Ah, how to begin?
Paris, for me, is such an enigmatic and magical city that it took me a couple of times to appreciate its intricacy and elaborateness.
The thing about Paris is, because it is quite possibly the most famous city in the world, a holiday here can so brilliantly be magnificent or horridly distasteful – in a split second! For simplicity’s sake, I’m going to kick this off with a short reminder that Paris is a gigantic city. With this said, it is not always going to be pristine.
There may be a sliver of litter and pet droppings here and there so watch your step! You may also experience random whiffs of unpleasant smell. I definitely experienced that while taking the subway where the tunnel breeze will most likely carry along horrible scents. Beggars can also be con artists and I personally had a first-hand experience of my iPhone being stolen after offering a beggar food. Thus, I emphasize on the fact that pickpockets are everywhere. I was strolling around with no handbag and I still somehow became a target.
Be aware of your surroundings, always.
Style Details
Culottes & Top | TOPSHOP
Coat | ZARA
Shoes | MIA
Sunglasses | CÉLINE
Paris is frequented by every kind of jetsetter all around the world and the place can easily be overcrowded. I personally feel that the best season to travel here is either in spring or fall, when it’s not yet too hot or too cold. I recommend avoiding the months of June to August. There is also that story that most Parisians are rude. But truthfully, if you live in a city with millions of locals and tourists trying to contrive, you will get a mix of cheerful and disgruntled folks. Still and all, it is a magnanimous place.
Since my sojourn here, I’ve vowed and pledged to only do my shopping once a year on the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysées or the ever so classy Avenue Montaigne, following a quick detour to the Arc de Triomphe. My rambles in Paris have taught me to no longer keep up with fads and instead focus on what will be elegant now and forever.
A walk from Avenue des Champs-Elysées unto to the Seine all the way to the Trocadero will get you to the most perfect spot to take some snaps of the most mythical tower in the world. For obvious reasons, it is an absolute essential to witness the Eiffel Tower and the iconic ‘Parisian Lights’ that glitters up a storm every hour on the hour. Paris is so beautiful with it being lit up at night. Make the time to walk around at night. I assure you that if you like the city during the daytime, Paris will capture you again in the evening.
The Louvre is also not to be missed. For the sake of the exquisite antiquity of the yesteryears and its poetic ingenuity, I am quite convinced that there is no greater works of art possibly known to man than those contained in this institution. For the benefit of those who favor latter-day objects of art, I highly recommend the Musée d’Orsay.
Finally, right before your journey ends, wander around the village of Montmartre and end your trip with the most quintessential Parisian sunset by the highest point of Paris – in the dramatic terrace steps of the gorgeous, white-domed, Sacre Coeur.
Without a doubt your travels will end leaving you feeling inspired to come back and retrace your steps in this majestic and sublime city.
The Louvre | 75001 Paris, France | +33 1 40 20 50 50