On the Road to Paris : Sight-seeing

I’m not the best person to ask when it comes to planning an itinerary in Paris. Which places to see? What spots to visit? What restaurants to dine in to? What delicacy to try? These are questions I ask myself too, just like every first timer.

Although I may have stayed in France for a total of two and a half years, I’ve never lived in Paris despite the fact that I went there frequently to visit numerous of times, I’ve lost count. I know Paris enough to navigate around it and find myself around the big city. But I still rely on my internet connection, GoogleMaps, a handful other applications (RATP or MetroRapide) or even asking locals. I even caught myself in trouble once (not big a deal) because I mistakenly bought the wrong kind of ticket (long story for another entry).

Yet I am continuously asked to suggest places to see. Again, here comes the disclaimer : I don’t know Paris too well. Nevertheless, here’s my list so that maybe, once and for all, I can indulge my friends and acquaintances who trust me enough to seek my counsel (thank you!).

Whether or not you’re in Paris for a couple of days, three or maybe a week, I hope these recommended destinations would help future visitors/travelers/tourists.

For starters : Join the Sandeman’s Free Walking Tour

Best way to get a glimpse of the city, for free if I might add! I tried it myself a little later during my residency in France. I wish I knew about it earlier. It would give you insights about the history of the city to the lives of the local Parisians, all in two hours. Tour guides are either residents or immigrants in Paris but trust me, they do know what they’re talking about. They would give you practical suggestions on where to eat, where to go, where to exchange money, what to avoid or whatever you think you may need to know : go ahead and ask.

I believe tour starts at Saint Michel, near the Gilbert Jeune bookshops. Ask Parisians where they celebrated after they won the World Cup in 1998, they’d know where to take you. Otherwise, take Metro 4 and get off at Saint Michel. It’s located on the 5th district (5e arrondissement) around Quartier Latin (Latin Area or the University Belt of Paris).

At the end of the tour, tip them whatever you think the tour is worth. If you decide to break away from the group, do let them know as a sign of courtesy. And if you can, drop a comment on TripAdvisor, it would mean a lot!

Eiffel Tower

Admit it, this is what you came for. Get to the nearest Metro 6 line and get off at Trocadero. There’s a nearer stop on the same line at Bir-Hakeim – where you will get off to the bridge made famous by the movie Inception.

However, I suggest you descend at Trocadero to get the perfect tourist view of the Eiffel, as well as the fountains of Trocadero. In summer, try to bathe on the fountains of Trocadero, even if it’s disgusting (algae and who knows what drunkards do in there) – it’s quite an experience.

Le Musée du Louvre et les Jardins de Tulleries

The Louvre is NOT (just) the pyramid, as I keep telling my students. The Louvre is everything that surrounds that glass pyramid. It is first and foremost a château, a castle where the kings of France once resided before they moved to Versailles. Take Metro Line 1 (yellow line) and get off to any of the nearby stops : Concorde, Tuileries, Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre, Louvre-Rivoli.

It is worth noting that if you’re interested to go in and view the different collections, you must dedicate an entire day or two to go through all the halls that houses numerous art collections and exhibits.

Nearby, closer to the Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre stop is/are a/two hidden gem/s : Chatime (Rue Richelieu) – but of course, for milk tea lovers, you cannot miss this – and more seriously, get a glimpse of Colonnes de Buren, an art installation tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Louvre.

Arc de Triomphe

One thing I like about Paris is its symmetry. If you go straight through Champs-Elysées from the Louvre, you’ll stumble upon Arc de Triomphe – the most dangerous round-about in Paris. To get there, take the underpass from across the tip of Champs-Elysées. Consider going up the arc to see Paris from above. This is a good alternative if lines are too long to go up the Eiffel Tower. I’ve never personally tried it...

Galeries Lafayette…but, thanks to a close Algerian friend of mine, I got the equally beautiful view from the roof top of the department store called Galeries Lafayette, which could also be another alternative if lines get long and to avoid expensive tickets from climbing up the Eiffel Tower.

La Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-Paris

Made popular by Disney’s (or Victor Hugo) Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Notre-Dame translates to Our Lady in English. Filipinos may be more familiar with the term Nuestra Señora. This is not the only Notre-Dame cathedral in France, though. One would find a lot of Notre-Dame’s all over the country but this one is probably the most sought after of all Notre-Dame's.

Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

I rarely went around Montmartre because it’s often crowded and it goes uphill but it’s where the good restaurants, cafés and bars are. I’ve heard souvenirs are quiet cheap here. It’s also on the way to another spot: the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. To get there, take Metro line 12 (green line) and get off Abbesses. Friendly warning: the elevator that goes up is usually full so you might have to take rougly around 7 flights (90 or so stesp) of stairs to climb out of the subway.

Located somewhere in this area is the Mur des Je t’aime (Wall of Love) which you might want to see as well.

Opéra de Paris

I personally have never been inside but I was told it was a site to see. Ask Vicky Belo, she had her wedding reception there anyway. But if you are en route to somewhere via Metro Line 7 (pink line), you might want to consider dropping by and admire the Opéra even from the outside. It's not far from Galeries Lafayette so this might possibly be your next stop after that.

Canal Saint-Martin

An old friend took me here one fine Saturday to stroll and hang out. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, we went to settle by the canal. There wasn't anything really special to do. It was just a nice area to hang out, maybe bike around, chill and maybe have some picnic.The Canal Saint-Martin is connected to the river Seine that flows through Paris. The canal can be accessed through metro lines 2, 5 and 7 from the following stations: Stalingrad, République, or Jaurès.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

On the 19th district (19e arrondissement) of North-eastern Paris lies the park of Buttes-Chaumont. Raïssa took me here once. I've never heard of this until she took me to ride metro line 7bis - a line that connects from line 7 (pink line). It's a huge park with a lake and on top : a view of Paris. I'm not sure of this is a spot many tourists have heard about but I certainly haven't and I have Raissa to thank for taking me there!

Le Château et les Jardins de Versailles

Louis XIV built the castle in Versailles with a vision that the world would one day yearn to visit and look up to what France has to offer to the world. Versailles, in the suburbs of Paris, merits an entire day trip – in its gardens alone! To get there, get a Transilien or RER line that goes to Chateau de Versailles. From the train stop, walk towards the golden gates of the palace. It is hardly noticeable though because it is in the middle of a busy city so keep a keen eye. 

I’m pretty sure there’s more to see other than what I’ve listed and the internet has a lot to offer and to suggest. I’ll add to the list once I think about something else. I hope that these sites and monuments could get you started roaming around the streets of the City of Lights!

Bon voyage !