10 Top things to do in Paris

It's hard to list just 10 things as there are so many beautiful places to visit in Paris, but I wanted to start with my own personal favourites.

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1. See the view from the top of the Saint-Jacques Tower

I read about visits of the Saint-Jacques Tower located on the rue Rivoli this summer in a Parisian magazine and was immediately convinced. I must say it offers one of the best 360° degree views over Paris in addition to being such a unique landmark. It's all that remains from a church that once existed in the 16th century because in the contract of sale during the French Revolution there was a clause mentioning that the tower could never be destroyed (thankfully!).

The only way of booking your tickets is online here - 10€- adult / 8€- student or child (must be over 12 years). The visit consist of a guided tour of approximately one hour including some free time at the top to admire the view and take all the pictures you wish. My tip is to wear some comfy shoes as there are 300 steps to climb... FYI- it's only open from May to September.

2. Walk along the Alexandre III Bridge

This is definitely THE most majestic and extravagant bridge in Paris with its beautiful ornaments and lanterns. No wonder it's classed as a national heritage site. I'm amazed by it every time.

On one side of the Alexandre III Bridge you have the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais and on the other side it's the Invalides. You can also get a good view of the Eiffel Tower from the bridge. The left bank side of the river by the bridge is a hotspot during the summer for Parisians who enjoy glasses of Rosé during the warm evenings at Faust, Rosa Bonheur and Flow.

3. Have lunch in the Tuilleries Garden

The Tuileries Garden is one of my favourite regular spots in Paris to enjoy a picnic outdoors, especially during the summer. Its gets extremely busy on a hot sunny day and you will have to be quick to grab yourself one of the green chairs to sit on as they're always in high demand... By the fountain on the side of the garden towards Concorde there's an Amorino ice-cream stand; what better way to finish your lunch than with an ice-cream served in the form of flower petals?

4. Wander around Montmartre

There is no doubt why Montmartre is one of the most visited areas in Paris. Get lost and wander around the charming cobbled stoned streets of this iconic hilly area, one of the things I enjoy doing the most. Despite its popularity amongst tourists, you can still appreciate the "Old Paris" as so many bistros and cafes from before still exist today and its architecture has remained untouched. Let yourself get carried away with the artists on the Place du Tertre and go back to the time when renowned artists, such as Picasso, Dali and Modigliani, used to roam the streets of Montmartre...

5. Treat yourself to a homemade ice-cream

We all love ice-cream and we enjoy it even more when its home-made. Check out Melba in the 2nd arrondissement, a new ice-cream parlour that recently opened in Paris. They have a big selection of natural flavours making it always hard to choose the one you want. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed...

6. Fall in love with the rue Crémieux

These colourful houses are unique in Paris and will probably remind you a bit of Portobello Road in London. The rue Crémieux, which is not far from the Gare de Lyon in the 12th arrondissement, is not a really long street and residents have been surprised by the surge of people photographing their houses since it’s become a popular spot on social media. I guess it’s understandable when you see how beautiful the street is with each house painted in a different pastel colour.

7. Go back in time on the Place Vendôme

The Place Vendôme really does have something magical about it. First laid out in 1702 under the orders of Louis XIV, it still represents today a symbol of luxury and refinement. It is home to all the big jewellers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron and also to the famous Ritz Paris hotel which has always been the hotel of choice of the elite. Louis Vuitton is currently building one of its biggest stores that will go from the square down to the rue Saint-Honoré. When you think of all the important people that set foot here at some point, you cannot help but go back in time...

8. Admire the architecture of the Louis Vuitton Foundation

Even if you're not someone who tends to visit museums, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is one of its kind! You can simply go there just to admire the outstanding architecture of this iconic building designed by Frank Gehry. At the moment they have these beautiful coloured panels but I'm not sure how long they will stay. If you are keen on seeing some cool exhibitions inside then click here to find out more about what’s going on as during some months they're between exhibitions.

9. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower

Yes, OK, so this might not be a surprise to you as who isn't already familiar with the Iron Lady?! I have included the Eiffel Tower on my list because even after living here for over a year and a half now I'm still amazed by it as the first time I ever saw it. Most importantly, you can see this iconic landmark from anywhere in Paris so each spot offers a different perspective for you to marvel at...

10. Get lost in the Albert Kahn Gardens

These beautiful gardens below the Bois de Boulogne are a little heaven of peace and definitely worth the trek to the outskirts of Paris. The Albert Kahn Gardens are made up of French, English and Japanese inspired gardens that were initially created by a rich banker of the time in the late 19th century (Albert Kahn). The flowers and plants change throughout the seasons offering a different landscape all the time. I went in May and the flowers were stunning. It's very charming and romantic to have a walk around; you'll even forget that you're in Paris... Read more about Albert Kahn and the history behind his magnificent gardens here.

Have you already done any of these things? If so, which one is your favourite?

C xx

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