Paris Guide 2018

As I was sitting at my cubicle a few days ago I found myself reminiscing about the scenic walks and delicious chocolate croissants I devoured last week in Paris. Last year I wrote a Paris Guide and wanted to share new experiences after my recent trip. Paris is one of my favorite places in the world, the culture and atmosphere is truly amazing, not to mention the people are among the friendliest I have encountered.

The weather was beautiful so we took advantage and walked everywhere…I mean literally everywhere. Walking, in my opinion, is the best way to explore a city we stumbled upon so many cafes and hidden gems that we would have missed by taking the metro or taxi.

Helpful Traveling Tips

1. Download the google maps app and make sure to download the offline Paris map so you can access if you don’t have WiFi. This is probably the best travel tip I’ve learned. It provides public transportation directions which has been a lifesaver.

2. Getting into Paris: This trip I used to metro for the first time to get from the Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport into the city. It’s about an hour ride and cost around 10 Euros per person. I was traveling from CDG to the Champs-Élysées.

I took the RER B line from Terminal 2 (lower platform) to Châtelet–Les Halles (12 stops). Once I got off at Châtelet–Les Halles I switched to the RER A line (make sure you chose the correct direction) to the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile stop (2 stops). The Charles de Gaulle–Étoile stop will put you right by the Arc de Triomphe. Navigating the metro is a lot easier when you use Google maps!

3. Another option is to take a taxi directly from the airport into Paris. From my experience and others I’ve spoken to the taxi from the airport to Paris and vise versa should be about 50 euros. Make sure to verify this with your driver before getting in, I failed to do that one time and was completely ripped off.

Attractions

A walk through Montmartre: With cobblestone alleys, quaint cafes and village charm walking around Montmartre will have you forget you’re in the middle of a city. This area is the home to many talented artists and writers which is evident by all the local galleries and artistic facades. Make your way to the top of the hill for stunning views of the city, the beautiful Sacré Coeur is nestled at the top of Montmartre.

Montmartre Cemetery

Moulin Rouge

Musée de Orsay

Pont Alexandre III Bridge

Rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette has an amazing view of Paris which of course features the iconic effort tower, there is also a rooftop bar.

Grand Palais

Food

Le Franklin Passy: The cheeseburger may have been one of the best I’ve ever had and that’s saying a lot!

Cafe de Marly: More on the pricey side but the view was worth it. Being right at the Lourve museum, it’s the perfect spot to sit and people watch while enjoying a coffee or Aperol Spritz (my new favorite!).