Paris is one of the most visited European cities every year by tourists from around the world . Paris has always been considered the city of lovers , and indeed, its beautiful views of the Seine and countless narrow streets lined with bistros are incredibly romantic, although Paris is much more than that. It is also a beautiful city rich in art, history, and culture . Let’s discover it together!
For a long time, Paris was the capital of the Franks , until the time of Charlemagne, who preferred Aachen as his capital. The city was besieged by the Vikings from 845 to 911, the year in which the barbarians decided to settle permanently in Normandy.
During the Middle Ages, Paris enjoyed a period of great prosperity, and in 1246 the city’s university was granted its own autonomy. Paris thus became one of the most important centers of European culture, and even today, the Sorbonne University is considered one of the most sought-after destinations for European students, who increasingly choose it as part of the Erasmus program.
A trip to Paris doesn’t have to be a luxurious experience, and it’s not true that you need a lot of money to visit a European capital. The key to saving as much as possible is to be prompt. Booking a flight early will certainly cost you less than purchasing a flight just a few weeks before departure.
The same goes for accommodations. To visit the city, you can even book a simple B&B or a modest hotel. After all, your accommodations simply serve as a base for exploring the city and returning in the evening for refreshments. So who says you have to book a 5-star suite?
The same goes for accommodations; with a few small adjustments, you can save significantly without the fear of returning home empty-handed. In Paris, although it might seem the opposite, you can find plenty of pubs and places to eat cheaply, and even when it comes to transportation, you can significantly cut costs by opting for day passes and…walking a lot! After all, it’s always pleasant to wander the streets of an unfamiliar city that you want to discover in all its beauty. That said, are you ready to discover this city?
Paris’s artistic and museum heritage is truly rich , and combined with world-famous French cuisine and the city’s famous neighborhoods, you’re in for a truly well-rounded experience. But if you’re heading to Paris and only plan to spend a weekend, here are the places you definitely can’t miss .
The Eiffel Tower
is the quintessential symbol of Paris. Some love it, some hate it, but the important thing is that you can’t talk about Paris without mentioning the Eiffel Tower. Did you know that this monument wasn’t actually supposed to be a monument? Or rather, it was supposed to be a temporary installation for the 1900 World’s Fair. Well, it seems that Parisians at the time loved the Eiffel Tower so much that the city government decided to keep it permanently. And rightly so: today, you can’t say you’ve been to Paris without climbing to the top of the tower, perhaps at night, when the lights and atmosphere make it even more beautiful.
Louvre
Perhaps the most famous museum in the world, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated Mona Lisa. But the Louvre is much more; here you can admire countless 16th-century Italian masterpieces, as well as a section dedicated to history and archaeology. A word of advice: this museum is so vast that it’s worth dedicating an entire day to visiting it. Visiting it in half a day is practically impossible, and it would be a shame to return home having only visited one section of the museum.
Notre Dame Cathedral
. Our Lady of Paris, as its residents call it, considering it the heart of the country due to its unique location; the cathedral stands at the zero point, where a bronze star used to calculate all road distances in France is positioned. A beautiful example of Gothic architecture, rich in color and beautiful stained glass windows, Victor Hugo’s famous novel of the same name celebrates it in all its splendor and prestige. Every city with a medieval past has its cathedral, and Notre Dame is one of those churches truly worth a visit.
Montmartre:
One of the most famous neighborhoods in the world, renowned for its picturesque streets and the many artists who inhabit them. In the 19th century, Montmartre was considered a cursed neighborhood, where penniless artists and bourgeoisie sought refuge in search of prostitutes or with a passion for the Moulin Rouge. This neighborhood was once inhabited by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, and although today it has become a hub for numerous tourists who crowd its streets, it is definitely worth immersing yourself in its beautiful atmosphere.
Musée d’Orsay:
A modern museum, built inside the old train station during the World’s Fair, yet brimming with ancient charm. Inside, you can admire masterpieces by Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. Whether you’re an art expert or not, a visit to this place is an absolute must if you decide to visit Paris.
Palace of Versailles.
Splendor and royalty are the perfect words to describe this place steeped in history, home to some of the most beautiful palaces and gardens in the world. Commissioned by Louis XIV, the Sun King, this palace reflects all the delusions of grandeur that France’s most famous ruler possessed. The rooms are named after the planets and all revolve around the Hall of Apollo, god of the Sun, which was once the sovereign’s throne room.
Sainte-Chapelle
is considered one of the most representative churches of Gothic architecture. The lower section was intended for the people who gathered in prayer, while the upper section was reserved for the nobles, who reached the church through a secret passageway that passed through the Palais de Justice. Inside this beautiful church, you can admire the stunning stained-glass windows and marvel at the extraordinary light effects they create and the scenes from various episodes of the Bible they are decorated with.
Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées.
Erected by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe is another symbol of the city of Paris. You can also climb to its summit and admire the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées, one of the most famous and celebrated streets in Paris, bustling with life and lined with shops. This famous avenue is divided into two sections; the first is home to many restaurants, two theaters, and an exhibition area dedicated to entertainment and dining. The second, however, is home to high-end fashion shops, car shows, cinemas, and venues dedicated to Parisian cabaret.
The Latin Quarter:
If you enjoy places with an exotic atmosphere, full of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish bars, don’t miss this beautiful neighborhood. Bars and cafes are open day and night, year-round. A great choice for a relaxing afternoon or evening.
The St-Ouen Flea Market:
For lovers of antiques, old books, old records, and items no longer in use, this market is definitely for you. From vintage items to designer pieces, you can find just about anything here. Even if you don’t find anything you like, you can still enjoy the delightfully cheerful and French atmosphere of this event.
What to eat in Paris
France is considered the country of haute cuisine par excellence; many of the world’s great Michelin-starred chefs are French, and nouvelle cuisine is also French. But to sample some French specialties, you don’t have to spend a fortune at a Michelin-starred restaurant—or rather, that’s not the only option available to you. Especially if you’re traveling and exploring the city, what’s better than savoring some street food!
You could start with a delicious crepe; in Paris, it’s impossible not to try one, since you can buy all kinds and flavors directly from traditional kiosks on every street corner. And if you’re strolling through the streets of Paris, don’t forget to stop at one of the typical French patisseries to savor a croissant, a baguette, or the famous macarons.
And if you stop for dinner in a bistro in the evening, you can delight in the famous onion soup, a selection of French cheeses and wines, and sample a plate of snails, a typical Parisian dish flavored with butter and parsley.
