Paris France Tips and Highlights!
What an amazing time in Paris!
For me this was a dream come true trip! Years ago, I spent a grand total of a day and only saw the Louvre and Eiffel tower from the bottom. This time, I got spend almost a week in Paris and explore several amazing art museums and the catacombs. Here are my highlights and tips from my amazing trip!
The Louvre
Ahh the Louvre! I would be a horrible museum art junky if I didn’t make it to the Louvre while in Paris. This is the one place we made sure to be at early in the day, so we could spend hours exploring the galleries and not feel rushed. You can grab lunch or snacks at the cafes or restaurants inside the Louvre so really you can spend all day here and not need to leave for lunch! We didn’t eat lunch in the Louvre but did spend hours there and saw everything we wanted to see before leaving for lunch at a local cafe with amazing people watching.
If there is a specific gallery or area of interest you want to visit, make sure to check the list of open galleries by day so you don’t get disappointed when you get there; https://www.louvre.fr/en/visit/list-of-available-galleries ; also keep in mind they are closed on Tuesdays.
Cemetery
Pick one, and go! The architecture of the mausoleums is phenomenal. They way they are built, adorned, maintained, and the sculptures you will see.. amazing! They are easily accessed and Paris has some that are touristy because of sculptures or people in them; https://www.viator.com/blog/Famous-Cemeteries-in-Paris/l26380. We visited Montparnasse Cemetery while waiting for our entry into the catacombs, but no matter which one you visit, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.
Paris Aquarium
Did you know that Paris has an aquarium? I didn’t either, shouldn’t be surprised though, until I went looking for things to do that weren’t art museums. Their aquarium is on the smaller side of aquariums but they have a great selection of exhibits and the jellyfish collection is worth it. I wouldn’t necessarily make it a revisit for my next Paris trip, but totally worth it the first time! https://www.aquariumdeparis.com/
Catacombs
Honestly probably my favorite stop on this trip. The history and the dedication to make it and preserve it, it’s amazing! It’s also very elegant in it’s creation and I really wish the would have more open so you can explore more.
You have to buy your tickets ahead of time online, they do not sell them onsite; The Paris Catacombs | Official website. Totally worth it and I highly recommend it to anyone that isn’t afraid of dark close quarters and death.
Arrival Time
Not sure I would arrive at 7am again. It was a long flight with only one layover, but not being able to check into the hotel room right away for a shower and refresh meant we had to power through the day feeling a little grungy. Next time, I will plan for an afternoon arrival or an early check in option.
Arrive early at the airport
You really do need at least 3 hours at the Paris France airport, CDG, and that’s flying with express lane access bright and early in the morning. Also, do not put the passport away as they check it a lot! They checked our passport 7 times in 3 hours!
Paris Museum Pass
If you are going to hit a lot of the art museums in Paris France, think about getting the Paris Museum Pass. It can help you save money but be warned, it’s active time is measured in hours not days. This means if you purchase the 4 day, 96 hour, pass on and use it at 12:30pm on a Monday it stops being functional at 12:30pm on Friday.
Dress in Layers
If traveling in the cooler months, like December thru February, dress in layers! The streets, the subway stations (they get windy!), and the subways will be chilly. However, the museums, the cafes, the shops will be a bit warmer and it was great to be able to take layers off as we walked around the museums. I always carry a tote style purse, an ingrained habit from college and the early baby years, and it’s perfect for traveling! I can stuff my jacket, a water bottle, and snacks into it with no problem!
Enjoy your meal and time
Be prepared to sit and relax at your meals. Unlike the US, waitstaff will not rush you through a meal or have a maximum time you can spend at a table. One memorable lunch we spent a few hours nibbling at food, drinking wine, people watching, and just enjoying life. It was heavenly compared to the normal rushing-you-out, of US restaurants. You will have to ask for the check when you decide you are done.
At some point I’ll be back in Paris France, but till than I will look at my pictures and have fond memories of the time spent there.
Next up is Rome in January 2025!