Aux Champs Élysées!
A weekend in Paris.
Always start with coffee.
Getting Around – Metro
Most arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport which is quite a ways from downtown Paris. Follow signs to purchase a metro station ticket. The Paris metro station is easy to use and with only a weekend, you’ll want to get around quickly.
Tips and Tricks
Street Vendors
There are tons of street vendors all over Paris. If you do decide to purchase from them, shop around and get the best deal possible. You will find the same items being sold along the same street. Practice your haggling skills because they are likely haggling you!
Street Performers
Watch the show and also watch your wallet. You will likely see a game of shell where you guess which of the three cups the ball is under. Winners are likely planted by the whole scamming operation. Stay away from these and save your money for coffee.
Pickpockets
Stay vigilant and keep your belongings close because the pickpockets are on the hunt. Pay extra attention in crowded areas, especially while on the metro and around street performers.
Eiffel Tower
First stop, the Eiffel Tower! It will take close to an hour to get here from Charles de Gaulle airport. The areas surrounding the Eiffel Tower are filled with vendors and performers so watch your wallets! It’s a fun climb up the tower if you want to get your heart beating! Unfortunately, you cannot take the stairs all the way to the top of the tower. You can only go so far until you must purchase a ticket to the highest platform where you can get an excellent view of the city and the middle finger of Paris (ugly, out-of-place black building).
Arc de Triomphe
Hop back on the metro to the Arc de Triomphe. I’m surprised I didn’t see an accident on this massive 12-street round-a-bout.
Champs-Élysées
One of the streets from the Arc de Triomphe is the Avenue de Champs-Élysées. On this street you will find places to eat and high-end shops. You might also spot a super car or two!
The Louvre Museum
This place is huge! You could easily spend a few DAYS looking at everything. I spent a couple hours hunting down the most famous pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Paris Ferris Wheel and La Seine
The Paris Ferris Wheel can be seen while walking down Champs-Élysées and from the Louvre. If you didn’t go up the Arc de Triomphe, then this Ferris wheel will provide a view from the other end of Champs-Élysées.
You’ve seen the Seine river from up on the Eiffel tower and you’ll probably catch it again. Book a boat ride, cross some bridges, but whatever you do don’t go in! You’ll probably come out with an extra toe.
Notre-Dame
Sanctuary!! Sanctuary!!
The Notre Dame is a short train ride from the Louvre. Try to catch the stained glass lit up by the sun.
Musée d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay holds some of the most famous works of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
Repeat at Night
Nothing is like seeing the Eiffel Tower light show!
Le Moulin Rouge
The show at the Moulin Rouge was absolutely incredible! The costumes were beautiful and the acts were amazing! It might be pricey, but it is well worth it.
Parc de Belleville
This park is highest park where you can get an astonishing panoramic view of Paris.
Motorcycles
I found sweet motorcycles everywhere I looked. If you’re a two-wheel fan then you won’t be disappointed.
