gardens Archives - Paris with Scott
Top 10 Things to Do for First Time in Paris

Top 10 Things to Do for First Time in Paris

by | Feb 20, 2020 | Trip Planning

I just found out that a friend is leaving for her first visit to Paris – tomorrow!  Work is the main reason for her trip, but she will have some free time and she has asked for a top 10 list for things to do for a first timer in Paris.

Hmmmm……

Did you check out pariswithscott.com?  Of course, she said.  But, there isn’t a top 10 list to choose from for first-time visitors.  Okay, she has me on that.  I guess I think everyone is going for days and days on end.  It is so sad we can’t all go indefinitely!

Get your satchel ready for being out all day and here are the top 10 to pick from.

Before even getting to number one on the list, beware of pickpockets – everywhere.  Keep your money, identification, passport in a secure place on your body.  Like your front pocket or in a money wallet around your neck.  You will be in high tourist areas and thieves will take your money and your passport.  If that happens, you will spend the rest of your time in Paris trying to get your credentials to get out of Paris.

First, there are 3 firsts.

place de la concorde eiffel tower

Option 1

Take a ride on one of the open top buses.  Multiple companies offer several routes, but take the route that goes by the major sights – up the Champs-Elysees, around the Arc de Triomphe, by the Opera, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, etc….  Ask at your hotel which company is closest to your location so you can walk to the bus stop.  About 2 1/2 hours without getting off.

Even in winter, the open top tour is a must.  Bundle up, wrap your neck with a scarf, and go to the top deck.  It doesn’t go fast.  And, you can really get a feel for the city and this will help you decide what is really interesting to you.

Option 2

If it is really raining, and the forecast is for rain all day, go to the Louvre.  (More on the Louvre in a minute.)

Option 3

If you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, reserve your time now , while you are reading this.  Seriously, check the website now and reserve your ticket, and check for special notices.  This is many people’s top thing to do – so it is crowded.  Also, maintenance can result in closures of certain areas – including the top – and the website posts current information.  (PWS Note:  There is no doubt that the Eiffel Tower is incredible!  It is breathtaking to walk around it, look at it from all over the city and see it each day while in Paris.  I prefer to admire from underneath, from across at Palais de Chaillot, or from the Champs de Mars.  The view from the top is so high up that it is far removed from the city of Paris.  I think the views are much better from Arc de Triomphe or the Centre Pompidou.  Or, visit Galleries Lafayette for the terrace – and you can always get a snack or meal down below.  Even Printemps the food halls have amazing views across the rooftops – including a view of the Eiffel Tower.)

2.  Sainte-Chapelle

sainte-chapelle lower chapel top 10

Sainte-Chapelle is a block and a half away from Notre-Dame de Paris, on Boulevard du Palais.  Big red vertical signs mark the entrance.  After going through security, you wind your way around to the 13th century royal chapel built in 7 years.  First, you visit the lower chapel that is dark and dim with gilded Gothic arches.  Then, you walk up a narrow stone staircase and enter the soaring upper chapel with monumental walls of stained glass.  This is where the kings of France worshipped for a time.  And… it is majestic.

Plan to spend at least an hour at Sainte-Chapelle.

Notre-Dame de Paris would take this spot on any top 10, but the inside is closed.  It is unfortunate, but you still must visit Notre-Dame de Paris before or after Sainte-Chapelle.  Walk over to Île Saint-Louis to view the flying buttresses and marvel at the magnificent Gothic masterpiece.

3.  The Louvre

louvre top 10

The most extensive art museum in the world is a must visit.  From the glass pyramid by I.M. Pei to the ancient foundations, the building is a work of art in itself.  And, the ability for the French to move people into the most visited museum in the world is inspiring, even if it may be a little frustrating.  Get yourself up early and be there when the Louvre opens, or go when it is open late to have the easiest access.  Or, just be prepared to be in a mob trying to get in.  It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.  Go with a plan.  And one of the best plans is to take the self-guided tour of masterpieces.  You will travel through the building seeing the best of the best in the former palace of the monarchs of France.

Plus, there are places to have coffee, a snack, a baguette sandwich, and multiple bookstores with excellent souvenirs, including vast numbers of postcards!

