Travel Diaries: Paris 2019
To conclude my 2019 travel diaries, I want to reminisce on the most romantic and artistic city of all time: Paris. Paris has my heart because everything about the city embodies romanticism, independence, and genuine class. You will definitely have to brush up on your french to navigate your way around Paris. While strolling the arcades of Paris, you will feel like a true native parisian.
From Barcelona, we had a flight booked to Paris. My family and I stayed in an Airbnb apartment located in the 15th arrondissement, a district in Paris known for its eclectic residential area where quaint shops around La Motte Grenelle metro station give way to the Tour Montparnasse skyscraper. We stayed on the street rue des entrepreneurs in a charming, cozy apartment with actual French Doors that opened up to a small balcony where you can admire the early morning streets full of boulangeries, cafes and florists. Paris is truly a magical city full of magnetism and appeal, as usual here are some of my top recommendations to visit in Paris.
Top Places to Visit in Paris:
The Louvre- is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France, and is best known for being the home of the Mona Lisa. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement.
Champs-Élysées- The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. It houses the world’s greatest fashion houses, or maisons such as luxury French designer: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, and Chanel.
Arc de Triumph- is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, France, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle. It is behind a busy round-about, so be careful when crossing the street! Make sure you catch a quick picture!
Eiffel Tower- in order to really say you’ve visited Paris, you must visit its iconic landmark the Eiffel Tower. I recommend seeing the tower at the viewpoint along the River Seine (it’s less crowded and perfect for the photo-op).
Palace of Versailles- was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. It is located in the department of Yvelines, in the region of Île-de-France. You will explore the glamour, grandiosity and splendor of the palace, and Marie Antoinette’s “modest” cottage (“them eat cake” am I right?).
Notre Dame- unfortunately, the cathedral was closed due to the fire that burned much of the church that same year a few months before. However, the facades were fortunately still intact and I was grateful to still see the beauty of great spiritual and historical architecture.
Paris Metro- The Paris Métro is a rapid transit system in the Paris metropolitan area, France. A symbol of the city, it is known for its density within the city limits, uniform architecture and unique entrances influenced by Art Nouveau. Like most of my previous travels, I used public transportation as my primary mode of transport because it is easy, quick and affordable. Nonetheless, the Paris Metro has a swift underground train system just make sure you know where to entre and sortie.
Disneyland Paris- Europe’s happiest place on Earth (even though this park has a long history of controversy)! It’s been a low-key goal of mine to visit all the Disneyland’s in the world, and I had a terrific time at this park. It certainly was magical and it was more quaint and quiet compared to any of the theme parks back in the U.S.
Ladurée- is a French luxury bakery and sweets maker house created in 1862. It is one of the world's best-known premier sellers of the double-decker macaron, 15,000 of which are sold every day. This will satisfy any sweet tooth (even one that is as strong as Marie Antoinette’s).
I am definitely planning return to Paris soon because there was so much of the city that I did not see. Next time, I will plan to visit Montmartre which is home to the Moulin Rouge and birthplace of the bohemian art movement. Paris is city that will capture your heart for sure!
