P A R I S
IN LESS THAN 24HRS
M a y 1 0 t h 2 0 1 7
BACK STORY:
preparation
It's been a over and year since I last visited Paris, I never really expected to build such a growing
attachment to this place but with every visit my fondness of this dreamy little/big city deepens.
Each visit has been so different from the rest. I remember visiting as a child with my mother and sister. I remember the Champs Élysées and spectacular view from the Arc De Triomphe and how much larger it was to me. It was special because it was one of my first trips with my own disposable camera and I still have those images to this day.
If you watched my instastorie last Wednesday I was in Paris doing a real time version of this blog.
Firstly the easiest way to visit Paris, especially if you live in the London is via the Eurostar which is a direct train into Paris. Eurostar frequently have offers from £29 each way and if your a youth like me (12-25years) then you may snap a ticket for £28 each way, which can work out cheaper than visiting some places in the UK.
Firstly the easiest way to visit Paris, especially if you live in the London is via the Eurostar which is a direct train into Paris. Eurostar frequently have offers from £29 each way and if your a youth like me (12-25years) then you may snap a ticket for £28 each way, which can work out cheaper than visiting some places in the UK.
Planning ahead I wrote a list of all the places my friend and I wanted to visit, I then mapped out each location from Gare du Nord (where the Eurostar stops) from closest to furthest location,
I then added restaurants that were close by to each destination. So instead of jumping forwards and backwards on transport it worked out one constant journey going forwards. If your going over a weekend it's not necessary, but i've travelled to Paris for the day two other times and found this method most effective. ( If you need help email/contact me)...
Arriving in Paris I advise getting a day pass which gives full access to the metro and buses.
Picking up a map is handy but using apps like Paris Metro Map and Next Stop Paris will help you get around quicker whether your a first or even second timer. If your on 3 network it worksout even better as you can use your unlimited data at no extra charge as it's listed as one of the many Feel At Home destinations.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a famous Cathedral in Paris and is true to the French Gothic architecture. Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is free but you'll need to buy a ticket to visit the tower however, if you are an EU citizen and under 25yrs (for now Brexiters...haha) then show your passport and you can view for free. Inside the Cathedral is beautiful, you can light candles, take time to pray and also view the history & development of Notre Dame over the years.
Ponts Des Arts
A short walk (approx 8 minute)
from Notre Dame will take you to Ponts Des Arts also known as '
Love lock bridge'. The bridge crosses over the River Seine and overlooks many beautiful sights in Paris. People from all over the world come to the bridge to attach their locks, some engraved, some inscribed and some like me who totally forgot to bring one and thankfully come across a man selling locks at the bridge.
Love lock bridge'. The bridge crosses over the River Seine and overlooks many beautiful sights in Paris. People from all over the world come to the bridge to attach their locks, some engraved, some inscribed and some like me who totally forgot to bring one and thankfully come across a man selling locks at the bridge.
Metro
Musée du Louvre
Home to the Mona Lisa and the unmissable glass pyramids, Musée du Louvre is a must see. The grounds are free to enter upon so if the pyramids are what you came for then you won't need to part with any cash. If you plan to see exhibitions and of course the Mona Lisa then you must purchase a ticket.
Yet again if your a EU citizen and under 25yrs it's free on presentation
of your passport.
Aren't we blessed?!
Yet again if your a EU citizen and under 25yrs it's free on presentation
of your passport.
Aren't we blessed?!
DESTINATION:
Jeaulina
Pictures of me Photographed by Karis Bertin.
Carrousel du Louvre - Starbucks
As you may notice when visiting another country the menu may change ever so slightly, to fit and represent the taste of that country. We had was the Iced Shaken Peach Green Tea Lemonade, the perfect refresher after being in a semi-humid building on a hot sunny day. That's not all though, when in France, Paris to be precise and in Starbucks to be exact you must try their Donuts! I love a good doughnut and have always appreciated a well made classic glazed donuts. This had to be one of the best glazed donuts I've had to date, I didn't get a picture as we was
on the GO, plus one bite was enough to say I wasn't going to stop anytime soon.
DESTINATION:
Metro
Eiffel Tour
The most famous monument to visit, the Eiffel Tower. It was built back in 1889 for a Paris exposition and as a temporary fixture, but as it became popular and somewhat a symbol to Paris it has remained ever since.
Now if you fancy a challenge try climbing to the top it's only 1,665 steps or if leg day can wait you can take the lift.
You can purchase tickets to the second floor which gives you access to the 2nd and 1st floor. If you want to see the very top then once on the 2nd floor follow signs to purchase tickets to the 3rd floor (top).
If your between 12-24yrs you'll
pay a discounted rate to see the Tower. It's absolutely magical, and a true highlight, if your in the mood you can purchase champagne on the 3rd floor whilst enjoying the spectacular view.
Champs Élysées
Like any city you must find the fashion and food district, similarly to London's well known
Oxford Street and Barcelona's
Av Diagonal, Champs Élysées has always been the place to shop & dine. As well as shopping and eating at the very end of Champs Élysées is the famous landmark,
Arc De Triomphe.
It has a museum inside and also 234 steps to the top (wear comfy shoes).
Not to tempt you any further but show your EU passport if your between the ages of 18-25years and enjoy the free admission.
The view at the top truly worth the climb.
DESTINATION:
Ladurée
Ladurée is the place to visit for Macaroons. One of my new found favourites is the Lavender macaroon, I'd also recommend the Vanilla, Pistacio, Rose and the Salted Caramel macaroon. All so different and surprising to your palette, each offers it's own unique flavour. They're memorable in taste and bite. Now your EU passport won't scope you a discount in here but it's worth every euro cent
(no pennies out here Brits).
PNY Burger
Paris New York Burger, spread over three locations in Paris is surely somewhere I'd visit again soon.
They recently opened a steak house called Paris Texas which I discovered whilst out their.
Their oxen's are grass fed only without the disruption of corn, cereals and nasty antibiotics!
Onto the buns, why are they so soft and bouncy? A secret recipe from a Grandmother in Ohio passed down her recipe for these tasty clouds.
I ordered the 'Morning California' burger, in the bun you'll find beef, cheddar, fresh avocado and PNY sauce. I also ordered a Ice tea which by taste I could tell was freshly made, not too sweet, just right. I got plain french fries but you can order different variations with toppings.
Before you go there check the time as they're open between 12-3pm and reopen again 7pm -11.30pm.
Gare de Nord
Gare du Nord, our final stop.
Before hopping onto our train we visited a local supermarket, located 3 minutes away from the station. They got snacks, drinks, sweets all you need for a cosy journey home and a nice few bits for your friends and family.
Thank you and thanks for stopping by, more food, more fun coming soon.
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© Jeaulina Cato 2017 all rights reserved on photographs
