Hello everyone,I saw an article today stating that searches for 'holidays in Paris' has exploded since the new season of Emily in Paris premiered and so I thought what better time to put together my Paris travel guide with lots of Paris travel tips! This guide will include everything you need to know about holidaying in Paris and my top tips when visiting Paris plus the best things to do in Paris. Such as the best streets to shop in Paris, the best things to see and do in Paris and the best hotels to stay in! If you're looking for the best spots to eat in Paris please check out my Paris Restaurant Guide for the best restaurants in Paris!
So, without further ado - lets get into my guide for Paris!
Things to see and do in Paris
The Louvre - One of my all time favourite things to do, I always try and visit The Louvre every single time visit Paris. Not only are you able to see The Mona Lisa in real life (be warned, it's very busy!) but there are other incredible artworks that are also on show. From the 'Winged Victory' which is the most incredible sculpture to 'The Coronation of Napoleon' by Jacques-Louis David, there is an enormous amount of artwork and sculpture that you just have to see. Not to mention the building itself is an piece of art in its own right. Absolutely not one to be missed.
Tuileries Garden - You absolutely must walk through the stunning 17th century garden when at The Louvre, it is stunning. You can grab a Cafe Kitsune for the walk or head to the Saint Laurent coffee shop and sit in the park with it. Loulou is also at the end of the park, perfect if you want a luxurious lunch spot and to fill up on pasta. This park is beyond stunning in every season and is right by one of my favourite streets in Paris: Rue Rivoli, it is the home to Angelina cafe for hot chocolate and if you walk behind it, you'll hit my favourite square in Paris! Place Vendome.
Place Vendome - I accidentally stumbled upon Place Vendome one Christmas and goodness, what a stunning square. Beautiful architecture, home to The Ritz and minutes away from Cedric Grolet's famous bakery nestiled inside Le Meurice hotel. Definitely worth a detour if you're in the area.
The Eiffel Tower - Yes, it will be full of tourists but it's always worth a visit. Especially at night when it's all lit up and looking so beautiful! If you're not too afraid of heights, why don't you walk (or get the lift) to the top of the tower. Incredible views over the whole of Paris and a bucket list moment to say you've been to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Arc De Triomphe - It's cliche but I still go and see it from afar every time I visit. I have been up it multiple times and it is a must do, at least once. I like to go as the sun sets so you have an epic view over Paris. Alternatively, walk up the Champs Elysee to nearby roads and you'll see it in all it's glory, plus the crazy roundabout that accompanies it.
Cruise on the River - If it's a beautiful sunny day, then I highly recommend this! It gives you an amazing opportunity to see Paris from a different perspective and you'll be able to see all the main sites. You should also have a guide who can give you a detailed description of all the different areas of Paris so hopefully you'll get off feeling inspired and knowledgeable! If you don't want to cruise, I'd highly recommend just walking along the river. It is SO beautiful at pretty much every point.
Sacre Coeur / Montmarte - Montmarte is a beautiful large hill in the 18th arrondissement, it has incredible views of Paris and a stunning basilica, the Sacre-Coeur at the summit. Behind the Sacre Coeur, you'll find winding streets, cute cafes and incredible artists painting in a square. It feels picture perfect. It's almost separate from the rest of Paris, on a hill top and the cobbled streets make it so cosy.
Notre Dame Cathedral - As we know recently the spire of Notre Dame has been devastated by a fire, which is incredibly sad to see. However, it's still very much worth seeing! The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of my favourite Disney movies, so this will always have a place in my heart.
Pont Alexandre ||| Bridge - This is just the most beautiful bridge in Paris, well worth walking across and soaking up the view. To me, being on this bridge is 'Paris'.
Just Walk - Probably the best advice I can give you is just to walk! Get lost in Paris. I never really take transport when in Paris, I haven't used the subway there since I first visited about 15 years ago. I just get an uber from the Eurostar to my hotel with my bags and then I walk around for the entire trip. Paris has so many amazing things to see so if you manage to block out a whole day you can tick off a lot of these off your list. Wander around the Champs Eylsees (although be warned - it's a very busy roundabout but kind of like Parisian version of Oxford Street for shopping!), stroll down the river and grab a croissant at a local bakery. Stop in at Soho House and then take a quick walk to Montmartre, a beautiful Parisian village. Walking is always the best way to really see and get a feel for city!
