Paris is a city that combines timeless elegance with modern energy in a way that is magical. Recently, my partner and I went on a road trip to the city of love. We spent four days there exploring. Our trip was even more special because of the mix of places we stayed in: a few nights at a friend’s newly rented flat and a night at a Parisian hotel. Here is a brief glimpse into our journey.
We started our journey early in the morning and drove from our hometown. As we crossed the French border and later caught our first glimpse of the city, the excitement was palpable. Our road trip playlist served as our soundtrack and added a touch of fun to our journey to Paris.
Where We Stayed:
Our home for the trip was a friend’s newly rented flat in a quiet Parisian neighbourhood close to Place de la République. It was the perfect mix of cosy and chic, giving a glimpse of how Parisians live. After we settled in, we took a stroll and enjoyed some crêpes from a street vendor while looking at the city’s architecture.
Where We Visited:
On every day we were in Paris, we enjoyed the city, but our third day was mainly spent exploring the city on public transport, scooters, and foot. This was an extremely enjoyable experience. Below are some of the places we went.
The Eiffel Tower:
This was parked with tourists, and it was not what I was expecting. I was not blown away. The great thing about the Eiffel Tower is that you can climb and enjoy a fantastic view of the city of Paris. I must say that this is a great place to visit when in Paris, as it is so iconic and well-known all over the world.
The Eiffel Tower, which was originally erected as the entrance arch for the Paris World’s Fair in 1889, has since become a timeless symbol of France and one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. The tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and stands at an impressive height of 324 meters (1,063 feet) at the time of its completion.
The Eiffel Tower is made of iron lattice and has a remarkable architectural design. Visitors can take the tower’s elevators or stairs to various levels, each of which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. The tower’s intricate ironwork and its dazzling lights at night make it a truly magical sight, and it’s still a must-see for tourists from all over the globe. Whether one is observing it from afar or ascending to the heights of the city, the Eiffel Tower remains an enduring symbol of elegance and engineering excellence in the heart of the French capital.
The Champs-Élysées:
This avenue is unlike any other, it is so iconic and a great place to visit. We walked all the way to the top of the avenue and back. My advice will be to make sure to visit the Champs-Élysées when in Paris.
The Champs-Élysées, commonly referred to as simply “The Champs,” is a renowned avenue in Paris that extends for approximately 1.9 kilometres (1.18 miles) from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The avenue is dotted with regal chestnut trees and prestigious boutiques, representing opulence and sophistication. Famous landmarks like the Théâtre Marigny and numerous cafés and restaurants can be found on this grand boulevard. If you’re looking for a quintessential Parisian experience, then the Champs-Élysées is the perfect place.
Les Champs Elysées
Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile
Les Champs Elysées
What To Do When In Paris:
When visiting Paris, it is recommended to immerse yourself in the cities rich culture, history, and romance by incorporating these essential experiences:
The Eiffel Tower:
Start your journey by checking out the iconic Eiffel Tower. You should ascend to the upper levels for panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
Louvre Museum:
Explore the Louvres impressive art collection, which includes the renowned Mona Lisa. Take some time to soak up the museums’ grandeur.
Notre-Dame Cathedral:
Admire the impressive Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame, and climb its towers for breathtaking city views.
Montmartre:
You can check out the Sacré-Cour Basilica, catch street shows, and check out the charming Montmartre streets.
Palace of Versailles:
Take a day trip to Versailles, which is a famous place where French royalty lived. You can visit its beautiful gardens.
Seine River:
A cruise on the Seine River provides a distinctive perspective on Paris’s iconic landmarks. Many cruise companies offer dinner and live music on evening cruises.
Luxembourg Gardens:
Enjoy a relaxing day at Luxembourg Gardens, complete with fountains, statues, and lush greenery.
Café Culture:
You can enjoy a coffee or wine at a classic Parisian café. Watching people is a favourite pastime.
Shopping:
You can shop along the Champs-Élysées or explore boutique-lined streets in Le Marais for fashion and style.
Museums:
Other notable museums include the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, and Musée de l’Orangerie.
Culinary Delights:
You can indulge in French cuisine at local bistros. Make sure to try croissants, baguettes, and pastries from local bakeries.
Cabaret:
A cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris is a great way to experience Parisian nightlife.
Picnic:
Parisians like to go on picnics. Pick up fresh ingredients from local markets and enjoy a picnic in one of the city parks.
Art Galleries:
Check out cutting-edge artwork at places like the Centre Pompidou and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Champs-Élysées:
Located in the heart of Paris, France, the Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world. The area is known for its tree-lined avenues, chic boutiques, theatres, and coffee shops.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde
Romantic Strolls:
Take romantic walks on the Seine River, across the Pont des Arts (Love Lock Bridge), and along Canal Saint-Martin.
These are just a few of the many unforgettable experiences you will have. Paris’ timeless charm and rich past make it a must-visit spot for travellers from all over the globe.
Where And What We Ate:
We had some superb food and snacks, and we went to a restaurant called Savane & Mousson. I must say that if I lived in Paris, I would eat at this restaurant every day.
I must say that the pastry in Paris is delicious. We also went to another African restaurant called BMK Folie-Bamako. It is important to note that I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience in Paris, as there are so many dinning options on offer.
PROS AND CONS
Paris offers a diverse cultural experience, exquisite cuisine, and a high standard of living. However, it comes with a high cost of living, frequent crowds, and occasional language barriers. As with any city, whether you consider Paris to be a dream destination or a tough place to live depends on your personal preferences.
Pros:
Cultural Richness:
Paris has a rich cultural heritage with world-class museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, and a lively literary scene. The city has served as a source of inspiration for numerous artists and writers.
Delicious Food:
Food lovers will love Paris for its pâtisseries, cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants. French cuisine is known around the world, and you can find plenty of different dishes.
The Architectural Beauty Is Outstanding:
Paris is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. The city’s architecture combines historic and modern styles, creating a visually stunning environment.’
Public Transportation:
Paris has a good public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, trams, and commuter trains, which makes it easy to get around the city and its suburbs.
Cultural Events:
The city hosts countless cultural events, like fashion shows and film festivals, music concerts, and art shows. Paris never fails to have something happening.
A Reasonable Quality Of Life:
Paris is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities worldwide, offering excellent healthcare, education, and a high standard of living.
Cons:
Costs:
The city of Paris is one of the most expensive in the world. Prices for housing and dining can be significantly higher than in other cities.
Crowds and Tourists:
Paris is a popular tourist destination, so there are many people and long lines at popular attractions.
Language Barrier:
Although many Parisians speak English, it can still be challenging to navigate daily life, especially in less touristy areas, if you don’t speak French.
Traffic and Pollution:
Paris is renowned for its traffic congestion and air pollution, which can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, particularly for those who reside in the city centre.
Weather:
Paris has various weather conditions, including cold winters and hot summers. The amount of rain changes throughout the year, so be ready for unpredictable weather.
Conclusion:
Our four-day road trip to Paris was a reminder of how much Paris is loved. Our accommodation choices added unique layers to our adventure, from excitement to the comfort of our friend’s flat and the luxury of a Parisian hotel. Paris, with its timeless beauty and endless charm, will always be a city I will always want to visit/explore with any opportunity that arises.
