Let me begin by saying that Paris deserves more than 2 days. My last trip to Paris was around 2 weeks so I had a lot more time to experience everything in the city. I have class Monday-Thursday so, unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for as long as I wanted to this time. Paris is such a beautiful city with so much history, so you need to visit if you haven’t already. If you only have a couple of days I promise you can still see amazing things, but maybe not everything. I’m going to list out what I did for 2 days, make a little bucket list, give you some advice and teach you some manners. I’m including the bucket list so you can refer back to it when you decide to take the trip!!!
What I Did: On day one I went to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Love Lock bridge and The Pont Neuf. On day two I did The Louvre, Parks in front of The Louvre, Arc De Triumph, Champs-Élysées, Nutella Crêpes, and a place called FAVST for lunch.
My Advice:
- Tours: If you decide that you want to do a tour I would recommend the Big Bus Tour that will take you all around Paris. This bus will drop you off at popular touristy places and when you’re done exploring the area you can just hop back on. I wouldn’t plan on multiple little tours because if you do that then you won’t see most of the city. It’s better to explore on your own.
- Love Lock Bridge: Unfortunately, they had to take most of the locks off of this bridge because of weight issues. It is still a beautiful bridge and you might still catch a proposal or two, but I wouldn’t put this on the top of your list.
- Walking and cafés: Walking around and spending time in cafés are two of the best things you can do in Europe. Give yourself some time to relax and enjoy whats around you.
- Places to eat: The further you go from touristy places the cheaper it will be and the food will also be better. I ate at FAVST which was a beautiful restaurant along the river and I highly recommend it.
- Picnic: You all know picnics are my favorite!! Get a few simple things from a grab and go café and head to the Louvre for a picnic in the garden.
- Research: Do some research before you go so you can make sure you get to go to all of the places you want to see!
Manners:
- Even if you don’t speak French you should still say “Bonjour” and “Merci” to all of your servers and people who are helping you. If you don’t do this it is considered rude and they will be rude right back to you.
- Don’t assume that everyone speaks English. Learn how to say “Do you speak English?” in French and you will get major brownie points.
- When ordering at restaurants do not make your order complicated. Don’t be too picky. Order directly off the menu or ask for their “plate of the day.” The French never disappoint.
- Remember you are in their country so treat them with nothing but kindness and respect!
Bucket List:
- The Eiffel Tower
- See the Eiffel Tower light up at night
- The Louvre
- A picnic in the gardens outside of The Louvre
- Walk to the top of the Arc De Triumph (aMaZiNg ViEw)
- Notre Dame
- Walk along the river
- Big Bus Tour of Paris
- Shopping on Champs-Élysées
- Café along the river
- Love Lock Bridge
- The Pont Neuf
- Sunset at Montmartre
- Look at all of the art In Montmartre (maybe even get your portrait done)
- Musée d’Orsay
- Ladurée Macaroons
I wish I could’ve explored more, but I’m happy that I at least had the chance to spend a couple of days there. I hope you refer back to this the next time you’re headed to Paris. If you ever have questions feel free to leave them in the comments section or email me. Also, make sure you don’t leave Paris without having a Nutella crêpe!!!
With love, Melissa
