Paris Tips

The city of love, that’s how Paris has been called since time immemorial. But what does this European city really have to offer? What is the attraction of this metropolis, in which one can hardly do anything more beautiful than simply get lost and enjoy the time that is offered in this city of millions? I got to the bottom of these questions and present you the result in my Paris Tips.

The facts and figures about Paris can be read as quickly as they are interesting. Capital of France and world-renowned fashion metropolis. With a population of around 2.2 million, Paris is only the ninth largest city in Europe in terms of population.

And with an area of just 105 square kilometres, Paris is not even among the top ten. But that’s exactly what makes this city so attractive. In a relatively manageable space, one finds such an abundance of sightseeings in Paris as in hardly any other big city on the European continent.

Welcome to the city of love

Arrival in Paris

The journey to Paris is quite easy. Either you get on the next plane and be in France’s capital in about 1.5 hours. Other options are relaxed train and bus travel. Or if you would like to stay flexible, you can of course arrive by your own car.

If you want to get around Paris, the best way is by public transport or on foot. With the metro, one can reach almost every corner of the city easily and comfortably. Apart from the unspeakable parking situation, the driving style of the Parisians is not necessarily what one is used to on German streets.

Best Travel Time for Paris

So that you know exactly what you will have to put in your suitcase during your next holiday in France, we will dedicate ourselves to the climate and weather in the capital. Basically, Paris is a wonderful destination all year round. The best time to visit Paris, however, is spring and autumn.

The temperatures are super pleasant, the sun is shining and it is low season. This means that the city of love is not so crowded yet, so that there are no queues in front of the sightseeings of Paris. But don’t forget to pack an umbrella, unfortunately the small shower cannot be excluded.

Places of interest in Paris

Sacre Coeur Champs Elysees Notre Dame

When you think of Paris, you first think of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Of course, one finds here one of the most extensive and best collections of works of art and exhibits from the most different epochs and the most different corners of our earth.

One could spend hours alone in the field of the great Renaissance artists. But the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are by no means everything this city has to offer. If one thinks of sightseeings and buildings, there are three places that one should definitely have seen in Paris.

The Basilica Sacré Coeur

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre is one of the most beautiful places in Paris. Not only that here in Montmartre the artists’ quarter with its alleys and streets is anyway one of the most beautiful quarters of the French metropolis. Those who climb the stairs up to the basilica Sacre Coeur will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Paris when they arrive at the top. Those who avoid the walk up the stairs also have the possibility to climb the mountain with a cable car that arrives directly in front of the church at the top.

The closest metro station is the station Anvers. From here, one is at the top of the church in a few minutes. Especially the steps directly in front of the basilica that was finished in 1914 but consecrated after the end of the 1st World War are a popular crowd-puller. One can still sit up here wonderfully with a baguette in the hand and watch the hustle and bustle of the city. The view gets a particularly romantic note when the sun begins to set.

The Avenue des Champs Elysees

If there is one term that fits this boulevard like no other, it is the term «boulevard«. The Avenue des Champs Elysees leads from Place de la Concorde to Place Etoile, where you can admire the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees is 70 metres wide and lined on its sides by absolute splendour and luxury.

No other shopping street in Paris can boast such an abundance of luxury shops. The absolute shopping experience. And those who experience this boulevard in the evening hours in autumn or winter, when it is already dark and the lights of the street lighting, the shops and the Arc de Triomphe illuminate the night, will hardly forget this sight so quickly.

Notre Dame de Paris

There are many churches in France called Notre Dame. But none is as rich in history and as famous as Notre Dame de Paris. It was here that Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor in 1804. And this is where the world-famous novel «Der Glöckner von Notre Dame» (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) is set, which has been filmed umpteen times and also set to music several times as a musical.

For lovers of historical architecture, this cathedral on an island on the Seine has a special surprise in store. In the course of its long construction period, the style changed from the original Romanesque style to the later modern Gothic style. This unmistakable characteristic is one of the reasons why many visitors who come back to Paris also visit Notre Dame de Paris a second time.

Lights on | Montparnasse

There is hardly anything more beautiful than Paris at night. When all these monuments like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower or the different churches shine in bright light, are partly covered with light plays and a breathtaking scenery is created with different effects. There are many ways to experience Paris at night, which I present in my Paris Tips.

A ride with lights on the Seine
There are many journeys of his. Particularly interesting, however, are those that take place in the evening hours, when the darkness of the night has settled over the city. The most comfortable way to enjoy the passing lights of the city is to have dinner on one of the many restaurant and gourmet ships.

A trip with the lights on the Seine should be reserved in advance and one should also be quite willing to spend some time with a price comparison in the internet a few days before, as the price range of these restaurant ships can be quite wide.

The Tour Montparnasse 56

The Tour Montparnasse is one of the highest buildings in Paris. Located virtually opposite the Eiffel Tower, from here, one has an exhilarating view over the city. Especially if one drives up to the 56th floor. One of the fastest lifts of Europe (the drive to the 56th floor takes only a little more than half a minute) releases one in the 56th floor into a small world of its own, with a souvenir shop, panorama windows that allow a view over the whole city, and that in every direction, and small but definitely interesting exhibitions.

Those who like it a little higher and want a little wind to blow around their noses have the possibility to reach the 59th floor via some stairs, where a viewing platform allows a completely unobstructed view to Paris. As the entrance fee up here for adults is only 15 € and the height is comparable to that of the Eiffel Tower, many people say that the Tour Montparnasse would be an alternative to the Eiffel Tower. On the contrary, a trip to this skyscraper is better for one reason: while from the Eiffel Tower one has a grandiose view over the city, one cannot see an object from the Eiffel Tower that is absolutely worthwhile especially in the dark. Namely the Eiffel Tower itself.

Barberousse Barfly Montmartre

The Pirate Bar Barberousse

There are many special and interesting places in Paris that are worth a visit. One such very special bar is the Pirate Bar Barberousse. In addition to the wide range of different types of rum that can be found on the map, there is a real pirate hole for the visitor.

From the decoration over the construction of the shop up to the existing offer, the bar makes its famous notorious name giver of all honour. The fact that it is rather hidden in a side street does not mean that the bar is empty. Only the clientele is more exquisite, because more Parisians than tourists get lost here.

The Barfly Bar

If you would rather enjoy a good cocktail in the exquisite company of the better-off classes of the city and eat excellent sushi, Barfly is the right place for you. Artist Quarter Montmartre
Who wants to experience an evening full of unforgettable atmosphere and get to know the whole charm of the French capital, should plunge into the nightlife in the artists’ quarter Montmartre. Here a varied night in the countless bars and clubs is no problem.