you're planning to visit Paris...
Unlike TSTITP, you can not tour around on on a Big Bus, pop into Versailles and then make it up to the Sacre-Cœur while the sun is still shining. Not to be French, but that’s impossible.
On your first trip to Paris, you won’t see every noteworthy painting or every piece of art in the Louvre, or even visit every amazing museum. You will get tired of eating French cuisine, but will feel like you m u s t. You will be elbowed infront of the Mona, nervous for your belongings in the metro, and probably end up paying for free water.
But hopefully, you’ll experience the thing that has city in a hold over me, and millions of others. She is spectacular.
Book tickets directly here.
- If they’re sold out, you can pass through security and wait in line to buy a tickets (hoping they don’t sell out before you get one). I’ve had success with this twice.
- Or you can book a tour (any tour company) that will get up you to either the 2nd floor, or the top, the 3rd.
Le Arc de Triomphe tickets here. You can also buy a ticket onsite.
- Kids under 14 are free.
- It’s also free to walk under the Arc.
- DO NOT WALK ACROSS THE ROAD SURROUNDING THE ARC. THERE ARE PASSAGEWAYS UNDERGROUND THAT GET YOU THERE SAFELY.
- There is a great little section, before reaching the top terrace, that shares the history of the Arc.
Sacre-Cœur tickets can be purchased onsite.
- It’s free to go inside the church; you have to queue to go inside the church (it’s the security that causes the line) to be able to climb to the dome.
- This is an amazing view of Paris.
Trocadero
- a free, open – usually busy – plaza with a great view of the Eiffel Tower
Watch this TikTok video.
- It’s the best compilation of arrondissements I’ve seen that will help you know where to look.
Google, Insta search, Pinterest, Google Maps – all of these will give recommendations on restaurants that might be what you’re looking for.
- Search things like ‘ the most classic french lunch experience‘ or ‘best French dinner menu cheap‘ or ‘best soup àl’oignon in 7th arr‘ (French onion soup)
- Paris has all the food and cuisines, from Michellin stars to casual, local bites.
- Try to always make a reservations; most need them, even for lunch.
- une tradition (baguette made according to French tradition)
- une croissant
- un chausson aux pommes (apple turnover)
- If you want a quick bite, these are great places to grab a salad or a sandwich – even a croque mousier
- I’d buy macarons at Pierre Hermé
So far, ChatGPT hasn’t been helpful for travel planning (in my experience), but giving foods to be on the lookout for – that’s all him. Tell him what you can and can’t eat and he might even suggest restaurants (double check those though).
- French onion soup = soupe à l’oignon
- French fries = frites
Visiting Paris for the first time, you will be a tourist. Embrace it. Embrace the crowds, the pictures, the berets, the baguettes. Then, once you've seen it, come back. That's when you'll find the magic of Paris.
a day in PARIS
0800 Wake up
Skip a hotel breakfast for a local boulangerie. Most boulangeries will also have the option for a café (espresso) or even café crème (espresso with hot milk). Pack an extra croissant in your bag for later.
0830 Metro to ‘Palais Royal – Musée de Louvre’
Get off and stay underground. Follow exit signs (sortie) for the museum, and *wait in line for the Louvre to open.
*requires a ticket to be purchased
0900 visit the Louvre
La Joconde (Mona Lisa) is the most crowded; I would head to the Denon wing first.
Remember that you can’t see everything.
1200 Walk to Angelina’s
You’ll wait in line for about fifteen to twenty minutes, but your reward is the best hot chocolate (some say in the world).
1330 Stroll up the Champs-Élysées
All around this famous street are off-streets that hold some of the most recognizable designers. If you’re looking for something more like Target, stop into the Monoprix.
1500 Feel tiny underneath le Arc de Tromphe
Go underground to buy a ticket to walk to the top of the Arc. The view is fabulous. Don’t forget to stand underneath this magnificent monument.
1630 Walk from the Arc to Trocadero
This is a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Walk towards the tower and down the stairs to meet the Seine, all while being in awe of the Eiffel.
1830 Metro to Odéon
Exit to see the passageway across the street, but not before spotting the Invader on the opposite street.
1900 dinner at Le Procope
Le Procope is considered the oldest cafe in Paris with a beautiful interior. If you time it right, you can sit and eat at the terrace in the passageway, or just make a reservation for inside.
Do you have more questions about Paris?
I currently live in Paris, but I am not Parisian – not even French. My husband is a US service member currently working in Paris. My family and I are military family and our ‘local’ experiences, even living in Paris, reflect that.
But you’re more than welcome to email me if you have a specific question I might be able to answer.