Combine visiting the Louvre with seeing the sublime beauty of the Palais Royal (built in the 1630s) and taking a stroll through the gardens.  Break for some coffee or a Badoit before or after at one of the cafés between the Louvre and Palais Royal.  You will see them around the Avenue de l’Opéra.  Then walk back out to the Rue de Rivoli and into the Jardin des Tuileries (created in 1564) and up to Place de la Concorde.  During the French Revolution, a guillotine was on this square.

About 3 hours not including time at a café.

4.  Crepe From a Crepe Stand

crepe stand top 10

Choose savory or sweet, maybe the one right outside the Tuileries Garden on the Place de la Concorde?  Or, at night near the Pont Neuf watching the boats motor past?  This may rank as number 1 in the top 10 experiences.

5.  Baguette Sandwich

baguette sandwich top 10

Choose the traditional – jambon gruyere – ham, swiss cheese and butter on a baguette.  Don’t go for the new ones with lettuce, tomato, mozzarella and who knows what else.  You can find them everywhere, even at convenience stores, but walk into a boulangerie for some of the best.  A real boulangerie makes its own bread on the premises from yeast, flour, water and salt, with no preservatives.  Grab a croissant while you are at it.  You will want it as a snack later or a post baguette dessert!

6.  Place des Vosges

place des vosges top 10

The red brick and stone buildings of the Place des Vosges were built by Henri IV in the early 1600s.  Walking under the archways and into the garden really give a feel for a microcosm within Paris.  Beautiful buildings, perfect scale, relaxed atmosphere, planned gardens that are meticulously maintained…a sensory delight.

To get to Place des Vosges look for Rue de Birague off the Rue de Rivoli.  See the July Column at Place de la Bastille before.  Plus, a Monoprix is across the street from Rue de Birague.  Duck in for water, reasonably priced souvenirs, crackers and snacks.

From the Place des Vosges, walk a few blocks over to Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish Quarter for delicious falafel at Florence Kahn or L’As du Fallafel.  Continue on to the Hôtel de Ville and take a photo like Doisneau.

7.  Centre Pompidou

pompidou-top-10

The iconic marvel of 1970s is a definite top 10 to visit with its different colors for different circulations:  blue for air, green for water, yellow for electricity and red for people.  Centre Pompidou is about 6 blocks from Notre-Dame de Paris and about 3 1/2 blocks from Hôtel de Ville.  Go to the top for some of the best views of Paris.  Next, go over to Église Saint-Eustache.

Allow 3.5 hours from Place de la Bastille, brief shopping at Monoprix, visiting Place des Vosges, stopping to eat, visiting Centre Pompidou and walking to Église Saint-Eustache.  This is without seeing an exhibition Centre Pompidou,

8.  Time in a Café

spend time at a cafe top 10

Sit across the Seine from Notre-Dame de Paris, or visit Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, or whatever café may be near your hotel.  Order even the least expensive coffee or lemonade and you will buy yourself time to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the view, get comfortable in your surroundings, or just rest for a bit.  If you have a full day, visit a café after dinner.  In the morning, any open café is a great place to stand at the bar for a quick coffee and croissant for breakfast.  Make this top 10 one of your most repeated.

Time estimate – up to you.

9.  Montmartre

montmartre-top-10

Yes, Virginia, there is a vineyard in Paris up on Montmartre.

Have you seen Moulin Rouge, the movie?  Montmartre is where it all took place.  Satine’s elephant sat high above Paris with views of the entire city.  And, that is what you will have on the steps of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.  Go a few blocks over and you will walk in Toulouse-Lautrec’s footsteps.  As well as many other famous and infamous personages of Paris.  Unlike the days from long ago, at the square you will be surrounded by caricature artists, plus accordion music, lots of berets, and restaurants where you should probably not eat.  Keep walking and you can find a vineyard!  Go to Montmartre for the view, the exterior of Basilica of Sacré-Cœur and the square.

It is a steep walk up or take the funiculaire.  At the top, about 1.5 hours.

10.  Arc de Triomphe

arc de triomphe top 10

At the top of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, this National Monument is worth a visit and the climb up the stairs to the top.  Paris is laid out before you in all directions.  I think the views from l’Arc de Triomphe are the best of all views.  And, now you can book your time and ticket in advance without waiting in line.

