Thanks to Big Bus Tours for the best hop on-hop off experience!
It may sound common, mainstream or whatever but my first EU trip led me to France. I honestly don't have plans of going here this year but due to itinerary reasons and as my parents came to visit me in London (yay!!),this happened. Nevertheless, I have no regrets that I started my Schengen musing here--Paris is absolutely lovely.❤️
I will give out tips and how my 5-day itinerary went in this city of love. ;D
EUROSTAR EXPERIENCE.
-I highly recommend this train ride from London St. Pancras to France. It's fast,cheap and quite hassle-free from security and luggage checks (but it's your responsibility to stow your bags inside the train properly). The train ride takes roughly 2 hrs and it's amazing how they connected Paris and London with all the different timezones.
at Paris Gare Du Nord
And as you reach the country, make sure to ride on legit metered cabs!I forgot how much the starting fare is yet based on experience, I find it difficult to book an Uber ride there. The drivers would let you wait but eventually, they will cancel the trip. Though for your GPS aid, download the CityMapper app ;)
Hotel
I stayed at Hôtel Beauchamps which is situated near Champ Elyseès and I believe that it's best to find accommodation in this area. There are loads of Asian restaurants and shops within the outskirt.For more details and other hotel options, feel free to use the search bar engine below:
Attractions, Shopping & Food
The wonderful view from the top of Sacré-Cœur.
Catholics must not miss going to this Basilica of the Sacred Heart; either do worship, buy religious souvenirs and have it blessed by priests in the sanctuary.
Paris is filled with lovely arts and structures.❤️ From catholic churches to museums, every place in this city are very Instagram-worthy. First-time visitors would surely enjoy the hop-on,hop-off service by Big Bus Tours as it will ride across all the tourist-y attractions. The ticket also includes discounted coupons from selected shops and restaurants. ;) So,where to begin?
Since I stayed around Champ Elyseès which is Paris' high street of shopping (similar to London's Oxford St/Regent St/Piccadilly Circus in one long highway.Haha!), the closest landmark that I first encountered is Arc de Triomphe.
I was beyond amazed the moment I saw this epitome of French victories.mapapa-wow ka sa laki at ganda!" *0*
And as you travel further stands the mighty Eiffel Tower.I went there thrice for looking at it during the night, day, and on my birthday.Hihi.The statue's currently celebrating its 130th anniversary from the time that it was built.
Lets admit that this is a very common attraction but it ain't no ordinary iron tower! The tour bus would drop you at exactly beneath the tower yet the best spot to capture a good picture of it is in Palais de Chaillot in Place du Trocadero.
We had our first dinner in this cafe bistro while waiting for the night.One thing I've noticed in most Parisian cafes is that the outside chairs are always facing in front of a certain view which is cool.Like I said, everywhere is exquisite in Paris ;p
The following day, we went to the famous Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in the world.Mind you, it is really HUGE below that glassed pyramid. Having said that, the Dan Brown books that I read have just come to life!Omggg😍
The regular pass costs €15 (There's also an audio-guided tour but I forgot how much it costs).Unfortunately, I wasn't able to tour the whole museum so I'm definitely coming back here next time! It might take a day or two to finish this with all the heavy queues per rooms and entrances. Of course, it is the room where Mona Lisa's masterpiece stand it also has the longest waiting line to be viewed at. It took us about 2hrs before we got to see her and I was pretty stunned with the painting (to be fair, I won't post the actual picture here so it'll be a surprise when y'all get to see it.Haha ;p ).
Then there were these white sculptures. Whatta brilliant pieces of art that it left me wondered how they preserved these for a very long time?!So yup, I have to visit this again.
12mins walk away from this area is Notre Dame. As of 04OCT19, the Big Bus doesn't stop there because the site's closed and under construction. You can't even go near it. The cathedral looked so good to be true from one of Disney's Animations.Ang ganda! Plus, this vicinity is filled with various souvenir shops that is cheaper and designs more unique than in any other place.(note:the store beside Cafe Panis is owned by an Asian and they give good discounts so go buy there!^^)
Not only do they fancy art but Paris is up for FASHION.Galerie Lafayette is another good high street shopping district with signature brands--though knowing France, almost everyone is wearing high-end stuff! But to be honest, most of their pop-up shops sell very nice and affordable clothes.^^
And don't forget to pass by and have some free chocolate tasting at Lindt Shop.I'm amazed with all the different flavors of this since it's only limited in Asia before (and expensive!Haha ;D).So this is where I bought my month-long stock of sweets ;p
The French do love their bread and pastries!Pretty much, they eat croissants or baguettes as a full meal. Plus french macaroons for dessert?they're authentic and the best ❤️ These foodie pics were taken at Cafe George and Les Fournils de France. I bet there was never a day that we skipped for desserts or coffee in Paris.Hahah!
Overall, I enjoyed my birthday vacay in this romantic city so much.Well, I could be one of those who wished to be here with a significant someone but in fact I did because I was with my parents! (but of course I still wish for a future partner to bring me here again.lol). Hence, I look forward to going back here someday, perhaps tour another town besides Paris. Moreover, this is truly the place to be for first-time EU travellers. ;D
NEXT STOP? ITALYAAAA!
