A Weekend in Paris

A Weekend in Paris

Paris, the city of lights, the city of love. The perfect place for a weekend romantic break. However, with any capital city, there is so much to see and do that you might not know where to start. Luckily, for you, after a recent trip to the French capital, I have worked out what I consider to be the best guide for your first trip to this beautiful city. I most definitely did not see everything and a weekend is not enough time to do it all, but It will give you a taste of what Paris has to offer. And like anything I do, I did it on a budget. I started saving right from the start by booking a room at Hôtel de L'Union. The host was super friendly and helpful, the hotel is right on top of a metro station, and across the road is a beautiful bakery that can provide an affordable breakfast, and a selection of sweets as well. 

Getting Around

Paris really is a city for those who love a good walk. Amazing architecture and culture are waiting to be discovered around every corner. However, if you only have a weekend, you will want to prioritise what you see. With that being the case, the best way to get around is the metro. The Metro system is easy to work out, and paired with google maps on your phone, you can get from A to B like you have lived in the city your whole life. My prior research pointed to a carnet (set of ten metro tickets) being the cheapest option, but for the life of me, I could not find this offer. Instead, I opted for a 3-day pass which was 27.30 Euros. This pass allowed me to use the Metro for my entire visit as well as the bus and tram network. Paris does have an Uber network that you can make use of, or if you prefer a traditional taxi, the G7 service will be your best option. As always, do not use unmarked taxis!

What to Do During the Day:

Paris is full of attractions for you to visit, with many offering you the option to pre-book your tickets online. This is both cheaper and allows you to skip the queues. If you can do that then good for you, however, tickets get booked quick, so it is not always an option for a spontaneous trip. In terms of where to start your sightseeing, the answer is obvious:

·         The Eiffel Tower – The architectural achievement will blow you away, and forking out the extra cash to go right to the top is well worth it, especially at 25.50 Euros. However, if you haven’t pre-booked tickets, prepare for a wait. The best thing you can do to shorten your wait time is to get there early. The tower opens up to visitors at 9.30am so getting there at 9.00am will find yourself in the middle of the queue when it comes to purchasing tickets. You aren’t going to beat those who have pre-booked a slot, but you will give yourself the best chance of saving time on waiting. 

·         The Sacré-Cœur – The second most visited attraction in Paris is the Sacré-Cœur and it is easy to see why. This impressive basilica is beautiful from inside and out. The neighborhood Monmarte is made up of stone-cobbled streets that feel like a fairy tale. What’s the best thing about this attraction? It's free!

·         The Louvre Museum – The worlds largest art museum is definitely worth a visit, even If you just want to gaze at the glass pyramid and the impressive architecture that surrounds it. Purchasing tickets online cost 17 Euros but allow you to skip the queues. Tickets brought on site will cost 15 Euros but prepare for a wait. An art collection spanning several thousand years is definitely worth the wait. Though at the time of writing it is surrounded by scaffolding, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is only a short walk along the river so you may as well go and see it while you are there.

·         The Paris Catacombs – The Paris Catacombs is an impressive labyrinth beneath the streets of Paris. However, it is not a labyrinth for those who are sensitive as it is the resting place of millions of Parisians, with their bones stacked from floor to ceiling. I will leave the history for you to discover but again, try and book in advance to avoid a long wait. This location is not for those who have difficulties with walking as there are 131 steps to get down into the tunnel network. Doors open at 10am. If you buy your tickets on-site, be prepared to spend 14 Euros per person, with an extra 5 Euros for an audio guide. 

There is plenty more to see, but that should give you a good start. Other places of note include the Paris Zoo and the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, Paris’s largest cemetery filled with Gothic architecture.

Where to Eat:

I am not much of a night club goer though I am certain there are plenty of options for those who are throughout Paris. For that reason I do not have any recommendations for nightly activities. What I am, is a foodie, so I did my research in advance and found two restaurants that I will never forget. My first recommendation is Café de L'Industrie. For 40 Euros, my fiance and I had two main meals and two drinks. The Duck with chili honey dip was beautiful. This café was full of locals by 7pm which is only a good sign. They do offer an English menu which made things all the easier because you know how we Brits are when we travel to other countries. 

My second dining recommendation, though I stress both are as good as the other, is Bistrot Victoires. I can only praise the value for money, especially considering how close this place is to the Louvre. Again, the place was full by 7pm, and though a little crowded, there is a great atmosphere and the staff are super friendly. An English menu is available for those who don’t read French. The french onion soup was the star dish here, though everything was amazing. I also finally got to try foie gras, which was on my food bucket list. I did not have desert but they looked great. I spent 50 Euros, and I had more food and drink on my visit here. 

Both places serve Snails if you are looking to try that delicacy.

A Weekend in Paris Is a Weekend Well Spent.

I have no regrets on visiting this beautiful city and If I get the chance to visit again, I definitely will. However, it is not a cheap destination, but you can still see the sites on a budget. You should also remember that this is a capital city and a yearly tourist destination. That means that people are looking to take your money from you at every corner. Check out my article on how to see Europe on a budget for some tips and tricks to avoid breaking the bank. With the above, I hope you will enjoy Paris as much as I did.

Have you been to Paris? Do you have any must-see spots you recommend?