Paris. Considered by many as the most beautiful city in the world, trying to condense the French capital into a list of '10 things to do' is one of life's impossibilities. So as to avoid insulting your intelligence, boring you, or writing the same article as every other online guide to Paris, the Eiffel Tower has been emitted from the list. Because, let's face it, we know you're going to visit the Eiffel Tower. You're in Paris; it's the law. But if you're stuck for a few other ideas, then try this list for starters.
1. The Louvre
Yes, it maybe just as cliched as the Eiffel Tower, but leaving it out would simply be unthinkable. Not only is The Louvre one of the world's finest palace's and a breathtaking example of French architecture, it also just happens to contain some of the world's finest artwork. Established in 1973, the Louvre represented to the public everything that was good about the French Revolution, and has been drawing in tourists and admirers ever since, with recent figures suggesting well over 5 million annual visitors. And with pieces such as Da Vinci's renowned Mona Lisa, it should come as no surprise. If you're in Paris for the week, although it may not be practical, the Louvre could probably entertain you for the full seven days. And if a week long art binge doesn't exactly constitute fun for you, visit for the day at least, even if it is only to re-enact your favourite scene from the Da Vinci Code, usually much to the embarrassment of the rest of your party.
2. La Promenade Plante
it is widely acknowledged that a trip to Paris does wonders for your calves, with extensive walking unavoidable. And 'La Promenade Plante' doesn't do much to prevent this. At 4.5km long, it is the world's only (and therefore longest) elevated park, and is perhaps the most imaginative and picturesque way of dealing with an unused railway line. The walkway is lined with flowers, and provides brilliant and often intrusive views into the local neighbourhood. And in true Parisian style, the arcades below were not left to be vandalised by graffiti writing hoods. No, they were transformed into arts and crafts workshops. A beautiful afternoon's entertainment for all.
3. La Grande Arche de La Defense
In stark contrast to the classic architecture of the Louvre is 'La Grande Arche', a 110m high homage to the French's heroic (yet failed) resistance of the Prussians in 1870. The structure consists of mainly concrete although is covered with marble and glass for an ultra-modern feel, and a glass elevator will take you straight to the top. From there, panoramic views of the city provide priceless photo opportunities of the distant Arc de Triomphe, the model for La Grande Arche's construction, and the Louvre itself, although those a little conscious of heights may find themselves quickly calming their nerves in the hotel bar. Best seen by night when the city is at its twinkling best, it's a dazzling way to spice up a day of navigating through the tight streets of the old city.
4. Sabbia Rosa
A city with a street dedicated to underwear shopping would usually be considered a little out of the ordinary, but we're talking about Paris here, where the unexpected is always on the menu. So if you find yourself on La Rue Des Saints P'res, then prepare to flash the plastic and overhaul your underwear draw completely. If there's one thing the most romantic city in the world does better than anywhere else, it's make knickers. And in madam Sabbia Rosa's, you have one of the best in the business. She was sewing lingerie before you were even thought of, so its no surprise she attracts customers such as Madonna and Kate Moss on a regular basis. But with that clientele, Madame Rosa can afford to set prices a little higher than the normal shop sale, so make sure you've got your chequebook before you start trying things on.
5. Cruise on the Seine
We've established that walking and Paris go hand in hand, but there is a slightly more luxurious (and lazy) way to see the city in its full glory. A cruise down the River Seine, often accompanied by a high quality meal and an equally high quality glass of wine, is a brilliant and unique way to admire the city's often stunning architecture. With views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and Notre Dame as well as the added bonus of not actually having to move very far, it all makes for a delightful evening's entertainment.
6. Arc de Triomphe
Situated at the top of the Champs-Elysees, you would do well to miss the Arc de Triomphe, perhaps Paris's most famous sight after the Eiffel Tower. This architectural masterpiece was built in recognition of the French's military victories during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, the names of which are engraved across the Arch's summit. A small museum inside details the history and construction of the Arch, the biggest of its kind in the world, and also provides access to the top where the views of the city are worth the entry fee alone. Avoiding the Arch on July 14 would be advisable as it is the starting point for the Bastille Day parade, as would steering clear on any Sunday of the same month, allowing you to avoid the flurry of tired cyclists completing the final leg of the Tour de France. But perhaps the greatest thing about the Arch, what makes it so iconically French, is that it was commissioned by Napolean in honour of himself. And you were always told the French were arrogant.
7. Les Catacombes
It's probably a little more than just a coincidence that the junior members of your party, those who complain about walking to the car, will surprisingly ask to pick up the pace as you tour 'Les Catacombes', the underground network of Roman passageways converted to accommodate millions of corpses as Parisian cemeteries became saturated in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Les Catacombes consists of no fewer than six million skeletal beings, who will watch you every step of the way as you go. It is also the spot the French Resistance chose as their headquarters in World War II, although it probably did little to lighten the mood set by the swarms of advancing Germans. For an alternative peek into the city's history, Les Catacombes is a must see, although it may be the stuff of nightmares for those with a slightly over active imagination. Or those who find 6 million pairs of hollow eye sockets staring in their direction a little disturbing.
8. The Night Clubber Special
For those who think anywhere outside of their local is an adventurous Saturday evening, the Eurostar Night Clubber Special might not be for you. But for the rest of you eager party animals, it most definitely is. Like a modern Cinderella story without any glass slippers and set to a lot of dance music, you'll have to leave London after 4.30 pm and be back before 10.30 am the following morning, often sleepless and linguistically confused. When in Paris, try clubs such as Queen and Redlight for a more mainstream insight into the local scene, and the Sunday morning 'after party' sessions will take you right through to your train home. And at a very reasonable 35 for return tickets, booking in advance is the only way to secure your seat for this unique clubbing experience.
9. Notre Dame
If this list was to be written in any specific order of importance, then Notre Dame cathedral would feature much, much higher. Commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, Notre Dame is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe today, and recent restorations mean it's looking as good as ever. Oh, and it also happens to be the religious centre of the city and home of Paris's Archbishop, hence deserves an absolute double underlining on your itinerary. The gargoyles are as leering as expected, and often even the most adamant of atheists comment on the inexplicable and eerie atmosphere of calm and hush which hits as you enter. Notre Dame may not be for the children (unless of course yours are into Gothic architecture and intense religious feelings), but must not, at any cost, be missed out on your trip. And if your kids complain, sit them in Berthillon over the road and let them loose on Paris's most famous ice cream parlour, where asking for 'chocolate flavour' is like asking for alcohol in an off license.
10. Wine tasting
Like their lingerie making and their building designing, there are things the French do better than anybody else. And fortunately for you, winemaking is one of them. There are numerous places across the city where you can learn about and more importantly sample some of the country's finest wines, straight from the vineyards of Burgundy and Champagne. Places such as O'Chateau are great for a day out with friends or even corporate events, and they usually let you take home a few bottles of what you sampled. And what's more, you will now be able to make very loud statements in your local off license about how the '72 has much more je ne sais quoi to it than the 73', only this time you'll actually understand what you're talking about.
Out of all the capital cities Tomas Jones has been to, of which there are many, Paris is up there at the very top of his list. When not dreaming about strolling along the banks of the Seine, Tomas writes prolifically for On The Beach who offer all sorts of cheap Paris city breaks with hotels in Paris and flights from airports throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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