Things to do on a Weekend in Paris
Europe is without doubt one of the best continents on the planet for weekend city breaks and whatever it is that you are looking for you are sure to find it in any one of the enchanting cities which Europe can offer. My favorite city to visit for a long weekend is without question Paris and I try to get there at least once a year. Vacation rentals in France are really popular right now and nowhere more so than Paris so that is usually my accommodation of choice when I go and you can find some real bargains right in the city center. In terms of getting to Paris, this can be easily done from the large majority of European nations for a very low price and you can go by train, bus or fly, all of which are reasonably priced.
On a trip to Paris you should expect a very busy schedule if you want to pack as much in as possible and here are 10 things that I would recommend that you do during your stay.
Top of The Tower
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic attraction and it can be seen from almost all over the city, the best way to experience in my book however is to go to the top. There is an elevator which will take you right to the top of this famous landmark and from there you will have the finest panoramic views of the city, a perfect photo opportunity.
Cruise the Seine
A cruise down the River Seine will take you past many of the city’s famous monuments and buildings and there are many tour boats that you can take. I would recommend however that you take a boat by night and throw a meal into proceedings too, there is something incredibly beautiful about enjoying a glass of fizz and some French cuisine as you float under the stars in this captivating city.
Visit Notre Dame
The satined glass, intricately designed gargoyles and incredibly detailed design of the Notre Dame cathedral is what makes it one of the finest examples of French gothic artwork and you cannot leave the capital before you have entered into the cathedral to witness for yourself the true majesty of this building.
See The Mona Lisa
Even if you are not a great art lover, you should most definitely head to the Louvre art gallery and visit the World’s most famous painting. Entry to the museum is not as expensive as you might expect, just 15 Euros for adults and inside you will not only see the Mona Lisa but also some of the finest art that is on display anywhere in the World.
Moulin Rouge
Once the home of the burlesque and lively dance the ‘can-can’ the Moulin Rouge is now a dance bar which thrives from the success of its rise to fame and here you can see nightly shows that will blow you away. You will be able to spot the club thanks to its huge red windmill that sits on the roof and when you go, you should be prepared for a rowdy and raucous night.
Walk The Champs Elysees
Arguably the most famous street in the whole city, the Champs Elysees is one of the finest shopping streets in the World. Packed too with hundreds of bars, restaurants and cafes, you will see all walks of live meandering down the avenue go about their daily lives. If you love to shop then the boutiques and department stores here will be right up your alley. Culminate your Champs Elysee trip with the majestic Arc de Triomphe which sits at the head of the avenue.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
A cemetery may not be the usual attraction which you would find on a list such as this but the Pere Lachaise in Pairs is not like any other cemetery. This is where the bodies of some of the World’s most famous writers and artists are buried and many often make the pilgrimage to see the graves of Oscar Wilde, whose burial stone is covered in red lipstick kisses, along with French artists such as Edith Piaf, Proust Moliere and many others.
Visit The Catacombs
Once again, slightly morbid but fascinating all the same, the catacombs lay beneath the city and a tour underneath will unearth the dark underbelly of the Paris. Expect spooky crypts and skeleton bones aplenty as you are taken to the depths to discover more about the history of the city.
You will need to very well planned ahead dog your trip to Paris in order to tick off all of the necessary attractions and it is likely that you will need a break afterwards. In spite of this, it is important that you do all that you can to see the very best of this beautiful city.