Visiting Paris, France

Growing up, I always imagined places that I would like to visit: Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome and what is amazing is, I have visited all these places.  I love to travel and if I had a way, I would travel every month – too bad I cannot afford it.

And one can visit Paris every day but I love to visit the city during the fall especially September or October.  There are so many reasons why I love this time of the year among them being it is less crowded, less expensive and it is beautiful (fall colors).

High season is over in the fall and experiencing the city at this time is more enjoyable. I remember even though I waited 1 ½  long hours to visit the Eiffel Tower, it was still better than waiting 3 hours at the Notre Dame.  The other good news is that you can visit the city as a local.

One of the reasons why I love Paris is because it is synonymous with finest things that culture has to offer – food, fashion, art, literature everything.  Maybe that’s why it is known as the city of light – the Louvre, Orsay, Notre-Dame etc.

Must-see sights

Gazing down on the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower is the ideal Paris baptism. You can never go to Paris and not be able to see this place. And then afterwards, go to the green lawns of the Parc du Champ de Mars and enjoy the walk. 

Notre Dame, who says you can’t see this place? And don’t forget to clamber up the cathedral’s tower to the rooftop to enjoy the beauty of Paris. 

Waiting for over 1 hour to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre was totally worth it.  And for the art lovers, this place is like heaven on earth and you cannot see this place without visiting the very a must places, Musee d’Orsay, Musee Rodin, Musee du Quia Branly, Musee Picasso and iconic places such as Arc de Triomphe. 

Where to eat

Excellent French cuisine is part of Paris culture and it is all par excellence. You can try the local bistros in St. Germain or the ones by the Louvre and Montmatre. 

Where to stay

I have stayed in several places in Paris but one of the best places that I loved staying was Montparnasse. Finding the perfect place to stay depends on budget and location - Pinning down the perfect place to stay depends on budget and location – arrondissements (districts) have their own personality with ample choice when it comes to recommended hotels. So feel free to choose any place. The good thing is most of the districts have easy access to major sights, transport links, shops and drinking/dining options etc.  Another excellent option is Latin Quarters (5e). 

Getting around

Paris has an excellent public transport system and tickets are so inexpensive. You can buy a pass or yickets depending on how long you will be there.

Frequent trains and buses link Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports with the city center. The first time I landed in Paris, I took the train from Charles de Gaulle to my hotel in the center of Paris or even Montaparnesse. And strolling around Paris is a please between the must see sights. And if it is a must, just take the tour buses that stops you at every must see sight. 

A couple of things: 

• Avoid August as much as you can.  Everything is dead since anyone is going on vacation.

• Also, remember taxis are expensive especially at night. That is because the Metro shuts at 1 am so if you have to party, try to finish it by 1 am.