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Paris – the city of love and the city of light. The city where you can’t miss the Eiffel Tower, the croissants and the macarons. A city where there’s so much to see and so much to do in and around the city. Here are 12 activities to do in Paris to have the best trip ever!
I’m going to Paris for the fourth time at the end of this year. I almost made it through the year without visiting Paris but I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it, I had to go. So I’m going to Paris at the end of December because what’s better than combining my favorite holiday (Christmas) and my favorite city (Paris)? I’m so excited to see Paris during the holiday season! Most of these tips about activities to do in Paris are activities I have done during my previous trips.
Definitely a must-visit if you love history, old buildings and massive gardens. It’s very busy, especially inside the palais but it is very impressive and interesting to see and walk through. The gardens were my favorite part – it’s absolutely huge and you wouldn’t even know how busy it is.
If you have some free-time later on during the day, Versailles is a lovely town to explore as well.
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So Colmar is about a three hour train ride away from Paris. I’d advise you to do this if you have been to Paris a few times before so it’s not too bad if you miss a full day in Paris. Colmar is an adorable town right next to the German border. It’s perfect for a day trip to wander around the gorgeous streets with amazing art work and try some of the best foods!
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Le Marais is my favorite area in Paris. It’s the area right behind Notre Dame and Centre Pompidou. I love the streets here and it’s such a cosy feeling to wander around. There is a big mall here for the shopaholics under us with the Zara, H&M and much more. I’m actually staying in this area during Christmas and I am beyond excited.
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One of the most magical moments I have ever seen. The Eiffel Tower sparkles once an hour when it gets dark. It sparkles for a few minutes. I always watch it from underneath the Eiffel Tower in the parc right next to it. However, there are many, many more places in Paris to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle – like from a roof top bar! How awesome would that be?
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To be honest, I have visited the Louvre and yes, I love the art but it also kind-off disappointed me. My advise for the ones who love going to a (art) museum, don’t focus on the Louvre that much. I do think it’s a must visit, but Musée d’Orsay is incredible and definitely worthy of a visit as well!
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Or any other parc in Paris. One thing that surprised me during my first visit, were the big parcs in Paris. And how quiet it is when you’re in the parcs. It’s the perfect spot to sit down, eat an ice-cream and enjoy the sun. Or to watch the Christmas markets in the holiday season. And who doesn’t love to “people-watch”?
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The place to be if you want to shop some designer items or if you’re curious and want to walk around the area. Paris is the perfect place to shop ‘cause there is so much variety in the shops. Rue Saint-Honorè is definitely one of the more fancy ones.
Read more: Travel Tips: The Anxious Flyer
Sunset or not – Montmartre is an amazing area to visit. It is even more special during sunset because the view over Paris is just absolutely incredible. You can see the Eiffel Tower from here as well. Definitely don’t forget to walk into Montmartre and see all the artist working on the square. I love this creative area and I come back to it every time I visit Paris!
Read more: How To Find Cheap Flights

I’m sure you are going to do this anyway but strolling down the Champs Elysées is so much fun! Not only for the shops around it, but it’s also the way to the Arc de Triomph which has (in my opinion) the best view over Paris.
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This is the most incredible warehouse I have ever seen. I love this one A LOT. The building is incredible and I love what the interior looks like. They sell pretty much the same thing as any other warehouse but the architecture and the view from the rooftop are incredible! To be honest, I can’t wait to see the Christmas tree inside the warehouse since it’s supposed to be beautiful!
Read more: What I Learned While Travelling

Did you really visit Paris if you haven’t bought any macarons? Come on. You have to when you visit Paris. Even if it’s just one macaron! Ladurée is the ultimate place to get your macarons. Quite expensive as well, so I’m sure there are other places with macarons who taste just as good.
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You can’t miss the Seine if you are in Paris. It’s especially nice to walk along the Seine if the sun is out. I did this during the summer-time and enjoyed my baguette next to the river while enjoying the sun. I can imagine it’s pretty chilly here during the winter but I think it’ll look gorgeous with the snow around you.
So there were all my 12 things to do in Paris or around Paris like Versailles and Colmar. There is so much more to do in Paris and I can see why it can be a bit overwhelming as well. I don’t always do my research before going to a new place, but if you are visiting Paris for the first time – doing some research about the things to do in Paris is almost necessary. Especially if visit a museum or Chateau Versailles for instance because you want to buy your tickets beforehand online. However, I think you will find the best places when you just walk around the city!
I’m hoping this list of things you some inspiration for your next trip!
Love,
Melissa.




I”ve never been but now I have 12 more reasons to go! 🙂
That’s lovely to read Lisa! I hope you will enjoy these activities. 🙂
Wow!! I went when I was really young and have been dieing to go back as an adult. Now I really really want to go, lol
Paris is sooo different when you go as an adult!
I have never been to Paris, but would really love to visit someday. It seems like such a fascinating city and the architecture is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that.
Yes and yes! The architecture is gorgeous in every street. I hope you’ll visit Paris one day!
This post is brilliant and made me smile a lot. I’m going to Paris for the first time next week. I can’t wait and this post has helped me decide to prioritise the Orsay over the Louvre. I will visit both, though. Also, I love Laduree macarons (thank you, Gossip Girl for the introduction) and can’t wait to try them in their native France. Great post, dude 🙂
Black Pistachio
Ahhh I absolutely gave it my all to make an informative and helpful blog post for future Paris visitors. So happy to read it helped you and I’m sure you’re going to love the Louvre and Orsay! Enjoy your time in this gorgeous city. 😀
I absolutely adore Paris! It is such an amazing place, and I love visiting the Louvre!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ah, good to hear. The Louvre is definitely one of my favorite places as well! Paris overall is just magical.
Aww I love this! I’ve been to Paris a few times, most recently in June, and am sad to say I have never been to Musee d’Orsay! Definitely on the list for a future trip. And will need to check off some day trips too like Colmar or Mont Saint Michel.
June is such a great time to visit Paris though! Have fun on your next trip. 😀
The romance of the city is LIVING for me here. What magnificent flowers! What clean parks.
I tried to go to Paris this year but, unfortunately, I had not discovered your tips for finding cheap flights yet!
It is such a romantic city! Ahhh, I hope those tips will help you plan your trip to Paris next year. 🙂