Everyone seems to have different ideas about Paris. Either they love it, or they hate it. Parisians have that reputation of being very aloof and somewhat rude but that has truly never been my experience. My, now spotty, high school French still gets me by:)
I have been fortunate enough to have visited Paris 4 times. Each time has been a little bit different but each special in its own way. Paris, although the most famous, isn’t the most beautiful of the spots to visit in France, however, it is full of must see elements.
Besides the Tour Eiffel, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame, the gardens, other museums and food are also quite special. I highly recommend viewing the Eiffel Tower from a boat on the Seine. The twinkling lights at night are something not to miss.
Although Parisians are often well dressed, I have found the shopping quite expensive and you must seek out small boutiques of obscure designers to fine things different from what we can get in the states. Oh, and be prepared for a hefty price tag.
As far as transportation goes, they have Uber there now but I truly find the metro easier to navigate. Once you figure out how to buy your tickets, it’s quite easy to get around by metro and you miss all the traffic. You also may find the random street performers in the tunnels entertaining.
Tip: keep your ticket once you scan it to pass through the turnstile in the metro as they have security in highly trafficked areas that will ask for your ticket and if you don’t have it, up to a $100 fine can be demanded.
There are countless amazing restaurants in Paris and although it seems silly, the French onion soup is to die for! Also, if it’s your first time, although touristy, go to the Moulin Rouge. It’s entertaining and just a place I feel should be visited while you are there.
If you enjoy music and history, something off the grid to do in Paris, take the metro to the Père Lachaise Cemetery and seek out Jim Morrison’s grave. The cemetery itself is so full of amazing statues and headstones marking other famous people such as Chopin and Moliere but searching for Morrison’s shrine is worth a stop if historical cemeteries are your jam!
Venturing outside of Paris is really the best…from Mont Saint Michel, the Loire Valley (full of Chateaux), to the glorious coastal town of Nice on the Riviera… France is a beautiful country bursting with gorgeous landscape and history.
So don’t let the perception of Parisians attitudes discourage a trip to France… it’s always a good idea!
A Girl on A Beach 