Why Visit Paris, France?

Because we are in the Valentine season and Paris is dubbed the city of love! Paris is the capital of France. It is famous for a lot of things and not just the Eiffel Tower. Paris is a key city in Europe when it comes to fashion and cuisine among others. While not a must, its helpful to know the language before visiting. From experience the average Parisien with knowledge of English will still engage you in French! Traveling to Paris may be pricey, tips to make it affordable include booking ahead and buying a holiday package or traveling in a group like I did way back when I was a student!

Because you can promenade on the wide beautiful famous boulevard of Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Integrate into Paris life through sightseeing, shopping at the luxury designer boutiques dotting the avenue or simply enjoy croissant with tea or coffee in one of the high end cafes. While there, take the opportunity to visit the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, both captivating architectural structures with history. Other places to binge shop if on a spree for designers are Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Avenue Montaigne!

Because if you love a good theatre, you can buy famous Moulin Rouge tickets and experience the Cabaret shows. Take a guided tour up the Eiffel Tower! Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it is one of the most visited landmark and romantic places to visit. Enjoy the grand tower’s restaurants and colourful views of it as it lights up at night. You can also simply pose for the usual ‘Eiffel Tower in the background’ selfie photo, your choice. Join an excursion to the masterpiece museum, La Louvre and view statue of Venus and the famous portrait painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci among other great art pieces! Make sure to have an early start as it is nearly impossible to cover the entire museum in a day!

Because you can enjoy a tour of Notre Dame de Paris if you like architectural designs. Notre Dame is a historical landmark, the cathedral dates back to the 12th Century. The ancient Gothic design and colour stained glass windows taking nearly 1,100 square feet of the building will leave you breathless. Inside, the dome shaped ceiling designs are out of this world. You can also visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, taking the 222 step staircase popularly called ‘Montmartre stairs’ to the Basilica. A long climb but you will be rewarded once at the top by a remarkable view of the city.

Because you can visit and have a guided tour of the palaces, like the Luxembourg Palace which houses the Senate, or take the metro to the much talked about Palace of Versailles among many other options! You’d be pressed for time viewing these stunning grand edifices. After a long day, relax and take a luxury ferry cruise on La Seine. The river is magical when you take a guided cruise at night! You can also arrange to have a gourmet dinner while sightseeing.

Because you can enjoy an easier way of viewing the city by jumping on the Paris Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour bus that takes you around at a fee. You can also visit the vibrant artistic neighbourhood in south of Paris called Montparnasse and walk where the likes of Picasso walked, while enjoying art and the crêperies if you’re a fan of pancakes! You can also buy les crepes from a reputed street vendor. I’ll let you in on a secret to spotting one, they usually have the longest queues! Do not leave Paris without trying out various recipes of mouthwatering pancakes. Thank me later!

Because the gastronomy experience is out of this world! When you hear that the French take their cuisine seriously, take it to heart! Visit the restaurants, try out Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef stew), Ratatouille (soup stewed vegetable dish), Macarons (delicate cookies made from meringue) these are just a few!