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My Must See and Do in Paris

June 23, 2015

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There is so much to see and do in Paris. Many people have already asked me what I recommend, so here are the things I recommend you see and do! Not all of these things are tourist attractions either!

1. Musee de l’Orangerie – This was the highlight of Paris for me! I love Claude Monet’s impressionist paintings, and this is where his full-size Water Lilies are on exhibition. They take up two rooms and are magnificent. There is also a great impressionist painting collection on the lower level containing many works by Cezanne and Renoir. It was very busy when I went, and I asked when it wasn’t busy, and the guide said around 4 pm as they stop admitting people at 5:15. It is located inside the Tuileries Gardens

2. La Crypte Archeologique du parvis Notre Dame – This is the remains of ancient Paris or Lutetia, which was a Roman town. It was fascinating to hear how Paris developed and actually to see medieval remains of a town. It is located in front of Notre Dame down some unassuming stairs. I saw it when we visited Notre Dame but didn’t get to explore it then. I am so glad I went back!

3. Eat Pain Au Chocolat – This should be self-explanatory, but if not then let me tell you it is heaven. I don’t even like chocolate that much, but there is something about fluffy pastry and chocolate together. Make sure you get it fresh and have a café with it! You won’t be disappointed.

4. Look for hidden gardens – I kept running across fenced in park areas that had amazing gardens in them. Most of Paris is much like any other big city, grey and dirty. These gardens allow you to sneak away from the crowds and enjoy some great foliage. Everyone I found was open to the public and many had playgrounds and fountains.

5.Musee d’Orsay – Many people know about this great museum that is housed in an old train station. I went because I knew this is where much of Monet’s paintings are also held. They are all on the top floor. I also discovered some other artists in this museum that I will now be on the lookout for. Seeing the old train station also makes this a must see. Up on the top floor, you can see the two clocks that faced out and you can go out on the roof. The roof gives you views of the Louvre and the Seine.

6. Musee du quai Branly – I didn’t know about this museum until a tour guide told me about it. It houses collections from indigenous populations from all over the world. There are lots of native art and sculpture. The museum is also highly geared towards children and has lots of interactive attractions. Unfortunately, the Americas section was being renovated and was closed when I was there. The sign said opening June 2015, so hopefully, it will be done soon.

7. People watch – Paris is a great place to people watch! Sit at an outdoor café and order a café and a croissant and sit for a while and watch everyone go by. It will also give you a chance to rest your feet. Plus it is a very Parisienne thing to do!

Here is a trip plan that TripHobo designed for my trip to Paris! You can plan your own Paris schedule by using TripHobo, just click on create a Plan new Trip.

What do you recommend to do in Paris?

Art, Europe, France, Paris

Paris Street Art

June 22, 2015

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All over Paris was cool street art. Much of it was up high and if you didn’t look up, you missed it. After spotting the Kraken on the first day, I knew to look up. Most of what I found was in the Marais district near the apartment that I was staying in. Some of it may have been stencils, particularly the Storm Trooper as I saw him several times in different variations. Unfortunately, some street art had been spray painted over in some parts. The last photo was one long piece, but much of it had been spray painted on. I know not everyone appreciates street art, but some of these took time and some skill to get the in the high positions they were located in. Most of it also stood out in stark contrast to the beige and grey traditional buildings of Paris. The next time you are in Paris, look up, you never know what you might see.

Have you discovered great street art in a city? Share with us in the comments!

Europe, France, Museums, Travel

Paris With A View

June 15, 2015

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We all know the famous landmarks of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the list goes on. Other than the Eiffel Tower, most people don’t realize that there are amazing views from many places in Paris. I am deathly afraid of heights, so please appreciate the fact that I have gone up most of the ones I am going to mention! Above is a view from the Eiffel Tower. Not from the top-level, as that was never going to happen. My tour guide actually mentioned that the views are better from the second level. This is where this photo was taken from. I had to get pretty close to the edge to take a photo between the metal fence. Here is another from the Eiffel Tower.

The next place is Montmartre, which if I had thought about it, would have told me it was a hill. We had gone up there to see the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Montmartre is in the northern part of Paris so it is like you are looking down on Paris. It is also the highest hill in Paris, thus giving it great views! You can see Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower from here.

Not only is the Arc de Triomphe an amazing landmark that leads to the Champs-Élysées, but it is also a place with a view. I had no idea that you could go up inside the monument or that you could walk around the terrace. Unfortunately, I did not do this. There are quite a number of steps to climb to the top and I also had my heart set on walking down the Champs-Élysées, my feet were not going to do both. I looked at some images online and I may have to head back and beg to take the elevator! The view is spectacular and gives you a 360-degree look of Paris.

Even museums have a view! Yesterday, I visited the Musée d’Orsay and discovered that they also have a terrace! Not only that you can see the Louvre and the Seine River from the terrace. There are also some amazing statues carved into the building that you can get up close to by being out there. You can also get a cold drink or an ice cream out there!

Sometimes to get a great view of Paris, all you need to do is to look out the window! Yesterday, I moved from a hotel to an apartment and the rooftop view is quite lovely and is probably a more authentic view of Paris. I could see into the neighbor’s apartments and hear their dinner conversations. (Not that I understand any of it!) Last night, I looked out and saw two cats sitting on the terrace next door. Day-to-day life in Paris with a view!

Have you discovered unexpected views? Share with us in the comments!

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