About an hour.

11.  Versailles

versailles top 10

If you have seen as much of Paris as you want, and you have half a day to dedicate to one destination, go on a tour of Versailles.  Multiple tour operators have easy-to-get-to locations, or will even collect you from your hotel.  There are not enough superlatives to describe the palace and the gardens.  This is where my mother said, “No wonder they had a revolution.”  I know it is beyond the top 10, but the first ones were truly in Paris.

At least 1/2 day.

REMEMBER

Keep your wallet/passport/identification safe – at all times.
Places on the map are farther away than they look.  Spend money wisely on Métro passes and/or taxis.  If you are short on time, it may be worth a cab ride or taking the Métro to speed you to your destination.

Do you have your own list of the top 10 things to do in Paris?  I would love to hear from you.  Send them to me!

Green and Sustainable Paris

Green and Sustainable Paris

by | Jul 27, 2018 | Gardens

Like many big cities, Paris is making a huge push to be “Green and Sustainable.”  Those words are popular in today’s culture, but what do they mean for visitors to Paris?  Following is a brief explanation for those who may be wondering.

What is “Green?”

“Green” has many different meanings to many different people.  The general idea is to reduce human waste and consumption.  It is also defined as being environmentally responsible (another term that means avoid damaging the planet).  And, not to trivialize being green, but maybe it is simply the idea that humans stop working against nature and start working to help nature.

How is that done?  Rather than doing things that hurt the planet or environment, do things that help.  Work to reduce the human race’s effect on nature.  In other words, try not to create a trash heap (read “mountain”) of your used plastic water bottles, plastic straws, aluminum cans, plastic bags, etc….  Try to avoid using cleaners made with toxic substances that run off into the lakes, rivers and oceans.  Try to eat foods grown with the least amount of antibiotics, herbicides and pesticides.  All of these man-made creations go somewhere once they have been used.  And, generally it harms someone or something else down the line.  So, cut down on all of it in an effort to be green.  Most importantly, see how small of a trash heap you can leave behind.

What is “Sustainable?”

“Sustainable” is another word with many different meanings to many different people.  Overall, it is a huge concept with even more far-reaching and global goals.  Those goals include focusing on renewable energy, treating workers and animals ethically and conserving natural resources such as water, land and fuel.  “Green” seems like the manifestation of what individual humans can do to help “sustain” the planet.

Although Paris is the subject of this website, it helps to have some American references for understanding sustainability.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that, “Sustainability is based on a simple principle:  Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”

You may also be surprised to know that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 committed the United States to sustainability.  (Yes, that long ago.)  The act declares it a national policy “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”

What Does the World Say?

On the world stage, the United Nation’s 1987 “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development:  Our Common Future” notes that sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations.  (What were you doing in 1987 to promote the “well-being of future generations?”  Using cans of ozone-depleting hairspray, driving 9-mile-to-the-gallon gas guzzlers and sucking down Big Gulps with long plastic straws?????  I wasn’t using the hairspray, but count me in on gas-guzzlers and 7-Eleven straws.)

Ever broader definitions of sustainability continue to evolve in world politics.  In 2000, the Earth Charter’s definition of sustainability changed to include the idea of a global society, “founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.”  Yes, that was already 18 years ago.  But, the ideals remain extremely relevant and seem to be more universally accepted.

As a Visitor What Does it Mean, Green and Sustainable Paris?

Paris promotes its commitment to sustainability by providing locals and visitors with green opportunities.  Without knowing it, you may be accidentally participating in green and sustainable initiatives!  But don’t stop at accidentally.  You can actively choose green options while in Paris.

What is Paris Doing to be Green and Sustainable?

The following are a few examples of how Paris is doing its part to be green and sustainable.  At their core, these efforts seek to raise awareness for respecting the environment.  On top of raising awareness, they encourage participation.

Vehicle-Free Days

Car-Free Champs-Élysées Green and Sustainable

Photo “Champs-Élysées sans voitures” by Ulamm licensed under CC 4.0

The first Sunday of each month is vehicle free on the avenue des Champs-Élysées.  That’s right – no cars!  This green and sustainable initiative began in May of 2016 and is an incredible success.  Now locals and visitors can take advantage of a new way to experience the famous avenue – right in the middle of the pavement!

