For Real!? Six Paris tips that may blow your mind.
So you’ve finally decided to visit the awesome city of Paris, France. The flight is booked, you know where you’re staying, and even have the itinerary planned. But wait! There’s still something you should know about Paris before taking a step on that plane. First, check out these awesome Paris tips:
1. First stop, Eiffel Tower!
The Eiffel Tower is quite possibly the most famous monument in the world. What’s amazing is not just its height (at 1,063 feet, it “towers” over our hometown St. Louis Arch of a mere 630 feet), but the sheer number of people that visit each day. Almost 7 million people make the pilgrimage to the top each year. So, on a warm summer day in Paris, counting the people (like us) that decide to skip the three-hour lines and elevators, and settle for a magnificent view from underneath or from one of the surrounding parks? There are approximately one bajillion people at the Eiffel Tower.
2. Speaking of lines..
Paris is beautiful, like really, really beautiful, and with must see tourist destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, (and so much more) there are sooo many people. Thirty-two million tourists descend upon Paris per year, making it the world’s most visited city. Add another 3 million residents, and well, a visitor in peak summer months just might have to get used to waiting in lines.
3. But, Do We Have a Tip For You!
The Eiffel Tower? Long lines. Notre Dame? Long lines. Versailles? Long lines. The Louvre? yep, long lines. BUT, find the green lion statues on the river side of the Louvre, majestically marking a HIDDEN ENTRANCE and NO LINES! No one, zilch, nada. Just tell them the secret code at the door: “Wanderlust Duo,” and you’re in! (OK, so you might not need a code..)
4. Need Some Culture?
Countless artists, writers, and musicians have found Paris as a creative home over the years. Can you imagine Ernest Hemingway, Man Ray, Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, T. S. Elliot, Dali, Cole Porter and Gertrude Stein all drinking and palling around in the Roaring 20’s? This was just one extremely creative period in Paris’ history, a time giving birth to the Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Art Deco movements. It happened, and they all lived, worked, and played together in the Montparnasse neighborhood. Have a stroll around and see the remaining artwork, cafes, paint shops, and art schools that opened and flourished in Paris during the 20’s and early 30’s.
5. Time for a bite..
Snails or Goose liver? Escargot and foie gras might seem weird but are admittedly delicious. If we’ve entered the “no-go” zone, just stick to the amazing French breads, wines, and cheeses. You really can’t go wrong. Grab a chair at any cafe, ask for an English menu, sit back, and enjoy. Oh, did I mention that Paris has the most Michelin Stars of any city in the world? Good food, great food: Check.
6. Getting Warmer, Getting Warmer, Hot!
Parisian weather in the summer is interesting, to say the least. Cool mornings might have you reaching for long sleeves, but by afternoon, you may regret it! The temps keep rising until almost 7 pm, and it gets hot! With no AC in most of Paris, no wonder every cafe in the city is packed until well after dark. Is there a better way to wait out the heat, than with an ice cold beverage and a small dose of people watching? Don’t mind if we do…