Though pricey, French capital worth a visit
First published by The Journal Gazette
I had high expectations when I visited Paris, and they were exceeded.
As I took a river cruise down River Seine in the heart of Paris, almost everywhere I looked I could see beautiful monuments, museums or parks. As I walked the cobblestone streets, I better understood why so many famous artists, poets and writers have been inspired in Paris.
Paris is a city for dreamers. There is a culture, style and sophistication that is unlike anywhere else. It’s not unusual to see people wearing colorful scarves with shorts and T-shirts in 80-degree weather. It’s almost like some people live in a world where summer and winter co-exist. It’s different, it’s exciting, and it’s all about the fashion. Welcome to Paris.
The Eiffel Tower is worth a visit. There are naysayers that label it a tourist trap because you could spend too much time in lines and miss seeing other landmarks. But if you follow the old saying, “the early bird gets the worm,” going to the top shouldn’t be time-consuming. The line to get into the area forms at 8 a.m., security opens at 9 a.m., and in-person ticket sales start at 9:30 a.m. If you get your ticket as soon as it opens, you’ll be one of the first groups at the top.
The Mona Lisa is a must-see. Although it is a small half-length portrait, Leonardo da Vinci left a large impact on the world with this famous painting. It can be seen at the Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum. The line to see the Mona Lisa feels long because it splits into two lines and people take their time to get the perfect picture once they reach the Mona Lisa. A little tip: When the line splits, the line on the left moves faster than the line on the right.
The museum is also home to the Great Sphinx of Tanis and the sculpture of the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The Musée d’Orsay is another great museum. Once a railroad station, it houses hundreds of modern and impressionist art. Between exhibits, relax at its famous Café Campana for lunch or coffee.
The Notre-Dame is still closed. In April 2019, a fire destroyed parts of the 850-year-old building. There is a fence around it as its conservation and restoration continues. People still gather to see the outside of the large cathedral, but visitors won’t get to see the inside until 2024.
The Arc de Triomphe is a must-see. Although it’s not as popular as the Eiffel Tower, its top does provide a stunning view of Paris, but getting to the top is exhausting. There is a small circular staircase that feels like it never ends, but once you make it, you’ll discover it was worth the climb. If you want another view of the city, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is worth a visit. It features a large medieval dome that provides stunning views.
Before you go, there are things you should know. Paris is not cheap. A decent lunch is around 20 euros, and 20 euros is more than $20.
Many restaurants use pasta as straws and not plastic or paper. I thought that was genius.
You have to register with France’s health pass to get into museums. You just need a picture of your passport, vaccination card and airline ticket and within a day you’ll receive a QR code by email. You can do it all by using your iPhone or Android. You also need a COVID test within 72 hours before you return to the United States, but don’t worry. There are small white tents outside pharmacies where medical professionals give rapid tests. No appointment is necessary and you get your results in less than five minutes.
So go and enjoy Paris because your visit may just spark some creativity.