Top 5 Destinations for a fantastic trip to Paris

Paris is one of the most iconic cities in Europe and for a good reason, with so many well-known landmarks I thought I would share my thoughts on why they are special and make for a fantastic trip!

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of those iconic landmarks in the world, built 1,063 feet into the sky it dominates the Parisian skyline, meaning you can almost always see it from around the city. With tickets to the very top floor at €14.00 and to the second floor at €8.50, obviously discounts do apply to concessions and children. I would recommend going to the very top as it is a really breath-taking view.

Skyline – Paris, France at night by Jim Trodel

2. Musée d’Orsay

Arguably not as famous as its brother Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay is just as fantastic with stunning artwork by Manet, Rousseau, Klimt Renoir and Monet to name just a few. They also have impressive, architecture, photography and sculpture’s, including a personal favourite of mine Degas’ ‘Small Dancer Age 14’. One of the most arresting features of the, Musée d’Orsay is the beautiful clock that hangs in the centre of the far wall as you enter the museum. It is a reminder that it used to be a station until 1939 and you can just imagine thousands of people looking up at it to make sure that they were on time.

3. Notre Dame

Another popular Paris tourist attraction is Notre Dame; I first came to know about it whilst watching Disney’s film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ when I was young. Obviously that story was based upon the book by Victor Hugo, but you still get the feeling among the Gothic facades that a unknown creature could live at the top among the bells. The Gargoyles that surround the structure eerily look down at you and it makes for a chilling, but amazing experience. When you enter Notre Dame you get the overwhelming sense of being very small and insignificant in the vast building, you can’t quite believe that it was finished being built in 1345 (they started building it in 1163!)

4. The River Seine

Admittedly this isn’t just a Paris attraction as the River Seine flows for 776km; however it is one of my favourite ways to see Paris from a boat cruising along the River. There are various ports dotted up and down the Seine or you can go in a circular motion from the same point, it’s a fun way to travel instead of walking or using the Metro.

5. Montmartre

The point at which the Sacre Coeur is located, Mont Martre is a great place to wander the streets taking in the art shops, cafés and Parisian ambience. When I went we sat in a café and watched while a fantastic blues band pitched up suddenly next to an art shop and listened to the fantastic music all whilst enjoying a cup of coffee. Its moments like that, which will stay with you forever and make your trip to Paris fantastic!

Bio: Phoebe is a Freelance journalist from London and loves to travel around Europe and the US.

Tags: architecture photography, cities in europe, degas, eiffel tower, far wall, gargoyles, gothic facades, hunchback of notre, hunchback of notre dame, impressive architecture, klimt, le louvre, manet, overwhelming sense, paris france, paris tourist attraction, renoir, stunning artwork, victor hugo

Category: Cities, Cities