Getting around Paris

Paris is separated into twenty areas known locally as ‘Arrondissements’ each offering a unique flavour of the city.

Taxi’s in Paris are rather expensive. The most cost effective way to cover large areas of the city is to use the underground, or ‘METRO’. Like all major cities it can be a headache to master but once you have it’s pretty easy, and definitely cheaper.

I purchased a ‘1-day travel card’ that allows you multiple trips on the Metro within 24 hours. The passes come in 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and weekly passes. I discovered it’s actually cheaper to purchase a 1-day pass each day rather than a multi-day pass. If you decide to use the Metro from the airport ensure you purchase all zones 1-5, otherwise a 1-day zones 1-3 will suffice. The airport ticket will cost €11.45 (GB£10), or 1-day pass costs €6.75 (GB£7.60).

A very useful tool to download before you travel is ‘Paris Metro – Maps and Routes’ (Google Play store) app. It allows you to enter a start and end Metro station and advises you of what Metro line to take, what colour line, and where to change, if required. Absolutely proved an invaluable tool.

What to do in Paris

From its beautiful historical monuments and museums to great food and cafe culture Paris has become one of the most visited cities in the world. With so much to see and do it can feel overwhelming planning a Paris itinerary that hits all the top spots. If you’re time here is short then it’s best to plan in advance what you wish to see. Whilst some sights are a quick photograph others will merit more of your time.

Musee du Louvre

Located in the 1st Arrondissement the Louvre is most famous for being the home of Da Vinci’s masterpiece the ‘Mona Lisa’. The Louvre is one of the most stylish museums in Europe. Check the spectacular collection of art and sculptures. The closest metro station to the museum is ‘Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre‘ which is on Line 1 of the Paris metro. 

Tickets for the Louvre cost €17 (GB£15). Tickets can be purchased here

The Eiffel Tower

Synonymous as the icon for France let alone Paris the Eiffel Tower was erected for the 1889 World Fair standing at 300m tall (984ft), and while there is a cost for going up to the viewing platform, the views back over the city from this landmark are truly impressive. You can also admire this landmark from the nearby parks. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower cost €18.30 (GB£16.15).

The nearest Metro station to the Eiffel Tower is ‘Bir-Hakeim’ or ‘Trocadero’ on line 6.

From dusk until 11.45pm the Eiffel Tower is illuminated. On the hour, every hour after dusk for 5 minutes only the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle.

Notre-Dame

This iconic cathedral is one of Paris’ most distinctive landmarks and while it may not currently have a hunchback it is an amazing example of French Gothic architecture that has been at the heart of religious life in the country ever since it was completed in 1345. The cathedral is currently under restauration after the great fire in 2019. The nearest Metro station is ‘St-Michel Notre Dame‘.

Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napolean in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Located at one end of the Champs-Elysees opens to a busy street lined with trees on both sides

It’s also a wonderful shopping and dining street. Just be mindful the eateries along this avenue are charging a prime for their services. If you wonder a few streets back the prices are more agreeable.

The nearest Metro station is ‘Arc de Triomphe – l’Étoile’ on line 1.

One store to watch out for walking along the Champs-Elysees is Louis Vuitton that has a large statue of a young lady called Yayoi Kusama from its roof.

Les Catacombes

Having once served as stone mines for the city the tunnels beneath much of the south of Paris are home to the remains of over six million people. The tour takes visitors through 1.2 miles of these tunnels. Although interesting and a must-see if in Paris I did feel the tickets were overpriced for what it’s worth. Tickets cost €29 (GB£26).

The nearest Metro station is ‘Denfert Rochereau’ directly opposite the Catacombs entrance. From my experience don’t get there too early. I arrived 30 minutes early and was declined entry until my allotted time.

Pantheon

Just like Rome, Paris has its own pantheon in the Latin Quarter. The building was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. Today, it’s the final resting place for many of Paris’ famous scientists, generals, writers, churchmen, and politicians.

The nearest Metro station to the Pantheon is ‘Cluny – la Sorbonne station’.

