When traveling to Paris, the 7th arrondissement is filled with incredible museums. Famous for the Eiffel Tower location, the 7th arrondissement also boasts the wonderful Musee d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée de l’Armée at the Les Invalides. All of these museums are incredibly rich and worth a visit. Walking through the 7th arrondissement from the Hôtel national des Invalides, you are on the doorstep of so many famous Paris monuments.
The 8th arrondissement is the perfect district to stay in when traveling to Paris. Be sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes and stroll along the 8th arrondissement boulevards of Paris and be immersed in the wonderful streetscapes of inner Paris.
Eiffel Tower
Let’s begin with the Eiffel Tower! From the moment you arrive in Paris, you will feel an irresistible magnetic pull towards this internationally recognized structure. The first time your eyes are fixed on this incredible tower, you will feel love at first sight. Once the tallest structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower can be walked by stairs with unobstructed views across Paris! The first level is about 300 steps and don’t worry, you can also use the elevator. Feeling hungry? Visit Le 58 Tour Eiffel on the first level or Le Jules Verne, a gourmet restaurant with its own elevator on the second level. Reservations in advance are essential!
Seine River at Night
One of the most delightful (and romantic) walks in Paris is via the Quai d’Orsay pathway along the Seine River. You can marvel at the beautiful French Baroque architecture on both sides of the river and even take a short water taxi ride to see the City of Lights from the water. And if you really want to experience Paris on the Seine, consider taking a 7 night river cruise.
Les Invalides
As you approach the highly polished shiny gold dome of the Les Invalides building, be prepared for your jaw to drop. It is simply spectacular to see it shining in the sunshine. Established as a military hospital and infirmary for wounded soldiers by King Louis XIV in 1670, you can now visit the Musée de l’Armée, inspect the military costumes and learn the history of France’s legendary military leader and Emperor Napoleon. In 1861, Napoleon’s remains were entombed in a porphyry sarcophagus in the crypt under the dome at Les Invalides. The interactive dome tour is one of our favorites and a must-see on your travels to Paris.
Musée Rodin
Housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, the Musée Rodin features the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Strolling through the gardens, you will be memorized by his original works of the world-famous sculptures of The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell.
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay with the finest collection of impressionist paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, Degas and more are set inside this museum which was converted from a railway station. The high ceilings are incredible.
There are many choices for dinner yet the Musee d’Orsay is a 5-minute walk from Saint Germain des Pres. Along with your short stroll, you will find yourself amidst the bustling streets filled with restaurants and cafes. Sit down with a glass of French wine and a cheese platter to review all those wonderful selfies and photos with family and friends! As the French would say “à votre santé”.
Place de la Concorde
An ideal location to start your walking is at Place de la Concorde and along the famous Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Conjure up the images of the Place de la Concorde filled with passionate libertarians during the French Revolution. This square was where the formidable guillotine was mounted and the reigning King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette met their end.
Grand Palais
From Place de la Concorde, the stroll up the Champs-Élysées will have you stopping to gaze in awe at the Grand Palais. The magnificent dome roof with steel and glass panels were designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style. A view inside the Grand Palais will leave you breathless and you will appreciate why France’s leading fashion designers host parades here regularly.
Champs-Élysées
Walking further along the Champs-Élysées into the high end and global retail shops lining the pavement, you will appreciate just why this promenade rivals New York’s 5th Avenue! Sit and relax with an expresso or baguette and watch people of the world pass by.
Arc de Triomphe
At the end of the Champs-Élysées is the iconic Arc de Triomphe. A short climb up the stairs, you will ascend to the viewing level where the 360 degree views of Paris provide the perfect photo opportunity Inside the Arc de Triomphe, you can view the construction history from when it was commissioned by Napoleon in 1810. Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I as well.
Rue St. Honore Fashion District
If you feel like escaping on the easy-to-use Paris underground, the Paris Métro Line 1 runs under the Champs-Élysées and you can see several entrances to station stops along the way. Yet there is no need as we suggest you walk towards the Presidential Palace known as the Élysée Palace on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Home to the President of France, it is enroute to the Rue St. Honore fashion district where high end fashion labels have retail stores. This is the perfect street to see the glamorous style of Parisians!
Taylored Tours can craft a vacation to France that takes in its landscapes, from the mountains of the Rhône-Alpes to Provence’s lavender fields and the Riviera’s Mediterranean. We can also include the country’s historic sites, like the chateaux that stud the Loire Valley and the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. Then, gastronomy-wise, we can point you in the direction of the best local produce markets, AOC-designated wineries and one-off experiences, not just in culinary hubs like Bordeaux and Lyon, but across the whole country.
I believe deeply in the power of travel. Anything I can do to get you out exploring the world makes me happy! So, what are you waiting for? Taylored Tours is on standby to help plan your next European vacation. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling to Europe.
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Cindi Taylor, Taylored Tours
Taylored Tours 