​Exploring Paris, France: Must-Do Activities

Seeking inspiration for your time in Paris, France? Read our 8-day itinerary, featuring culinary delights, hidden treasures, and iconic landmarks for some travel inspiration. 

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Day 1: Arc de Triomphe and Crème Brûlée

On our very first official day in Paris, we were determined not to waste a single moment, so our destination was set: the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Navigating the city using public transportation was a breeze compared to the challenge of reaching the monument's center. Unfortunately, we couldn't quite crack that puzzle, so we  admired it from a distance. If you've figured out the mystery of reaching the center, fellow travelers, please leave a comment below; we would like to return and experience it fully.

Afterward, we sat down for a delightful dinner at a steakhouse named Hippopotamus, a popular chain restaurant. I couldn't resist ordering a steak, and, of course, we indulged in some heavenly crème brûlée.

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Day 2: Palace of Versailles

After an exhilarating late-night adventure exploring the heart of Paris, we embarked on a train journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. You know the saying, 'All roads lead to Rome'? Well, for the Palace of Versailles, it felt like all paths led there, as it was teeming with visitors. Please note that the train rides were a tad crowded, likely due to the start of peak tourist season.

The palace itself was nothing short of grandeur, with every corner and room steeped in history and intrigue. We highly recommend investing a little extra in audio guides and the golf cart rides to explore the sprawling gardens. The lush greenery was every bit as captivating as the palace itself. While cruising through the gardens, we made a pit stop for freshly squeezed orange juice made from Egyptian oranges

As for our late lunch, we indulged in Thai cuisine, and, once again, couldn't resist the temptation of some more crème brûlée.

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Day 3 : Notre Dame & Ice cream delights

Unfortunately, we could only admire Notre Dame from a distance, as it remained surrounded by scaffolding due to ongoing construction. Nevertheless, witnessing this iconic landmark in person was truly awe-inspiring. Along the boarded walls of the construction site, we found peices of history from before the fire and progress markers indicating their current stage of restoration.

​As for our culinary adventure, we stumbled upon an enchanting ice cream parlor that revealed itself to be a delightful café offering an extensive array of ice cream flavors. Our taste buds had the pleasure of savoring pistachio, lime, and strawberry ice cream—highly recommended!

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Day 4 : The Louvre and Cafe

Remember that delightful ice cream spot we stumbled upon? Well, it was so good that we couldn't resist going back for breakfast! La Crème de Paris is the Parisian café you've seen in romantic films, with a simple yet timeless interior design. As a bonus, they provided menus in both English and French.

Afterward, we took a leisurely walk to the Louvre. I could dedicate an entire blog to the Louvre, but here are some quick highlights. First and foremost, it's enormous! The waiting lines are organized by reservation times, and you must pass through a standard security check. The Mona Lisa is undoubtedly a sight to behold, though if you're not a fan of crowds, you might want to think twice. We visited during the peak tourist season, so your experience may differ. The Mona Lisa even had its own separate line and security checkpoint, which kept the flow of people moving. While it was challenging to find a quiet moment to appreciate it fully, a brief glimpse is all you need, as she looks just as captivating as she does in photos.

As for our culinary adventures, I had the pleasure of trying duck for the first time and decided to give escargot another go. While it wasn't my inaugural snail dining experience, it was undeniably delicious. ​

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Day 5: Sainte Chappelle, Tuileries Garden & Night Cruise

We rose early, to explore Sainte Chapelle and its mesmerizing stained glass windows. Witnessing these windows, which vividly told stories through art, underscored the profound impact of imagery. To make the most of your visit, we recommend securing tickets in advance to bypass the lengthy queues.

Afterward, we decided to treat ourselves to brunch from a charming café before strolling to the Tuileries Garden, where we lounged on the grass and enjoyed some  people-watching.

In the evening, we went on a night cruise that offered a unique perspective of the city, including a visit to the illuminated Eiffel Tower. It was a great way to experience the city with a fresh outlook, free from the congestion typically found around the Eiffel Tower.

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Day 6: Rest Day

For those new to The Unwritten Postcard, a warm hello! For our loyal followers, you're well aware of our appreciation for rest days. By day 6, after numerous full days and nights of exploration, a much-needed rest day had arrived. We opted to stay indoors, indulging in Netflix marathons and ordering poke bowls.

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Day 7: Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre 

We kicked off the day with an early breakfast of strawberry croissants and rich hot chocolate before heading to Montmartre. Perched atop a hill, this splendid church commands a bit of a climb, but fear not; you can also opt for the lift to spare your legs the effort. Fortunately, the lines were reasonably short, and the best part – it's free, so no reservations are required.

Once inside, we were treated to yet another breathtaking view. As an active church, you're free to roam and marvel at the art and sculptures. If you wish, you can even tune into a church session to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.

Afterward, we decided to hop on the air train and descend the slope to explore the charming town area. Along the way, we stumbled upon delightful candy stores and picked up some souvenirs.

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Day 8: Eiffel Tower 

During our Parisian adventure, we encountered an unforgettable day when we eagerly attempted to ascend the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, our timing was off, and the iconic landmark was closed to visitors. 

While we missed the chance to ascend the Eiffel Tower, we made the most of our time by exploring its impressive surroundings. The sheer size of this iconic structure is something that simply cannot be conveyed through screens or described by others. Standing in its shadow, we couldn't help but feel so tiny, gaining a newfound appreciation for the scale of human engineering. 

Our adventure continued as we strolled through nearby parks and stumbled upon a charming side street adorned with fresh produce, an abundance of cheeses, and a vast amount of enticing shops.

Never before had I witnessed such an assortment of cheeses in one place, and the best part was the opportunity to sample them before making a selection. I yearned to savor every variety, but alas, I had to save some room for lunch!