When we talk about Paris we immediately think of the ROMANTIC Ville Lumière, with its tree-lined boulevards and welcoming cafés. But for me Paris has always been much more than just a “city of love”. I have always been fascinated by this city and already through the canvases of the most famous artists I dreamed of walking the same streets illuminated by the sun's rays and trapping the magic of the Parisian sky. Thanks to a work experience I was lucky enough to "attend" her for about 4 months and she did not disappoint my expectations.
Looking at the sky of Paris, one cannot help but think of the fascinating paintings of Monet and Renoir. The shades of blue and pink painted with light brushstrokes, the golden reflections that reflect on the clouds as if they were a moving palette of colors, all this makes the Parisian atmosphere an almost pictorial experience.
Then there are the rooftops of Paris, like a scene from a painting by Pissarro or Degas. Their harmonious lines stand out against the sky, creating a unique profile that blends past and present. The warm-toned roof tiles, the chimneys that stand with an aura of history and the skylights that open like windows to the past, all contribute to creating a fascinating and timeless urban landscape.
Together, the sky of Paris and its rooftops seem to tell a story of light and color, a story that has inspired and continues to inspire artists around the world.
This city goes far beyond the stereotypical images of lovers along the Seine: it is a harmony of sounds, colors and cultures that blend into a symphony of unforgettable experiences. Paris is the melody of a accordeon in the alleys of Montmartre, the brush painting the gardens of Versailles and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower dancing in the dark.
You don't forget a trip to Paris and I couldn't wait to take Paolino there. Prepare to immerse yourself in the art, culture and magic of Paris. Welcome to the City of Light!
TipsforTrips: to get around Paris we used the Paris Visits, a pass that allows unlimited travel on the Paris public transport network. The pass is valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days and valid for zones 1-3 or 1-5 – Disneyland ® Paris (zone 5), Versailles Castle (zone 4), Charles de Gaulle (zone 5) and Orly (zone 4) airports -. Depending on the areas chosen, it allows you to travel on the metro lines, on the RER lines (RATP and SNCF), on the bus lines of the Île-de-France (RATP and OPTILE) except those of the Jetbus, Allobus Roissy CDG networks, of the tourist circuits and the Air France shuttles, on the Orlyval line (which connects Orly airport to the RER B) and on the Montmartre funicular. The pass can be purchased online with a fare increase of 7% - the original is sent to your home or directly to your hotel - or at automatic teller machines in airports, metro stations and RERs. The Paris Visite Pass is valid from the first day of use (and not from the day of purchase), a whole day is counted, regardless of the start time of use.
Day 1:
Marais
Let's start our visit to Paris from Marais. Halfway between tradition and modernity, it mixes its Jewish roots and its gay-friendly vocation, becoming one of the most multicultural areas of Paris.
Let's start with the historical one Place de la Bastille, symbol of revolution and change. Today, the square is animated by trendy cafes and shops, but you can still feel the atmosphere of the past. In the center of the square stands the July Column, Columns de Juillet, erected in memory of the martyrs of the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, with the gilded bronze statue of the Genius of Liberty, Génie de la Liberté, by Dumont, on top.
We enter the network of streets of the neighborhood until we emerge at Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris and the oldest. At the center of the pizza is a beautiful garden and surrounded by beautiful period buildings enriched by porticoes all around characterized by antique shops, art galleries and some cafes.
Let's cross Rue des Rosiers, one of the most picturesque streets in the Marais. In the 1960s it underwent a major restoration which brought to light all its charm and beauty, the neighborhood then began to repopulate, giving life to a lively community rich in culture. Here the contrast between tradition and modernity is evident: falafel "aces" alternate with trendy cafes, kosher butchers with vintage shops. Walking along this street offers a unique sensory experience.
Confirming the distinctly cultural and modern nature of this neighborhood is its majestic appearance Center Pompidou. Designed by the Italian Renzo Piano and the Englishman Richard Rogers, it is a futuristic structure with great visual impact that is decidedly in contrast with the historical urban context in which it is inserted. This immense building is entirely dedicated to modern and contemporary European art where the most famous works of Surrealism, Pop Art and Minimalism mix with the masterpieces of Picasso and the works of Expressionism.
TipsforTrips: In the evening, going up to the top floor, you have a splendid view over the whole of Paris: the view extends from Eiffel Tower until very white Sacré-Cœur.
