Following our escapade in Normandy we returned to Paris for a few days. It was our third visit (in 15 years mind you) so much of this was just to go back to familiar haunts and get some fresh pictures of our favorites including the Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Pantheon, Sacré-Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, and of course the Eiffel Tower.
We walked over 10 miles a day doing well over 20,000 steps but despite our sore feet just immersed ourselves in the city and its bridges and quaint little environs. We even made it out to Versailles and the Château of Vincennes and enjoyed a river cruise on our last night. Not bad for 3 days, talk about power traveling!
Roaming around on foot is an excellent way to explore Paris and discover new areas, lovely parks and quiet squares. Immersing ourselves in the city life, enjoying a savory meal or a delicious pastry with a steaming cup of coffee are some of our most favorite moments.
Many good restaurants can be found in Paris, but some can be very pricey. It’s not necessary to overspend at a restaurant because many brasseries and cafes offer excellent French dishes for a reasonable price. Montmartre, St-Germain-des-Prés and the Marais areas are lined with charming restaurants with lovely terraces. And some have been serving patrons for decades if not centuries!
Paris has changed a lot since our first visit and this was even more evident on the Champs-Elysées. The plush area has lost its Parisian vibe; fancy hotels and restaurants are lost among a sea of average places and chains. We used many of our travel points to stay on the Champs-Elysées but unfortunately the service wasn’t what one would expect of a 5-star hotel.
For a more authentic feel, we would suggest staying in the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Luxembourg areas. If staying in the heart of the city isn’t that important to you, Montmartre would also be an option. It’s a lovely lively area and home of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Paris has an efficient public transportation service, which makes getting around easy and affordable.
There is so much more to see and do in the City of Lights. We hope to return someday, even if it’s only for a few hours…during a long layover perhaps!
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