 

Palais Garnier

If you enjoy the arts you can’t miss out on exploring the Palais Garnier. It’s the location the Phantom of the Opera book and musical is based, and the building is nothing short of beautiful.

Today, this opulent building is used to stage various theatre shows, ballet’s and orchestra concerts. Why not check out what’s playing during your visit?

The nearest Metro stop is ‘Paris – Opéra’. Palais Garnier is directly opposite.

Statue of Liberty

Located on an artificial island at the mouth of the river Seine at ‘Île aux Cygnes’ hosts the first Statue of Liberty in Paris. This statue is a quarter size of New York City’s was given by the American community in Paris to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution.

The two nearest Metro stations to the Statue of Liberty are ‘Passy’ and ‘Pont de Grenelle – Maurice Bourdet’. I found it easier to couple this sight with the Eiffel Tower.

A short walk from the Statue of Liberty is ‘Pont de Bir-Hakeim’ bridge. Built in 1903 it’s a beautiful piece of architecture spanning the river Seine. It was also featured in ‘National Treasure’ with Nicholas Cage.

Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is a huge open square often used for exhibitions and festivals. When I arrived there was a classic car festival. It’s not too far from the Louvre so I would advise to visit these together. The nearest Metro station is ‘Madeleine’.

Sacre-Coeur and Montmartre

The Sacre-Coeur was constructed in 1919 is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Climb the narrow streets of Montmarte and up the tens of steps towards the Basilica to be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic view of Paris.

At the top is Montmarte town brimmed with narrow alleyways , coffee shops, souvenir shops and restaurants. It’s something like out of the Swiss Alpes.

The nearest Metro station is ‘Anvers’ on line 2. At the exit to Anvers cross over the main road and walk up Rue de Steinekerque. There are souvenir stands selling paintings and magnets to Patisserie’s lining both sides of this road.

Moulin Rouge

Once you have had your fill of the Sacre Coeur you can easily take in the Moulin Rouge as they are only a walk away from one another along Boulevard de Clichy.

The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret in Paris at Place Blanche. The Moulin Rouge was founded by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller in 1889. You can purchase tickets for a show here. 

Arts et Metiers

I visited Arts et Metiers for one thing – to view the most amazing Metro station ever! Think 20,000 leagues under the sea. Hop on the Metro to ‘Art et Metiers’.

Pompidou Centre

The Centre Pompidou was designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It is home to the National Museum of Modern Art. This architectural marvel is immediately recognizable by its exterior escalators and enormous coloured tubing.

The Pompidou Centre isn’t too far from Notre-Dame so can be incorporated into your day.

The nearest Metro station is Rambuteau.

Places to eat

Paris is definitely not short of eateries and delicious patisseries. Paris is not a particularly cheap city at the best of times and food is certainly no exception. That said, the closer you are to the tourist traps the more expensive it is.

Here are a few places I tried that offered best value for money.

Cafe Du Rendezvous

This little bistro is located at 4 Avenue René Coty overlooks the Paris Catacombes. Why not stop for a pastry and coffee, or perhaps traditional French onion soup.

Le Royal

This little cafe located at 246 Rue Saint-Honoré near the Musee du Louvre was a great little spot to stop for a coffee and croissant whilst watching the world pass by after a hard morning of exploring.

The Frog and Underground

This is a great little pub located at 176 rue Montmartre that offers craft beers, plates of natchos and racks of ribs.

Bistrot Victoires Brasserie

This little bistro is all about value for money and simple food. Located at 6 rue de la Vrilliere near the Musee du Louvre. This venue offered very welcomed respite after a full day of exploring Paris.

Le Copernic

This was a great little bistro serving all manner of things located at 54 avenue Kleber just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe. I had a traditional French Croque Monsieur with a lovely glass of red wine.

Paris Overall

Paris is an incredible destination for travellers who love history, art and the finer things in life. With so much to see and do take your time exploring the top sights and leave room in your itinerary to discover a few spots that are off the beaten track. It can be done in just a couple of days but ensure you are rigid to your pre-planned itinerary and strongly consider using the Metro with a day-pass.

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