srettig24 Walking along the street near the Paris Opera house
Paris. I never would have imagined myself in Paris it always felt like one of those places you see in a million movies, hear about read about. I by no means saw everything, experienced everything, or ate and drank everything Paris has to offer! While this post is longer than normal of the things I did see, well it may take a few more visits- try 20!? to really feel as though I have really “experienced Paris”. I was a bit surprised to find myself in this magical city- at moments I wondered how much I was living up to the “Emily in Paris” narrative. Although, I felt as though people give Paris a bad rap, while at times I struggled I never got yelled at for speaking english, never really got lost, and met some old friends, made some new! I completely understand why Paris is on so many travel bucket lists. It is a wonderful destination.
Arc de Triomphe
Ohhhh babieeee was I shocked by the cold. I was somewhat prepared after going to London, of course, but the wind was WHIPPING through the legendary Arc de Triomphe which was my first stop in Paris. After viewing the Arc de Triomphe, I walked along Champs Elysées which was stunning, the name is French for Elysian Fields the burial ground for Greek Hero’s.
Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to build and was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 after his great victory at the battle of Austerlitz. It is the finishing point for the Tour de France bicycle ride. It is located in the Place Charles de Gaulle, and was designed by Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. At the base of the Arc is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Arc de Triomphe is known as one of the most difficult places to drive in France. This traffic circle is not for the faint-hearted, with unmarked lanes in this giant circle and many roads I commend the brave for navigating it.
Petit Palais
Only in France would this ornate big building be called- Petit Palace! Disclaimer- this has never actually been a palace, it is just called such. It is a small art museum near the Champs Elysées in Paris and was built prior to the “Exposition Universelle” world Fair of 1900. The Grand Palace was also created for the occasion- although it is currently under construction so you can not visit. Today this museum houses many famous artists and is free! As you can see in my photo- there are several people wearing unique costumes, likely for an event or display!
Along the Seine River
The walk along the Seine River this time of year is beautiful, with no crowds- only a few walkers and dedicated joggers. The walk along the seine river affords you some great views of famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, Ile de la Cité, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Norte Dame! although I only strolled along during the day- I have no doubt the walk would be beautiful at night as well, although I would bring a buddy!
The Eiffel Tower
The moment that I walked around the corner and saw a clear view- It gave me some goosebumps! It felt a bit like a dream. I decided to walk up to the viewing platform and WOW what a view. As one of the most iconic sights in the world, I will just show a few photos give it the spotlight it deserves. The tower is also oddly luxurious which I was not prepared for- with restrooms, a restaurant and a cafe cart, and gift shop, for guests to enjoy.
I recommend walking up to the viewing areas, not only can it be a good workout, but you get to continue to see the views all the way up and down. Plus- it’s crazy affordable to walk up and down. The other option is taking the cable car up and down which is a bit more pricey but might be worth it to you. Be warned if going to Eiffel tower in the winter months that it could be closed due to ice or weather conditions, check the website!
The Louvre
The Mona Lisa. While it might have been a Black Friday situation to get this photo, I would say that it was worth it. While the louvre has so many priceless pieces of art the Mona Lisa is a major cultural icon, so it was amazing to get to see her in person.
Not planning a visit anytime soon but want to expand your mind? Maybe my photo gallery below will spark your interest. The Louvre website provides stunning photography and in-depth English descriptions. While some may feel there is no substitute to being in-person viewing; I would beg to differ, the remote experience offers significantly more information than if you just bought a ticket to the museum (website offers the information you MIGHT get after paying for a museum tour guide).
Can’t wait to have you all over for dinner! As you can see my…. I mean Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte III’s dinning table which is quite a splash. He renovated a wing of the Louvre for his minister of State. The grandiose of this apartment was truly an experience.
