Travel Guide: Exploring the Fantastic Places in Paris

For me, the first impression of France is romantic, as people will make marriage proposals or take some wedding photos under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Also, Paris is well-known as the city of love based on the reflection of the majority of travelers. In this article, I will show you some places and iconic traditional foods throughout the whole of France.

How to get to Paris?

There are three main airports in Paris. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), and Beauvais Airport.

International Airport

CDG and ORY are the main international airports that are well connected to the city center from North-East and South. Here I will mainly discuss the routine starting at CDG and Beauvais Airport to the city center.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

CSG is located in Roissy-en-France and famous for international flights. Some amenities such as a prayer room, a phone-charging spot, and free Wi-Fi are increasingly competitive as they take care of different religions.

CDG Airport Buses

Airport Buses are a good idea for a group of families. However, it is not the most convenient. You need to take around 80 mins and a limited number of bus stops. Undoubtedly, it is one of the cheapest options, which costs around 6€ to 11.5€. If your children are under 4 years old, that would be great! They are totally free on this journey. On the other hand, the advantages of buses are that they provide night bus line (N140 and N143) services compared to trains.

CDG Airport trains

If you are worried about the security of the luggage, the trains are fit for you! You can take a look at your belongings all the time and reduce the risk. The RER B Train operates every 10 to 20 mins regularly. Moreover, the price is relatively cheaper and just costs  10.3€ and 11.4€ per adult if they purchase in-person and online respectively. For children who are between 4 to 9, they cost 7€ per trip. Usually, you can get to your destination within an hour, which is really amazing to begin with the journey.

Beauvais Airport

If you are looking for a budget airline, Beauvais Airport will be your landing place, which is located in Tillé. A big disadvantage of this airport is that it is a bit far from the city center, so you need to spend much more time on transportation. However, a single journey ticket costs 17€ and the duration will take around 70 mins. It is also not the best way to do airport transfers or taxi as the costs are relatively high (at least over 100€). Meanwhile, you need to take a taxi to the nearest train station in around 15 mins. Therefore, don’t be adopted this way unless you have got plenty of time.

Where should I stay in Paris?

Accommodation is one of the elements that you should not miss as it can fully protect your belongings and for safety reasons. Here I will point out some safe and dangerous things which are welcoming and prevent travelers from staying. Moreover, it is best if they can communicate with their familiar friends who are French or living in the district nearby.

Places to See

If you are a single or couple of travelers, I would recommend booking a hotel instead of some Airbnb or self-service apartment.

Saint Germain

Saint Germain, which is located on the 6th Arrondissement and on the left bank of the Seine. If you are coming as a family, Saint Germain would be a great place to stay as there are loads of restaurants and tourist attractions surrounding it, which means it is not quite at night. Also, this district aims for high-class products, so visitors do not need to worry about public security.

Place to Avoid

The Heart

Undoubtedly, you MUST avoid the 1st Arrondissement (The Heart of Paris). Although this district has loads of tourists, the risk of pocket pickers is highly increased. Moreover, some illegal sellers are going to approach you in different ways. I do not recommend any visitors to book accommodation within this district.

Tourist Attractions

If you love architecture, why not have a walk to Effiel Tower and the Musée du Louvre?

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower is one of the iconic attractions that visitors MUST visit. It was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel in 1889. Another amazing fact about the tower is it reached 324 meters in height, which is also one of the world’s tallest buildings. Also, you can reach the top by two methods: climb the stairs or take the elevators.

Ticket Prices

These are two different prices if you are going to access the summit and 2nd floor.

Ticket With Access to 2nd Floor (By Lift)

• Adult: 16.7€
• Young: 8.4€
• Children & Disabled: 4.2€

Ticket With Access to Summit (By Lift)

• Adult: 26.1€
• Young: 13.1€
• Children & Disabled: 6.6€

(Remember! You can only buy up to 9 tickets each booking and the re-opening time is 16 July)

How To Get To Eiffel Tower?

• Metro: Line 6, 8 & 9
• RER: Line C
• Bus: Line 42 & 82
• Boat: Batobus Tour Eiffel

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Musée du Louvre

Musée du Louvre is a memorable museum for me based on the design and exhibition methods. It was constructed with a glass pyramid in 1989 and included 8 different departments with an incredible history of different countries. Also, I guess the main reason for visitors is going to view the well-known art, The Mona Lisa. Although it is not a big piece of art (just A2 size), crowds of people surrounding and taking the best angle of photos. Moreover, it includes around 66% of French art.

Ticket Prices

• Adult: 17€
• 18 to 25 years old who lived in the European Economic Area: Free
• Under 18: Free

Here is the link that connects to the official website. Check it out to purchase your tickets and find out more information.

How To Get To Musée du Louvre?

• Metro: Pyramides (Line 14), Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 67)
• Bus: No. 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95
• Batobus:  Louvre stop, Quai François-Mitterrand

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Catacombs of Paris

Catacombs of Paris, which was found in 1777 by Louis XVI, and is now an underground attraction in Paris. If you see the picture, all the bones are used as real ones to show the reality of the past. Moreover, you need to take 131 steps to go down and climb up for 112 steps. If your family includes the elderly, it would be a small challenge. Meanwhile, the duration is not too long, which just needs around an hour to walk for 1.5 km. Another thing is that the temperature is kept at 14 degrees approximately, which is really cool inside.

