My Traveling Twenties

TOURIST LIFE:

                        Paris is the epitome of a tourist destination, so it comes as no suprise that there are many places to see and things to do. If you book your tickets in advance and time your visits well, you will be one of the select few who spend more of their time exploring instead of waiting.

 

Check out the Views:

Eiffel Tower- The first thing that everyone thinks of when they think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is an incredible landmark. Paris knows this and hosts many events around the tower including the French Open. A great place to view the eiffel tower is from the Trocadero.

 

If you're going to go up the tower, keep in mind that the lines are INSANE. There are two ways to avoid this:

a. Book a tour ahead of time/ purchase tickets ahead of time to get to the top. Sometimes the tickets on the Eiffel website can be booked a while in advance, so you might be better off going through a tour group (we used Red Bike Tours).

b. Say you have reservations at the restaurant. This will only get you to the first floor so if you have aspirations to get to the top you won't get anywhere, but if you want to just get on it, there you have it.

 

Tour Montparnasse- If you want to look at the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings from high up look no further than the Tour Montparnasse. This tour is that big black tower right across from the Eiffel tower. In fact, the french hated it so much that after this building was built, there was a height restriction made for buildings in central Paris. However this 'eyesore' is rarely crowded, quick to get up to, and gives you a fantastic view of everything, so if you want to avoid the crowds you can get a view of the Eiffel Tower from the outside, instead of getting shoved on the inside.

 

Arc de Triumphe- This landmark is situated in the middle of a traffic circle which radiates out to the major avenues of Paris. This was by design, because Napoleon wanted it to be a focal point for the city.Although not completed during Napoleon's lifetime, this monument carries the names of his generals and other important military figures. Getting to the Arc is easy, but you do have to go below ground to get in, so please don't go running across traffic. The views are pretty surreal as it feels that everything is radiating from you, but remember that there are huge spikes (I think to keep the pidgeons away), so it's difficult to get a great picture of yourself on it.

 

On the Island:

Notre Dame Cathedral- Absolutely amazing church, but as with popular attractions in Paris, always a line. However, unlike Church of England churches (Westminster, St Pauls), all Catholic churches in France are FREE (with the exception of the Sainte-Chapelle). The things you can purchase are: the crypt, the tour to the treasury and the climb up to the top. I did the climb up when I was a kid and although it was neat, it isn't a must do. I really enjoyed looking at the treasury, as it had all the jewels, staffs, robes, gilded bibles, etc from the history of the Cathedral. Don't forget to walk behind the Cathedral as there are beautiful gardens, and the back end of the building is really beautiful. Also, if you cross over the bridge over the Seine you can really get an comprehensive, amazing view of the building.

 

Sainte Chapelle- Down the road from Notre Dame tucked away is Sainte Chapelle. The windows to this church easily make you feel like you are in heaven. When you walk in the ground floor just go up the stairs to the left and take it all in. This was the only church I paid admission to get into in France, but I think it is just to control the crowds.

 

Conciergie- The building that looks like a castle on the opposite side of Notre Dame is Conciergie. Formerly a palace, then a prison, this building was home to many historical events, including holding Marie Antoinette before her execution. Although inside the building is a little drab, and the Marie Antoinette prison cell is recreated, it still is interesting to do while you are on the island.

 

More:

Hotel de Ville- Not the home of Cruella DeVille, but rather a Government building right across from the Ile de la Cite. Hotel de Ville is right in the middle of everything. In the summer they put up beach volleyball courts and other recreational places for their residents and visitors. While I was there, they had an awesome exhibit on Paris during WWII, but their typical exhibits are Paris based regardless. The entrance is free unless you want a guided tour.

 

Palais Garnier- So I lived down the road from the Palais Garnier and didn't realize that it was the one that Phantom of the Opera was based on. When you go inside, prepare yourself for the most inspiring oppulence you have ever seen. This building is stunning, walking around and enjoying the architecture and design was an awesome way to spend an hour. For some reason, there weren't too many people there, but when you have the option to pay with a credit card, take it as those lines are usually much shorter than the ones occupied with the teller.

 

Pantheon - Home to Marie Curie, Voltaire, Victor Hugo and other notable French citizens, the Pantheon is a living memorial to all the great French people. It is a place of reverence and should be respected while you are downstairs observing the history of the building and the tributes (and bodies) of the departed and beloved French politicians, scientists, authors, poets, and philosophers.

