruscan, Near Eastern, Roman, Greek and, Decorative and Islamic arts, sculptures, paints, and drawing. This is a grantee that once you set foot with your family in the building, you will have a lot to explore. The kids will be able to learn and be entertained at the same time. For art enthusiasts, this is the ideal place, and I suggest you begin your tour early.
2. Explore Disneyland and Walt Disney Studio Park
It is an entertainment resort that is situated 32km east of Paris. It is the ideal place to bring your family for the holidays or weekends. The kids will enjoy themselves and have a blast in the two theme parks. They will be in apposition to meet Mickey and their heroic characters.
There is a golf course for you to relax and unwind. You can as well catch the fun in the Disney Studio and have a sneak peek on how the movies come to life.
If you are a fan of the famous film the Pirates of the Caribbean, you won’t miss out on this tour.
3. Visit the Eiffel Tower
The tower was built in 1889 during the war. The aim was to be transmission tower, but later it was found to be a communication interceptor. This relayed information to the local government about the enemy’s communications.
Till date, it is used as a communication transmission center, but the architectural design is what attracts most of the people to it. It is an iconic building that will leave appreciating the art. You can head up the tower using an elevator and have the view of the city from the top. It is remarkable scenery more so in the evening with the lights as the sunsets.
4. Tour Jardin des Tuileries
A visit to the beautiful Park will genuinely make your holiday complete. It is located between the Louvre and Places da la Concorde. The garden sits on 55 acres and gives you a perfect ground to cover. Strolling along the tree-lined paths breathing the refreshing air and relaxing. You and your family can as well have a picnic on the lawns and bound. It is such a peaceful place to walk and rest when in town.
The Park also has a restaurant that you and your family can dine in and experience the different cuisines.
5. Tour Sainte- Chapelle
Since the 1890s, it has been a historical monument that has attracted people from all over the world. This is a chapel that has been around for many years, moving ownership from one group to another.
The Sainte-Chapelle is a famous place with majestic decor that has managed to live over the years. The rose window, full stained window, and the sculptures hold a very distinct culture sense that cannot and should not be forgotten.
For Architecture people, they could also learn so much from the interior decor that was used in the chapel. It is meant to try and show a very detailed nature of noticing specific parts that happen to hold a very impactful position in the culture of those times. This is one of the few places that upon entering you would wish you suddenly became a Catholic clergy person.
6. Visit the Luxembourg Gardens
The garden covers 61 acres and is a fantastic place to hang out with your family. Latin Quarter and Saint Germain-de-Pres gardens board it. Apart from its green and serene surrounding, the kids have a lot to engage in while at the garden. These include pony rides, boat sails at the Grand Basin and enjoy the merry-go-round as well.
If you prefer a bit of family time while in the garden then you can organize for a picnic, and if you want some time as a couple then you can stroll through the garden admiring its beauty. There are also sports courts which are the basketball and baseball courts. This will help you in keeping fit and shading off some fats in the body.
There is also Musee du Luxembourg where you can head to and explore.
7. Discover the Arc de Triomphe
The tower was commissioned by Napoleon to honor the lives of the soldiers who lost during the world war 1.The structure is known as “the unknown soldier” and is located at the west end of the Champs-Elysees.
The carved sculptures on the walls are stunning, and the names of the soldiers have been engraved on the walls. The flame that was lit during the burial of the solider is still burning up to date. You can climb to the top of the building using the hundreds of stairs. It is tiresome, and a workout that will drain you but the view at the top is breathtaking. Your camera will come in handy at this point.
8. Wander in Le Marais
It one of the oldest district in the country and was home to some of the French royals. Strolling along the cobblestone streets is relaxing due to its beautiful scenery. The architectural design of the buildings is artistic. Walking along the streets, passing each design will be like you are going back in time.
The district played home to the Jewish culture in the 13th Century. But now it is home to the gay community with a vibrant nightlife. You can shop for artifacts in the vintage shops. There are art galleries and museums. Here you can go to explore and understand the history of the town. The National Archives of France, Musee des Arts et Metiers, and Musee Picasso are perfect places to entertain and educate yourself. The neighborhood will also treat you to different cuisines.
9. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Cathedral is an iconic building in the city. It is situated along River Seine, and the construction was started in the 10th Century and completed 200 years later. This has made the building to look stunning, and it will overwhelm you with its beauty.
The interior is made of sky-high gilded ceilings and stained glass window. This will be perfect for you to take pictures and capture each step taken in the masterpiece. You can as well head to the 387 floors of the building and have the spectacular view of the city. A picture of the view will help you mark the tour and always recall the lovely scenery.
10. Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre
It looks like a white castle towering high above the city. It was designed by Paul Abadie and constructed in 1875-1914. The building has five bells, four small one and a huge one. The design is remarkable and begs you to take a photo with it. But that is only allowed from the outside, inside the building you are not permitted to cameras. The artwork in the interior is out of this world. When you set foot in the Cathedral, you will feel peaceful and at home. If you are into designs and artworks, then the Cathedral is the ideal place for you.
11. Go to the Chocolate Crawl in St. Germain des Pres
For chocolatiers, this will be the perfect place to end our evening. Different people come together and bear witness to the chocolate sculptures. Various artists do the sculptures, each showcasing their art through multiple designs. The artists include Jean –Charles Rouchoux, Patric Roger, and Jean-Paul Hevin, among others. I must admit I was tempted to rush for a bite; the sculptures look beautiful and delicious. This will make your taste buds dance to the different explosion of flavors in your mouth.
12. Have a walk along the Berges de Seine
The bridge was opened in 2013 by Mayor Ann Hildago. This is along the left bank between the Musee d’Orsay and the Eiffel tower. Strolling along the river will help you to unwind and relax. Imagine being away from the noise of vehicle and motorbikes. You can sit and listen to the footsteps of people and admiring the peaceful waters. Well, this is a sanctuary for you to escape to. At the Petit Ceinture park will be ideal for you and wander through the ancient forest, the old railway tracks and even in the street admiring the street art. I did enjoy my walk along the bridge as I was able to interact with different people.
13. Palace of Versailles
According to French history, this was the original residence of the royals of France in the past. It has housed so many of the monumental places in the history of France that after the Royals moved, it could not be closed.
It has been known to host more than seven million guests, making it one of the most popular places in France. Apart from the Royal residence and the mirrors halls that was famous for the parties that were held, there is the Ambassadors Staircase that was beautifully architectured that attracted so many people.
There are many more places within the palace that will catch your attention. This includes the Grand gallery, royal chapel, royal opera and the hamlet of Marie Antoinette. This is mostly for the lovers of history. It is one of the places that your adventure need will be fully satisfied and put to rest.
14. Explore Seine River
It passes through the town and divides it into left and right banks. The most famous waterways flow from east to west. Walking along the banks will prove to be therapeutic. Listen to the sound of the water flowing and the water birds dancing to the tune. The river is also a perfect place to have photos, especially in the evening. You can as well take a boat tour around the town. For couples, a walk on the bridge will be a romantic place for you. Strolling along the bridge under the moonlight will make you love the city even more.
Conclusion
A holiday in Paris will help you bond with the family and relax as well. It has some of the fantastic places for you to venture and explore. This is something I learned the hard way after being stranded. It is essential to plan for the trip earlier. Make sure you have all the sites down on a paper. If not, then I believe this article is a campus it will give you a guide on the places to explore from beginning to the end of the vacation. Holidays are what I look forward to, and I am planning to go back to Paris and discover some of the fantastic places for you.
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