Oh Paris, the city of love. Many of us think of romantic love stories from the movies we watched or books that we read when we hear or think of the city of Paris. I was super excited when we finally arrived and couldn't wait to see what the city has to offer!
Paris, France.
Oh Paris, the city of love that many people around the world dream of visiting. It's actually one of the most visited cities in the world and I can totally see why. There's so much to see and it's a city that you can visit time after time and still discover new places. Although this was my first time ever, I already know I will be back in no time.
Oh Paris, the city of love that many people around the world dream of visiting. It's actually one of the most visited cities in the world and I can totally see why. There's so much to see and it's a city that you can visit time after time and still discover new places. Although this was my first time ever, I already know I will be back in no time.
Let the Parisian adventure commence. We arrived in Paris in the late afternoon. After settling down we met with everyone in the nearby restaurant for our included dinner. I met my roommate who just flew in and started her trip late. We were chatting and got to dinner a little late. We joined a table full of girls from all over the world. Everyone was very friendly and we just had great conversation throughout dinner. We hopped on the coach bus and took a night city tour. It didn't hit me until then that I'm actually in PARIS! It's always been a dream to come here for the longest time, it just seemed so surreal. Our tour manager pointed out where to shop, where to eat, important landmarks, and etc. I just wanted to hop off the bus and explore myself at the point haha.
Get Lost.
We had a free night and our tour manager gave us the option to hop off the bus and stay in the city center or go back to the hotel. *TIP* You have to find your way back to the hotel so always have the address in your phone.* A few of us decided to stay and we went to explore Parisian night life. Walking past the Eiffel tower for the first time left me speechless. I was just in awe that I was actually standing in front of it. Our little group walked around the park and ended up near the Seine river. We realized most of the Parisian night life doesn't start until way later so we went to a bar to get some drinks and get to know one another.
While walking around after wards, we talked to some locals who suggested going to a club nearby. We went through a security line and ended paying 20 euro to get in. Let's just say it wasn't worth the money haha. It was a packed club near the river that seemed to be hosting a teen night or something because that's all we saw inside. But we didn't let that ruin our time, we danced the night away. We took a cab back to the hotel and went to sleep to energized for the next day.
Get Lost.
We had a free night and our tour manager gave us the option to hop off the bus and stay in the city center or go back to the hotel. *TIP* You have to find your way back to the hotel so always have the address in your phone.* A few of us decided to stay and we went to explore Parisian night life. Walking past the Eiffel tower for the first time left me speechless. I was just in awe that I was actually standing in front of it. Our little group walked around the park and ended up near the Seine river. We realized most of the Parisian night life doesn't start until way later so we went to a bar to get some drinks and get to know one another.
While walking around after wards, we talked to some locals who suggested going to a club nearby. We went through a security line and ended paying 20 euro to get in. Let's just say it wasn't worth the money haha. It was a packed club near the river that seemed to be hosting a teen night or something because that's all we saw inside. But we didn't let that ruin our time, we danced the night away. We took a cab back to the hotel and went to sleep to energized for the next day.
Visiting Versailles.
We had breakfast and we were off to the Palace of Versailles. It was a very gloomy + chilly day which was kind of a bummer. I'm glad I packed light cardigans because I was not expecting this type of weather. I never seen a longer line in my life when we arrived. Unfortunately we weren't able to tickets to get inside the Palace of Versailles. Our tour manager bought us tickets to enter the the Versailles garden. We had a few hours to walk around before heading back to the coach. When visiting here, BRING COMFY SHOES. It's a lot of walking especially if you plan to walk through the gardens. I did see people getting rides from golf carts but you would have to look into that for more information. The gardens were beyond beautiful and extremely well kept. I could've stayed for hours more, there's so much to see.
Arc de Triumph.
Another Paris landmark you must visit while in Paris. It's inevitable you will spot it while driving around or walking around in the main shopping area. You will find tourists all over the world taking pictures here. On one of your free days, I suggest take a trip there and walk up the Arc de Triumph and enjoy the amazing city views from above. It's a few euros to walk up but it's totally worth it. Be prepared to walk up a lot of stairs but at least you will be working out those crepes and macaroons you've been stuffing your face with.
Red Light District.
One of our optionals was a cabaret show which was located in the Red Light District. I didn’t know what to expect since I never attended a show like this before but it was fun. Before the show started we got to walk around and ladies just be warned if your wearing and dress around this area be prepared to get hit on by men. It was interesting to see a street dedicated to just a bunch of sex shops and strip clubs.
You aren't allowed to take pictures inside the burlesque show. There were other Contiki groups inside which made it fun! The show was amazing with a mixture of some many entertainment acts which kept it fun to watch. I recommend choosing this tour optional because when will you say you've been to a cabaret show in Paris? After the show, all the Contiki groups went to a bar and partied it up Paris style! I forgot the name of the bar but it was across the street from the cabaret show. The DJ was good and the drinks were flowing, and this night definitely kicked off this European tour night life party.
Paris Eats.
Just stuff your face with anything and everything you see! I love trying new food and delicacies from each country. Of course when in Paris, you must have crepes, escargot, macaroons, anything inside of a bakery, and lots of bread. Get our of your comfort zone and try new things on a menu! I recommend doing the Parisian dinner optional! The food was amazing and you had live entertainment. It was a great experience and the restaurant was so very chic and intimate.
Visiting the Louvre.
This is a must stop in Paris! be prepared for a long waiting time to get it. This place tends to be very full with tourists especially during peak high season. It was definitely worth the wait. The group of people I was with made it extremely fun. We couldn't stop laughing and just enjoying our time. We a history buff girl in our group who was telling us interesting facts throughout the time we were walking around the louvre. We were on a time crunch but got to see everything we wanted to see especially the infamous MONA LISA!
