Together, in Paris

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Written by Worldwide Travel on a waitress salary

I’m back! Sorry it has been a while since I have written about any of my travels and with my new career there has been quite a few of them. Belgium, Luxembourg, Paris, all over the United States, Nicaragua and Tokyo to name a few. I also got engaged! My fiancé proposed to me in the place I always dreamed of getting engaged in…. Paris! My fiancé had never been to Paris before so we did a few of the tourist attractions things and some new and exciting things!

For the purposes of sharing this post with friends and family who want/need recommendations in Paris I will also be including restaurants, cafes, and sites that I did not visit on the trip with my fiancee in this post. There is SO much to do and see in Paris, this is just a short list of my recommendations if you only have a few days in this beautiful city.

Must-see attractions

  • The Eiffel Tower
    • Imagine if I had made a list of attractions and NOT had the Eiffel Tower at the top of the list…!
    • I highly recommend going at night while it is dark out, bring a bottle of French champagne and sit and wait for the Tower to light up! (This may have been the same circumstance in which I was proposed to!)
    • I have visited Paris several times, however, I have never waited in the line and gone to the top of the Eiffel Tower, if you have the time by all means go! But, if you are only in Paris for a few days I would recommend spending your time exploring the city instead of waiting in lines.
  • The Sacre-Couer/ Monmarte
    • Climb up to the beautiful cathedral and experience an amazing view of the city of Paris, where you will be surrounded by cute little souvenir shops and cafes.
  • The Catacombs
    • I understand this may seem a tad morbid but this was a very interesting and different experience. If you are claustrophobic, however, I may avoid this recommendation.
  • Moulin Rouge
    • I have only ever experienced the Moulin Rouge from the outside but I strive to one day attend a show and enjoy some cocktails.
  • Versailles
    • This is an all-day experience and it is definitely worth the time and cost! Tickets ranging as low as 27 Euro. Dustin and I spent hours exploring the gardens of Versailles, we then ventured inside the palace before going back outside and exploring even more!
  • The Louvre
    • Can you really say that you have visited Paris if you have not been to the Louvre? Tickets to the Louvre usually range 25 Euros and up. Lines can become quite long and keep in mind the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. The museum is very big and you could spend days touring it, so be prepared!
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
    • I have not been inside the cathedral since renovations from the fire, but before the fire I had visited and even if you are not partial to religion I recommend a visit, it is a beautiful and historical piece of architecture.
  • Arc De Triomphe
    • I love visiting the Arc! You can also purchase a ticket and go to the top. I have never done this though because (once again – long lines). But, I do believe the waiting time for this view may be faster than that for the Eiffel Tower. Who wants to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower anyways? You’re standing at the top of the landmark you would want to see in my opinion!
  • Disneyland Paris
    • A bus ride or drive about thirty minutes away from Central Paris is Disneyland Paris. As with any amusement park I recommend visiting during off-peak season to get in the most rides with the shortest wait times. Also get up and go early!
  • Champs-Elysees
    • Because even if you aren’t going to do any shopping here you need to at least do some window shopping
  • Galleries Lafayette
    • A beautiful shopping mall with one of the most amazing free views of Paris from the roof. I love this place.

Restaurants and Cafes

For Steak Frites go to…
Brassierie Martin

For Bouef Bourginon go to…
Le Saint Regis in the 18th Arr.

If you love Amelie, creme brûlée and champagne…
Pop into Cafe des Deux Moulins for a visit

Seafood tower?
Go to Bofinger

Italian food!?!?
Okay but hear me out, Pink Mama or Big mama.

If you want an interesting French dining experience
Eat Steak Frites among the locals at Bouillon Chartier, which has been around since 1896

If you want an experience that is just, an experience
Visit Refuge des fondus and drink wine out of a baby bottle while enjoying fondue

Craving Escargot and delicious French food all around?
Chez Delphine, I cannot stress this one enough

For macarons…
You know I am going to say Lauduree

Hot chocolate and Croissants?
Cafe de la Paix, or if you want the most famous go to Angelina

Le Petit Cler for French onion soup and a croquet madame

and get any and all pastries you can fit into your mouth or purse, but my favorite bakery is Aux Merveilleux Fred and has been for at least 7 years. Get the chocolate cramique!!!

Parting words, advice, tips and tricks

Take the metro, its easy once you get the hang of it and affordable

Beware of pickpockets, this isn’t just in Paris, just always be aware of your surroundings when traveling

Venture out of your comfort zone, whether that experience-wise or trying a new food

Learn a few words in French, even if it is just “bonjour, parlez vous anglais?” Hello, do you speak English. It’s not a lot, but I swear it goes far.

Remember that Paris is (in my opinion) AMAZING, but it is just another big city like any and all others, parts of it are dirty, parts of it do have crime, it is a large metropolitan area.

Oh- and eat all of the cheese and drink all of the champagne! Amuse toi bien!

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