You have found time on your agenda to finally cross over the Channel to discover the City of Lights over an upcoming weekend. But there is so much to see in the French capital that it can be difficult to choose the activities to make the most out of the few days you will stay there. In this article, we will feature some of the most important locations to visit, but also a few of the hidden jewels that Paris has to offer. Up to you to decide which to fit into your schedule.
Getting to Paris
There is no point arriving in Paris already strained from transportation. Therefore, choose the most relaxing way to travel, which is to book train tickets from London to Paris. In close to two hours, you will arrive in the center of the city, having left from London St Pancras International station. You will have saved time by not having to reach one of the many London airports and waiting to get on a plane, and you won’t have to travel some more to arrive in Paris from one of the French airports. Most importantly, you will have spent time in a relaxing environment with lots of legroom, knowing that your choice is environmentally friendly.
Must-See
If you included all the must-see locations in Paris in one article, it would be a long one. So here are the top must-sees, some of the usual suspects that you will ultimately have to choose from if you only spend a weekend in the city.
- The Eiffel Tower – It is impossible to skip a visit to the Eiffel Tower while in Paris. If you don’t want to spend too much time, at least stroll the alleys of the Champ-de-Mars where it is located and take a few pictures.
- The Louvre Museum – Although it is one of the world’s most famous museums and it features the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, you may decide to skip this one, as it can take days to visit. But if you don’t plan to be back soon, take a half-day and choose the work of art you would like to see.
- The Champs-Elysées – It is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, which you don’t want to miss, even if you plan on spending little. There, you will cross famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe.
Hidden Jewels
When you are in a city like Paris, hidden jewels are what would be must-sees in other locations around the world. The ones below are therefore somewhat famous, but much less visited than the ones on the prior list.
- The Palais Garnier – There is nothing as exceptional in Paris, in terms of architecture and pure beauty, as this opulent and ornate opera house. Although its exterior is worth passing by, you would definitely benefit from touring its interior.
- The Canal St. Martin – On a beautiful day, there is nothing like enjoying a walk in this charming canal neighborhood filled with trendy cafés and boutiques.
- The Musée de l’Orangerie – This museum is famous for its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. If that is something you enjoy, then you must go and see Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series.
