France is a stunning country filled with magnificent sights, wonderful food, fashion and culture. Take a look at the highlights I suggest when visiting Paris!
1. See the Eiffel Tower
A trip to Paris would not be complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. This attraction is especially beautiful at night when it sparkles for the whole city to see. Starting at dusk, the “sparkling sessions” last for five minutes at the beginning of each hour. The last display of sparkles takes place at 11 p.m..
2. Go to the Louvre
The Louvre is home to art from all over the world. Some of the most popular pieces in the museum include “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci, “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugéne Delacroix and “Venus di Milo” by Alexandros of Antioch.
3. Sit and eat at a cafe
Debatably, one of the best things about Paris is the food! France is known for its delicious pastries and charcuterie, which can be found at almost any cafe. When roaming the streets, you will often see people eating outside seated on one side of the table facing the street. This gives tourists and locals the perfect opportunity to do some people-watching.
4. Visit the Palace of Versailles
Located about 40 minutes west of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is an exciting and educational spot outside of the city. Versailles is home to French history and the story of Louis XIV, who originally built the palace to control the nobles. Behind the palace are beautiful gardens with numerous fountains that you can spend all day walking through and admiring.
5. Go to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
Located in Giverny, France about 50 miles northwest of Paris, is Claude Monet’s house. Not only is his mansion beautiful, but it is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Across from his home are the gardens the Monet made to serve as inspiration for his artwork. Many of his paintings are of scenes that took place within his gardens, including the water lily pond.
6. Visit Musée d’Orsay
Unlike the Louvre, this museum holds mainly French artwork including paintings, sculptures, drawings, furniture and more. Some of the most famous paintings in Musée d’Orsay include “Blue Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, “The Absinthe Drinker” by Edgar Degas and “Olympia” by Edouard Manet.
7. Take a Cruise on the Seine River
Whether you do this at night or during the day, taking a boat cruise on the Seine will allow you to see amazing views of the city. Some boats provide a dining experience, while others just give you the opportunity to enjoy the views.
8. Shopping
Alongside cafes, restaurants and theaters, the streets of Paris are lined with stores to shop in. There is no better way to immerse yourself in Parisian culture than exploring fashion. There are both luxury stores and cute boutiques to spend hours roaming through.