 

Montmarte and Basilica of the Sacré Cœur- Located at the top of the hill overlooking Paris, Montmarte is the area that was the home to the artists such as Van Gough, Monet, Picasso and more. In order to get to Montmarte you can take a metro up there. However if you get off at Pigatelle or Anvers, you will be doing a huge steep hike up, so I suggest taking the Funiculare. The huge white domed building is Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. This beautiful church is at the top of the hill and you can get a spectacular view of all of Paris if you choose to take the climb to the top of the church. Be aware that this climb is ridiculous and narrow, but I will put up pictures from the top so you can see it even if you don't do the climb.

 

+Montmarte used to be a bohemian area but now is a huge tourist area, so prepare to battle crowds and people tying bracelets around your wrist (they are either trying to steal your watch, distract you from pickpocketing by their friends, or demand you pay for the bracelet, be super aware of them).

 

Outside the City:

 

Versailles- Located a bit outside central Paris, Versailles is the famed home of Louis the XIV. An amazing palace that will certainly take you hours to go through, Versailles is a must do on any tourist list. I would start my day off with this and then make my way back to central Paris.

 

Chateau de Vincennes- on the outskirts of central Paris, the Chateau de Vincennes is a great place to visit. A 14th century palace that has been outfitted for tourists, it is hardly as packed as Versailles. Although the rooms aren't oppulant, the church and rooms are inspiring. Can easily spend an hour or two wandering around and learning about the history of the castle and its occupants.

 

Disneyland Paris- The Disney of Europe, Disneyland Paris is just like the one in Florida, except MUCH smaller. With many of the same rides, Euro Disney has two parks: Disneyland Park (the one with the castle) and Walt Disney Studios. They also have a Disney village with Disney Hotels, Disney Stores and a Disney Starbucks (just kidding, it's a regular Starbucks). If you want to go, go, but the Florida one is better.

 

 

 

               

                MUSEUMS:

                     Paris has so many beautiful museums there is something for those of all tastes. However as I adore impressionism, you will be seeing those as my favorites, so sorry but not sorry. Also, note that many of these are closed Monday or Tuesday. I found the best times for me to go were on Sunday since nothing is really open on Sunday.

 

Musée d'Orsay**- This awesome museum is situated right along the left bank and occupies a former train station. This museum occupies a few floors but if I were you I'd go straight to the top and take in the beautiful Renoirs, Degas, and Monets then have a coffee or drink at the restaurant that sees out of the clockface. Also keep an eye out the special collections, while I was there I got to see the Van Gough exhibit which was creepy and amazing. You will easily spend 4-5 hours here if you want to see everything. *note this museum is usually packed so I'd get the tickets before as to save on the line.

 

Louvre- Because it is an internationally recognized museum, it is on here but I will say that it is not my favorite. This museum is like a mall of art. It is always packed and going to see the tiny mona lisa is like going to a rock concert with everyone out taking selfies. My favorite part of the Louvre is actually the wing that features rooms from the Napoleon III appartments. Also the Egyptian and Greek collections are impressive.

 

Musée Marmottan Monet**- This museum was suprisingly amazing. The first floor of this renovated home was pretty basic, but when you go downstairs to the climate controlled basement, BAMM Monets everywhere. Loved that this museum wasn't packet and was easy to walk around and take in the paintings at your own spee

 

Musée Rodin**- This museum was such a great suprise. The gardens, paintings, and sculptures in the rooms really pull together to make the two hours spent here truly relaxing. 

 

Espace Dali- Located in the Montmarte area, the Dali Museum is a giant basement filled with Dalis works. Definitely an interesting stop for an hour and a half if you want something else to do in Montmarte (since you already climbed up the giant hill), besides the church, watching street perfomers, and getting harassed to get your photo drawn for ridiculous amounts of money. 

 

Musée de l'Orangerie**- This museum is located just down the ways from the Louvre in the Tuilerie Gardens. If I'm honest, I'd say go to this one instead of the Louvre. They have giant Monets in dedicated rooms, and a fantastic basement filled with pieces from famous art collectors. Can easily spend 2-3 hours here.

 

Centre Georges Pompidou- I went to this muesum on a whim because I was killing time. This giant museum features contemporary art. I won't say that it wasn't interesting because I did see a few pieces that I enjoyed, but it wasn't my cup of tea, another mall of art. 

 

Carnavalet Museum- Great museum dedicated to the history of Paris, they have old business signs, paintings, etc which are based on the city. I dragged my friend to this and even though he was hesitant to go, he was mad when they closed because there was so much more yet to see.

 

Les Invalides**- There is so much in this complex I don't know where to begin. First, it holds Napolean's body under a  beautiful guilded dome (although the coffin is huge, it is a little short lol). Next it holds the Musée de l'Armée which contains countless army artifacts including weapons and suits of armor which (if someone is there) they actually let you touch wearing gloves. Also, while I was there I saw an old car show right outside on the walkway (imagine model Ts).

 

**my favorites