Oh, la, la Paris! The enchanting City of Love, where romance, art, and history dance hand-in-hand along the Seine. With iconic landmarks, old-timey cobblestone streets, and world-famous cuisine, Paris has an allure so irresistible that it has captivated travelers for centuries. As the saying goes, “When in Paris, do as the Parisians do,” and we’re here to unveil the ten best things to do when you find yourself strolling along the boulevards of this belle ville.
So, dust off your old beret, don your best striped shirt, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the top Parisian experiences! Before we do that though, let’s organize your transportation, so you can spend less time trying to hail a taxi, and more time sipping on cafe-au-lait!
When arriving in Paris, you have numerous transportation options available to you, with both public and private transport being both efficient, as well as affordable. If you are arriving via CDG, then you can either take a bus, the train, or book your Charles de Gaulle Airport transfers in advance. The latter has the added benefit of being customizable, with the addition of extra services to AtoB airport taxi, which will make your trip really easy.
You can add child seats, additional stops, extra waiting time, or even select the language you wish to speak with your driver in – maybe you don’t feel confident enough to parlais the francais with them? Whatever it may be, your best bet for easy and comfortable transportation is booking an AtoB airport transfer.
1. Ascend the Eiffel Tower – The Iron Lady’s Cool Embrace
Our list kicks off in the best possible way, with an undeniable icon, the pride of France – the Eiffel Tower. She stands tall and bold, embracing the city in her cool metallic charm; gazing up at her from below is like witnessing a romance between engineering ingenuity and exquisite art.
After arriving here by airport transfer, you can choose to either take the elevators, or even climb the stairs for a workout with a view if you feel up to it, and be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Paris in all her immense glory. Whether you visit during the day or marvel at the city lights at night, the Eiffel Tower will definitely leave you swooning and saying, “Ooh la la!”
2. Louvre Like a Local
The Louvre Museum houses thousands of masterpieces from all over the world; these including Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa, as well as Carravaggio’s “Death of the Virgin”, and Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave”. But instead of getting lost in the labyrinth of galleries, wander like a Parisian art aficionado, focusing on a few key pieces that resonate with your artistic sensibilities.
Take a moment to appreciate the details, the age-old stories, and the fascinating history behind each work, and you’ll truly unlock the art of the Louvre leisurely. You likely already know that the Louvre gets incredibly busy with tourists, this is even more true during the summer months. If you plan to visit during the summer, be sure to purchase tickets beforehand for the best price and don’t forget about Charles de Gaulle Airport transfer, or opt for an off-season vacay, which, although will still be busy, will not be even close to as busy as the summer!
3. Sip, Savor, Repeat – The Café Culture
The French art of indulgence – café culture is well known the world over. Embrace this quintessentially Parisian experience by sitting at a sidewalk café, sipping on a café au lait, or perhaps even a glass of Bordeaux, and just watch the world go by.
Whether you’re nibbling on buttery croissants for breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or savoring a sumptuous dinner, the Parisian café ambiance will charm your heart and leave your taste buds asking for encore! Head to Le Cafe Marly, close to the Louvre, for a purely French experience.
4. Sacré-Cœur
Climbing uphill to Montmartre might seem like a workout, but the rewards are beyond measure. Atop the hill stands the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a symbol of hope and inspiration. Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the city from its terrace, where Paris sprawls before you like a mesmerizing canvas. The basilica itself is a masterpiece of Romano-Byzantine architecture, opened in 1917, offering a serene space for contemplation and wonder, all with a touch of je ne sais quoi, of course.
5. Seine River Cruise – A Liquid Love Affair
Are you heading to Paris for a romantic escapade? Well, one wouldn’t be complete without a cruise along the beautiful Seine River. Drift leisurely beneath the ornate bridges, gazing at the city’s architectural magnificence illuminated by the setting sun or twinkling lights at night.
As you glide along, you’ll be swept away by the poetic whispers of the river, whispering sweet nothings about Paris’s storied past. Although there are a number of providers of such cruises, we recommend you catch one from close to the Eiffel tower, as these, although quite pricey, do offer great rides.
6. Notre-Dame
A phoenix rises from the ashes, and so did Notre-Dame after the devastating fire, just a few years back. Though still undergoing restoration, this Gothic masterpiece still possesses an aura of resilience and grandeur.
When taking an airport taxi and visiting, you can marvel at the intricate façade, stained glass windows, and the famed gargoyles that add a touch of whimsy to the cathedral’s solemnity. The first mass since the dreadful fire has been announced to be occurring in 2024, this will also align with the summer Olympic games set to take place that year in Paris.
7. Le Marais
Hire an AtoB airport taxi and venture into the heart of Le Marais, a neighborhood that effortlessly blends history with contemporary flair, located in between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. Cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, and charming boutiques coexist harmoniously with vibrant street art and trendy cafes.
This part of the city was originally an aristocratic section of the city, although nowadays people from all walks live there. Explore the enchanting courtyards and hidden passages, discovering the essence of “le savoir-faire” in a setting that oozes with charisma and chic.
8. Moulin Rouge
Venture into the risqué yet mesmerizing world of the Moulin Rouge – a legendary cabaret that has dazzled audiences since the belle époque. Prepare to be starstruck by flamboyant costumes, high-kicking can-can dancers, and a dazzling display of showmanship. It’s an evening of opulence and glitz, where you’ll find yourself caught up in the intoxicating allure of Parisian nightlife.
We recommend booking an airport taxi and purchasing your tickets in advance, as this not only guarantees a better price, it also ensures you actually get a ticket, as they sell out lightning fast.
9. Château de Versailles
Escape the urban hustle, take an AtoB CDG airport taxi and go to the opulent grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, a testament to the extravagance of the French monarchy. Wander through the opulent Hall of Mirrors, stroll in the meticulously manicured gardens, and imagine the lavish parties that once graced these halls.
Versailles is a reminder of a bygone era, a glimpse into the lives of kings and queens, where every step is a step back in time. Its flamboyant and grandiose nature can be linked back to the Sun King, Louis XIV, who became so infatuated with the palace, that he made Versailles the capital of France for a while. As France was transitioning to a republic, thus during the Revolution, the palace was in fact left mostly abandoned, only being restored in the 1830s.
10. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Though it may sound a bit macabre, a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery offers a unique perspective on Paris’s history. Wander through the winding paths and discover the final resting places of iconic figures such as Irish poet Oscar Wilde, American frontman of The Doors, Jim Morrison, and French legendary singer Edith Piaf.
It’s an evocative experience that invites contemplation on the legacies left behind by these immortal souls. It was first opened as a cemetery by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804, although the property itself was used for other purposes in the years prior. A crematorium, which boasts a Byzantine Revival architecture, was also erected in 1823.
And there you have it, mes amis! The ten best things to do in Paris, all encompassing an exquisite symphony of romance, culture, and joie de vivre. From ascending the Eiffel Tower to savoring the café culture, from losing yourself in the art at the Louvre to relishing a cabaret extravaganza at the Moulin Rouge, Paris offers a uniquely enchanting array of experiences that will make your heart flutter like a butterfly in spring.
Embrace the Eiffel magic, book your CDG airport transfers, savor the savoir-faire, and let the City of Love weave its spell deep into the very depths of your soul and being. As you bid a fond adieu to this charismatic city, you’ll carry with you memories that will forever echo in your heart, beckoning you back to Paris – a city that lingers in your soul like the sweetest of melodies, a place that truly captivates your senses and leaves you enchanted. Au revoir, mes amis, et bon voyage!