We spend an entire week in France. We wanted to explore as much as we can so we were pretty deliberate with what we wanted to see. Luckily we had an awesome travel agent in Allie Edelman from Brentwood Travel who was willing to find local providers as our tour guides so we can maximize our short time.
The "weekend part" is coupled with our One Day Travel Guide to Paris which has all the major sites that you would want to hit up when you only have one day. For an entire weekend in Paris however, you would want to use both guides to make the most out of it!
Here it is...
Our Weekend Travel Guide to Paris
Part 1: Our One Day Travel Guide to Paris
Private Walking Landmarks Tour
This is my favorite tour of the entire trip not because of what we saw but our tour guide Adrian from Discover Walks. He's a school teacher and I appreciated his passion for Paris and France in general. I also appreciated the historical facts that he shared during the tour.
Apart from the main landmarks he also brought us to interesting ones like
Colonne Vendôme
stands as a magnificent testament to the city's rich history and timeless elegance. Located in the 1st arrondissement, this iconic column is an architectural masterpiece that has witnessed centuries of change and evolution.
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate his victories, the Colonne Vendôme is a towering Corinthian column adorned with intricately detailed bronze bas-reliefs. At its pinnacle once stood a statue of the emperor himself, but it was later replaced with a statue of the Bourbon King Louis XIV during the Bourbon Restoration. Currently surrounded by the luxurious shops of Rue de la Paix and the opulent Ritz Hotel, the Colonne Vendôme radiates a sense of grandeur. It has been a backdrop for numerous historic events and serves as a reminder of France's turbulent past.
Today, visitors can admire the column's architecture, stroll in the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries, or simply soak in the ambiance of one of Paris's most upscale neighborhoods. The Colonne Vendôme embodies the enduring allure of Paris, where history and beauty harmoniously coexist in a city that continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
Theatre Edouard VII
Built in 1913, the theater was named after King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, highlighting the Franco-British friendship. Its modest size ensures that there's not a bad seat in the house, allowing you to get up close and personal with the performers.
We did not get to go inside but we were told that Theatre Edouard VII features a diverse repertoire, from classic plays to contemporary dramas and even the occasional comedy show. This versatility ensures there's something for everyone, and the intimate setting makes you feel like you're part of the action.
Whether you're a theater enthusiast or just looking for a delightful night out in Paris, Theatre Edouard VII promises an unforgettable experience in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Parisian culture without the formality.
After the tour, he had helped us purchase a transportation pass that was good for 5 days. We were able to use the pass in the train which we used for the rest of our Paris trip.
Since I have been using public transportation, train, bus, jeepneys, tricycle, magic carpet, name it... I've taken it. Taking the public train is not that exciting. Kevin is excited though... until he found out that since he is excited about it he would be the designated figure-outter of the Paris train system...
That zapped his excited right quick because everything is in French and he does not speak a lick of French!
Notre-Dame
When you think of Paris, one image that undoubtedly comes to mind is the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. This iconic masterpiece isn't just an architectural marvel; it's the heart and soul of the city.
Sitting along the picturesque Seine River, Notre Dame has enchanted visitors for centuries with its intricate Gothic façade, awe-inspiring rose windows, and the legendary gargoyles that seem to come to life at dusk. You don't need to be an art historian to appreciate its grandeur; just stand before it, and you'll feel its magnetic pull.
Though a devastating fire in 2019 prevented us from going inside it is still an awesome sight to see.
Sainte-Chappelle
Quick lunch after stopping at Notre Dame we head to Sainte-Chapelle to see the stained glass windows of the upper chapel.
Tucked away on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a dazzling treasure chest of Parisian history and architectural splendor. It's like stepping into a kaleidoscope of color and light.
Built in the 13th century, this petite chapel is famous for its towering stained glass windows. When the sun filters through, the entire chapel is bathed in a breathtaking riot of colors that dance across the walls and floors. It's like being inside a living, breathing work of art.
The windows themselves depict biblical stories from Genesis to Revelation, making it not just a feast for the eyes but also a spiritual journey. The upper chapel, reserved for the royals, is especially awe-inspiring.
What's incredible is how Sainte-Chapelle manages to be both intimate and grand at the same time. It may not be as well-known as some of Paris's other landmarks, but it's a true hidden gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary. So, if you find yourself in Paris, don't miss Sainte-Chapelle. It's a dazzling escape into a world of vivid history and artistic brilliance that will leave you in wonder.
Conciergerie
Then we head next door to the Conciergerie which is a time capsule waiting to be explored. Stepping into this historic building is like stepping back in time to the tumultuous days of the French Revolution.
Once a royal palace, the Conciergerie later transformed into a prison where many prominent figures, including Marie Antoinette, were held during the Revolution. Walking through its somber corridors, you can almost hear the whispers of history echoing off the stone walls.
While the building's exterior exudes grandeur, its interior tells a different story. The dark, dank cells are a stark contrast to the opulence of its past. Yet, this starkness adds to the site's historical gravity
You get to explore the beautiful Hall of the Guards, a stunning vestige of its royal heritage. The Conciergerie has pads where you can scan sections all over the Conciergere and scan the area to see what it would have looked like back in the day. With the graphics of the pad, it is a great fascinating way to immerse yourself in Paris's complex history, offering a glimpse into both its grandeur and its darker chapters. It's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone with a penchant for time-traveling through the past.
Louvre and Eiffel Tower
No Paris trip is complete without seeing the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower all lighted up at night. It is the city the City of Lights after all. It was a bit of a walk from the train station but it is a different experience to see both landmarks lit up!
I hope you enjoyed our weekend travel guide to Paris. Let me know if you've been to any of these places and how your experience was!
What out for the rest of our France experience!
TTYL