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Travel Spotlight: Paris, France

1/2/2018 (images taken 11/26/2016)

The land of the baguettes, macarons, the Eiffel Tower, and stunning museums. The place where the language spoken sounds just as romantic and eloquent as the architecture of the city. Walking through the streets, every building corner seems to drip in history. For many people, Paris is the top destination for visitors, honeymooners, families, and travelers alike.

It conjures up images of couples strolling along The Seine River, or sitting in an outdoor patio of a cafe. The slow, steady pace of life allows residents’ living there to enjoy every minute going about their day. For those first time travelers to Paris, it can get overwhelming. Where do we go first? What is there to do? How can we visit all of the places we wanted to go within a short span of time? Questions will constantly arise before you arrive.

Where to go:

– To start, Paris is a very walkable city. Imagine New York City but on a smaller and less condense size. There are restaurants and eateries dotted along every street with French cuisine specialty, so you will never be hungry.

– If you prefer not to walk, the easiest way to get around the city is by taking the Metro (Metro de Paris). It is ridiculous easy to navigate, just don’t throw away your ticket or else you will have to deal with the Metro Police, charging you huge fines! You can buy tickets at any newspapers stands. However one word of warning is that the metro closes fairly early at night.

– For most people when they visit Paris, they immediately think of visiting the Eiffel Tower or other huge touristy attraction sites. While that is equally exciting, you will not get to see the real Paris until you have visited the “off beatened path”. This includes scheduling out time to visit inside the Louvre, Versailles, taking a stroll along the Seine, visit the Musee d’Orsay, or the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

– Priortize on how much time you are going to be spending at each sight, each day to ensure you get the maximum experience. You don’t want to miss out on a place you really wanted to visit just because you spent too much time at the Louvre.

What to eat:

– Paris is one of the cities best known for their baguettes, croissants, and breakfast food. Parisian breakfast is generally very light; however enjoying a brunch on a balcony or terrace in Paris is the ultimate bucket list for many.

– Savour your food every meal! The French generally take their food preparations and meals with leisure. Order food locally to get the authentic French dining experience.

– You can also experience authentic cuisine by buying local hand-made bread and fresh produce from local markets. They are all over the city and you don’t have to spend a fortune from constantly eating at restaurants.

Where to stay:

– Generally avoid places and neighborhoods too far outside of Paris. The farther away you go from the city, the more likely you will encounter areas not as developed or populated.

– Like any metropolitan city, staying at internationally known hotel chains in downtown can be expensive. However neighborhoods such as Montmartre, Saint-German-des-Pres, or Belleville are a few good options, particularly if you decide to choose to stay in an Airbnb or hostel. The neighborhoods are nice, charming, and quiet and few of them are great locations for eating and drinking.

Other:

– The best time to visit Paris is around the Fall season, where temperatures are crisp and cool. You need a jacket; however weather around that time is stable and mild before the blast of winter arrives.

Please visit these sites, Travelocity, as well as Airbnb to help you book your flight, lodging, and trip!

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