The Eiffel Tower is probably the most famous landmark in Paris. However, there is much more to this city than Gustav Eiffel’s masterpiece. Experience fine art, fine food and even fine festivals on a vacation here. Add these Parisian sights to your itinerary and you won’t be disappointed:
Things to Do
Visit the Chateau de Versailles
The Château de Versailles is among the most visited sites in France and it’s only about 45 minutes away from Paris by train. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art. A succession of French kings lived in the Palace up until the French Revolution. When you visit, you’ll see how it was built for the royals—the palace contains 2,300 rooms spread to over 63,154 m2. You can marvel at the palace, its gardens and its history on a self-guided audio tour. The best way to get to the Chateau de Versailles is by renting a car through EasyRentCars. The company currently offers a 20% discount on Interrent car rentals in France.
Take a cooking class
There’s no better place to take a cooking class than in Paris. Its cuisine is some of the finest in the world. You’ll learn something new, whether you end up making croissants, macarons, or steak frite.
Get the Paris Pass
If you have a busy itinerary, you may want to get the Paris Pass. It gives you a lot of free and reduced admissions to museums and sights around the city, which is great if you’re considering taking a long vacation. The Paris Museum pass is also a cheaper option and is good for travellers who are focused on visiting as many museums as possible.
See more than the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
When you see the Mona Lisa in person you may be surprised at how tiny it is. Not saying that Di Vinci’s masterpiece isn’t brilliant, but there are loads of bigger and more detailed artworks to see in the Louvre. You can spend over five hours viewing only some of the 380,000 objects and 35,000 displays of art in this world class museum.
La Fête de la Musique (Paris Street Music Festival)
On the 21st of June, the streets of Paris come alive. La Fête de la Musique attracts hundreds of Parisians every year for the summer equinox. Vibrant crowds form outside bars, cafes, and on the streets. If you’re a music-loving couple, you’ll adore the free performances of electronic music, jazz, hip hop and rock all around the city.
Paris Plages
During the summertime in Paris, you don’t have to head to the south of France just to get a taste of the beach. Around July 20, Paris closes the streets along the Seine River and brings in tons of sand and palm trees, deck chairs, and ice cream stands. You can even play beach volleyball, kayak and attend open-air concerts on three different man-made “beaches”.
Disney Land Paris
Adults and kids alike are bound to have a great time in Disneyland Paris. Adventureland and Discoveryland, for instance, are packed with thrill rides and high-tech gizmos that provide electrifying fun for all ages. The whole experience of visiting Disney Land is magical. Whether you choose to experience the sights, princesses, parades, music or light shows, Disney Land creates a place ‘where dreams come true’.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated every July 14th and marks the anniversary of first major event of the French Revolution of 1789. The destruction of the Bastille prison in central Paris is a symbol of France’s first strives toward democracy. During the festivities, you’ll see patriotic processions all over Paris. At night, you can view an amazing spectacle of beautiful fireworks for a romantic date out on the town.
Paris Bike Tour
See some of the best hidden charms of Paris on two wheels with a professional guide and get a thrill from riding down some of the most famous avenues in the city. There are loads of bike tours that you can find online, so you can choose one that’s right for you and your travel buds.
Les Catacombes
Explore a curious cemetery that houses thousands of bones that line the tunnels underneath Paris. It’s a creepy sight to see, but magnificent as well.
Where to Stay
Westin Paris Vendome
This luxury hotel is a 5-minute walk from Place de la Concorde and a 10-minute walk from the Louvre Museum. The upscale rooms offer gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. Relax yourself with this 5-star hotel’s awesome amenities, which include a luxurious spa and an exercise room, a chic restaurant with modern dishes and a lavish 19th-century inspired bar.
Meliá París Champs Elysées
Just a 3-minute walk from Victor Hugo metro station, these elegant rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. There’s also a full breakfast buffet, a stylish lounge, a business center and a library.
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour de Eiffel
Only a block away from the River Seine, this apartment hotel is housed in a modern building with a glass-walled lobby that’s the perfect lap of luxury. The bright and airy studio-style apartments with hardwood floors and pull-out sofas feature flat-screen TVs, WiFi and kitchens and some even add views of the Eiffel Tower. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, a fitness room and underground parking.
Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel
This stylish steel-and-glass hotel in the Monceau district is only a 6-minute walk from Arc de Triomphe. The refined rooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows, pillow-top mattresses, 24-hour room service, flat screen TVs and tea and coffeemakers. There’s also a modern French restaurant, a private outdoor terrace and a gym, if you’re looking to get some exercise.
