Top 10 Best of Paris

Although Parisian tourism sites give us their version of the “scoop” on what’s best in Paris, it seems they’ve become so adapted to the city that their itinerary is bland compared to actual traveler’s tales. Here is an insider’s look at the best of the best in Paris, from one fellow travel to another.

Top 10 Best of Paris

1. Bike Tours: According to many travelers the best way to see Paris is on bike. Why? By car, the city rushes by and you remember about as much as you would if you drove by in a drunken coma; which could quite possibly be the case in Paris! On foot, is great… if you have about 6 weeks to go at it. Whether it is a pedal pusher or a moped, rent one and take a day to explore Paris in an extra-ordinary way. If you need a little help mapping out the city, let Bike About Tours or Fat Tire Bike Tours be your guide.
2. The Eiffel Tower: Ah, yes, the Eiffel Tower tour. So cliché but if you are not going to routinely come to the city, this Parisian icon is a must see. Obviously you should take the lift or stairs to the observation decks (we hear the 2^nd level has the best views), but there is so much more to it than that. On the ground there are the typical souvenir and snack shops as well as a sculpture of creator Gustave Eiffel. The 1^st level is perfect for those interested in the inner workings of the massive structure. Here stands the spiral staircase used by Gustave to get to his pinnacle office, the original hydraulic pump that supplied water to move the elevator in the Tower’s olden days, the innovative FerOscope that introduces visitors to the technological aspects of the building process, the Observatory of the Tower Top Movement that takes in temperature and wind readings in seven languages, the Exhibitions gallery that focuses on the Tower’s long history and the novel Cineiffel room that zooms guests through time from past to present with 8 screens. The 2^nd level is made a bit more blasé and features 360 degree views, observation points and the delectable Le Jules Verne restaurant. A sunrise or a sunset is a must see from here. And at the top is office stuff including an engineer’s office and a representation of Gustave’s original office, complete with wax figures. Guided tours can take you through it all in about 1 ½ hours.
3. Musee d’Orsay: This beloved museum is in fine tune with another Paris favorite, the Louvre. The Orsay’s yin is the Louvre’s yang so to speak. How so? Well the Louvre houses ancient relics up to the 18^th century but doesn’t go much past it. Orsay picks up the pieces from the 19^th century clear through to World War I. The best part about Orsay is that it holds many of the art world’s most precious gems - Millet, Courbet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Monet, van Gogh and Rodin - yet it only takes 3 hours tops to tour. Photography is also permitted here so you don’t have to sear your favorite pieces to memory only. Orsay is closed Monday’s and can get busy on Tuesday’s when its counterpart is closed, so we advise a “steer clear” warning for the beginning of the week.
4. Musee du Louvre: This celebrated museum needn’t any formal introductions. It is unsurpassed by any other museum in the world and is home to another international favorite – Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. As previously mentioned, it is counter balanced by the Orsay museum, since its exhibitions range from primeval history into the 18^th century. The Louvre can get extremely crowded and many seasoned travelers suggest the early bird special for the most unobstructed, not to mention quiet, views.
5. Palais Garnier: There is only one word to describe Paris’ National Opera house, and that word is stunning. The building hosts many performances in the ballet, opera and music genres. To build the opera house was a great feat. A subterranean lake flowed beneath the foundation and required 8 months of continual pumping to evacuate. This is the very underground lake and structure that inspired the Phantom of the Opera and there is no better place to see a production of the beloved saga. Even if you aren’t a fan of the variety offered here, you should certainly check out the awe inspiring façade and grand foyer.
6. Hotel des Invalides: This building continues to pump military pride into all that walk through its doors. Most travelers claim the best part of this tour is the museum which provides an extensive look at the French military from ancient times through today. It includes detailed wartime images and artifacts that are completely distressing yet you cannot look away. The hotel sector was once a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. There is also a domed church in which all vets were required to visit daily for mass. And what would a military church be without a war veteran burial ground? Many famous heroes, including Napoleon himself, are laid to rest here.
7. Notre Dame Cathedral – The Cathedral that inspired the heartwarming Disney movie, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, as well as hundreds of take-no-prisoners University of Notre Dame football fans, is located in none other than Paris. You can certainly attend a mass to help wash away your sins, stroll halls dating back to the 12^th century, marvel at the near perfect Gothic architecture, climb to the infamous South tower where Quasimodo lives in our childish minds, listen to the sounds of one of the world’s largest organs, take in views of the Il de Cite waterway in the cathedral’s backyard or take the kiddies for a romp on the lots playground. Travelers say you will leave Notre Dame with a renewed sense of tranquility and peace. You just can’t beat a day relaxing at church and falling back into the Lord’s good graces now can you?
8. E. Dehillerin – Surprisingly, many travelers say this cookware store is a necessary addition to any shopaholic and/or foodies list. Well, I guess it’s not that surprising since Paris is known for its gastronomical delights. The store sells cookware fantastic and motivational enough to force you off your keyster and into the kitchen. Sure, your go at it probably won’t be as agreeable as the original Parisian recipe but with the right pots and pans from E. Dehillerin, you can come darn close! Plus, it is a little more affordable to take home than say, a dress from Chanel. To sum it up, food and shopping always sounds like a win-win to us!
9. La Madeleine: After two false starts, this beautiful church was finally commissioned in full by Napoleon. Napoleon dedicated the structure to his troops. In part, this is why Madeleine resembles the ancient temples of Rome; a society whose military strategies inspired many of Napoleon’s own conquests. The neo-classic design is complimented by a Renaissance décor. You can simply visit Madeleine or come in the winter for the Christmas mass in which half the city turns out in their Sunday best. 
10. Luxembourg Gardens: These lush gardens were open only to royalty until the French Revolution blew the roof off of Paris; then all were welcomed. The gardens are a perfect place to rest your arches after exploring the nearby Pantheon, St. Sulpice and Les Invalides. There are ponds, fountains, statues and plenty of open space to soak up the sunshine. Once you are rested up, you can take in the historic Palais du Luxembourg which is also located on the same grounds. The palace was first built for the famed merchant Medici family and has a very dark past that is deeply rooted in Paris’ history. Nothing better than the perfect blend of a sinister history and sunny shiny days!