Paris is one of my favourite places in the world. I am hoping to live there for a while sometime in the future, and I am currently (trying!) to learn French using the Rosetta Stone system.
I have been to Paris twice so far, and I am going to share my experiences from both times, give some recommendations, packing tips and other suggestions.
My First Time:
I was 16 years old the first time I went to Paris. I had been begging my family to go for years and had always been in love with the idea of the city. Finally, in January 2008, my dad, sister and I flew to Paris during a trip to the UK for Christmas. We purchased a package deal and ended up staying in a hotel that was not the best, and not in the best area. I refused to let that have a bearing on my idea of the city as a whole, and sufficed to say, it had no bearing whatsoever once I saw the rest of Paris.
We only stayed for 2 nights and 3 days, and by the end of the trip we were so exhausted having squeezed in many, if not all of the must-see attractions.
I will always remember the feeling of seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, as well as some other famous landmarks. The trip was amazing and has always been special to me because it was such a last minute decision, but ended up being so jam-packed and successful.
Paris Round Two:
The second time I visited the city of lights was last June. I went with my boyfriend as part of our 6-week trip around Europe, which included 8 other cities. Paris always sticks out to me when I remember our trip because it was such a different experience being there with my boyfriend than it was being there with my dad and sister.
The city was different, and I saw it with a different perspective. That is one of the things I love about Paris, it seems to adapt and shift depending on your company. It truly is a very romantic city and I would always suggest going with your significant other.
Since I had seen many of the major sights, but my boyfriend hadn't, we ended up doing the rounds and visiting Versailles, the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Jardin du Luxembourg and Notre Dame. However, we also went to some of the less visited sights, and found ourselves wandering around the city that seemed to be a little less touched by tourists. This was usually as a result of necessary, but tedious tasks such as looking for a launderette. Anyway, I fell in love with Paris all over again the second time around and I am just in love with the fact that every experience you can have in the city is essentially based on who you are around. It's subjectiveness makes it unlike any other city I have ever been to.
Packing Tips......
This, of course, depends on when you go. The first time I went in January and it was freezing. The second time I went in June......... and it was freezing! But generally....
Winter:
- Big winter coat: I took a black one that comes halfway down my thigh and ties at the waist. It kept me warm when I layered other clothes underneath, but also looked stylish and "Paris appropriate."
- Boots: These should be COMFORTABLE! I cannot stress the importance of comfortable shoes in Paris, since there is generally going to be a lot of walking involved. I understand trainers/gym shoes are not so appealing when you want to dress stylishly in such a fashionable city. So that is why I would recommend a good pair of boots that you have broken in that are both stylish and comfortable. NO HEELS! I would choose a pair of riding boots, and maybe add some insoles for comfort. Definitely layer socks underneath.
- Gloves: My dad ended up buying all three of us a pair of gloves from a vender on the street selling them for extortionate prices. Be prepared and take your own.
- Hats: I would recommend a beret or large felt hat. It just makes you feel more Parisian.
- Scarf: Paris is very windy, and a scarf can really break the wind and prevent it from chilling you underneath your clothes. It is also a great way to add colour to a plain outfit and break up your large winter coat.
Summer:
- A light jacket: I took a leather bomber jacket, and it was just enough to keep me warm. Like I said, I went last June but the weather was not June-like. It was windy, grey and drizzly everyday except one. It wasn't freezing, but it wasn't warm. My leather jacket was perfect for the weather, and even if the weather turns out better, and true to season, I would still recommend it for the evening time.
-Tights: I took a lot of dresses with me, specifically to wear in Paris, but when I got there and it was so cold, I was very thankful I had brought a pair of black tights with me to wear underneath. Again, even if the weather is warm, I would still bring these for the night time when it tends to be colder.
- Hat: My hat of choice was a fedora, which I pretty much lived in throughout my whole trip around Europe. It keeps the sun off your face, while providing an excuse not to wash your hair! I got a neutral, tan coloured fedora, which went with everything and looked really cute. It's a winner all around.
-Cardigans: If the weather is warm enough to get away with no jacket, a cardigan will always be necessary. I took several and wore one pretty much every day in Paris.
-Plimsoles/Pumps: Trainers are really not my style, no matter how comfortable they are. So I wore a pair of plimsoles or pumps with some insoles in them for extra support and comfort. Mine were white and they went with everything.
- Dresses: So easy to just throw on and, again, make you feel extra Parisian.
Also...
- No matter what time of the year you go, I strongly recommend a cross body bag. It is easier, less heavy and much more convenient than a huge, bulky handbag. Mine was a lifesaver.
Other Recommendations and Tips......
Restaurants:
Honestly (and unfortunately), I didn't really ever find any cute boutique-y type restaurants while in Paris. Both times I have been, the restaurants we have eaten at have been either based on convenience, popularity or location. But although I didn't do it, I would really recommend researching smaller restaurants and veering away from the touristy spots, as they are very over-priced and not great quality.
Location, Location, Location:
I don't think the location of your accommodation can really spoil your overall view of Paris, but the 2 times that I have been haven't been great as far as accommodation goes. I would recommend splurging on a better hotel in a central and upscale area. It makes travel around the city easier and your overall experience better.
Do it, Ditch it.......
Do It!
- DO take public transportation
-DO go up the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of the city
-DO go to Montmartre and visit Sacre Coeur
-DO go to Versailles
-DO go to the Louvre (2 hours before closing!)
-DO walk down the Champs Elysees
-DO go to Paris with your significant other
-DO go to Paris with your family
-DO go on an open bus tour of the city
-DO go inside Notre Dame, no matter how long the line is!
-DO have a nutella crepe
- DO try to speak French
-DO take an umbrella
-DO eat frogs legs
-DO eat escargot
-DO buy a baguette at a bakery and walk around eating it
-DO eat pastries and cakes
-DO go to mono-prix!
Ditch It!
- DON'T assume everyone speaks English
-DON'T take taxis!
-DON'T go to the Louvre during the day
-DON'T sign up for day tours
-DON'T wait more than an hour to go up the Eiffel Tower
Paris, ma ville préférée dans le monde.
Jade
