Being one of the most popular tourist centers in the world these days, Paris stands out as one of the most fascinating capitals with a rich cultural heritage. You will need at least ten days in order to explore the city properly, and even then, you will feel like you’ve only scratched the surface of what it has to offer. This shouldn’t discourage you, and if you get the chance to visit Paris even for a few hours, you should seize it. If you find yourself in the City of Light, here’s what you should see:
Champs-Élysées
Based in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris, Champs-Élysées happens to be one of the most famous avenues in the world. It is also often referred to as Elysian Fields, and history of the name implies that this is heaven on Earth or the final resting place for the souls of the people who died a heroic death. Over the course of history, this was a place of great political gatherings and revolutions. So it happens that Champs-Élysées draws a perfectly straight line from the Louvre, and the line goes straight through the Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde. It also bisects the famous triumphal arch – Arc de Triomphe and there it becomes Avenue de la Grande Armée. You won’t be able to resist falling in love with Champs-Élysées and you’ll wish to come back soon.
Marais
Le Marais, also known as SoMa (abbreviated form of South Marais) is a fashion district based in the 4th Arrondissement. It was once known as the Jewish quarter, and today is the center of high fashion, with plenty of boutiques, art galleries, and renowned restaurants. Le Marais is a beautiful and quiet area whose streets are rather narrow, with a variety of shops and gay bars. Your Paris trip simply must include The Picasso museum, the Place des Vosges, as well as the Centre Pompidou where you will find breathtaking collections of modern art. If you want to bring home with you a taste of exquisite French fashion, visit Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, also known as the shopping street.
Montmartre
Booking your trip with trusted France travel specialist will show you city of light at it’s best. Speaking of light, keep in mind that Paris is even more fascinating during the night, so we suggest you do at least one night walking tour. Montmartre is just magical at night, and seeing Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre illuminated by street lights is a truly romantic experience. Walking through the Montmartre is why so many people fall in love with Paris in the first place. While walking up the hill of Montmartre, remember that, back in the day, it was called La Commune, meaning that people who lived there were considered a bit different than the rest of Parisians. They were open-minded, straightforward, and they were ‘separated’ from the rest of Paris for about three months.
Latin Quarter
Paris is also one of the best educational centers in the world, and the Latin Quarter is a famous student area with prestige universities and high schools. It offers a glimpse of old-world charm, and you will see almost exclusively young people in every corner, while the smell of delicious foods coming from local restaurants will intrigue you. Near the bottom of the hill, away from the Contrescarpe, you will find people waiting in lines for great baked goods, delicious cheese, and pretty affordable wine. When you get tired of walking around Rue Mouffetard, the local street market, you can settle down in one of many bars and cafes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re waiting for your connecting flight at the Parisian airport or you just disembarked in Honfleur, there is always something to see and do if you find yourself in Paris. If you are lucky enough to plan a longer stay, we’ve given you four locations that will make you feel like you’ve experienced real Paris, the capital of love.
