Bienvenue a Paris!
Eiffel Tower
First, let's break down the basics:
Location: Paris is Located in Northern/central France, and is home to 2.2 million people.
Government/Currency: Paris is the capitol of France! France uses the Euro. For conversion rates, check here:
Language: French is the official language of France, however Paris is very accommodating to tourists and most places can speak at least a little English. As a reminder it’s always a good idea learn a few basic phases so you can respect the new culture you’re experiencing.
Known for: Fashion, art, romance, and rich history.
Fun fact: The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World Fair, and was meant to be a temporary exhibition!
Where to go
&
What to see?!
Notre Dame
Here are some of our Must-see spots:
Latin Quarter: This neighborhood is thriving with restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and everything in between. The Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine River, in the 5th and the 6th arrondissements, (or districts), of Paris.
Eiffel Tower: This iconic tower was built in 1889, as a part of the World Fair. As a must-see in Paris, there are a few options of how to experience it!
Take a photo from the park! Just know that even to go under or near the tower nowadays it requires going through security.
Walk up! Need to get your steps in? You can walk up the Eiffel Tower for FREE! There are two levels. The main level has Restaurant 58, a small bar, and amazing viewpoints. The top level has a prime view of Paris, and a restaurant. This is where Fritz and Anya got engaged in 2015 (awwww ;) ).
Take the elevator! You can purchase tickets the day of, or online for lift tickets up the Eiffel Tower. We’d recommend booking online in advance to save you the time, and to guarantee a spot, especially during high season, which is June-August.
Notre Dame: Enjoy FREE ENTRY to this breathtaking and iconic example of a gothic cathedral. Try to go early in the morning, or be prepared to wait in line. But, if you are stuck in line, enjoy the buttresses and photo-ops that are possible from outside! UPDATE APRIL 2019: due to a fire, please check local guides regarding the church visitation. We were sad to see this iconic building burn, but we are thankful no deaths occurred.
Louvre Museum: As the world’s second largest art museum, this museum is a work of art in itself.
OUTSIDE: Take a moment to snap a shot outside of you holding the tip of the pyramid. Try to do this early or at sunset, for the best lighting and fewest people.
INSIDE: Let’s get real; there probably isn’t enough time this round to see all of the museum. Unless you’re moving to Paris, which in that case…can we come visit? We’d recommend starting in the Denon Wing. This wing is home to the big guns. Mona Lisa, Winged Angel, and more.
PRACTICAL STUFF:
Ticket price: 15 Euros in person, risk the line, 17 Euros online convenience.
Hours: Most days open 9am-6pm, but CLOSED ON TUESDAYS
Audio Guide, worth it?: Yes.
Arc De Triomphe: This glorious arc sits at the end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, and towers over a giant round-a-bout. It was built to honor those who fought and died for France in the Revolutionary and Napleonic Wars. Beneath it lies the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I.
OUTSIDE: It’s free to look at! Snap a photo from across the street. Pro-tip, go early when there aren’t many cars out, or bring a tri-pod for a long exposure shot to blur out the other tourists!
INSIDE: You can climb to the top, and we highly recommend it for your first visit. The top offers a grand view of Paris, and watching the traffic below is always so impressive!
PRACTICAL STUFF:
Ticket Price: Full price: €12, Youth 18-25 €9, and FREE if you’re under 18 with your family.
Hours: 10am-10pm everyday, but keep an eye out for Holiday hours.
Notes: The steps to the top unfortunately do not offer a handicapped option at this time.