The priority for all first time visitors is to get a good overview of Paris, and see as many landmarks as possible. Happily, many of Paris’ most famous landmarks are relatively close together and there are a variety of ways to see the most well known sights, especially important for first-time visitors. Paris is made up of twenty distinct districts (arrondissements) which circle the city like a garlic infused escargot. With over 2,000 hotels in the city, choosing where to stay can be the most daunting part of the planning process. We offer week long rentals year round at the Marriott d´Ile de France, which is also perfect for a visit to Disneyland! In this post, we give you our top 5 tips, for first timers in Paris.
The Paris Pass
The Paris Pass offers the perfect answer for time-challenged visitors. It’s easy to purchase and use, plus you’ll save alot of money when visiting the popular attractions in the city and it includes everything you would want to see and do on a first time visit to Paris. Before getting started on your sightseeing tour, grab a seat at a sidewalk cafe and review the informative 120 page Paris Guidebook which is full of information about the city to help you plan the perfect day. Circle the museums, art galleries and historic monuments that strike your fancy. The pass provides free entry to over 60 attractions including The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, the Orsay Museum, and a Seine River Cruise. They even throw in a wine tasting class held in a historic wine cellar where the sommelier will teach you the basics of French wine. Since we were so short on time we really appreciated their exclusive Fast Track Entry, which allows you to jump straight to the front of the line at some of the more popular attractions.
The Champs Elysees
A trip to this upmarket shopping area, is a must on any visit to Paris! The Champs Elysees is one of the world’s most beautiful avenues and a short cut to heaven for fashion conscious shoppers. We recommend visiting at sunset, where you can snap a pic of the arc de triomphe in all it´s glory.
A Culinary Walking Tour
If you are short on time, yet you want to visit the best of Paris´s culinary delights, then a good option is a culinary walking tour, where you can see parts of the city such as Monmatre, whilst sampling local delicacies. On most tours, the food focuses around traditional, French home-style cooking which can be enjoyed at three atmospheric bistros. Your tour will likely begin with a huge platter of homemade Charcuterie and Fromage and some rather obscure but delicious wines. TIP: Make sure you arrive very hungry to make the most of it!
Le Calife
Le Calife is a gorgeous boat, owned by Nicolas Gailledrat, a quirky world traveler, collector and musician who painstakingly restored the vessel (which was once used to transport cereal) turning it into a recording studio and jazz club. After dinner you can head downstairs where you’ll find the sound studio, a scattering of musical instruments including the last Steinway Grand to be produced at the original workshop, a polished mahogany concert room with bronze ceiling, huge brass doors from an old pharmacy and many other eclectic artifacts from Gailledrat’s travels. The delicious food, caring service and beauty of your surroundings will provide a très magnifique evening.
The Louis Vuitton Foundation
Towering above the park’s trees, like immense silver beetle wings flying over rolling waters, is the new $143 million art museum/cultural space. It was designed by Frank Gehry for L.V. billionaire Bernard Arnault, France’s richest man, to showcase his vast collection of contemporary art. Well worth a visit!
There are of course many different aspects which make up the perfect visit to the most romantic city in the world. Depending on what you enjoy seeing and doing. Please contact us for all enquiries about accomodation at the Marriott Village