Life rarely sleeps in the capital city of France- Paris. The City of Lovers or the City of Lights, the city of Paris is exceptional for it’s not two but a multitude of attractions that leave each & every visitor bizarre. The aura of the city is such that the visitors are left spell bound. The city is so rich in its exotic & prized possessions that it becomes difficult to explore the entire city within a few days.

Let’s start your visit!

Day 1

The Eiffel Tower

This icon of Paris is located at Eiffel Tower Champs de Mars. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1899 and was originally supposed to be a temporary symbol for the 1899 World’s Fair. If you really want to be “wowed” by this structure, visit it in the evening, as the lights of Paris are a breath taking view from the top floor. The tower includes restaurants and shopping. Tickets to the second floor and the top floor can be purchased at the information office at the base of the tower. Expect to wait for the elevator and expect to be a little confused by its configuration. Even with these slight inconveniences, a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the magnificent Paris icon – the Eiffel Tower.

The Louvre Museum

Your next stop in Paris should be the Museé du Louvre. You may want to plan to visit the Louvre more than once during your trip, as it is impossible to see the entire 30,000 piece collection in the world’s largest museum. Once inside the museum, be sure to stop at the information desk first to pick up a free map and to get the schedule of the 90 minute guided tours being offered that day. The museum can be confusing even with the map and a guided tour is recommended. The Louvre is broken up into three wings: Richelieu, Sully and Denon. Within these three wings, the museum is then divided into nine collections: the History of the Louvre and Medieval Louvre, Oriental Antiquities, Arts os Islam, Egyptian Antiquities, Sculptures, Objects d’art, Paintings, Prints and Drawings, and Arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Photography is allowed at the museum so don’t forget your camera.

The Tuileries and Carrousel Gardens

The Carrousel and Tuileries Gardens are veritable open-air sculpture museums: 20 sculptures by Aristide Maillol are on view in the Carrousel Garden, and, in the Tuileries, you may admire over 200 exceptional statues and vases, dating from the 17th to the 21st century.

Day 2

The Notre Dame Cathedrale

located at 6 place du Parvis Notre-Dame. The Cathedrale Notre-Dame was built in 1163 but was not completed until the 14 th century. This is a very historical sight in Paris. Napoleon crowned himself emperor here and General de Gaulle gave thanks here when the Germans freed Paris. One thing to be wary of is that the Cathedrale is under restoration construction and part of it may be unobservable.

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur

located at 35, rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre. The main reason for visiting this church that sits atop a large hill just past Montmarte’s main square is to take in the amazing view of Paris that this location offers. While in the area be sure to walk around the streets of Montmartre’s Place du Tertre. It is almost as if this area has been frozen in time and remains very similar to the time when Van Gogh resided here.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist masterpieces. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, Orsay Musuem has become one of Paris’s most popular museums

Day 3

Arch Of Triupmh

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, is the world’s largest triumphal arch. It forms the backdrop for an remarkable urban collection in Paris. The monument surmounts the hill of Chaillot at the center of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. It is the pinnacle of a vista seen the length of the Champs Elysées from the smaller Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in the Tuileries gardens, and from the Obélisque de Luxor in the place de la Concorde.

Pont Neuf

The Pont Neuf is also Paris’s best known bridge and together with the Pont Alexandre III, one of its most beautiful.

The Champs Elysees

The Champs Elysees is a famous stretch of road that goes through the center of Paris. It starts at the Arc de Triomphe and goes outward to the Place de la Concorde and is lined with shops, cafes, and 5 star hotels. Bring comfortable shoes since you’ll want to walk down this avenue to get the full experience. Christmas and New Years are favorite times to visit the Champs Elysees for the lights and hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Day 4

The Seine river

The Seine river winds through the center of Paris. Taking one of the available river cruises is a popular way to see the many sights of Paris. Take a cruise at night to see the lights of Paris – it’s a whole different cruise to see the city at night.
It’s also fun to walk along the banks of the Seine river. Among all the popular buildings, art, and monuments, you’ll find small stands where people sell tourist items and Paris memorabilia.

The Chateau of Versailles

Take a short train ride to Versailles to visit the Chateau of Versailles, one of the largest castles in the world and home to the King. The Chateau de Versailles has more than 700 rooms, 1250 fireplaces, 2000 windows, 67 staircases, and over 1,800 acres of gardens. It is a magnificent home which has now been transformed into a museum. You can take a tour of the castle or walk the grounds yourself. There are also restaurants and outdoor restrooms available for tourists.

Day 5

Flower Market

Flower Market in Ille de la Cite — There is no better way to make your home feel like yours than with fresh flowers purchased along the Seine.

Opera

Visit one of the grand opera houses even if you don’t like Opera. The grandeur and people watching in the Bastille and Garnier are wonderful stories you can bring back home.

Tea Time

England is famous for tea but a Parisian Tea Salon is an experience. Visit the Angelina or Bertillion and experience true tea time grandeur not a soggy watercress sandwich.

When vacationing in Paris, stay at Le Meridien Etoile set on the Seine River, a stones throw from the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. This hotel features elegant rooms, fantastic room service, and the best location in Paris. These five attractions are only a small sampling of the variety of fun, interesting, and culturally educating things to do while in Paris.