Right next door Igor Stravinsky Square adds yet another hint of quirkiness to the place. In the center is the extravagant Fountain of Automates, a beautiful fountain built in 1983 using original aluminum sculptures that move thanks to the power of the water jets. The contrast of the shapes and colors of the fountain and the majesty of the buildings that surround it make it a colorful and bizarre place.
Latin neighborhood
In the afternoon we move to Latin neighborhood, one of the most picturesque corners of Paris. Frequented mainly by students and writers, it mixes the vintage flavor of cinema, cafés and jazz clubs with new trends from all over the world.
Let's start from the very famous Boulevard Saint-Michel characterized by Fountain Saint-Michel, an imposing bronze statue of St. Michael. On the right we walk along Rue de la Huchette one of the oldest but most touristic and lively streets of the Left Bank, which dates back to 1200. In the evening it comes alive with nightlife among taverns, bars, clubs and theatres.
We continue to Rue de la Bucheriea, in particular to number 37 to discover a small jewel on the left bank: the bookshop Shakespeare and Company. The first bookshop was opened by Sylvia Beach in 1919 at number 8 rue Dupuytren and then moved in 1921 to 12 rue de l'Odéon, where it remained until 1941, when it was closed due to the German occupation of Paris and was never reopened. In the twenties it became a meeting place for writers such as Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Ford Madox Ford. In 1951, another bookshop was opened by George Whitman, in the current location, with the name of Le Mistral and, upon his death by Sylvia Beach in 1964, it was changed in her honor to “Shakespeare and Company”. In the 1950s the bookstore was the base for many of the writers of the Beat Generation such as Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso and William Burroughs. The bookshop serves both as a book shop and a reading room. Inside you can still breathe the spirit of all that was and of all “trumbleweed” who have passed there, a place made of stories and ideals.
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.An unmissable stop is the Pantheon, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture as well as one of the most emblematic monuments of the capital. Built as a Catholic church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève during the French Revolution, the building was deprived of its religious functions and became a secular mausoleum for the "grands hommes de l'époque de la liberté française". Today it houses the remains of figures such as Victor Hugo, Rousseau and Voltaire.
Hours: from 1 April to 30 September: from 10.00 to 18.30; from 1 October to 31 March: from 10.00 to 18.00. Closed: 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.We don't miss a relaxing break at Jardin du Luxembourg, which surround the magnificent Luxembourg Palace of the same name. The garden, in addition to presenting beautiful flower-filled avenues, is full of statues and monuments such as the famous Medici Fountain, the Statue of Liberty created by Frédéric Bartholdi, the bust of Charles Baudelaire, the statue of Beethoven and the Observatory Fountain.
We end the day at Rue Mouffetard. This long, cobbled street is certainly one of the most authentic in Paris and has an ancient history: in Roman times it was the connection between Paris and Rome. Here we stroll among boulangerie, fromagerie and wine bars, always crowded cafes, vinyl shops, bookshops and vintage shops. The atmosphere welcomes you and hosts you pleasantly.
Day 2:
Père-Lachaise Cemetery
We dedicate the entire morning to Père-Lachaise Cemetery. Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, it is one of the largest cemeteries in Paris, but also one of the most famous in the world. Although when it was built - in 1804 - it was snubbed by Parisians who did not want to bury their loved ones far from the city, today it is instead the burial place of many illustrious people, artists, writers and musicians, making it a site full of history and culture.
One of the most fascinating features of Père-Lachaise is its unique sepulchral architecture which makes it a very suggestive place to walk: it has an eclectic and evocative charm in Gothic style thanks to its grandiose nineteenth-century sculptures, the sinister-looking centuries-old trees, the imposing tombs and mausoleums covered with moss and vegetation, aspects that contribute to giving this place a decadent and mysterious atmosphere.
The Père Lachaise Cemetery is at the same time an immense garden of 44 hectares to be explored, far and wide, through its 15 km of paths, in search of the most evocative tombs and the most beloved characters. To fully enjoy the experience I recommend planning your visit in a relaxed manner. Bringing a map of the cemetery can be helpful in locating graves of interest.