My perfect day in Paris itinerary:
Start with a pastry from Mamiche in the 9th {a very local area}
Then grab a coffee and brunch from Seasons or Cali Uptown
Then wander through the streets up to Montmarte
Head up to see the Sacre Coeur and take in the view
Walk behind the Sacre Coeur and enjoy Montmarte
Walk down via Moulin Rouge to take a look
Head to L'Avenue for lunch
Shop along the Champs Elysee
Walk along the Seine as the sun sets and look at the Notre Dame and eventually hit the Eiffel Tower
Grab a crepe and watch the Eiffel Tower light up on the hour, every hour
Head to Les Bon Georges for wine, cheese and chocolate mousse
Peep the Chocolate Mousse...
The Best Hotels to stay at in Paris
It's no secret that the hotels in Paris can come out VERY expensive. So it's tough to find somewhere reasonably priced but also where you're going to get a great experience.
Le Bristol - If you want to go absolutely all out this is the one. Absolutely exquisite rooms, incredible staff, super location. They've also got a wonderful spa and a rooftop pool so if you go in Summer it's something else! If you're wanting the most luxurious getaway this is the place to book.
Hotel De Crillion (Rosewood Hotel) -This is such an iconic hotel and also so quintessentially Parisian, if you want the full Paris experience then I would book here. Don't we just love a gold gilded room! Perfect location and staff who can't do enough for you, you can never be disappointed.
Le Roch Hotel and Spa - Much more reasonably priced than the above but not faltering on quality at all is Le Roch. I tend to always book here when I'm going to Paris and it never fails me. They also offer a spa also so you can have a lovely afternoon chilling by the pool if you've had a busy morning wandering the streets of Paris.
The Hoxton,Paris - The Hoxtons are more affordable and such a fail safe option. The decor is very cool and trendy and the breakfast is really good! They also have a really fun bar which is nice to head to for a pre drink before your dinner reservation.
The Best areas to shop in Paris
Rue Rivoli & Rue Saint Honore. - These streets blend on to one another but they're the most famous shopping streets in Paris for a reason. If you're looking at having a real treat yourself kind of day, here is where you'll find all the designer stores. From Hermes to Saint Laurent - you have your pick! Also if you've fallen in love with Goyard recently like so many others have then the first ever Goyard store is located on Rue Saint Honore, with all the original store frontage. There's normally a queue so make sure to get in there early!
Place Vendome - If you fancy yourself a bit of a watch or jewellery connoisseur then head on over to Place Vendome, which is well known to be the best place to pick up some incredible pieces. The Cartier store here is gorgeous so even if you're just window shopping (like me!) it's still worth going too to see all the beautiful store displays.
Pigalle - Just an amazing area in general, Pigalle is a little bit more bohemian (those who have seen the Moulin Rouge will know what I'm talking about here!) - being where the Moulin Rouge is located a lot of the shopping round here is focused more on boutiques rather than big names that you would find on the above streets.
Avenue de Champs Eylsees - Probably the most well known shopping street in Paris, this has everything you could possibly need. From designer stores to high street there will be something for everyone. I went during Christmas one year and all the Christmas lights were so beautiful it's worth visiting just for that! Also gives you an opportunity to go and see the Champs Elysees too.
I wanted to keep this guide cohesive and concise and not bombard you with a list the length of my arm of things to do! For me like I mentioned earlier, my favourite thing to do in Paris is just to walk around and enjoy being in such a beautiful city. But I have to say - you just have to do the touristy parts! They're popular for a reason.
Don't forget to check out my Paris Restaurant Guide for all the best spots to eat in Paris. It's not just beautiful architecture and amazing fashion this city has to offer!
I love hearing from you all so please drop in and say hello over on Instagram - you can find me @emshelx and I'm also absolutely loving TikTok at the moment so come and check me out over there too!
Now I don't know about you but I still need to finish this season of Emily in Paris so I'm going to curl up on my sofa and dream of my next visit to Paris soon.
Lots of love, Em x
This website uses Ad affiliate links, this doesn't cost you anything extra but means I may sometimes make a small % per sale.
This website uses Ad affiliate links, this doesn't cost you anything extra but means I may sometimes make a small % per sale.
Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin! to stay up to date with my posts!
I would also love it if you could subscribe to me on YouTube here!
No comments:
Post a Comment