Traveling to Paris: Picks and Tips!
If I convinced you to visit London from my last post, you may as well add on a few days in Paris (or vice versa) because, as I mentioned, the train ride is a breeze and Paris is just so– Paris!
Our first stop after checking into the hotel was the Eiffel Tower.
It really is a sight to see. So overwhelmingly beautiful, and overwhelmingly crowded, depending on the time, I guess. Both times we’ve been, we’ve skipped going up it, both to save the money and because there are great views of Paris to be seen for free from other areas. Those of you who have been up it, what do you think?
Either way, the Eiffel tower is not to be missed for your iconic pics of Paris. Magnifique!
As I recommended for London, near the beginning of your trip, it’s great to opt for a tour! We took the same kind of tour this time as we did for our first trip, which was a 3-hour walking tour of the city’s highlights. The great thing about the ones we did is that the tour is actually free! However, the guides work very hard to give you a great experience and do depend on the tips, so a generous tip is both appreciated and worth it! Make a reservation or find out all the details here. Our guide was Harriet and she did a lovely job.
Our tour met at the beautiful Saint-Michel fountain around 10:00 am, and ended around 1:00 pm. Note– this is a lot of walking and can be hot depending on the time of year. Our kids were able to do it fine, but we all were ready for a little rest by the end. Also, bring water as you may or may not pass by a place to purchase.
The tour concluded at the beautiful Tuileries Garden (another of my favorites in Paris!). I’mconvinced this is one of the most enchanting places on earth.
And Louis Vuitton is here, too, if you have a few extra {thousand} euros…
After this, we headed to Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, which was historically the home of many artists, and draws plenty to this day. To get to the top, there are approximately a million steps, but if you’re not up to it, take the funicular (a little tram car), or opt for the little white train shuttle that will get you to the top for about 6 euros per person. We walked up, but trust me, I would have taken the funicular if I had remembered it!
At the top is the beautiful Basilica Sacre-Coeur, which you may enter and look around.
Beautiful!
The streets leading away from the church are full of shops, cafes, artists, and more.
So much to see! After all this walking, you’ll probably be ready to find a cute cafe and call it a day. This was when Dave tested his adventurous appetite with some escargot. I decided I can live without that. Any other brave souls out there?
On our second full day in Paris, we went back to our favorites to spend some more time, starting with Notre Dame. It really is so beautiful and majestic.
If you want to do this, too, during your trip, don’t worry if you forget to pack a lock! They’ll be for sale along the river for a few euros and the sellers will even loan you a Sharpie!
After this, we headed back north across the river, walked back behind Notre Dame, and crossed the short bridge into Ile Saint-Louis–one of my favorite parts of Paris!
On this little island are streets lined with cute shops, and tons of Parisian eye candy to snap some shots of as well.
And when you’ve had enough strolling through the streets, grab a sandwich or a baguette and carry it back to the waterfront park behind Notre Dame for a perfect lunch spot!
That’s where I fell in love with the most beautiful macaron I ever put in my mouth. I’m ready to go back to Paris for this reason alone!
After this, a walk along the Seine is perfect, with stops at the vintage book stalls along the way.
When you find yourself back at the Tuileries Gardens, take a little rest and enjoy the view!
The carousel in the park is as enchanting as it looks, and our girls loved it!
After a light dinner at a nearby cafe, we made our way to the Louvre! Remember this tip: if you’re traveling with kids, take note that admission is FREE for those under age 26 on Friday evenings from 6 pm to 9:45pm. This is a great savings as tickets are 12 euro each!
There is more to see in the Louvre than can be seen in 3 months, literally! But choose a few highlights and, of course, see the Mona Lisa. There will always be a crowd around her, but you’ll get your turn and you can then mark it off your list!
There are some amazing pieces to see, and trust me, the kids will find plenty to entertain themselves as well…
We fell in love with Paris, as well as their Nutella crepes, made some amazing memories, then packed up to head to our next stop. I’ll tell you more about that next time, but for now, I hope you’ve gotten some inspiration for your trip!
Once again, if you have specific questions, I’ll try to answer. And if you have tips or favorites to add, please share!
Lori
July 2, 2015 @ 1:46 pm
Thanks, thanks, thanks… we go in November. I can't believe how much ground you covered in two days! Any good hotel suggestions?
Julie
July 2, 2015 @ 8:12 pm
Yes! I would definitely recommend the hotel my husband and I stayed at on our first trip, depending on how many are in your party! Here is the link..
http://www.hotel-duquesne-eiffel-paris.com
It is a boutique-style near the Eiffel tower & we loved it. We couldn't stay here on this trip because we brought all 4 kids and it wasn't feasible. We did end up staying at the Crowne Plaza Republique and we were not that impressed. It was just average for the price we paid, so I wouldn't recommend it! Hope your trip is fabulous!
Ellie
July 2, 2015 @ 6:53 pm
you're the best!!! thanks again – you are making my life so much easier 😉 xo ellie
Julie
July 2, 2015 @ 8:12 pm
So happy to help!
rachelelise52
July 2, 2015 @ 9:34 pm
What a trip! I love seeing pictures of your adventures, and you have such a beautiful family! I hope to make it there someday.
Rachel@TrailerTrashTreasureTrove
Julie
July 2, 2015 @ 10:28 pm
Thanks, Rachel! I hope you get to go as well!!
Jordyn Brown
July 3, 2015 @ 10:52 pm
It looks like you had such an amazing time! The food looks delish & the sites are all so beautiful 🙂 Definitely on my bucket list to visit there some day 🙂
xoox, SS
The Southern Stylista
John Webb
July 6, 2015 @ 4:08 pm
Lovin' reading about your travels in Europe!! And drooling over the old tile inside one of the snap shots you posted of what looks like a candy shop! It reminds me of the old colonial Caribbean tile we can find here still once in a while. From, Kelly
cathy s-d
August 7, 2015 @ 4:15 am
This was just what I need! We are planning a trip to France for our 30th anniversary next year. I don't think I can keep up with your pace, tho!
Julie
August 7, 2015 @ 12:05 pm
Ha! I'm so glad this could be a help! You will have a wonderful time!