Here is the list of some of the most famous:
- Jim Morrison (1943-1971): Located in Division 6, Jim Morrison's grave is undoubtedly one of the most visited. Featuring a simple design, the headstone is often decorated with fresh flowers, letters and objects left by his many admirers;
- Edith Piaf (1915-1963): The grave of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf is located in Division 97. Her headstone is often surrounded by flowers, cards and often small souvenirs left by her passionate admirers;
- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900): Oscar Wilde's grave, in Division 89, is an impressive sight. The artist's statue behind protective glass has been restored to preserve its beauty;
- Heloise (1101-1164) and Abélard (1079-1142): located in Division 7 of the cemetery, it features a sculpture representing the two lovers in eternal union. Their sarcophagi lie beneath an ornate Gothic structure, symbolizing their tormented romance;
- Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850): In Division 48, Balzac's tomb is a monumental bronze structure depicting the writer seated with an open book on his knees. This monument is an evocative interpretation of Balzac's life and work;
- Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): The tomb of the famous Polish composer is located in Division 11. The monument, sculpted by Auguste Clésinger, represents a winged figure crying over Chopin's tomb;
- Maria Callas (1923-1977): In Division 87, the tomb of the famous soprano Maria Callas is characterized by a statue that depicts her in a moment of musical expression.
Hours: from 6 November to 15 March: Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Sunday and public holidays from 9am to 5.30pm; from 16 March to 5 November: Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 6pm, Sunday and public holidays from 9am to 6pm.Montmartre
In the afternoon we move to Montmartre, the bohemian neighborhood of Paris - my favorite -, full of art, cobbled streets and picturesque views. Its vibrant atmosphere captivates everyone who visits it. Our visit to the heart of Montmatre starts at the foot of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart where is the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre, picturesque carousel, in Venetian style.
From here it starts Square Louise Michel, a lush park that extends along the entire side of the hill and allows you to reach the top in 237 steps. The walk to get to the top passes through the lower and upper terraces of the staircase which offer wonderful views of Paris and from which you can also see the Eiffel Tower. The park is full of monumental trees and works of art such as Fountain by Paul Gasq and the Fountain of the Innocents by Emile Derrè.
Let's get to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, symbol of Montmatre and iconic place in Paris. Designed by architect Paul Adabie in Romanesque-Byzantine style, it stands out over the rooftops of Paris with its 83 meter high dome – it is the tallest building in Paris, after the Eiffel Tower. The day is rainy and I discover that its almost shining pure white silhouette is made even brighter by the rain. In fact, the stone used for its construction, the Chateau-Landon, in contact with rainwater releases lime, a white substance which when it rains makes the Basilica shine, making it even more white.
The interiors of the basilica are rather bare except for the immense mosaic in the apse which represents the resurrected Christ with his arms wide open and a golden heart in the centre. However, a visit to the is absolutely recommended Dome of the Basilica, characteristic because part of the climb is outside, effectively allowing you to walk on the roof of the Basilica. The effort of the 300 steps is rewarded by a 360° view of Paris and its characteristic roofs, revealing an expanse of absolutely characteristic tiles, skylights and chimneys.
Basilica opening hours: Every day. From 6.30 to 10.30. Dome opening hours: Every day. From 10:00 to 17:30.A short distance away is the famous Place du Tertre, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, for the characteristic cafés and bistros with outdoor tables and a place where artists and caricaturists gather to exhibit their paintings. Despite the constant influx of tourists, it maintains its charm intact thanks also to the historic buildings and the atmosphere that still pervades the air. Contemplating this ancient corner of Paris continues to be an essential experience.
We get lost in the alleys of the neighborhood, we walk and at every corner cafés, ateliers and windmills tell us the history of this neighborhood and its Belle Époque. Let's move on Place Dalida where there is the bust dedicated to the famous singer and actress of Italian origin and naturalized French Dalida – Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti – who lived and died in Montmatre.
We also cross the Passe Muraille the statue of a man who literally crosses a wall and is also the portrait of a character created by the pen of Marcel Aymè, the famous French writer.
