Monday, 26 February 2018

A Weekend in Paris: The Sights

Ahhh Paris, let me take you on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful city...


This is the last in my series of Paris posts (crying emoji). I've taken you to the majestic Versailles, waffled on about how I wish I was French and pretended to be a bit of an art boffin. This time get lost in the city with me as we check out the sights!

Paris is a city that's all about sight-seeing. Every corner you turn you're delighted with a new view that you've seen stamped on black and white postcards or in the pages of fashion magazines - it sometimes feels like you've just stepped into a film. So many of the spots have been admired for so long that they really should be cliche by now, but I can promise you they're not. Every stop is wonderfully romantic and charming in itself. It's just a place to fall in love with.

We arrived in the evening and as soon as we'd dumped our bags we decided to get lost along the moonlit streets.


We strolled out under the stars into the magical atmosphere of Paris at night. Notre Dame wasn't far and the medieval cathedral is kind of enchanting. Lit up at night you can see all of the intricate details and all of the elaborate carvings of the gothic structure.


We then wandered along the banks of the Seine. Just don't forget to look back and enjoy the spellbinding view. Pause for a minute and watch the restaurant boats float by and imagine the love stories that are bring written that very moment.

When daylight comes you have to head to Montmartre!


This has to be one of my favourite areas. It's a little bit away from the centre and all of the hustle and bustle. It's just a little quaint french bubble to get lost in and it feels like it's a little place all on its own. You've got to just embrace it and accept all its adorableness! The area is named after the hill which stands tall above the city and once you've climbed up all the steps you can see for miles over the whole city. Grab a spot and point out all the sights that you can see. The atmosphere is contagious and you just feel like you want to join in and get carried away in the whirlwind of Paris. Once you've finished gazing at the view get lost wandering around the lively, cobbled streets.

The area is filled with lots of cafes and bars and you can't walk far without being tempted by a wine stop.


My favourite thing about France is how all of the cafes are set up for people-watching - my favourite holiday hobby. There's nothing better then sipping a chilled glass of French white wine and watching the world go by. It's a really buzzy spot and as you taste all the wines on offer you can watch the buskers, street artists and general french entertainers. Just keep your glass filled up and you can lose hours...


Before the wine takes too much of a hold don't forget to visit the Sacre Coeur that sits at the top of the hill.


'The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris' is a beautiful church that almost takes your breath away. From its doors you can see all over the city. It looks so majestic watching over Paris and standing tall against a beautiful blue sky.

I adore how all the architecture is just stylishly french. I love the quaint shutters, the wrought iron railings and the tall french windows - home goals. It is just such a pretty city and so charming. I would love to throw open the shutters every morning and greet the Eiffel Tower with a croissant in hand. One can dream.


The following day we actually stumbled upon the Arc de Triomphe after walking off a long Parisian lunch. We were delighted to find a complete fanfare going on. Crowds had gathered, military-dressed French men lined up on horses and the audience cheered as dignitaries arrived, waving to them. Again, the amazing city had surprised us at another turn.


The famous Arc honours those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic War and the grand monument stands proud at the end of the Champs Elysees. It really is an iconic structure and a typical stop on the sight-seeing tour of Paris. It was just lovely that we got to see it surrounded by all of the excitement!

Last, but certainly not least, the most famous sight in Paris - the Eiffel Tower!


You simply can't go to the city of romance and miss out the Eiffel Tower and it's almost always in sight. You can go up to the top but I just quite looking up admiring the structure. Gazing up through the wrought iron lattice the criss-cross pattern is almost mesmerising. Built between 1887 - 1889 it's a cultural icon. It was originally condemned as an 'eye sore', but since then it has become pretty beloved, even if it it just by the tourists. Fun fact - it was originally intended for Barcelona!


Just make sure you see it glittering at night as well! It comes to life once the sun has set adds a touch of magic to the night sky. There's no better way to finish a trip in the city of love.


Paris I'm just a little bit in love and can't wait to go back!

x x x


1 comment:

  1. I’m desperate to get back to Paris - absolutely adored it when I went in August

    Sarah || ThoseStarsthatshine.co.uk

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