McDonalds – Finding Eden

Paris

Paris is just as magical as everyone says it is. With a few slight adjustments for French culture. 😉

Notes and Warnings about Paris

When you fly into Paris, you’ll either be at Charles De Gaulle or Orly airport. They’re both surprisingly far from the city itself. Orly is closer, but it’s harder to get to the city. Your options are a bus or a taxi, both pricey and about 45 minutes. Charles De Gaulle has cheaper options and is connected by rails, but it’s a little bit further away. Just set aside a fair bit of time to get into the city.
Strikes! The French LOVE to strike. Strike for more days off, better pay, working conditions, anything. When we were there the Eiffel tower workers were supposed to strike for a week, and we were only there 3 days. Luckily the strike ended early, and we got to go up, but we almost didn’t get the chance! Just don’t get your heart set on anything too specific if you only have a few days.
The Paris metro is like any other European metro, except that when air pollution is up, tickets are free! I think it is a great system, and even on those free days, it isn’t too packed (I was there in winter though, so grain of salt). The even better part about getting around Paris is that you can reasonably walk between everything you want to see.

Must See in “Paree“

I feel like most of the “must sees” in Paris are obvious, but I will list them anyway!

Notre Dame – An AMAZING church. Before visiting, I wasn’t aware that the crown of thorns was inside, I couldn’t believe it, and just stood in awe. You could miss it if you aren’t looking for it. Notre Dame is also extra special when there is a choir singing inside. I didn’t get the chance, but I hear it is absolutely worth it to pay the extra ticket price to go up to the rooftop. I wish I could have seen the bells and the gargoyles, especially before the fire, and I really regret not doing it.
Eiffel Tower – You have to go up the Eiffel Tower, even if it is cloudy. I think it is worth it. I was surprised that there were shops and museums on different levels of the tower. That might be common knowledge, but I was actually super surprised. And my favorite part of going in winter is that there was a full fledged ice rink on the second level!
The Louvre – Absolutely the best museum in the world. My advice is to do your research before going and make a list of all the things you want to see so you don’t miss them. It’s impossible to see everything.
The Catacombs – There is nothing else like it in the world. A once in a lifetime experience, and worth every minute you’ll stand in line to get in if you go during peak season. If you want a special solo experience, go in the dead of winter late at night. If you want to know just how spectacular I think the catacombs are, feel free to read my “article” about it.
Arc Du Triomphe – Its beautiful!
Walk the Champs Elysees – so much to see and buy!
Walk along the Seine – Take in that romantic Paris vibe.

(Slightly) Off the Beaten Path

The Catacombs – I’m putting this on this list too because even though it is a MUST SEE, I feel like half of the people who go to Paris don’t know it’s there.
The Pantheon – If you like cemeteries, this one is incredible. Notable names interred here are: Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Louis Braille, and Marie Curie.
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont – This is one thing that doesn’t even show up on the tourist attraction map, but is something truly special. (It’s very close to the Pantheon.) One of my favorite cathedrals I have ever been in. It is home to the reliquary of St. Geneviève – the patron saint of Paris!
Moulin Rouge – I didn’t go inside because it’s 180 Euro and has a dress code, but if you love the movie, it’s cool to at least see the outside!

Overrated

I personally don’t think it is worth it to pay the 12 euro to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but I didn’t do it myself, so I can’t tell you for certain if it is worthwhile.
There is a museum underneath Notre Dame that will teach you all about the stone quarried to build it. It’s very informative, and it was interesting to me, but if you’re super strapped for time, you wouldn’t miss much if you skipped it.
The love lock bridge – it’s romantic, but the guilt from putting a lock on and destroying the bridge kind of ruins the vibe.

What and Where to Eat

This might sound crazy, but you have to try French Mcdonalds. (There is one in the shopping center underneath the Louvre in case you stayed too long, are starving and can’t wait for a real restaurant.) You especially need to drink a French sprite. It is so much better, and I can’t quite put my finger on what is so different about it.
Try escargot while you’re there!
Macarons, obviously.
Definitely get some Quiche Lorraine.
Eat all the cheese and all the bread.
Just like Spain, you have to get fresh squeezed orange juice. The machines they use make it so much better.
French onion soup
Crepes
Beignets