Jeux de la XXXIII Olympiade!
Paris is the place to be this year! As well as the Olympics, who doesn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower’s majestic silhouette against the Parisian skyline, walk along the cobblestoned streets of Saint-Germain, or stand in awe of the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles.
It’s a tourist lure like no other, a place that unfolds like a love story – the more chapters you experience, the richer it becomes. Paris ignites the imagination at every turn.
If you’re a travel enthusiast like me, putting together a bucket list of Parisian wonders is no easy task, but I thought I’d share my top five destination places in the famously dubbed ‘The City of Love.’
No. 1 – The Eiffel Tower at Sunset
You can’t talk about Paris without ever mentioning the Eiffel Tower. But while everyone thinks ‘any time can be the perfect time’ to get that classic Eiffel Tower selfie, here’s a tip: there’s no better time to be atop this majestic tower than when the sun begins to set.
The sky just explodes with oranges, pinks, and purples, and the Eiffel Tower comes alive with a dazzling display of light and colour. It’s almost like it’s catching fire! You can see all the intricate details of the ironwork highlighted against the fiery backdrop. It’s seriously stunning.
No. 2 – Cathédrale Notre-Dame
If you’re wondering about a real masterpiece of Gothic architecture, don’t think of anything other than the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. Construction began in 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII and it took almost two centuries to complete. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture, including its flying buttresses, rose windows and intricate sculptures. Throughout its history, Notre-Dame has stood as a symbol of Parisian and French cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Although the cathedral’s spires were destroyed in a fire that broke out in 2019, the architectural marvel still amazes everyone in its own style. Indeed, a true masterpiece of Medieval craftsmanship and a true witness to the enduring beauty of Paris!
No. 3 – Jardin du Luxembourg
Every corner of Jardin du Luxembourg is a surprise, with hidden sculptures peeking out from behind the lush greenery (even greener during Spring), colourful flower beds and the soothing sound of trickling fountains.
The gardens cover about 23 hectares and are known for their formal French style, featuring neatly manicured lawns, flowerbeds, tree-lined pathways and numerous statues and fountains. One of the park’s most iconic features is the large octagonal pond, where visitors can rent miniature sailboats to float on its surface.
The garden also boasts a beautiful orchard, a rose garden and an English-style garden, providing a variety of landscapes to explore. Additionally, there are tennis courts, a puppet theatre and playgrounds. It’s really heaven to just relax and soak it all in. Find a shady spot under one of the towering trees, spread out a blanket and just watch the world go by.
No. 4 – The Champs-Élysées
This place needs no introduction, simply because it’s a fixture on every traveller’s ultimate Parisian destination. Champs Élysées is the epitome of Parisian glamour and a cultural hub all rolled into one. From haute couture boutiques to quaint cafés and world-class restaurants; take your pick however you like to.
Perhaps the most magical time to visit is in the evening, when the avenue comes alive with the twinkle of fairy lights and the buzz of excitement. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor terraces and watch as the city lights up in all its splendour. It’s truly a lovely avenue – a picture postcard scene at that.
No. 5 – Seine River Cruise
Love is always in the air in Paris and while the movies, songs and novels always describe Paris as such, there’s no better place to feel this romantic energy come alive than boarding a cruise boat and setting sail along the Seine River.
One of the best things about a Seine River cruise is that you get to meet people from all over the world, whilst getting clear views of some of Paris’ most famous landmarks. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the sensational Louvre Museum are all stunningly visible from the river and there’s nothing quite like seeing them from this perspective. Some cruises even go on to visit towns like medieval Rouen, Gothic Vernon and incredibly charismatic Honfleur.
The Best Time to Visit Paris
Paris is beautiful year-round, but there are certain times when the city truly comes alive. From April to June the city is in full bloom, the days are long and sunny, perfect for strolling down the Champs-Élysées or picnicking in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Plus, spring and summer in Paris means you’ll get to experience some of the city’s most iconic events and festivals, like the famous Paris Marathon and the Fête de la Musique, a city-wide celebration of music that takes place on the summer solstice.
No piece about Paris can ignore writing about the food. Paris is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene. Food here is simply superb. There are 71 Michelin Star restaurants in Paris, ten of these being 3 star. If you can get in, definitely try Pierre Gagnaire!
And just one last comment on the Games; if you do want to go the Games we can still source excellent tickets and luxurious hotels!
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