Paris: The City of Light

With the Summer Olympics quickly approaching, I thought it would be nice to write a blog about Paris.  It’s been a few years since we have been there but it is definitely one of my all-time favorite trips.  We were in Paris for 7 days but there is so much art and history to explore that we could have spent more time there.  Below are some highlights of my favorite parts of the city.

1.    Eiffel Tower: No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This iconic structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. Whether you choose to visit during the day or at night when it’s beautifully illuminated, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see.

2.    Louvre Museum: Home to thousands of works of art, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the majestic Venus de Milo, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum. You’ll need to decide how to spend your day visiting this museum because you can’t see it all in one visit.  Visiting the Mona Lisa is busy but a must do just so you can say you saw the original. 

3.    Notre-Dame Cathedral: Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a symbol of Paris. Its Gothic architecture, stunning stained-glass windows, and the view from its towers make it a must-visit. We were in Paris right after the fire that caused significant damage.  We really couldn’t see much of the Cathedral at the time.  The good news is that the cathedral’s grand opening is scheduled for December 8, 2024 so if you go to Paris after that, you should be able to get inside.

St. Chapelle

4.    Sainte Chapelle:  Sainte Chapelle is in the same area as Notre-Dame Cathedral and is breathtaking.  I’ve never seen so much stained-glass.  It has 15 towering stained-glass windows that depict over 1,100 scenes from the Bible. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX and was intended to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. This is an often-overlooked site that you won’t regret visiting.

Conciergerie

5.    Conciergerie:  The Conciergerie is also in the same area as Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. It is a historic building that once served as a royal palace and later as a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Originally part of the medieval Palais de la Cité, it became the center of the French judicial system. The Gothic architecture, particularly the impressive Hall of the Guards, reflects its regal origins. Most famously, the Conciergerie held Marie Antoinette before her execution. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and its role in French history.

6.    Musée d'Orsay: We really enjoyed this museum.  It is much more manageable than the Louvre and they have some wonderful Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art such as works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh.  Monet and Van Gogh are two of my favorite painters, so this was particularly rewarding for me.

La Orangerie

7.    La Orangerie:  You may be surprised to learn that this may be my favorite museum.  It is located in the Tuileries Garden in Paris near the Louvre.  It is a small museum that has Claude Monet's series of "Water Lilies" murals, displayed in two oval rooms designed to provide an immersive experience. La Orangerie also houses works by other artists, however the expansive displays of Monet’s work is a show stopper.

Versailles

8.    Versailles:  There are a couple of excursions that I’d recommend from Paris and Versailles is one of them.  The Palace of Versailles, located just outside of Paris, is a symbol of opulence and grandeur, representing the pinnacle of French royal extravagance. Originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, it was transformed and expanded by his son, Louis XIV, into a magnificent palace that became the center of political power in France. The palace is renowned for its exquisite architecture, lavish interiors, and the stunning Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. The expansive gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, feature ornate fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured lawns. Versailles stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the French monarchy and remains a must-see destination for visitors from around the world.

Loire Valley

9.    Loire Valley:  This is also a day excursion that I’d recommend from Paris.  It takes more time than Versailles but it’s worth carving out a day to see this lovely wine region.  The Loire Valley is located in central France and stretches along the Loire River.  It is dotted with charming towns and villages. The region is famous for its architectural heritage, boasting over 300 castles, including the majestic Château de Chambord and the elegant Château de Chenonceau. The Loire Valley's fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for winemaking, producing some of France's finest wines. On our tour we were able to visit Château de Chambord and a local winery both were beautiful and wonderful places to visit.  Our tour finished with an incredible family-style restaurant in a rustic barn at one of the wineries. Tres bien!

These are just some of the things to do in Paris, but leave time to just let the adventure happen.  You can easily spend an afternoon in a café, people watching or just wander around the city taking in the sites.  Take time to soak in the amazing culture and atmosphere. It is a magical city that has so much to offer.  Paris promises a memorable and timeless experience.  Pack your bags and prepare to fall in love with the City of Light. Bon voyage!