The city of Paris, France offers a wonderful introduction to a world class city in Western Europe. With wonderful landmarks, inspiring cuisine and enough museums and sights to fill a lifetime of visits, the city of Paris, France has something for everyone. Our first day in Paris, France consisted of a day of walking through some of Pari’s most famous sights.

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This post is one chapter on our trip to Jordan, Israel and France during the end of the pandemic. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Alaska Mileage Plan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Returning to the Eiffel Tower & Central Paris, France

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There is nothing like visiting Paris, France. It’s one of the leading cities to visit in the world, and a must see for any visitor to Western Europe.

It had been a while wince I had visited Paris, France. The last time I had the opportunity to visit the city was when I passed through on my way to business school in Grenoble, France in the year 2007. As a result, I was keen to get re-acquainted with this world class city.

Why Visit Paris, France ?

There are dozens of reasons to visit Paris, France. First and foremost, the city of Paris has several of the world most famous landmarks. The world would not be the same without the Eiffel Tower, the Arc the Triomphe, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Catherdral, and the wonderful Seine River flowing underneath’s Parisian’s bridges.

In addition to the wonderful landmark sights, Paris is also known for world class food. As the home of the French Bistro restaurant, it also offers Michelin Starred dining opportunities. As the home of French Onion Soup, Grand Cru Classé wines and french baguette bread, there is more than enough french cuisine to dive into.

Lastly, Paris, France is also known as the City of Lights. The city is lit up throughout the night with wonderful light displays. The Eiffel Tower also has a terrific light display that appears on the hour, until about midnight.

All of these are great reasons to visit Paris, France.

Getting To and Around Paris, France:

The city of Paris France has an excellent train network and rail system. As a result, I’ve never had a need to rent a car in Paris. I have always relied on the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF) rail system and the métro in order to get around the city.

On our stay, we were staying at The Westin Paris – Vendôme hotel, which was exceptionally well located for sightseeing. The Westin Paris – Vendôme hotel was conveniently located next to the Tuilieries Metro Station, which made for convenient navigation to and from the hotel.

The Place de La Concorde:

We set out for a day’s worth of sightseeing from The Westin Paris – Vendôme hotel. The hotel was located next to the Jardin des Tuilieries park just steps from the hotel.

We started off our sightseeing day after a short walk to the Place de la Concorde.

The Place de la Concorde was initially laid out between the years 1755 and 1775. It’s most famous landmark is the giant obelisk that is three thousand three hundred years old. It’s pink granite structure originally stood at the Temple of Rames at Thebes; today’s Temple of Luxor. The obelisk was given to France by Muhhamad Ali, viceroy and pasha of Egypt.

There are fountains surrounding the Place de la Concorde. Today’s visit had the fountains marked by green water similar to anti freeze.

L’Arc de Triomphe:

From the Place de la Concorde, we walked the Champs Elysées street up towards L’Arc de Triomphe. It was a beautiful fall day as we walked up the Champs Elysées. The Champs Elysées looked a little different in this post pandemic world, with some shops completely shuttered and sitting vacant.

It was full tourist season with travel re-bounding in full swing. We arrived to L’Arc de Triomphe, where it was full of visitors taking photographs.

L’Arc de Triomphe is situated in the middle of the world’s largest traffic circle. L’Arc de Triomphe was built in 1806 by Napoleon to commemorate his victories. It remained unfinished when he started loosing battles and was eventually completed in 1836.

L’Arc de Triomphe also has the tomb of the unknown solder, which has laid on this spot since 1920. It has an eternal flame that is rekindled every evening around 6:30 PM.

The Trocadero of Paris:

From L’Arc de Triomphe, we walked through Pari’s neighbourhoods over to the Trocadero of Paris. There were charming stores and shops on the way over to the Trocadero; there isn’t anywhere in the world that offers stores and local shopping quite like this.

The Palais de Challot was built for the world exposition in 1937. The terrace holds a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower along with the Trocadero gardens below.

Having never been to the Trocadero Gardens, it was a really impressive place to take in the views of the Eiffel Tower. The sloping water feature towards the Eiffel Tower made for memorable views.

Walking Back to the Place de la Concorde:

From the Eiffel Tower, we took a long slow walk back towards the Place de la Concorde. We were treated to views of the Eiffel Tower peeking out through the buildings around the neighbourhood south of the Seine river.

We came across le Pont d’Alma; perhaps most famous for the location where Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in 1997. It was amazing that some twenty five years later, a memorial was continuing at this site in honour of Princess Diana’s memory.

We enjoyed great views on the walk back along the Seine River to the Place de la Concorde.

The views of Paris’ bridges were also enlightening under the fall sunset of the day.

We made it back to The Westin Paris – Vendôme and eventually set out to the nearbyThe Cafe de la Paix for a bistro style dinner.

My Thoughts on Visiting Paris:

The city of Paris, France is a wonderful city full of engaging sights. It has been a while since I had walked the streets of Paris, France. I had forgotten how much I had missed it.

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If you have visited Paris, France, what sights do you take in on your visit to the city ?

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