‘“Le Passe-muraille” is a 1941 novella that falls into the fantasy genre. The protagonist, Dutilleul, possesses the singular power to walk through walls. Having discovered this gift, he uses it to take revenge for the humiliations suffered by colleagues at work and, subsequently, to carry out large-scale thefts in the largest banks and jewelers in Paris, thus becoming very rich. Once captured, again thanks to this power he manages to escape from prison. While he is thinking of escaping to Egypt he falls in love with a married woman with whom he begins a love affair. One night, however, while fleeing from her jealous husband, she loses her ability and gets stuck in the wall of the house.‘
Let's go downhill Rue Lepic an old and picturesque street full of cafes, restaurants and a lively colorful market. At the top of the street are the last two mills of Montmatre – the Blute-Fin and the Radet – enclosed in the famous restaurant Moulin de la Galette, immortalized by Renoir in 1876 in Bal au Moulin de la Galette. Furthermore, the street became famous thanks to the famous film The fabulous world of Amélie, which immortalized the most naive side of this neighborhood, also made up of eccentricity and originality. This is why we don't miss a stop at Café des 2 Moulins, in rue Lepic 15, a typical bar furnished in wood and with a family atmosphere: Amélie Poulain worked here in the famous film.
We end our tour in front of the iconic Moulin Rouge to Pigalle, which has become world famous as the birthplace of the can-can. The theater's first location, destroyed by fire in 1915, was co-founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. Rebuilt near Montmartre in the Pigalle district, along Boulevard de Clichy, the place became famous for its characteristic red windmill on the roof, from which its name derives. Currently, while continuing to function as a venue, the Moulin Rouge is above all a tourist destination that offers music and dance performances for visitors from all over the world. The interior still retains a typically French style from the late 19th century.
Day 3:
Île de la Cité
Let's start our day fromÎle de la Cité, an island steeped in history and charm that represents the true beating heart of Paris.
Our first stop is perhaps little known but full of meaning. The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation it is a touching monument dedicated to the victims of the Second World War, in particular to the deported Jews. Through its rooms, made of high, very suggestive concrete walls and the respectful silence that envelops it, the memorial immerses us in a profound reflection on the tragedy of the past.
We continue to discover a Gothic masterpiece: the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Unfortunately we find it still under renovation but even through the scaffolding and cranes we see the intricate details of its spiers and sculptures that transport us back in time.
The next stage leads us to Sainte-Chapelle, a hidden gem. The queue is really long, we manage to get tickets online and after just over an hour we are inside. Entering the chapel, we are surprised by an unexpected show of lights and colors: the magnificent stained glass windows tell biblical stories with a chromatic richness that leaves you breathless. The atmosphere here is surrounded by a feeling of sacredness and beauty. Despite the long wait and short visit it is absolutely worth it!
Hours: from 1 October to 31 March: from 9.00 to 17.00; from 1 April to 30 September: from 9.30 to 19.00. Closed on May 1st, January 1st and December 25th.Before leaving theIle let's stop at my absolute favorite place in Paris: the suggestive one Square du Vert Galant – I spent entire afternoons in August lying here dreaming of a life in Paris – . This garden offers not only a breathtaking view of the Seine River but also a cozy and intimate atmosphere that feels like home.
We cross the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, and discover the spectacular views that reveal themselves as we walk across the bridge.
Center
We then move to the center of Paris, an area rich in art and culture. Let's reach the famous one Louvre Pyramid, where the contrast between ancient and modern is very strong. Its contemporary lines alongside the historic Louvre create a continuity of culture and art over the centuries. The courtyard of the museum is a very fascinating space and for the moment we stop here, we will dedicate another day to visiting the Louvre.
We cross the Jardin du Carrousel, an elegant garden of centuries-old trees and fountains. Let's continue Jardin des Tuileries, an Italian garden where, among the shaded avenues and classical statues, we immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of grace and beauty. The colorful flowerbeds and water features add a touch of liveliness to this enchanting place. We arrive in the sumptuous room Place de la Concorde. The Egyptian obelisk in the center, the Fountain of the Seas and the imposing buildings surrounding the square take us back in time to the period of the French Revolution. We pause to contemplate the grandeur of this space, rich in history and symbolism.
Let's walk through the elegant ones Champs Elysees, one of the most famous streets in the world. Here, among luxury boutiques and trendy cafes, we breathe in the glamorous atmosphere of this street but we keep going and don't even enter a shop, we're not the shopping type. We then come to theArc de Triomphe, an imposing icon that dominates the perspective of Champs Elysees. The majestic architecture of this monument commemorates the victories of the French army and reminds us of national pride.
We take the metro and head towards Trocadero, a panoramic balcony that offers an exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower, undisputed symbol of Paris. Here, we stop to contemplate the magical effect of twilight on the city of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated as a spectacular backdrop and wait for the stroke of 6pm for the tower to begin to shine.
