Seeing all of Paris, France in one week
A Parisian Dream: Exploring the City of Lights
Paris, often hailed as the City of Lights, is a destination that captures the hearts of travelers from around the globe. Read below as I recount my journey through the iconic sights, delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious accommodations that Paris has to offer.
Paris is famously divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, each with its own character and charm. Here's a high-level overview of what each arrondissement is known for:
1st Arrondissement (Le Premier): The heart of historic Paris, home to the Louvre Museum, the Palais Royal, and the Tuileries Gardens. It's a cultural hub with upscale shopping and ancient architecture.
2nd Arrondissement (Le Deuxième): Known as the Bourse district, it houses the Paris Stock Exchange and is a business center with passages couverts (covered arcades) that are perfect for boutique shopping.
3rd Arrondissement (Le Troisième): Part of the Marais, a historic district known for its well-preserved pre-revolutionary buildings, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and the Musée Picasso.
4th Arrondissement (Le Quatrième): Also part of the Marais, featuring the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the modern Centre Pompidou, and the historic Place des Vosges.
5th Arrondissement (Le Cinquième): The Latin Quarter, a student area known for the Sorbonne University, the Panthéon, and lively streets filled with cafes, bookshops, and cinemas.
6th Arrondissement (Le Sixième): Luxurious and intellectual, home to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, famous cafes like Les Deux Magots, and Cafe de Flore, and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
7th Arrondissement (Le Septième): Distinguished by the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée Rodin, it's an area of grand boulevards and elegant architecture.
8th Arrondissement (Le Huitième): Known for the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais, and the Élysée Palace. It’s a district of opulence, major shopping streets, and iconic monuments.
9th Arrondissement (Le Neuvième): Famous for the Opéra Garnier and the Grands Boulevards area, it’s bustling with theaters, shopping galleries (like Galeries Lafayette), and the charm of old Paris.
10th Arrondissement (Le Dixième): Characterized by the Canal Saint-Martin, it’s a trendy area known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic dining, and a mix of cultures.
11th Arrondissement (Le Onzième): A hip neighborhood with a strong local vibe, known for its dining and nightlife, including Oberkampf with its bars and clubs.
12th Arrondissement (Le Douzième): Home to the Opéra Bastille, the Bois de Vincennes, and the Promenade Plantée. It’s a more residential area with green spaces.
13th Arrondissement (Le Treizième): Known for its Asian quarter, the National Library of France, and modernist architecture, it’s a blend of traditional and contemporary.
14th Arrondissement (Le Quatorzième): Characterized by the Montparnasse area, it’s known for artists’ studios, the Catacombs of Paris, and lively bistros.
15th Arrondissement (Le Quinzième): The most populous district, offering a mix of residential comfort with parks like the Parc André Citroën, and close to the Eiffel Tower.
16th Arrondissement (Le Seizième): An affluent area known for its diplomatic embassies, the Trocadéro, and museums like the Musée Marmottan Monet.
17th Arrondissement (Le Dix-Septième): A diverse district with the bustling market street Rue de Levis, the elegant Parc Monceau, and areas of emerging cool.
18th Arrondissement (Le Dix-Huitième): Famous for Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and a bohemian atmosphere with artists and nightclubs.
19th Arrondissement (Le Dix-Neuvième): Home to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, it’s a family-friendly area with cultural diversity.
20th Arrondissement (Le Vingtième): Known for the Père Lachaise Cemetery and a vibrant music scene, it’s an area of artistic flair and multicultural vibes.
Each arrondissement offers a unique slice of Parisian life, from the historical and cultural heartlands to the bustling, modern neighborhoods.
Exploring Parisian Sights
Jardin des Plantes, Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg: Amidst the hustle and bustle of Paris, the city boasts some of the most exquisite gardens. From the lush greenery of Jardin des Plantes to the regal elegance of Jardin des Tuileries and the serene atmosphere of Jardin du Luxembourg, each garden offers a tranquil escape from the urban chaos.
Museum of Natural History, Rodin Museum, Musee de Louvre, Musee de Orsay, Pantheon, Musee Carnavalet, Musee de l’Orangerie: Delve into the rich tapestry of art, history, and culture that Paris has to offer. Explore the intricate exhibits of the Museum of Natural History, followed by tea at the nearby Grand Mosquee of Paris. Marvel at the sculptural wonders of the Rodin Museum, and lose yourself in the vast collections of the Louvre and d’Orsay museums. Don't forget to pay homage to the great minds of France at the Pantheon. The Musee Carnavalet is a captivating museum dedicated to the history of Paris, housed within a magnificent 16th-century mansion in the heart of the Marais district. Musee de l’Orangerie is renowned for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including Claude Monet's renowned "Water Lilies" series, displayed in two oval rooms specially designed by the artist himself.
