As a little girl, I remember seeing the Eiffel Tower
featured in magazines and books and on television. Its sheer size seemed to tower over the city
of Paris similar to the way the Jolly Green Giant would dwarf the citizens of
Munchkin Land. The sparkling lights atop
the tower created a magical spectacle that left me speechless when I fulfilled
a childhood dream and set foot on Parisian soil for the first time. From
the glistening top of the Eiffel Tower to the sandy bottom of the River Seine,
Paris is a city of wonder with its stately architecture, classic cuisine, and stunning
sights to behold.
The moment you step onto the sidewalks of Paris, you will
be captivated by the beauty that surrounds you.
But maintain your focus and make your way to Rue Cler, a street for
locals and tourists alike. The boutique
hotels on this street offer an affordable accommodation in a setting that is
perfectly Parisian. My choice would be
the Hotel Grand Leveque, a hotel recommended by the prolific European traveler Rick
Steves. I recommend paying a little
extra to reserve a room street side on an upper floor, where you can lie in bed
at night and watch the Tower twinkle atop the buildings down below. I can personally tell you your final
night in Paris will be a breathtaking one as you reflect on your journey
through France while watching this magical sight unfold.
Rue Cler is a street built for foodies with its fromageries,
bakeries, cafes, and markets. Be sure to
spend a day perusing the street, stopping in for a freshly baked baguette from the
bakery, a slice of your favorite cheese from the fromagerie, some thinly sliced
meat from the delicatessen, fresh fruit from the local market, and for dessert,
a flaky, buttery croissant with a creamy chocolate filling. Once you have shopped like a Parisian, carry
your items to the perfect spot for a picnic: the Eiffel Tower. For you see, while Rue Cler does not feel a
bit touristy with all of the locals shopping and eating there, it is within
walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon’s Tomb, and many other Paris
landmarks. The American Church
of Paris is also just around the corner.
This cathedral provides an interdenominational service that will uplift
and inspire you, complete with the beloved melody of a choir and pipe
organ. You will also find the École Militaire metro station a few blocks away, which
makes it easy to travel to far-reaching destinations within Paris and nearby
villages. So make the most of your
vacation as you become acquainted with the locals and do a little sightseeing
as well!
If you want to see Paris from a bird’s eye view, climb to
the top of the Arc de Triomphe at the western end of the famed Champs-Élysées. This noteworthy monument honors the French
men and women who gave their lives for their country during the French Revolutionary
and Napoleonic Wars. If you want to see
even more of the city from high above its chimneys and steeples, make the trek
via metro and funicular to the highest point in all of Paris, butte Montmartre. While there, visit
the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of
Paris, an impressive structure that was completed in
1914. Finally, the Eiffel Tower offers a
panoramic view of the city by day and an enchanted spectacle of lights at
night. You can brave the 600+ steps from
the ground to the second level or use the lifts that will take you all the way
to the top! If it’s the Eiffel Tower you
want to see from a semi-bird’s eye angle, visit the Trocadero, considered by
many to be the number one place to have your photograph taken with the Eiffel
Tower as the backdrop. There’s nothing
like sitting on the marble steps basking in the awe of this magnificent Tower
that has graced the city skyline for over 120 years. The fascinating spectacle of this romantic
city seems like an image taken straight from an artist’s canvas.
A trip to Paris would not be complete without a day spent
at the Louvre, one of the world’s largest museums. The architecture of the building alone is
enough to make anyone take a second look.
Construction began around the 12th century. While it has undergone major renovations and
additions over the past several hundred years, visitors can journey to the
crypt and see a portion of the medieval Louvre.
While many people may think of the Louvre as an art museum, it is much
more than that. This museum houses some
of the greatest collections in the world, from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged
Victory of Samothrace. While there, be
sure to venture over to the Denon Wing to see Da Vinci’s renowned depiction of
Mona Lisa. Across the room, marvel at
the beauty of my favorite work of art in the entire collection: The Wedding at
Cana by Paolo Veronese. It is a massive
painting that measures over 20 feet high and 30 feet wide. The subject of the painting is the miracle
performed by Jesus in the Christian New Testament when he turned the water
into wine. If you can pry yourself away
from this awe-inspiring canvas, peruse the galleries filled with artwork and ancient
relics from all over the world. Just don’t
expect to see it all in one day, as there are over 35,000 exhibits on display. Still, you can see the works of art most
important to you in one day, if that is all your itinerary will allow.
During your stay in France, you will discover, just as I
did, that French cuisine absolutely lives up to its name. Whether you are searching for the classic
French meal with French Onion Soup as the appetizer, Beef Bourguignon as your entrée, and
chocolate mousse for dessert, or an eclectic fusion of flavors with your choice
of Asian-inspired ginger-glazed salmon over a bed of long grain rice or a play
on Italian cuisine with homemade lasagna, Paris has it all. One of my favorite places to eat in all of
Paris is Le Petit Cler, a café that is always filled with local Parisians lingering
over a glass of wine, fresh baguettes, and a deliciously prepared meal. This café has several options to choose from,
including a succulently seasoned rump steak that is moist and tender, paired
with a salad of freshly mixed greens, a baked potato, and a cream sauce that pleases
the palette. Want some lighter
fare? Their chicken salad features
the freshest ingredients topped with strips of real chicken and their special house
vinaigrette. Cap your meal off with one
of their signature desserts, including a creamy vanilla custard or sinfully delectable
strawberry tart.
Want to take a day trip outside of the city limits? Catch the metro and then transfer to the high
speed rails for an excursion to the Palace of Versailles, an exquisite royal estate
situated just 20 kilometers from Paris.
If you are traveling with children or are still a child at heart,
journey to Disneyland Paris. It’s a
unique experience, even for those of us who have been to Disney’s Parks in the
United States. Think classic Disney with
a European flair. They maintain Disney classics
like “it’s a small world” and Pirates of the Caribbean while bringing in new
adventures such as Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey, a dark ride featuring
animatronics and a multisensory experience.
Looking for something more grown-up?
Visit the beaches of Normandy and pay tribute to the brave men and women
who lost their lives in 1944 during a surprise attack and battle that raged on
for over a month.
After an amazing day of sightseeing, enjoy a sunset
cruise on the River Seine as you soak it all in, from the silhouette of Notre
Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower.
Prepare to kiss your sweetheart as you sail beneath Lover’s Bridge, the
perfect landmark for the capital of romance, as it showcases padlocks placed by
couples from around the world. It is the
perfect way to conclude a memorable journey through the City of Light. Whatever you choose to do during your stay in
Paris, you’re guaranteed to have a delightful glance into the French culture
and lifestyle. And don’t cry when it’s
over. Just smile because it happened and
remember that a return trip is a must if you desire to see and do it all! Paris is infinitely more than an
once-in-a-lifetime experience!
What are some of your favorite things to see or do in Paris? Please comment below and share your recommendations! May you
always have joyful journeys!
Jennifer
Campbell
Cool! Very nice entry, I like it very much.
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