As a cowboy visiting Paris, France for the first time, I was struck by the city's beauty and sophistication. The architecture, the food and the people were all so lovely. I particularly enjoyed the museums and strolling around the city soaking up the views of historic buildings and the Seine River.
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Some top things to do in Paris:
The Seine River (Pronounced Sehn River)
Walk the Seine River and take in views of the Eiffel tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral
Enjoy a boat tour down the Seine River
Visit the museums
The Louvre Museum is the largest and most visited art museum in the world. The museum is located inside the Louvre Palace and is home to the Mona Lisa as well as the sculpture Venus de Milo.
The Musée d'Orsay is an art museum that including the history of Western art between 1848 and 1914.
The Musée du Quai Branlys is a museum designed by a French architect featuring the indigenous art and cultures of Asia, Africa, Americas and Oceania regions including items such as photos, ethnographic objects and documents.
The Army Museum or Musée de l'Armée in Paris features collections of uniforms and weapons from historic French military conflicts. In addition this is home to Napoleon's tomb.
The Musée de l'Orangerie is an impressionist and post-impressionist art museum and is home to some of the popular art of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
The Musée Rodin is a beautiful art museum established in 1919, mostly comprised of work done by the French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence transformed into a museum. Built right outside of Paris by King Louis XIV, features collections of artifacts paintings and sculptures of historic French leaders.
Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
Interior currently closed due to the fire with an expected reopening December 2024
The Arc de Triomphe or Triumphal Arch honors the soldiers who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars
Take a relaxing stroll through this amazing park surrounding a palace. The park is filled with flowers, statues, a beautiful fountain and views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon.
The food you have to eat while in Paris:
Croissants are flaky, buttery delicious pastries available mostly everywhere. The best croissants will be found in the local bakeries made fresh.
Macarons are cookies made with a sweet meringue-base and sandwiched together with fillings such as jam, butter cream or other fillings
Escargots is traditionally served as escargots à la bourguignonne, which includes the snails in their shells, baked in a garlic and herb butter mixture to usually be eaten with a fresh baguette.
Coq au vin (Chicken with wine)
Chicken typically cooked with a local red burgundy wine, onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
Local Drinks of Paris:
Wine
Bordeaux is France's most famous wine region and known for their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pastis
This anise-flavored liqueur is commonly found in Paris as it is considered by some to be Frances national drink. Ricard is one of the more popular brands of Pastis.
Restaurant recommendations in Paris:
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Additional Summary: Paris, the capital of France, known as the "City of Light" and is celebrated for its history, architecture, food, and culture. The city has a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by artists, writers, and thinkers who have called Paris home over the centuries. Its stunning architecture, including landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, bring millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Paris is also famous for its cuisine, with traditional French dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and croissants, that have gained popularity worldwide. The city is a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with many museums, galleries, and literary events that showcase the city's cultural and creative spirit. From exploring the iconic landmarks to indulging in delicious French cuisine, Paris offers an abundance of experiences that are sure to delight visitors.