As Paris prepares to host next year’s Olympic Games – and the resulting influx of tourists – Bradley Stoke Community School student Leah Moyce, who has just returned from the city, suggests eight things for visitors to do.
1. Explore the Eiffel Tower and beautiful area around it
This magnificent tower, pictured, on the Champs de Mars is one of the world’s most iconic monuments. Built in 1887 and standing at a huge 330m tall, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction in Paris. The nearest Metro stop is Trocadéro, on the other side of the River Seine and only a short walk away. At only €21.50 (£18.45) for an adult ticket (child €5.40) to the summit, you would be crazy to miss this incredible experience.
2. Visit the local creperies
There are many beautiful little creperies across the city where you can try one of France’s favourite snacks. When on a day of tiring sightseeing, who wouldn’t love to stop and sit in a cute little creperie and try a delicious ham and cheese or sweet Nutella crêpe. Some creperies/ice-cream cafés you may want to visit are Melba Glacier (31 Bd de Bonne Nouvelle, 75002 Paris), Creperie Traditionale (92 Rue de Hanovre, 75002 Paris) or maybe Crepes City (6 Rue Joubert, 75009 Paris). Just don’t miss out on this tasty delicacy.
3. See Paris by night on a boat ride along the Seine
Paris is always gorgeous, but what could be more romantic than an evening boat ride along the River Seine with the city lit up as your backdrop. Whether spending a family evening out or celebrating a special anniversary with your partner, this trip will be remembered forever. Book one of these unforgettable experiences on Tripadvisor or Seine River Cruises (www.seine-river-cruises.com), pictured, to complete your holiday in Paris.
4. Shop and explore the area of Montmartre
Located at the foot of the famous Sacre Coeur, Montmartre’s streets are packed full of painters showcasing their incredible work and amazing street art. Even if you are not interested in the artistic side of the area, the town itself is simply beautiful, packed with unique cafés and beautiful architecture. The general vibe here is worth visiting on its own, never mind the plentiful tourist shops, patisseries and ice-cream stalls. It is very easy to get to, the nearest Metro stop is Abbesses on Line 12. So if you are looking for a true Parisian experience, then this is the place for you!
5. Spend a day at the iconic Louvre
A day is not nearly enough to truly explore this breathtaking art museum, pictured. Home to the famous Mona Lisa painting, Venus de Milo sculpture and many more beautiful pieces, the Louvre can’t possibly be missed on any trip to Paris. This maze of a museum holds many areas where you can take unique photos – for example, pretending to hold its iconic pyramid! – and make unforgettable memories. Also, with its plentiful cafés and restaurants you won’t go hungry, even if you can’t find your way out! To get to this amazing place, simply take Metro Line 1 to Rivoli.
6. Take a chocolate making workshop at the Choco-Story Museum (28 Bd de Bonne Nouvelle, 75010 Paris)
Everybody loves chocolate, so why not make a trip to this immersive museum and learn all about it? Get off the Metro at Sébastopol and you’ll have about a minute walk until you can begin exploring the history of chocolate and taste-testing chocolate of various cocoa percentages all at once. Then when you’re done, you can take one of the amazing workshops where an expert will show you how to coat, shape and decorate with some of the finest chocolate in Paris. Once you’re finished, you will have a delicious goody bag of self-made/decorated chocolate that you can enjoy throughout your trip. What could be better?
7. See the views from the Montparnasse Tower
Looking for the best view in the whole of Paris? Then Montparnasse Tower, pictured, is a must-visit. With the nearest Metro station Montparnasse-Bienvenüe just a minute’s walk away, Montparnasse Tower is easily accessible. The lift takes just 38 seconds to reach the top of this 689ft tower and one of the most breathtaking views you are likely to ever see. Visit the tower-top Montparnasse gift shop or take a look through one of the pairs of binoculars. If you want to venture higher still, then just four flights of stairs takes you to the tower’s roof where you can take even better photos and, if lucky, bask in glorious Parisian sun.
8. Bike ride through the city’s cobbled streets
Isn’t it a well-known fact that Parisians love to cycle? Well why not join them and take a guided cycle tour through its charming streets, soaking in the abundance of sights. Or perhaps you would just like a gentle ride through its gardens such as the Luxembourg Gardens. Either way, a bike ride is a lovely way to soak up all the gorgeous French culture!
