Fast Facts:
- Country: France
- Capital: Paris
- Location: France is bordered by Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Germany and Switzerland in the east, Italy in the southeast and Spain in the southwest.
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro
For this trip:
- Month of Travel: October
- Weather: 12 to 15 deg C
- What to Wear: Prepare for a chilly and damp weather. It’s best to wear waterproof shoes and bring rain jackets and umbrellas even if the sun looks promising, as the weather can get moody.
Paris is always a good idea, as Audrey Hepburn said. Here we list down 10 reasons why we couldn’t agree more – apart from the fact that anything Hepburn says is gospel (of course that’s Tricia typing).
1. Eating is always a good idea
France is one of the countries that always lead the way in number of Michelin 3-Star Restaurants. It is also where two of the most decorated chefs Joël Robuchon (31 stars) and Alain Ducasse (21 stars) are from. But even without the accolades, Paris is dotted with brasseries and patisseries that can delight your taste buds.
Our culinary highlight is our lunch at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile. Choose the counter area if available so you can watch Chef Mélanie Serre and her team prepare and perfect your meals from the open kitchen. Service is warm and friendly but not intrusive. Food is treated as art. We wouldn’t expect less from Chef Joël Robuchon’s army.
Gallery:
2. Strolling Champs-Élysées Avenue is always a good idea
This street is just brimming with life. Whether you intend to shop, grab a drink (and people watch) from a café or head to the theatres, there’s always a good reason to be found at Champs-Élysées.
The avenue runs between Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, and Place Charles de Gaulle, where Arc de Triomphe stands.
Located in the world’s largest traffic roundabout and is the biggest and tallest triumphal arch in the world, Arc de Triomphe is inspired by Rome’s Arch of Titus.
3. A picture with the Iron Lady of France is always a good idea
There are several spots in the city where you can take pictures of the Eiffel Tower so don’t be disappointed if the more popular ones are always crowded. French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel built it as an arch entrance to the World Fair and a landmark to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French republic. The tower was criticized aesthetically and was meant to be torn down until it was decided it could be used as a telecommunications tower.
Gallery:
4. Louvre is always a good idea
Even if you don’t go inside the museum, the Louvre is always a sight to behold. But of course if you get the chance, do enter and you shall not regret it. The Louvre is the largest museum in the world with some fine art collections including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Venus de Milo.
Gallery:
5. Exploring the Palace of Versailles is always a good idea
The Palace of Versailles was the main residence of the Kings of France starting from Louis XIV, who holds the record of being the longest reigning monarch in European history.
We imagine going back here, most definitely in summer, for a picnic with our future children.
Gallery:
6. Supporting artists at Place du Tertre is always a good idea
It is said that Renoir, Dali, Van Gogh and Picasso used to live in their apartments and refined their skills as artists in the town square of Place du Tertre. Considered a mecca of modern art, this place attracts tourists for its cozy café offerings and of course various artists selling their works
7. Climbing the top of Montmartre for Sacre Coeur is always a good idea
Devoted to the sacred heart of Jesus, Sacre Coeur Basilica is located at the top of Montmarte, which is also the highest point in Paris. We think the beauty of the church and the view of the city can give a feeling of tranquility that the chaos brought by tourists cannot drown
8. Hearing mass at Notre Dame Cathedral is always a good idea
After seeing Pope Francis in Vatican City, we reconfirmed our theory that God is managing our itinerary when Sunday fell on the same day we were going to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. Overflowing with gratefulness, we heard mass inside the center of Catholic Paris for hundreds of years.
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and was further popularized by Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
Gallery:
9. Crossing the river Seine via iconic bridges is always a good idea
The Alexander Bridge is the most decorated bridge in Paris and is located right between all the best attractions. It connects two banks of the river Seine from the Eiffel quarter to the Champs-Élysées quarter.
Pont des Arts is known for the tourist tradition of attaching love locks to the bridge and throwing the keys into the Seine River. Now, this activity is frowned upon because it causes degradation and potential danger as fences crumble due to the weight of the locks.
Finally, if you’re a Nolan fan, try to find Pont de Bir-Hakeim or what we call the Inception Bridge. A stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, it also crosses the river Seine.
Gallery:
10. Picnic in the park is always a good idea
Jardin des Tuileries (near Louvre), Champ de Mars and Jardins du Trocadéro (both near the Eiffel Tower) are just some of the loveliest Parisian parks.
Before flying to Paris, we were worried that the predicted on and off rainy weather would ruin the trip. But honestly, the charm of Paris is worth celebrating no matter the season. We could not stress this further. Paris is always a good idea!
Gallery:
Watch our video!