While the average person may not be able to successfully explore Paris in just one day, there are many things that you can do in less than 72 hours to get an unforgettable taste of this amazing city, including an out of this world culinary adventure.
What to do in Paris? Romance, food, wine, and art are within reach once you set your sites on the cobblestone streets of this charming city. But above all is the beauty. Here are my top must-dos if you are looking to explore and soak up Parisian culture.
Whether you visit this exceptional city in any season, rest assured, Paris is known as a perennial attraction. Any time of year you go, from sunrise to sunset, there is always something beautiful to see.
While I love the off-the-beaten path escapes that Paris offers, one cannot go to this spectacular city without visiting the Eiffel Tower. It’s notably one of the most visited paid tourist attractions in the world and it symbolizes love, freedom, and romance. I recommend booking early and taking a couple of hours to soak in this monumental treasure.
Paris has a great metro system and while it is very tempting to take the Metro, the best way to explore this city is on foot. Paris is a true walking city. Whether you wish to discover and take your time by strolling into a café and sipping espresso, or venturing out into one of the famous Parisian neighborhoods, there is no better way than putting on some comfortable shoes and walk.
When you are thinking about what to do in Paris during your stay, cooking needs to be at the top of the list and chefs throughout the city offer wonderful French cooking lessons for the gourmet travel enthusiast. It’s why I offer Paris cooking tours so that foodies from all over the world can come and savor, as well as have a hands on instruction of a wide selection of food and wine. Paris is also internationally known for its culinary cooking schools and cooking tours. I cannot imagine visiting this spectacular city without indulging in both the casual, and elegant side of Parisian cuisine. I often spend several days during my trips immersed in French cuisine as I stand along side bakers and gourmet chefs to learn the basics of French cooking. Delicious pastries, seasonal and market fresh vegetables, classic French dishes and warm, crisp breads—Paris offers some of the most fabulous specialties on the globe. Just like my culinary trips to the Amalfi Coast and my upcoming cooking vacation in Tuscany, Paris and food— will always go hand in hand.
Paris has more culture than one person can possibly soak up in one trip and they have some of the best and most famous museums in the world. Regardless which one you decide to visit, be it the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, or the Centre Pompidou’s Museum of Modern Art, you will find yourself captivated and wanting more.
Likewise, the abundance of gardens this city has to offer is simply breathtaking. A favorite escape is by grabbing a baguette, some cheese and wine and making a small picnic while lying among the sprawling greens and lush gardens of the Jardin des Tuileries. There are countless gardens just like this spread throughout the city to enjoy and take in the sights and sun.
Another must-do when visiting the city of Paris, is to stroll among one of the many open-air markets. These markets have been a staple in Paris for centuries. They are an every day necessity for Parisians as they purchase their wines, veggies, flowers, and meat. Visitors like me, can’t get enough. It represents the epitome of French culture. A favorite is the Rue Cler open-air market. A place nestled among lush neighborhoods where cafes and flower shops line the street, and talented merchants showcase their specialties. From cappuccinos to French wine, bouquets to butchers, and cheese to croissants, you will find it here. I’m never disappointed, except when I have to leave!
There is nothing on the planet like the sweet treats and tasty delights you will find on the streets of Paris. Homemade gourmet pastries, pain au chocolate, fresh cheeses, coffees, and wine—the variety is endless and will leave you hungry for more. You will never get your complete fill of the tantalizing specialties Paris has to offer.
It’s a blog like this that makes me want to go on and on about a city I’m so passionate about. It’s why I’ve chosen Paris for an upcoming culinary travel vacation and cooking tour. Paris offers exceptional walking tours, culinary classes, and sightseeing adventures that I’m thrilled to be able to share with clients. If you have read enough and are ready to partake in the trip of a lifetime, I welcome you to visit my Paris 2012 Itinerary, take the next step to contact me and embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Once you have discovered this unforgettable city you will agree that the famous line in the 1942 classic, Casablanca, sums it up best—“We’ll Always Have Paris”.
Carol Ketelson is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to planning, co-ordinating and curating customized group tours to hand-picked destinations. As an experienced travel planner, Carol’s customized itineraries, specialized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences create memorable journeys for her small groups of singles, couples, divorced, widowed and solo travelers seeking exceptional trips into the culture and cuisine of destinations around the world. Spring and Fall bookings invite travelers to taste delectable local cuisine, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Spain, Ireland and India.