Travel: A Weekend in Paris

Windows of Paris
Storm Crypt / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

 

Paris is a city where the old and new blend together, so it’s a place where travellers begin planning their next visit even before they leave. To see all of Paris would take years, but even a weekend can give you a taste of what the City of Love has to offer. Here’s how to spend a perfect weekend in Paris, just make sure you get a Paris hotel right in the city center.

 

Eiffel Tower GigaPixelized!!  (Paris) (Zoom Inside)
Anirudh Koul / Foter / CC BY-N 

 

Saturday Morning

First stop, espresso and croissants at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Parisians have turned sitting at a cafe into an art form, with long conversations enhanced by strong coffee and delectable treats. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the pulse of the city, and a perfect way to energize before the day ahead.

Evening

What better way to spend the first afternoon in town than by taking a stroll along the Seine River? One of the underappreciated aspects of Paris is just how good a walking city it is.

The Seine zig zags through the city center, leading to some beautiful sights along the way. One of the most scenic walks takes place from the Louvre to the Arc De Triomphe. The Arc is directly straight in front of the Louvre, and to get there you walk through neatly lined parks and dancing fountains on your journey. It’s an impressive showcase of how the city was designed.

Sunday Morning

Paris has some of the best museums in the world, and none are more famous than the Louvre. If you decide to go to the Louvre, plan on spending at least half a day there.

In truth, it would take weeks to see all the exhibits in the museum, but enough can be seen in half a day to make it worthwhile. If you’re looking for a different museum experience, the Musee d’Orsay showcases art mainly from 1848-1914, showcasing some remarkable works from the early modern era.

Evening

If yesterday’s stroll didn’t lead you to any of the renowned sites Paris has to offer, today is the perfect day to see them.

A few of the must-sees in the city are the Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc De Triomphe,  and Champs-Elysées. For a more romantic view of the city, a trip to the wall of love is in order. Just like its name states, it’s a mural in the city center with “I Love You” written in 311 languages.

Or, if you prefer a bit more kitsch in your romance, then check out the Pont Des Arts. People from all over the world come to this bridge, where they leave a lock with their lovers name on the bridge, as a testament to their eternal love.

So if you’re thinking about your next holiday, just know that a weekend in Paris beats a weekend most anywhere else.