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An assignment in Europe would not be complete without a trip to the “city of love.” Known for its numerous museums, churches and gardens, Paris is one of the continent’s most popular tourist destinations. Although exploring Paris appears difficult, careful planning can make your 42-hour trip all you had hoped for and much more.
Traveling to Paris One of the most cost-efficient ways to travel to Paris is by train. Not only does it save you gas money, but it also relieves you of the stresses that driving brings. If you decide to leave your car at home, traveling on the ICE/ SNCF train is your best bet! During your ride, you can make the final arrangements for your trip and get some rest. To purchase your ticket, visit www.bahn.com.
Planning accordingly Deciding when to arrive in Paris is of high importance. Taking an early morning train will give you an ample amount of exploring time. If you are fortunate enough to arrive around mid-morning, head into the city right away to avoid large tour groups.
Notre-Dame Once you enter the heart of the city, make your way to one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, Notre-Dame. Unfortunately because of a devasting fire in April of last year, you can't currently tour the inside of the cathedral. However, the outside is still just as breathtaking with its intricate architecture and famous gargoyles. When you finish looking at Notre-Dame, cool off at the Square de l’Île-de-France. Located behind the cathedral, this beautiful park is a perfect place to nap, let the kids play at the playground or soak up Paris’ beauty.
Exploring Paris’ gardens As we all know, traveling can be tiring. Stop at one of Paris’ beautiful gardens to relax and take in some French culture. Two of Paris’ most popular gardens include the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens. Tuileries Garden: Situated behind the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden is a must-see. Along with its perfect location, this breathtaking spot provides guests with a chance to take a look at some of Paris’ unique sculptures and landmarks. Get a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower from the park’s chairs, which are lined around the marvelous fountain. If you are craving a little snack, there are many concessions stands in the area. Luxembourg Garden: Circling the Luxembourg Palace, the Luxembourg Garden is the perfect place to experience Paris’ calm side. Throughout the garden, detailed fountains, numerous flower beds and statues create a sense of peace. Whether you head to the garden for a quick peek or stay a bit longer, your visit will be worthwhile.
Paris at night One of the most common mistakes travelers make is not taking full advantage of a city’s nightlife. Paris, for instance, becomes less crowded and displays its beauty by igniting landmarks. One of the best ways to see these changes is by taking an evening trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower Standing at an exciting 301 meters above ground, the Eiffel Tower provides guests with an exceptional view of the city. During your evening visit, rays from landmarks, including the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Arc de Triomphe, welcome you. As you make your way along the tower’s levels, stop by the height chart, which compares the heights of various monuments around the globe to the Eiffel Tower’s. You can also see how your height stacks up to the tower’s height at the measuring stick. Before you head back down, try to pinpoint where you have traveled so far and take a peek at what awaits you!
24 hours to go Despite having only 24 hours left in this gorgeous city, there is still a lot of ground to cover. Start your day out right with a warm croissant and a piping hot cup of coffee. Once you are refueled, head back into the city for another day of exploration.
The Louvre Housing approximately 35,000 pieces of art, the Louvre is one of the world’s most famous galleries. As you stroll among works including the “Mona Lisa,” “Liberty Leading the People,” “Wedding at Cana” and “Death of the Virgin,” look closely at the masterpieces’ details. If you want to learn a little more about the works, audio guides are available for 5 euros. Arriving at the Louvre a bit before its 9 a.m. opening or before its 6 p.m. closing will help you avoid the crowds. Zip through the line by preordering your tickets at www.louvre.fr.
Pont des Arts Just a six-minute walk from the Louvre sits the Pont des Arts, also known as the Bridge of Love. Situated on the Seine River, this unique structure welcomes love birds from across the globe. Couples once secured locks on the bridge’s railing, but the city recently removed more than 45 tons of these love tokens. The Pont des Art remains a romantic spot and symbol of love in the French capital. Pose for a selfie and admire the view with your significant other.
Palais Garnier Since 1875, one of the most detailed buildings in Paris, the Palais Garnier, has enabled Paris’ opera culture to bloom. The magnificent statues surrounding the building’s entrance kick off the show! Throughout the complex, stunning angelic paintings flood the walls and massive gold blossoms covering the house’s columns provide visitors with a taste of royal life.
Moulin Rouge Historically known as Paris’ entertainment center, the Moulin Rouge is one of the city’s most vibrant establishments. Today, the complex still offers guests an evening of musical joy. If you don’t have time for a show, the neon sign and famous red windmill are still worth seeing
Something for everyone Whether you spend most of your time strolling through the city’s gardens, take a leap of faith and hike to the top of Notre-Dame, or explore Paris’ numerous museums, your French adventure will be worth writing home about. For more information about what Paris can offer you, visit www.en.parisinfo.com.
