4 Things Not to Miss Your First Time In Paris
Visiting Paris for the first time is exhilarating. There’s so much to do that it’s easy to overestimate how much time you have to explore. The first thing to remember is to be realistic while planning. For example, the Louvre is enormous. If you think you’ll cover it in a day, think again because not even a week is enough time to see everything. Second, manage your expectations. Most people don’t realize the Mona Lisa is about the size of a large textbook rather than a giant canvas. Just like any other city, do some research before leaving. While spontaneity makes for grand adventures, having a reasonably sketched-out plan never hurts, especially if you have a laundry list of things you want to fit in and a budget to keep to.
These four tips might not be the most groundbreaking idea for a first-time visit to Paris, but they should be priorities. From the fascinating history to the rich culture, each recommendation has a story or carries many stories within. Going back to the Louvre, there is so much artwork and so many artifacts dating back thousands of years. You will undoubtedly come out having learned something new. The l’Orangerie in the Tuileries Gardens offers a quiet respite from the busy city with paintings that take up full walls to get lost in. From views atop the Eiffel Tower to those looking out over the city from a Basilica in the “bohemian heart of Paris,” this is much more than a simple list of four suggestions. This is a guide to start exploring each destination and its surrounding treasures.
#1: Tackle the obvious places. Especially if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, it would be criminal not to see the most notable landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées. Let’s break these down one by one.
Le Teur de Eiffel is the landmark most associated with Paris and really all of France, with a well-deserved reputation. Within the tower, there are three levels to explore. Level 1 is the largest, with an open space for walking around. Grab a bite to eat at Madame Brasserie or enjoy to-go options. Going up to Level 2, you’ll find some of the best views in Paris, along with the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Jules Verne. Both of these levels are a 360-degree experience and it’s encouraged to take the stairs built through the heart of the tower. Those averse to heights may want to stick to the elevator. Finally, grab a glass of bubbly from The Champagne Room at the top of the tower and see for miles away. It’s truly a spectacular site up this high with an indoor and outdoor space. If the Iron Lady is a non-negotiable during your visit, plan ahead and book reservations and tickets in advance. If simply admiring her is enough, grab a picnic and enjoy lunch on the Champ de Mars.
Le Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It was built in the 12th century as a fortress to protect the city before it became a residence a few hundred years later. When Louis XIV made Versailles his permanent home, the Louvre became a residence for artists under Royal Patronage and began to collect artwork. To keep this from becoming a history lesson on the French Revolution, fast-forward many years later, and it has become one of the largest collections of art in the world with representation from nearly every era and style, not to mention the vast number of historical artifacts representing cultures dating back thousands of years. The Louvre itself is a masterpiece in architecture and would be worthy of a visit even if it wasn’t filled with all of these gems. On top of the permanent collections, like any other museum, the Louvre hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions that would make excellent additions to any trip. Because of how large the Louvre is and how many collections are available, the best course of action is to find a few things you’re most interested in and visit those specific areas.
It is with great joy that Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened after the catastrophic fire in 2019. Seeing the Cathedral from the outside is spectacular in itself, given the architectural feat it no doubt took to build in the 12th century. However, anyone with a slight appreciation for historical landmarks should step inside. A tour is available once again, and tickets can be purchased online. Anyone familiar with the trek up more than 400 steps in the Cathedral towers will have to wait a little longer as they are not yet open to the public.
Finally, the Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world and connects the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Paris considers it to be the world’s most beautiful avenue and is known for luxury shopping, nightlife, and more. Several Michelin-starred restaurants are located along the Champs-Élysées, and many festivals occur year-round. Start at the Arc de Triomphe, a monument honoring those who fought in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Take the steps up to the terrace for spectacular views from up top, then go down the avenue to Place de la Concorde for the whole experience.
#2: Make a trip to Versailles (but only if you have a day to spare). Located about 45-60 minutes outside of Paris, Versailles is the most famous chateau in France. Versailles has seen a lot of wealth and strife and was almost destroyed during the French Revolution. Greed and privilege built this palace, but anger and desperation nearly destroyed it. It’s since become a treasured piece of French history and has been home to several significant political moments, including the Treaty of Versailles. Besides having a long history, Versailles is simply magnificent. The Hall of Mirrors feels almost surreal as you walk through; the royal apartments (bedrooms) are larger than many city condos, and the grounds alone are breathtaking. Let’s also not forget the Petit Trianon, designed and built especially for Marie Antoinette.
#3: Visit Montmartre and Le Sacré-Cœur. It’s our professional opinion that the best views in Paris are looking down on the city from Montmartre. This neighborhood has been home to some of the most famous artists and intellectuals, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and more. Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret known for its red windmill, is located in Montmartre, and it has a history steeped in the artist community at the turn of the 20th century, particularly with Toulouse-Lautrec. Another spot called Au Lapin Agile is a less theatrical representation of cabaret but also has a deep history with the artist community going back more than 150 years. All we’re saying is don’t be surprised to see a priceless piece of art decorating the walls inside. While Montmartre may be considered the “bohemian soul of Paris,” it’s also known for Le Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. The steps to the Sacré-Cœur at the top are challenging but worth the journey (or you can just take the funicular). This is where you will experience some of the most breathtaking views of Paris.
#4: Take a walk through the Tuileries Gardens. Paris has many beautiful gardens and hidden green spaces, but if you had to choose just one, don’t miss the Tuileries Gardens. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries were originally created for Catherine de’ Medici. They are serene yet full of life and a popular spot for locals and tourists. Statues crafted by famous artists like Rodin are one of the garden’s most famous features along with pools, fountains, and endless landscaping. The Tuileries are perfect for a quiet afternoon walk or conversation catching up with friends. In the summertime, there is a festival in the gardens with a Merry-go-round and vendors. Planning a trip soon? The Ferris Wheel is back through early 2025!
Hidden in the gardens is the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s Water Lily paintings. The l’Orangerie features mostly Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings from Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne, among others. The oval-shaped rooms that hold the Water Lilies are truly spectacular. The rooms are quiet by request, and it’s easy to get lost in the masterpieces. It’s a lovely place to sit and let your mind wander.
