Paris, the city of light, the capital and cultural center of France. One of the most visited cities in the world, is also home to one of your exciting weekend adventures on ACA’s Nice Study Abroad Summer Program. Here we will go over the top 10 things to do in La Ville Lumièr!
The Eiffel Tower
We’ll start with a bit of an obvious one, but when people think Paris, more than likely the Eiffel Tower is the first thing that coms to mind. Built in the late 19th century, it was originally designed to be the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair. Standing 1083 ft tall, you can ascend the tower via its glass elevator, giving you the highest vantage point in all of Paris. At night it illuminates the city, a true beacon of French culture.
The Louvre
The Louvre is arguably the most famous museum, boasting arguably the most famous art collection, in the world. Housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built under Philip II, the museum is now home to iconic pieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Each room is like strolling through the various eras of Western history. Like many museums, the Louvre offers guided and audio tours, but they have a very unique way to experience the halls, with a special Nintendo 3DS tour, using the handheld system to experience the pieces in a new way.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Constructed over a nearly two hundred year period, the Notre-Dame de Paris, as it is formally called, is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It’s walls host nearly 12 million visitors a year, and is the setting of Victor Hugo’s classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the site of Emperor Napoleon’s coronation. Sadly in 2019 a fire caused heavy damage to the cathedral, so its doors are closed, and set to reopen in December 2024, but its location on the Promenade Maurice Carême is a beautiful place to take in both the cathedral’s and city’s beauty.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Completed in 1836 it is very much a centerpiece for Bastille Day military parades. Beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The Arc stands proudly in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, which is the perfect segue into our next stop…
Champs Elysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is known for its theaters, cafes, luxury shops, and the finish line of the Tour de France. It is a shoppers paradise! Home to Louis Vuitton’s flagship store, as well as many other designer brands, one can’t help but feel like they’re in a movie. After getting your shopping on, relax at a fine sidewalk cafe, or take in a matinee at the theater.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a hill located in the north of Paris, most famous for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A few blocks away is the Square of Tertre where you may find an artist ready to paint your portrait, or showing off their latest work. It serves as a reminder that Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh all once worked in the square, and just a few steps away you’ll find the Espace Salvador Dalí, a museum primarily dedicated to the work of the Spanish artist.
Palace of Versailles
So technically not in Paris, but it’s a must see on a visit to the area. France’s most famous castle was built in the 17th century as a symbol of military might. The stunning architecture, gardens, and terraces are jaw dropping. It’s impossible to walk the grounds, and not feel the presence of its great history.
Food and Flea Markets
Nothing showcases the grit and grind of Paris like the backstreet markets. Marché des Infants Rouges is the city’s oldest covered market, dating back to 1615, and is a maze of food stalls from all over the world! Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is a Europe’s largest flea market, and a village in itself! You may find chintzy Louis XVI lamps, rare vinyls, avant-garde fashion and furniture, antiques and other treasures.
Stroll The City Like A Parisian Flâneur
A city like Paris has seen its fair share of changes. In the 19th century, Georges Eugène Haussmann was tasked with bulldozing the medieval city’s dank and narrow alleys to create an elegant, light-filled capital, full of tree-shaded boulevards and squares. His plans kept the Parisian flânerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. St-Germain des Prés, Le Marais, and Jardin du Luxembourg are class areas for leisurely, indulgent walks.
Discover the Latin Qaurter
When change in Paris has been a foot, the Quartier Latin (or Latin Corner) has been at the center of it. During the 19th and 20th centuries, students organized political movements, and strikes. Explore the maze of small, charming streets, where you’ll find book stores, music venues, restaurants, and the Pantheon.