Ticket Prices

Online Ticket (Book in advance)

• Full rate: 29€
• Reduced rate: 27€
• Child ticket (4-17 years old): 5€

(REMEMBER! Full and reduced rates are included audioguide)

Last Mins Ticket

• Full rate: 14€
• Reduced rate: 12€
• Child (under 18 years old): Free
• Audio (German, English, French & Spanish): 5€

(REMEMBER! All time slots are limited and you can either online or on the desk.)

Combined Ticket

• Full rate: 17€ per each
• Reduced rate: 15€ per each

(REMEMBER! You can ONLY purchase these tickets at the Catacombs ticket window and the validity of the dual ticket is 4 days.)

Tips

Regarding the reduced rate and free admission, you need to provide a valid ID. Further information can be checked out this.

How to get to Catacombs of Paris

• Metro: Cité ou Saint-Michel (line 4)
• RER: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
• Bus: No. 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85 & 96

Address: 7, place Jean-Paul-II – Parvis Notre-Dame – 75004 Paris

Traditional Food

If we are traveling, traditional food is one of the significant elements that we can not miss. Food culture can reflect the hidden history and society. Especially in France, their iconic food is now selling all around the world.

Soupe à l’oignon

Soupe à l’oignon is a traditional French onion soup found in the 18th century which is made from onion and beef broth. Usually, it is served with a small piece of bread and melted cheese on top.

Croissant

I guess everyone should know about croissants. Although it originated in Austria, it also has a strong association with France. And croissant became the French national food in 1920, which means it is standing in a significant position. Nowadays, some restaurants or bakeries might add more flavors, such as scrambled eggs and ham & cheese.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille, another iconic dish that originated from the Basque region of Spain. Compared to the original recipe, the latest one is more popular in the modern world and it was invented by France. Moreover, the main ingredients include tomatoes, aubergine, courgette, and whatever you want to add on. Some chefs are still arguing about whether to cook it before going into the oven. But yeah, it just depends on the steps. The outcomes are kept above high standards.

Escargots de bourgogne

Escargots de Bourgogne, which originated from the French region of Burgundy. I guess Roman snail is another term that is easy to remember the real name “Burgundy snail”. Discussing the ingredients, it is cooked with Burgundy snails, butter, garlic, and parsley. Now you can find it in different restaurants around France. And now, you can buy it as a frozen version to enjoy this delicious dish anywhere.

Restaurant

After exploring the traditional food, I would recommend some traditional restaurants that the locals and visitors MUST go to based on the atmosphere and quality of food. Below I will share some of them that I have tried before and have also got a high reputation among the locals and visitors.

Bouillon Chartier

Bouillon Chartier is a traditional restaurant that was established around 1860 by an ex-butcher called Alexandre Duval. This restaurant is open 365 days a year at an affordable price. When you are in the queue, you can pay just 1€ to enjoy “Verre de Sangria”, which is like hot wine. When you get inside, the design is elegant and comfortable to enjoy your dining time. Escargots de bourgogne, Confit de canard and profiterole are recommended to try.

How to get to Bouillon Chartier?

• Metro: Line 8 & 9
• Bus: Line 74 & 48
• Train: Line L

Address: 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre | 75009 Paris

le Relais de l’Entrecôte

le Relais de l’Entrecôte is a simple stakehouse that opened in 1959 and only serves steak and fries as it is the only main dish. But now, it is opening another branch in London (Marylebone, Soho & City), Mexico City, and New York Town, which reflects their reputation and quality is quite good. Moreover, don’t be afraid that the meal isn’t enough for you. The server will refill half of the steak and fries for you as well, to ensure that you are fully enjoying the dining.

How to get to le Relais de l’Entrecôte?

As there are several branches across Paris, I will put those addresses there and the nearest station in it.

le Relais de l’Entrecôte

• Address: 101 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, France (Metro: Vavin Line 4)
• Address: 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France (Metro: Saint-Germain des Prés Line 4)
• Address: 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris, France (Metro: George V Line 1)

le Relais de l’Entrecote son entrecôte

• Address: 271 Boulevard Pereire, 75017 Paris, France (RER C Porte Maillot)

Ladurée

If you are traveling to France, Macaron is one of the desserts that you MUST eat. Ladurée sells various flavors of macarons, such as pistachio, vanilla, or earl grey are their iconic and proficient flavors, selling years by years. Moreover, Ladurée became one of the largest chains of luxury bakeries with 100 stores in over 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and so on. NO WORRIES! I have tried several brands and the quality is getting the same. Therefore, you can try the branches first if you are living in those countries.

How to get to Ladurée Flagship?

• Metro: line 1 (George V)

Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

Conclusion

In sum, Paris is an amazing city that you should go to at least ONCE. Whether you have got enough knowledge about this romantic city, most of you can find out the history of the development of France. Moreover, their historical buildings and decent tourist attractions are incredible and memorable. Also, their traditional dishes reflect how the citizens enjoy their lives. Although parts of dishes do not originate in France, they also become the national food if the conveyors make some changes to them. Discussing with the security, some districts are extremely dangerous and avoid staying for a longer time.