Bonjour! France is the number one tourist destination in the world. So, it only makes sense that we kick off our site with a post on Paris – “The city of light”! Whether it’s the Eiffel tower, the Louvre museum, the Arc de Triomphe, any of the other great monuments or the myriad of exquisite pastries, the joy of Paris cannot be overstated!
Getting around
Paris is not really a huge city geographically. You can see a lot of it without having to pay for a tour. We recommend walking and biking when you travel. It gives you a better opportunity to see things at a ground level. You also get a better feel for the “vibe” in the area. An active person could see every arrondissement (neighborhood) in Paris in just a couple days on a bicycle.
Luckily, if you’re not such an active person or just pressed for time, you can also choose to utilize Paris’s great subway system. It’s reasonably priced, reliable (unless there is a strike) and other than of some of the larger stations, very easy to navigate. Frankly, the hardest thing about using it is figuring out which ticket you’re supposed to buy. If you’re in town for an extended period you should definitely get a Navigo pass. That way you can take advantage of the unlimited rides!
Be warned
A couple of words of caution – if you’re claustrophobic you might not want to ride at peak times (rush hours in the morning and evening), because it can get very crowded. Last New Year’s Eve, we had to wait for about four trains before we managed to actually get one. The other previous ones were just too packed and had no extra space. Secondly, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when traveling and the Paris Metro stations are a prime hunting grounds for pickpockets and scammers, so be careful.
A foodie’s dream
Paris is also known for it’s amazing amount of cafes and bakeries (boulangeries). You’ll find them on virtually every corner. Our favorite boulangerie so far is Aux Peches Normands near Republique. Their raspberry tart is to die for (my personal favorite dessert in the world) and if you like chocolate, their “trois chocolat” will blow you away!
You can expect a lot more on Paris from us, since we love it and so do many others. Stay tuned!