Welcome to "Paris Unveiled," your ultimate travel guide to the enchanting capital city of France. Paris, often referred to as the "City of Lights," has captivated travelers for centuries with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. So, grab your beret and join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Paris!
Paris is expensive and difficult at times to find vegan & vegetarian options. Make sure that you have enough packed food so that you don't starve yourself! Its best to take bus, train & of course great if you can walk long distances to make the most of your time in Paris!
On our first day, after settling into your accommodation at Ibis Paris Maine Montparnasse, we headed straight to the magnificent Eiffel Tower.
1. Eiffel Tower: As you approach the iron lattice structure, you'll be in awe of its grandeur and iconic presence. Take the elevator or climb the stairs to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city (If you want to truly soak in, I recommend taking the stairs).
2. River Seine cruise: Later we embarked on a delightful River Seine cruise. Boarding a charming riverboat and set sail along the meandering river, passing by iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. Listening to fascinating stories and legends of the city as we enjoyed the picturesque scenery and gentle breeze. It's the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of Paris from a different perspective.
3. Big Bus City Tour: Consider joining the Big Bus Night Tour to experience the magical ambiance of Paris after dark. We witnessed the illuminated landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero, Moulin Rouge, Les Invalides, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, & many more as they came alive with a mesmerizing glow. The Night Tour offered a unique perspective of the city and provided a romantic and enchanting experience.
Note: We took the tickets to Eiffel on reaching there but the tickets for the cruise & Big Bus were pre-booked. If you take the stairs to Eiffel the tickets are a bit cheaper & the waiting time is very short.
Disneyland Paris:
On Day 2, we took a train to Disneyland and let me just start by telling you that a day is not enough for Disneyland. There are 2 Parks, Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios Park. For a touch of magic and whimsy, we ventured to Disneyland Paris.
This enchanting theme park offered a combination of classic Disney attractions and unique experiences. We immersed ourselves in the wonder of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, meet beloved Disney characters, and enjoyed thrilling rides that brought out our inner child.
The Parade is not to be missed! The fireworks & lights begin at 11 pm, we couldn't wait that long as we had to commute all the way back which was an hour long journey.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Convenience:
On day 3, day we took the Hop-on, Hop-off! The Big Bus City Tour offers the flexibility to explore Paris at your own pace. With convenient routes and strategically located stops throughout the city, you can hop on and off the open-top bus as you please. This allows you to customize your itinerary and spend more time at the attractions that captivate you the most.
Its the best way to sit back, relax, and enjoy panoramic views of Paris as the bus cruises through its charming streets. The Big Bus provides informative commentary in multiple languages, offering fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of the landmarks you pass along the way. We started off with:
1. Notre Dame Cathedral:
Although partially damaged by a fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral remains an emblem of Parisian history and resilience. We Gazed at its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture & Witnessed the ongoing restoration efforts as this beloved cathedral rises from the ashes.
2. Museum of Modern Art:
The museum had free entry! It had a diverse range of artworks, from avant-garde paintings to thought-provoking ones, from 'Spirit of Electricity' one of the world's largest painting to some of Picasso's best.
3. Petit Palais:
A hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city. This beautiful Beaux-Arts palace is home to the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. We wandered through its ornate halls, adorned with stunning artworks, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods. The architectural beauty of the building and the incredible art we encountered, was one of the best during our time in Paris.
4. Palais Garnier/Opera Garnier:
We totally indulged in the opulence of the Palais Garnier, an architectural masterpiece and the home of the Paris Opera. The grand halls, adorned with intricate details and adorned ceilings are a sight to behold. We couldn't help but marvel at the majestic auditorium and imagine all the performances that have graced its stage over the centuries.
5. The Louvre:
We were unprepared to be awed by the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most famous art museums. Home to the enigmatic Mona Lisa, this cultural gem houses an extensive collection spanning centuries. We explored the vast halls and discovered artistic masterpieces from various civilizations, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, classical sculptures, and Renaissance paintings. If you give 30 secs to every painting at the Louvre you would still need 3 days to see the entire museum!
6. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
One of the world's most famous avenues! Housing high-end boutiques, delicious pastries at quaint patisseries, and luxury shops. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and took in the energy of this iconic street.
At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, you'll find the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. Don't forget to capture a memorable photo from this iconic vantage point.
7. Champs de Mars:
The beautiful Champs de Mars, is a park stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire. People enjoy a picnic on its lawns or simply soak up the atmosphere while gazing at the iconic tower. We did wait until 9 pm, freezing in the cold to watch the Eiffel glitter.
Note: Eiffel tower only glitters for the first 5 mins of every hour, so make sure you don't miss it!
As our journey comes to an end, we reminisced about the unforgettable experiences and memories we created in the City of Love. We bid farewell to Paris with a newfound appreciation for its history, art, and undeniable charm. Au revoir, until we meet again!
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