Are you planning a trip to Paris? Whether you're there on a layover, or coming from somewhere else in France or Europe, it can feel daunting to try to get to know an entire city in one weekend. If you only have forty-eight hours at your disposal, though, we've narrowed your potential itinerary down to ten places that you should definitely visit. From popular tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower to lesser-known gems like the Paris Catacombs, make sure to bring your camera to these ten places.
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Bring Your Camera For These 10 Things To Do On A Weekend In Paris
1. Notre Dame
This cathedral is one of the most magnificent examples of the French Gothic, with rows of ornamentation and stained glass. While the Disney film featured the Hunchback and gargoyles, the real deal is known for housing relics such as the Crown of Thorns. One of the most beautiful sights in Paris!
2. Jardin de Luxembourg
The immaculately trimmed lawns and pleasant little pathways of the Luxembourg Gardens are a lovely escape from the city in Paris. With the Medici fountain, the gardens have a long history. However, today the gardens help Parisians to enjoy their present.
3. Moulin Rouge
Visit the rowdy and raucous Moulin Rouge, where the can-can once reigned, and cabaret was created. By Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is known for its red windmill on the roof. Unfortunately without Ewan McGregor in sight, you can still see dance shows there today. The Moulin Rouge represents one of the most exciting eras in France.
4. The Louvre
A must see, one of the greatest museums in the world can be found in Paris. The Louvre’s glass triangular surface is often buzzing with tourists. Inside, find outstanding works of art, and get in line to queue up and see the Mona Lisa.
5. Avenue Champs-Élysées
With hundreds of cafes and luxury shops, the wide boulevard of the Champs-Élysées is one of the most magnificent shopping streets around. Parisians describe the street as the most beautiful avenue in the world. With the annual Bastille day Parade, and the finish line of the Tour de France — this street is the epitome of Paris.
6. Arc de Triomphe
Feast your eyes on one of the most famous arches in the world, the Arc de Triomphe. At the head of the Champs-Élysées, the historic arch honours those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. A must see tourist attraction, it doesn’t get much better than this.
7. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
A common pilgrimage in Paris, many go down to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery to pay tribute to their favourite artists, musicians, and writers. See the tomb of Oscar Wilde, covered in red lipstick kisses. The graves of Edith Piaf, Moliere, Proust and many more act as memorials for some of the most famous french men and women.
8. Eiffel Tower
It may be a cliche, but who goes to Paris without making a stop at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The Eiffel Tower glitters at night when it’s lit, and makes a perfect stop for a romantic moment. Look up and admire what so many before you have seen!
9. Paris Catacombs
A morbid but incredibly fascinating trip, underneath the city of Paris lie tunnels housing millions of skeletons. You can visit the spooky crypts, as they’re part of the main Paris Museums. Not the traditional tourist trip in Paris, see the dark underbelly of the beautiful city.
10. Picasso Museum
In the Marais district of Paris, the Picasso museum houses the works of one of the most prolific artists of our time. The grand building of the Hôtel Salé is a work of art in itself, and the traditional architecture juxtaposes with Picasso’s revolutionary work.
This article was written by Clara Hudson.