Paris
When city streets are lined with cafes, jazz bands play on metros, and pastries constitute a meal, you find yourself in Paris. This old and beloved city fulfills every joyous stereotype it’s known for. Upon arriving in this magical place, you might not think it lives up to those rigorous expectations. However, after a weekend exploring Paris, you will fall in love with its romantic ambience, and all that the city has to offer.
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| Luci and I! |
Paris is home to over two million people, and over 11 million live in the surrounding suburbs. To get around, Parisians have their famous Metro system, which is considered the best public transportation system in the world. Parisians have a sense of pride in their great city unbeknownst to other European metropolises. These people know their city’s history and they are proud of their beautiful French language. If travelers attempt to speak the language and respect the city, the French will do the same for you. A friend once said, “The French are initially very closed off. They won’t go out of their way to greet you, but once you get to know them, they are the most loyal friends you will ever have.,”- Luci Meredith.
Not only are the cities’ residents worth getting to know, but the monuments and attractions are worth the visit as well. Located along the river Seine, which runs through Paris, Notre dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel tower are just a few of the many places worth mentioning.
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| Notre dame |
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| Inside Notre dame |
At Notre dame, tourists find themselves overcome by the splendor of the medieval cathedral. While some come to pray and attend mass, others come to marvel at the magnificence of the building. Inside Notre dame are multiple memorials to famous church leaders and significant biblical activists. The cathedral is always free of charge, and open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. except on weekends when it closes at 7:15 p.m. The sounds inside the church resonate from every direction, giving chills to awestruck visitors. Every lit candle, painting, and sculpture conveys the reverence this beautiful cathedral deserves.
The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous art museums. Spending time inside this incredible place can easily eat away hours of the day. It is open every day except for Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for €9,50 per person, but admission is free for all visitors every first Sunday of the month. Visitors get lost in the magnificent paintings such as the famous “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo de Vinci and “The Wedding Feast” by Paolo Veronese. Inside the Louvre, visitors swarm the famous works of art like moths to a flame.
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| Carissa and I |
Last but not least, the Eiffel tower: one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. This 1043-ft-tall masterpiece is a must-see in Paris. Over 250 million visitors have come to see it since its opening in 1889. Furthermore, one should pay the price to go to the top, because it’s definitely worth every euro. From atop the Eiffel tower, the whole city can be seen and marveled at.
Although the sites and attractions are indispensable in making this city what it is, there is more to Paris than monuments. Visit the city, sit a while at a sidewalk café, have a glass of wine, and take everything in. Submerse yourself in the ambience. Watch the couples in love and the average passerby. Stop and marvel. The people, the sites, the history, and so much more combine to make Paris a city of wonder, love, and sheer enchantment.
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