Norte Dame
The legendary Norte Dame. A bit like the Vatican the Norte Dame has always been one of those places I knew existed but never thought I would see in person. But, this blog has taught me how often I experience something truly incredible and somewhat unexpected, and I hope that you find that in your own life. But- the Norte Dame. While a fire in 2019, during destroyed the roof and spire, millions have been raised to rebuild this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture with, rib vaulting, and flying buttresses. While there isn’t much to see right now due to major construction- it was still to see something first constructed in the 4th century. There is an episode on the Norte Dame, featuring a photographer who has documented the restoration of this building by National Geographic’s Overheard if you want to check it out.
Ile de la Cité has many iconic Parisian spots. I found this area to be very peaceful and full of unique things to see, it also has many places to eat and drink.
Jardin des Tuileries
The garden, called Jardin des Tuileries in French is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde (second photo below) with views of the Eiffel tower (photo directly below). The landscaping is in the French Formal garden style. At the time of my visit it was quite a wind tunnel and I was distracted wondering if was going to get blown away, rather than focusing on the beauty of the garden. Although the park looked like a lovely place for a sit to enjoy with friends or a book in better weather!
This is the obélisque de Louxor which is in the center of the Place de Concorde. This is the oldest monument in Paris as it is a 3,000-year-old obelisk from Egypt that was created during the rule of Ramesses II. Although due to the weather its difficult to see the obelisque de Louxor has hieroglyphics carved into it. It was a gift to France from the Ottoman Empire. I highly recommend watching this 3 min video about how it was transported, quite an adventure!
Pantheon
Dahn dahn dan daH! The Pantheon! Translating to the Temple of the Gods- which was built-in 1970 this beauty is a memorial and crypt. It also honors famous and accomplished French men- until in 1995 when the first women was added Marie-Curie. I also went with a friend to the church, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont on the right. Although I was absolutely freezing in this gothic-style church it was cool to have this experience, even with the service being in French!
Palace of Justice
This famous courtroom is open to the public and is a recommended tourist destination. A friend and I quickly figured out things where not adding up. After walking around some offices, finding this pretty staircase we figured there was something more “WOW” to see here and we somehow missed it. The dozen Police officers also tipped us off. My friend who was significantly less uncomfortable speaking english to french people found out that we couldn’t see the main attraction here at the Palace of Justice because a trial for suspected extremists terrorists was in session. Disappointing, I know but you can find pictures online.
Around Place de la Bastile
I took a lovely stroll, around the Place de la Bastille. In several of the photos below, you can see the blue July column, in french known as the colonne de Juillet. I was shocked to find out that it has an interior staircase! The column commemorates the fall of the Bastille. It was finished in 1840, and was has the remains of the 615 victims within. I took a lovely walk along Canal Saint-Martin which you can see photos of below. The boats were lovely and the weather was quite warm which boosted my spirits.
Palais Granier, Paris Opera House
When it was first built it was called, le Nouvel Opépra de Paris (the new Paris Opera), but became known as Palais Granier due to its extravagant opulence. It is now used primary for ballet and has been a national historical place since 1923. The façade of the building was a a collective effort between 73 sculptures. It is considered to be one of the most famous sights in Paris and one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
Sights of the City
It would be easy to ‘shop till you drop’ in Paris that’s for sure. There are so many places to buy whatever strikes your fancy. This city has more than 37,000 restaurants so I think it’s safe to assume that no matter your taste or diet there is something you will enjoy! Enjoy the photos below which capture what some of the streets look like throughout the city. Something I noticed about Paris was it was not as clean as most other cities I have been to in Europe. Several people told me that the government was more focused on building new infrastructure in the city and was not interested in beautification.The maintenance of older buildings- is not a priority, which I found surprising since these are typically what tourists come to see. Paris is the most visited tourist destination in the world. The focus on new infrastructure is primarily due to a high priority on the environment and the need for more sustainable buildings.
P- thanks for cheering me up, I- great to see you friend, A secret for those of you who make it down here- I’ve never seen the Hunchback of Norte Dame the Disney movie Oops!
