The capital of France whose second name is the city of love, Paris, lends itself perfectly to a city break and a weekend away. With just a few hours you can find yourself in the center of the city. Despite the cozy nature of the city, some of the sights are quite a distance apart. So it’s nice to think in advance which sights you can easily combine. And don’t forget to just walk around the city and take in the atmosphere.
Eiffel Tower & Park
One of the most famous and visited sights in Paris, the Eiffel Tower. With a total height of 324 meters, the tower is visible from afar. In total, the Eiffel Tower has 1665 steps, enough for a hefty workout. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 on the occasion of the 1889 World’s Fair. And now the tower is a world-renowned and popular landmark. You can climb the Eiffel Tower. Depending on how high you want to go and whether you go by stairs, elevator or both, you pay between €10.50 and €26.10 per person. Currently due to the pandemic, the Eiffel Tower is closed, otherwise the opening hours are from 9:30 am – 11:45 pm in the summer season and from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm in the winter season. In the park Champ de Mars, where metro line 6 also runs, you can enjoy a rest with a view of the Eiffel Tower. If you want a different view, walk to Jardins du Trocadéro across the Seine.
Arc de Triomphe
At Place Charles de Gaulle you will find another famous structure of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe. Construction was completed in 1836 and is now a memorial to the First World War. It is highly recommended to visit the Arc de Triomphe in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. At dusk, the Arc de Triomphe colors beautifully in combination with the lights on and around the Arc. If you want to see the other side as well, take the pedestrian tunnel that runs under the road. The closest by metro is line 6, getting off at Kléber station.
Sacré-Cœur
The Sacré-Cœur stands out not only because it is built on a hill, but its white color completes it. And from the basilica you have a beautiful view of the city. Built in 1887, the Sacré-Cœur is decorated inside with paintings and sculptures. You can tour the basilica, daily between 6:30 – 19:00, times may change during the summer season. On the Sacré-Cœur site you will find a schedule of current activities and Masses. The basilica is free to visit, if you want to climb the dome then buy a ticket in the basilica in advance. You get to the Sacré-Cœur by climbing 222 steps or going up by cable car. If you get off the metro at Gare du Nord station you can also walk straight there.
Louvre
The most famous and versatile museum in Paris is the Louvre. Multiple art galleries and exhibits from many eras can be viewed. The way the museum is designed is stunning, as the appearance of each gallery is tailored to the era appropriate to the exhibit. This makes the Louvre versatile and interesting. While you’re there, check out the Mona Lisa.The Louvre is currently closed due to the pandemic. Keep an eye on the Louvre’s official site when it reopens. When the museum reopens you pay €17.00 per person. Handy to know, you can also visit the Louvre for free for everyone, on the first Saturday of the month from 8:00 – 9:45 am and on July 14. And on Fridays when the museum is open until late, young people up to 26 years of age can enter for free from 6 p.m. with a valid ID. Please check for yourself if this will be the case when it reopens. The easiest way to get to the Louvre is via subway line 1, get off at Rivoli station.
The Seine
As you walk from the Louvre through Jardin des Tuileries and Place de La Concore to Paris’ Notre-Dame, walk along the Seine and the multiple bridges built over the river. In this area, you will experience the cozy and pleasant atmosphere of Paris. Along the waterfront there are also rows of stalls where you can browse through the many books and LPs in search of something nice.
Notre-Dame of Paris
The famous and centuries-old cathedral the Notre-Dame of Paris is worth a visit. Built in the 12th century and restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to the April 15, 2019 fire, the cathedral is also currently being rebuilt and restored, so visits are not possible. However, no reason to skip it for this reason, as the cathedral is and remains a magnificent structure. When the cathedral reopens to the public, expect long lines. The cathedral was already popular and it will be no different after the restoration. If you come by metro, go with line 4 and get off at Cité station or Saint-Michel station.
From & to the center
The easiest way to get to Paris is by car, however once in the city that is not the nicest option as many streets are either narrow or busy or one-way. Also keep in mind that parking in the city can be tricky, find out in advance where the best place to park is. You can also get to Paris very easily by train from the Netherlands, you’ll be there in just a few hours. Or you go by plane.Once in the city, the distances are often too great to walk and the subway offers a good solution. With 302 stations scattered throughout the city, you’re so close to somewhere. You can buy single tickets within certain zones for €1.90 per person, if you buy 10 then you pay €14.90. One day of unlimited travel on the metro costs €7.50 per person in zone 1 + 2, for zone 1 + 2 + 3 you pay €10.00 per person and with zone 4 added you pay €12.40 per person. Often you can make it with these zones, but see for yourself which tickets suit you best.