There are few destinations more romantic and enchanting than Paris, France. Known as the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences that are sure to captivate anyone looking for an exciting adventure. If Paris is on your list of places to travel, get ready to engulf yourself with what’s known as the world’s sexiest language and some of the cities most iconic dishes. Here are the top 5 things you absolutely MUST do when visiting Paris.
1. Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower or on the Seine River
Enjoy a picture-perfect Parisian picnic under the Eiffel Tower or on the Seine River with a breathtaking view of the iconic landmark. Champ de Mars offers plenty of space to lay in the grass or relax on a cozy bench, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic any time of day. Whether you go when the sun’s out or at nighttime; both stunning and memorable. I truly thought nothing was as beautiful as a blue sky behind the Eiffel Tower, and then I saw it lit up at nighttime. No exaggeration when I tell you it took my breath away.
Make your picnic complete by visiting Rue Cler street, known as the most charming street in Paris. This market offers a vast selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and of course, the quintessential French baguette! Stock up on wine and champagne to elevate your picnic to the next level. And if you run out, don’t worry – there are wine sellers frequenting Champ de Mars, so you can always top up your glass. This has been REAL convenient for Michael and I! To top it off, you will encounter the NICEST humans on Earth. Whoever says Parisians aren’t nice must have really put zero effort into trying to communicate with them. A little “Bonjour” and a little “Merci beaucoup” goes a long way!
2. Enjoy a night at a cabaret show
Your Paris trip is not complete without enjoying a night out at one of the famous cabaret shows, especially if you’re looking for an exciting and unique experience! With outstanding choreography, beauty, lively music, and a glamorous atmosphere, these shows are a must-see. There are tons of different cabaret shows all over Paris, but the two most well-known ones are Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse, so naturally we went to both
You might have heard of Moulin Rouge as this is the most famous, opened in 1889, and is known for its iconic red windmill. The Moulin Rouge is particularly famous for its cancan dancers, who kick up their legs in a high-energy and colorful spectacle. This venue is larger, and you’ll likely be sitting with others at a table. The show was outstanding and we were absolutely blown away by how classy it was. However, we preferred Crazy Horse over Moulin Rouge for a couple of reasons. The main reason being is that this venue is much more intimate and anywhere you sit you’ll have great views of the stage. This venue has a more modern and avant-garde vibe than the Moulin Rouge, with performances featuring stunning lighting and projections. The dancers at the Crazy Horse are known for their artistic and innovative choreography, and the overall effect is truly mesmerizing. There’s something about sipping champagne and being in a glamorous setting, am I right?
It’s important to note that these shows are quite popular no matter what time of year you’re visiting Paris and tickets should be purchased in advance to ensure you get a spot.
3. Take a baking class
Paris is renowned for its gastronomy, and its baked goods are no exception. The city takes its baking seriously and has perfected it to a science. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Paris, taking a baking class is a must. Not only will you learn how to make some of the city’s most famous delicacies, but you’ll also meet new people, have fun, and take home delicious treats to be enjoyed during your stay in Paris. Heck, you should even take your creations on your picnic!
Airbnb Experiences offers a plethora of baking classes in Paris, but we recommend trying two of the city’s most well-known pastries: croissants and macarons. Join a small class of other travelers and get ready to dive into the world of French pastry-making.
Both classes are taught by expert bakers who will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. You’ll work in a small group and have plenty of hands-on experience, so you can be confident in your baking skills by the end of the class. This is an exciting and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by expert or new bakers!
4. Take a tour around the city in an old-fashioned iconic French car
Paris is a huge city made up of 20 arrondissements, each with its own unique character and charm. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we highly recommend exploring the city with a local who can give you guidance and recommendations on things you’d like to do and explore!
We had the pleasure of taking a picturesque French car tour with Hubert during the first few days of our five-week stay in Paris, and it was one of the best decisions we made. The tour was not only a fantastic way to see different areas of the city but also gave us a great idea of where we wanted to spend our time during our stay. He took us to some hidden gems that we would have never found on our own, and we were blown away by the stunning views and the fascinating stories behind each place.
In short, if you’re looking for a fun-filled adventure around the city of love while also getting some picturesque shots, this is a must.
5. Try the infamous Burgundy escargot
Looking for an authentic French dining experience in Paris? Look no further than Le Grand Colbert, the restaurant that should be at the top of your list. And what’s the one dish you simply must try while in Paris? Escargot, of course!
Le Grand Colbert’s escargot is not to be missed. These plump snails are bursting with flavor and will give you a true taste of France. But it’s not just the food that makes this restaurant special. The ambiance is truly out of this world, and you may even recognize it from the film Something’s Gotta Give starring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, and Keanu Reeves.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Le Grand Colbert and their delicious escargot. It’s a must-visit for any foodie in Paris!
