The images and icons of Paris have worldwide recognition, so strolling through the capital of romance feels like visiting an old acquaintance, even if it’s your very first trip here
The tower and the glory
When you think of Paris, chances are that you immediately envisage the Eiffel Tower, proudly watching over its city. Of course, snapping a photo of this landmark is a vital part of any trip to the French capital. Climb the 1,665 steps to the top (or take the lift) for stunning views over Paris. There are dining options here too, with Restaurant Jules Verne offering Michelin-starred food with a sublime vista. The best view of the city with the famous wrought-iron spire jutting from the skyline is at the top of Tour Montparnasse, a skyscraper with the tallest viewing platform in the city.
The spectacular gothic masterpiece of Notre Dame Cathedral sits on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine. Ascend the 400-plus steps of the bell tower to see the gargoyles that survey the city below. At ground level, gaze up at the beautiful rose stained glass windows reflecting an array of colours onto the stone floor.
Once Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo have drawn you through the doors of the Louvre, linger a while to feast your eyes on works by Caravaggio, Delacroix and Michelangelo. Perhaps pause for a picnic in the gorgeous Tuileries gardens that surround this former palace.
Cafè culture
Every year the Champs-Élysées hosts the grand finale of the Tour de France and witnesses the marching bands of Bastille Day. There’s a reason why the French mark auspicious occasions on this famous, tree-lined boulevard: with the Arc de Triomphe straddling the end of the street, no other backdrop is so distinctly Parisian. Lined with museums, restaurants and designer shops, it’s the perfect place to sit back and watch locals and tourists alike. Sip coffee and enjoy a delicate macaron in Ladurée, one of Paris’ oldest patisseries.
Paris takes hot chocolate seriously. One of the best spots in the city for this local favourite is Café de Flore on the corner of the elegant Saint-Germain Boulevard. Pavement seating offers a view of daily life in Paris, and the accompanying thick hot chocolate is to die for. Inside, you might find yourself sitting in a seat once occupied by Sartre or Hemingway, as this café is steeped in literary history.
Head over to the dark side
Deep underneath the city lies a dark and twisted realm of winding passages and vaulted tombs. Over 200 miles of old quarry tunnels containing the bones of those long since passed run beneath the thriving streets above. The public entrance to the catacombs is located in Paris’ 14th arrondissement. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the section open to the public and is a memorably macabre experience
It may come as a surprise that Paris’ largest park is actually a cemetery. Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Jim Morrison to name but a few. Enjoy a peaceful amble between the headstones and ornate tombs before returning to the bright lights of the big city.
Whether this hugely popular city is the main attraction for your break or you’re simply starting your expedition here and heading to wine country in Bordeaux or beyond, car rental in Paris allows you to pack a lifetime of memories into a short time.
