PARIS
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe...
OVERVIEW // The gateway to the Champs Élysée, the Arc de Triomphe was built to honor those who have fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. You can marvel in the French patriotism from the ground with cars whizzing past in the traffic circle, or you can climb the 284 steps to the top for one of the best views of the city (I chose to do both!).
WHERE // Take the metro to Charles De Gaulle-É'toile. You will have to take an underground footpath to the arch. Do not attempt to cross the infamous traffic circle!
COST // 9 Euro
HIGHLIGHT // Watching a Parisian place a wreath of flowers on the memorial to the unknown WWI soldier.
Touring the Opera Garnier...
OVERVIEW // The Paris Opera House has to be one of the most stunning buildings in Europe (admittedly, there are many!). The grandeur ballroom, theater, stairs, costumes, and chandelier (Phantom of the Opera anyone??) compose a breathtaking experience. Somehow this tends to get overlooked when touring Paris, but I think it's a must!
WHERE // Take the metro to Opéra
COST // 7.50 Euro for under 25, 11 Euro for adults
HIGHLIGHT // The intricate ballet costumes on display - so beautiful!
Shopping the Marche Bastille...
OVERVIEW // The Bastille Market is known to be one of Paris's absolute best open-air markets. Every Thursday and Sunday the stalls are filled with fresh vegetables, butchered meats, fish, cheese, wine, as well as some great souvenir items such as linen towels and handmade soaps! It's also a great place to have breakfast or lunch since there are several crepe vendors. But be prepared - most don't speak English!
WHERE // Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Easiest metro stop is Bastille. (It's right across from the Citadines Hotel we stayed at! So I didn't have to walk but five steps outside the door.)
COST // A rotisserie chicken goes for 4 Euro
HIGHLIGHT // Fresh crepes
Study day at Merci...
OVERVIEW // Merci is a concept store that includes a café with wifi, clothing, home goods, and even a barbershop! A group of friends and I went to the café to study for our finals, and the other "concepts" were the perfect study break.
WHERE // Boulevard Beaumarchais. A very easy walk from the Citadines Hotel (our lodging in Paris). Merci is located near one of the best shopping areas for smaller boutiques in Paris (Le Marais and the 3rd Arindissimont).
COST // My yogurt and granola was 6 or 7 Euro. The atmosphere was worth the cost!
HIGHLIGHT // The fact that they allowed us to sit and study for hours! It can be difficult to find the type of cafés we think of in the states - the ones where you can plop down for hours on end with your laptop and books.