Paris is a dream city that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. As one of Europe’s most important centres of culture, art, fashion and gastronomy, it has a lot to offer both history buffs and modern-day visitors. You can get there in many ways. If you’re wondering how to get to the French capital and avoid long queues at the airport, the answer is simple – take your French bus journey! It’s one of the cheapest and most convenient options, and what’s more, Paris is stunning right from the start anyway. Have you always dreamed of travelling to this extraordinary city? Check out why you should.
First stop Eiffel Tower
It is impossible to describe Paris without mentioning its symbol – the Eiffel Tower. It is an iron structure over 300 metres high that was built for the 1889 World Exposition. From the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, as well as enter a restaurant or museum at the top of the tower. An entrance ticket costs between €10 and €25, depending on whether you want to take the lift or the stairs. It is by far France’s most popular tourist attraction and also the place where many people have said ‘YES’ to the love of their lives.
A second Parisian must-see – the Louvre
Another must-see in Paris is the Louvre, the largest and most famous museum in the world. Housed in a former royal palace on the banks of the Seine, the Louvre has more than 35,000 exhibits from different eras and cultures. These include masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s mysteriously smiling Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace. The Louvre is so huge that it is difficult to visit it all in one day. An entrance ticket for an adult over 26 costs a dozen euros.
Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral
If you want to feel the spirit of Paris, you must visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is a breathtaking Gothic gem on the Isle of Cite. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is the site of many historic events, such as the coronation of Napoleon and the beatification of Joan of Arc. The cathedral is known for its magnificent rosettes, buttress arches and gargoyle sculptures. Unfortunately, the cathedral was partially destroyed by fire in 2019 and is currently being renovated. However, you can admire it from the outside and support its restoration.
Pompidou Museum
Paris is also a city of modern art and the avant-garde. If you like this kind of vibe, be sure to check out the Pompidou Centre, a museum and cultural centre dedicated to 20th and 21st century art. The Pompidou Centre has an unusual architecture that exposes structural and installation elements to the outside of the building. Inside you will find a collection of more than 100,000 works of art, such as paintings by Picasso, Matisse or Dalí, as well as sculptures, photographs, films and multimedia installations. An entrance ticket costs several euros. You can also have the pleasure of experiencing art on the hill of Montmartre, where the Sacré-Cœur basilica is located. This place has an amazing atmosphere and a wonderful view of the whole city.
Or maybe you want to visit Paris in a slightly different way?
Paris also has its dark and mysterious side, which you can discover by visiting the catacombs – a network of underground tunnels and chambers full of human bones. The catacombs were created in the 18th century as a way to solve the problem of overcrowded cemeteries. It is estimated that around 6 million people lie buried in the catacombs, whose remains form macabre decorations and inscriptions. Tours of the catacombs are only available with a guide and last about 45 minutes.
Cruise on the Seine
If you want to see Paris from a different perspective, take a cruise boat trip on the Seine. It’s the perfect way to admire the city’s most beautiful sights and bridges from the deck of a boat. Cruises run both during the day and at night, and some also offer meals and live music. Cruise prices range from €15 to €100, depending on the length of the route and the standard of service. It’s also a great idea for a date 😉 .
Say “I love you” in 300 languages
As we mentioned earlier, Paris is also a city of lovers with many romantic places to discover. One of these is the Wall of Love (Le mur des je t’aime), a wall covered with ‘I love you’ inscriptions in over 300 languages. The wall is located in the Jehan Rictus park on the Montmartre hill and is a popular spot for couples to confess their feelings or take a souvenir photo. Admission to the wall is free.
A district full of magic
If you’re feeling tired at the thought of crowds of tourists, head to the Latin Quarter. It’s a magical place, full of charming cafes and streets. You can take a stroll here and feel the atmosphere of the real Paris. The Quartier Latin is the name given to an area covering the north of the 5th arrondissement and the eastern part of the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The name derives from the Latin language spoken by the students and teachers of the Sorbonne University, founded in the 13th century. The Latin Quarter is a place where different eras and cultures come together, from antiquity to the present day. Here you will find architectural monuments as well as delightful streets, cafés, restaurants, bookshops and art galleries. It is also a youthful and intellectual district, where student and artistic life is vibrant.
Visit to eminent Frenchmen
Not far from the Latin Quarter is also the Pantheon, the burial place of many famous French people. It is not only a cemetery, but also a building of beautiful architecture. Located on the hill of Sainte-Geneviève, the Pantheon is a monumental building in neo-classical style, designed by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot and commissioned by King Louis XV. It was originally intended to be a temple dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, St Genevieve, but after the French Revolution it was transformed into a mausoleum where the remains of prominent Frenchmen rest. Among them are Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Emil Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Marie Skłodowska-Curie and many others. The Pantheon is also famous for a physical experiment conducted here in 1851 by physicist Leon Foucault, proving the rotation of the Earth using a pendulum.
Something for book lovers
If you are a book lover, be sure to visit Shakespeare and Company, a charming bookshop located in the centre of Paris, more specifically on Quai de Montebello, opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is one of the most famous and oldest English-language bookshops in Paris, founded in 1919 by an American woman, Sylvia Beach. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a mecca for writers of the Lost Generation, such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein. The bookshop was also a place for intellectual meetings and discussions, and a refuge for many artists. The current owner of the bookshop continues the tradition of hospitality and culture. Here you can buy or borrow books, attend readings, workshops and concerts, and even spend the night on one of the beds set up among the bookcases.
Paris has its own Venice
And if you fancy something really surprising, take a stroll along the canals of Paris that criss-cross the city. The most famous is the Canal Saint-Martin, which connects the Seine to the Ourcq Canal. It was built in 1825 at the behest of Napoleon I to ensure the supply of drinking water to the city and to facilitate the transport of goods. The Canal Saint-Martin is about 4.5 km long and is decorated with nine locks and two drawbridges. Walking or swimming along the canal, you can enjoy picturesque views, historic buildings, romantic cafés and shops, and observe the daily life of the locals. The canal is also the site of frequent events and festivals, such as the Fête de la Musique or Nuit Blanche.
Paris is never boring and everyone will find something interesting to discover. Whether you go there by coach, plane or car, you can be sure to have an unforgettable time. Paris is a city you absolutely must see at least once in your life! Of course, don’t forget to taste real French baguettes, bagels, coffee in small cafes, and wine. After all, this is Paris! And if you dream of getting to know this city, don’t wait and search for the best coach connection to Paris today in our search engine.