Effiel Tower.
The last night after our Parisian dinner we had plans to have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. But this day unfortunately was raining all day that we thought it wasn't going to happen. Surprisingly, the sun came out which made for gorgeous sunset. The sky looked absolutely beautiful and we continued on with our plans to have some champagne under the the Eiffel tower which was just an unforgettable experience.
A group of us wanted to go to the top of the Eiffel tower. I don't know if it was the champagne talking or we were just feeling extra energetic, our little group decided to walk up 704 stairs instead of talking the elevator. After the first 300 stairs, I was feeling the burn in my legs and regretting this decision. The views going up was breathtaking. I made it to the top, out of breath, and sweating but I forgot all about how I was feeling when I saw the amazing views. I couldn't believe I was actually here. It was very emotional for me because I never thought I would be here. I couldn't stop talking pictures and just taking in the moment. There were many proposals going on, which was so romantic and cute and kind of sad coming from the lonely single girl haha. Our group decided to take the elevator down (thank god!) but be aware of the LONG line you have to wait. This night I will never forget.
A group of us wanted to go to the top of the Eiffel tower. I don't know if it was the champagne talking or we were just feeling extra energetic, our little group decided to walk up 704 stairs instead of talking the elevator. After the first 300 stairs, I was feeling the burn in my legs and regretting this decision. The views going up was breathtaking. I made it to the top, out of breath, and sweating but I forgot all about how I was feeling when I saw the amazing views. I couldn't believe I was actually here. It was very emotional for me because I never thought I would be here. I couldn't stop talking pictures and just taking in the moment. There were many proposals going on, which was so romantic and cute and kind of sad coming from the lonely single girl haha. Our group decided to take the elevator down (thank god!) but be aware of the LONG line you have to wait. This night I will never forget.
Comment below,
What's your favorite thing to do in Paris?
Until the next post!
-WanderlustBeautyDreams ♡
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. You have me wanting to go now lol. I didn't know that Paris had a red light district. Seeing a burlesque show would be so much fun. You are an energetic girl walking up all those stairs at the Eiffel tower. I would pass on that exercise lol.
ReplyDeleteI was certainly dead after walking all those stairs haha it was def a workout!
DeleteParis has always been a place that I really wanted to visit. It is lovely to see all the places everyone is talking about on one post with such a great tips. Now I really have to go!
ReplyDeleteHope you get to visit someday!
DeleteWow. I have been to Paris a couple of times now, but I feel like I still haven't seen it all. Your pictures are amazing, and it makes me want to go back so bad, because I feel I like there is so much that I missed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I would love to go back and explore more too.
DeleteI visited Paris last year and it was simply amazing - the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph and the pastries!
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I want to go back, Paris is just such a dream!
DeleteOmg I am so hungry after reading this post - your photo's of French food are gorgeous! Sounds like you had an amazing time in Paris, it's such a beautiful city isn't it, with so much to see and do!
ReplyDeletehahah I'm glad the food photos made you want to try it!
Deletethank you for sharing, Paris has been on our list for quite a while! oh.. and macaroon photos... yummmy!
ReplyDeleteI definitely have LOTS of Paris memories as we used to go there A TON when I was a kid. TONNNN! I am French and my mom is from Paris, so that's why. Have to say though, I don't think I have been back since I was 14 or 15!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, all the photos are so beautiful and inspiring information of Paris. I love to read your articles.
ReplyDeleteI would like to go to Paris, It's the one big European capital that I haven't seen yet. I would love to walk along Montmatre and enjoy coffee at one of the romantic coffee shops.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite city in the whole world for all the reasons you mentioned especially getting lost in the small narrow streets of Paris. Gorgeous City.
ReplyDeleteWow, Paris is so beautiful...the view is amazing. Thanks for sharing with us
ReplyDeleteGetting lost is a unique idea and will be a great experience you'll never forget.. Just make sure you are still alive afer that lol
ReplyDeleteI was in PARIS for only 2 days. It is truly a magical city. It is unlike any other city. So much art and history. The city of love.
ReplyDeleteParis is classic and timeless and is always a great idea. Oh I wish we could all travel now
ReplyDeleteI am not going to miss the Eiffel Tower. The photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful pictures! We were in Paris in January and it was VERY cold at the top. I would like to go back in the spring to really be able to wander the city!
ReplyDeleteI seemed to be in Paris while reading this blog. Paris, really is stunning and beautiful, with so many great building and arts.
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful pictures!! This post made me want to go to Paris so much!! I wish sometime I could visit Paris and enjoy it as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteLove you photos. I live in Italy and if I say that I have never been to Paris, you can't even believe that. You made me add this city to my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely photos! Your post brought back happy memories for me. I have visited Paris a number of times and each time the Louvre is super busy. I couldn't take a picture of Mona Lisa without some heads in the way.
ReplyDeleteParis is one of my vacation destination that has been on my bucket list for many years. Hopefully, I will be able to visit the place in the not too distant future.
ReplyDeleteYou know I had planned a trip to France this summer! Your post really helped me fight the sadness of the cancelled trip! I really hope the world is back to being normal soon. :)
ReplyDeleteThank for introducing us to Paris. I have heard from others that Paris is such a beautiful place. And, from your blog post, I can see why! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI love Paris. I've been to it several times. So, your article has brought back beautiful memories. I also love French cuisine. One of my favorite museums in the world is the Louvre. The view of the city from the Eiffel Tower by night is fantastic.
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