Top of the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower: Ascend to new heights and witness the breathtaking views of Paris from atop the Arc de Triomphe, which doesn’t get as much hype as the Eiffel Tower does, and it’s just as cool. As the sun sets, marvel at the Eiffel Tower as it illuminates the night sky, casting a mesmerizing glow over the city. Whether you visit during the day or night, the Eiffel Tower never fails to captivate with its iconic silhouette.
Champs Elysees, Palais Garnier: Take a leisurely stroll down the world-famous Champs Elysees, lined with luxury boutiques, charming cafes, and iconic landmarks. Step into the opulent world of the Palais Garnier, home to the prestigious Paris Opera, and immerse yourself in its grandeur and elegance.
Pigalle and Moulin Rouge, Montmarte and Sacre Coeur: Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Pigalle and Montmarte, where bohemian spirit and artistic flair intertwine. Experience the allure of the Moulin Rouge and ascend the cobblestone streets to Sacre Coeur, where panoramic views of Paris await. While you are still in Montmarte be sure to visit the famous ‘I love you wall’ and snap a photo.
Ile Saint-Louis, Rue Mouffetard Market, Rue de Rivoli, Marais and Picasso Museum: Indulge your senses in the culinary and cultural delights of Paris. Treat yourself to artisanal gelato on Ile Saint-Louis, wander through the bustling stalls of Rue Mouffetard Market, and explore the eclectic shops of Rue de Rivoli and the Marais. Don't miss the chance to admire the works of Picasso at the renowned Picasso Museum.
Indulging in Parisian Cuisine
Eating at Las du Fallafel, Cafe de Flore, Cafe de Paris, Siena Paris: Paris is a paradise for food lovers, offering a culinary journey like no other. Indulge in mouthwatering falafel at Las du Fallafel, savor a cup of coffee at the historic Cafe de Flore, and dine in style at the elegant Siena Paris.
Drinks at the Ritz Paris, The Hoxton Paris, Hotel Costes: Raise a glass to the good life at some of Paris's most iconic establishments. Enjoy a cocktail at the legendary Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, soak in the chic ambiance of The Hoxton Paris, and indulge in the vibrant nightlife at Hotel Costes.
Dinner at Le Bistrot Paul Bert, Septime Paris, Restaurant le Servan: Parisian cuisine is a feast for the senses, and there's no shortage of exquisite dining experiences. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Le Bistrot Paul Bert, discover culinary delights at Septime Paris, and savor innovative dishes at Restaurant le Servan.
Coffee and pastries at Carette, Tapisserie: Start your day the Parisian way with a leisurely breakfast of coffee and pastries. Enjoy the charming ambiance of Carette as you savor delicate pastries and aromatic coffee, or indulge in a cozy coffee break at Tapisserie.
La Poule au Pot, Gigi Restaurant, Girafe Paris Restaurant: Experience the art of French dining at its finest. Dine like royalty at La Poule au Pot, enjoy contemporary cuisine at Gigi Restaurant, and indulge in seafood delights at Girafe Paris Restaurant.
Experiencing Parisian Nightlife
Early June Wine Bar, Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, Rooftop at Arts et Metiers, Le Rouge Nightclub, Castel Nightclub: As the sun sets, Paris comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Sip on fine wines at Early June Wine Bar, experience old-world charm at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, and take in panoramic views from the rooftop of Arts et Metiers. Dance the night away at Le Rouge Nightclub or experience the exclusive atmosphere of Castel Nightclub.
Luxurious Accommodations in Paris
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Hoxton Hotel, Hotel de Crillon, Ritz Paris, Le Bristol Paris, Maison Proust and Spa La Mar, Hotel Costes: Indulge in the epitome of luxury and elegance with a stay at one of Paris's premier hotels. Experience timeless elegance at Hotel Plaza Athenee, chic sophistication at the Hoxton Hotel, and grandeur at the historic Hotel de Crillon and Ritz Paris. Relax and rejuvenate at Maison Proust and Spa La Mar or immerse yourself in the trendy ambiance of Hotel Costes.
Paris is more than just a city—it's a captivating mosaic of history, culture, and culinary delights waiting to be explored. As you embark on your own Parisian adventure, may each moment be filled with wonder, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Bon voyage!