Even though it is considered a tourist trap by many, I won't give up a visit to the top Eiffel Tower. We board an elevator that quickly transports us through the levels of the tower and the glass walls offer us a preview of the magnificent panoramic view that awaits us. Once we arrive at the observation platform, we find ourselves 276 meters high, with a breathtaking view of Paris stretching below us. From here, we can admire the Seine meandering through the city and all the iconic monuments. The bird's-eye view gives us a unique view of the architectural layout of Paris, with its distinct neighborhoods and rooftops of the elegant structures that make up the city.
Let's end the day with one Cruise on the Seine, when the lights of Paris begin to shine and the river turns into a body of water, to enjoy Paris from a different perspective. The lights of the monuments along the way are reflected on the Seine and one after the other follow one another giving us a spectacular view. We cross the city's famous bridges one by one, admiring their illuminated elegance and letting ourselves be lulled by the gentle movement of the ship.
Day 4:
Versailles
Waking up very early, we move just outside Paris to visit the enchanting place Palace of Versailles.
TipsforTrips: The fastest and most practical way to get to Versailles from Paris is with the RER train line C, i.e. the yellow line. Just take one of the many trains that leave to reach Versailles Château Rive Gauche or Versailles-Chantiers station. Once at your destination, just walk for about 15 minutes following the signs that lead to the royal residence. RER trains are very frequent both during the week and at weekends. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
The Palace of Versailles, located about 20 kilometers west of Paris, is an icon of architectural grandeur and splendor. Built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV, this sumptuous palace was the centerpiece of the power and magnificence of the French monarchy. The sumptuous royal residence has been expanded over the years, becoming a symbol of opulence and refinement.
Versailles Castle opening hours: every day except Mondays, from 9:00 to 17:30. La Trianon Estate opening hours: every day except Mondays from 12:00 to 17:30. Garden opening hours: every day from 8:00 to 18:00.The Palace of Versailles fascinates visitors with its majestic architecture and sumptuous decorations. The famous Hall of Mirrors, a masterpiece of architecture and design, is one of the main attractions of the palace. With its huge mirrors and frescoes, this room offers a unique perspective on court life in the 17th century.
The royal apartments are another unmissable stop, with their sumptuous decorations, period furniture and extraordinary works of art. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the court, discovering the private rooms of sovereigns and aristocrats.
The gardens of Versailles are a true green paradise that extends for kilometers behind the palace. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the gardens offer a perfect fusion of art, architecture and nature. The geometric order of the plots, ornate fountains and baroque sculptures create an environment of timeless beauty.
Orsay Museum
We return to Paris, again with the RER C, which leaves us exactly in front of the Orsay Museum, to which we dedicate the rest of the day.
The Orsay Museum it is an architectural pearl located on the left bank of the Seine, with a breathtaking view of the city of Paris. This museum houses masterpieces dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, exploring the transition from academic art to the revolutionary expressions of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. This museum is a Parisian institution nestled in an old train station that turns art into an extraordinary experience. This museum is the ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the eclectic world of impressionist and post-impressionist art.
TipsforTrips: If possible, visit the museum in the evening on Thursdays, when the twilight lights add a magical touch to the atmosphere.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: from 9.30am to 6.00pm. Thursday: from 9.30am to 9.45pm. Closed on Mondays.Day 5:
Louvre
We dedicate the last day to the magnificent Louvre.
The Louvre it is the cultural heart of Paris, where art and history converge in a magnificent union. This iconic museum, located on the banks of the Seine, is a must-see for art lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in France's enchanting past. Originally an ancient royal palace, it has become one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. With over 35,000 works of art spread across eight departments, the Louvre spans centuries of human creativity. From the masterpieces of classical antiquity to the majestic works of the Renaissance, every step through its rooms is a journey through time and beauty.
TipsforTrips: Exploring the Louvre requires time and commitment, to make the most of all the masterpieces it has to offer, plan your "route" in advance: take a look at the museum map and identify the works or collections you most interest you to maximize your visit. Furthermore, to enrich your experience, consider purchasing an audio guide available in several languages.
Hours: Monday - Thursday - Saturday - Sunday: from 9:00 to 18:00. Wednesday and Friday: from 9:00 to 21:45. Closed on Tuesday.Our trip to Paris ends here. There wasn't a marriage proposal on top of the Eiffel Tower, but what can you do, evidently we'll have to book another trip.
Last Updated on 22 December 2024
