After touching down at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, make your way to the city centre and get cracking to ensure you don't miss anything out.
Things to See and Do in Paris
No holiday in Paris would be complete without a quintessential trip to visit the Eiffel Tower. Those with a fear of heights may not wish to go all the way to the top (although, it is highly recommended that you do) but just to get up close and personal with this iconic monument is a must. The surrounding area is always full of people, both locals as well as tourists; remember to keep your eyes peeled for interesting street performers too.
Plan your visit to the Louvre Museum carefully. Get there early with a clear idea of what you want to see as it's always busy and is also one of the world's largest museums. Whilst it’s famous for housing the Mona Lisa, the building itself is even more impressive.
The Champs Elysees is also a staple of a trip here; wander along the grand boulevard lined with high end designer stores, upmarket restaurants, and of course plenty of cafes. Live the dream and window shop to your heart's content before taking in the Arc de Triomphe.
Venture to Montmartre; a dazzling portion of the city where narrow back streets pave the way to independent bistros and quaint boutiques. Buskers provide a soundtrack while you scale the stairs which lead to The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. From this vantage point, take in the neverending views across the city. Once darkness falls, spend the evening at Moulin Rouge just a stone's throw away!
After ticking the staples off your list, it will be tough to know where to head next. Notre Dame Cathedral, the Gothic masterpiece featured in the Humpback of Notre Dame? Embark on a Catacombs tour to uncover the secrets beneath Paris? Fully embrace your tourist status and enjoy a trip along the River Seine? The choices truly are endless and none will disappoint!
Day Trips From Paris
Travel to the medieval town of Senlis in the heart of the Oise-Pays de France Regional Park. Just a 45 minute car journey away, it may be small but there are a variety of captivating attractions to entertain you during a visit. The first sight to visit should be the Gothic Senlis Cathedral before you set about exploring the picturesque streets.
Plan a trip to Giverny, just a mere 1 hour journey from the city centre. Once here, you can visit Claude Monet's home and gardens. A true haven, it's a must-see for anyone interested in art history or in fact gardens. It really does make for an interesting and beautiful day trip.
For families, Disneyland Paris will likely be a big part of the draw. It's located in Marne-la-Vallée, just 32km away making it an easy trip in your rental car. Come face to face with all of your (or rather, your children's) favourite Disney characters, delight in the magical entertainment and fireworks displays and get a thrill from the selection of rides. It will be one holiday you won't forget in a hurry!
