What you need to know for the City of Lights-Paris

Paris is the city of lights as well as organized chaos. Everything is working, but you can’t figure out how. Granted, this is solely from my perspective, but, I was truly amazed how there were so many different cultures doing their own thing and yet the people who worked at the museums and attractions seem to make sure everyone’s needs were met. You are probably thinking, “Well, doesn’t that happen in most tourist areas around the world?” Yes and No. Most of the time, the lines are just mobs of people, each with their own personal bubble space and agenda and yet all their needs were managed quickly in these line mobs.

1. The Louvre museum is Ginormous. Make a plan! You should decided what you would like to see the most and try to see those exhibits first. You can easily spend three days looking at everything in the Louvre. Also, I must caution you on gazing upon the Mona Lisa and attempting to obtain a picture. It is a mosh pit. Took an elbow in the cheek for this picture of the Mona Lisa below. So be prepared to possibly wrestle for a picture of the women with a secret smile.

2. The Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier) is a Must! Absolutely, beautiful on the inside! We even got to peak in through the glass doors to watch the ballet dancers practice. I am a fan of Phantom of the Opera, so this made my trip.

3. Palace of Versailles is Beautiful and can be overwhelming. You can easily spend 2 days there. Day 1 would be spent just visiting Versailles and Day 2 would be spent at Trianon Palaces and the Estate of Marie Antoinette. However, it is possible to see it all in one day.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral was another love of mine during my trip. The Cathedral was breath-taking and worth seeing in person.

5. Crepes! Eat tons and tons of crepes. I had sweet crepes and savory crepes. All of it was wonderful. Also, make sure you get your fill with Macaroons. Both taste better eating in Paris, Fact. Totally fact check this, you got to believe me.

6. Arc De Triomphe is worth seeing as well. Walking there is great because you can soak up your surroundings, such as the western end of the avenue des Champs-Élysées.

7. Seine River Cruises in Paris is a good way to see the city if you are short on time.

8. Disneyland. Before you roll your eyes and think, “You can do this in the United States”, please remember, the rides are more exciting since they are speaking in French instead of English. It makes some of the scarier rides more thrilling, such as Tower of Terror. Of course if my language skills were up to par and I could understand French properly, this would not be an issue. However, if I spoke French properly it would not have been as exciting.

9. A couple of things I wish I saw but did not have time: Paris Catacombs, Moulin Rouge and Musée d’Orsay.