Along with leaving one avenue vehicle free each month, the entire city of Paris is vehicle free for one day each year.  Except for emergencies, taxis, disabled access, open top tour buses and some other necessary vehicles, the whole city is pedestrian friendly for much of the day.  Can you imagine a car-free day in your town?

Urban Oasis

Want to visit urban green spaces while visiting?  The Paris City Council has joined in the effort to be green with an app!  Paris Eco Walks is the city council’s downloadable app that leads followers through urban green spaces to see plants and animals.  It is a “go at your own pace” tour that will work for anyone interested in finding green spaces throughout Paris.

Community Gardens in Paris

green and sustainable community garden

(Photo from paris.fr)

Along with the many parks in Paris that are vehicle free and easy to enjoy, you may even see community gardens on public land.  These shared gardens, jardins partagés, can be found throughout the city.  Paris’ Green Hand Charter, Charte Main Verte, is an initiative allowing these community gardens.  Citizens work in the gardens and share in the produce.  Not surprisingly, the community gardens are extremely popular.  As well as vegetables and herbs, in some of the gardens you may even see beekeepers tending their hives.  In addition to community gardens, bees are kept throughout Paris.  Even on the roofs of landmarks.  The Opera Garner’s hives produce honey that is on sale in its gift shop – great souvenir!

Farm Life

Another interesting initiative is the organic Paris Farm.  This fully-functioning farm in the bois de Vincennes is an outstanding testament to the pride Parisians take in promoting green and sustainable agriculture. 

Paris Farm Icon

(image from La Ferme de Paris twitter)

Its entire operation is dedicated to respecting the environment using sustainable food production methods.  See French cows, pigs, poultry, sheep, horses and other livestock, plus local crops in their green and sustainable habitat.  (Ferme de Paris, 1 Route du Pesage, 75012, open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.)

 

Pesticide-Free Paris

Paris does not use pesticides in its city parks, gardens or cemeteries.  All of those green spaces with blooming flowers and plants are kept without using pesticides.  Additionally, pesticides are prohibited from being used on home terraces and roofs.  Pretty amazing!

Compost-a-Way

Paris even has a compost program for clippings and cuttings from gardens!  It is part of a comprehensive plan for Paris to reduce all forms of trash being generated by the people in in the city – residents and visitors alike.

How Can I Be Green and Sustainable in Paris?

Try to be green and sustainable at the hotel, around town, at restaurants, at markets and in choices to get around the city.  That are a lot of opportunities to be green.  Even if you think making your whole trip green may be too much of a commitment, try making one day a “green day” in Paris!  You’ll have bragging rights for helping Paris work toward sustainability!

At the Hotel and Around Town

  • Use soaps that are free of toxic ingredients
  • Recycle plastic, glass, paper and metal
  • Use the same towel during your stay rather than have the hotel wash it each day
  • Reuse one water bottle during your entire stay in Paris

At Restaurants and Markets

  • Choose locally grown products that are designated organic, free range or natural
  • When eating out or shopping for food, look for Fair Trade products (PFCE – Plate-forme pour le Commerce Equitable) – that means, among other things, the producers have safe working conditions, pay fair wages and are trying to avoid damaging the environment
  • Order appropriately – do not waste food
  • Eat organic foods – look for the “bio” designation on the menu or at markets

Getting Around with Less Environmental Impact

  • Fortunately, Paris is made for walking – a great way to be green
  • If you do not walk, try to take electric or hybrid taxis, ride a bike, or take the Metro
  • Paris is moving toward more efficient buses, so look for eco-friendly signs on buses

By taking even small steps, you can say, “I went to Paris and was GREEN!”  Over 15 million people visit Paris each year.  And, over 2 million people live in Paris.  That many people have a huge impact on the environment in a relatively small space on the earth.  Any steps you take to be green and sustainable while in Paris will help!  Today, the visitor’s motto should be:  Reduce, reuse and recycle.

Do you know if your hotel is committed to sustainability?  Find out how to tell.

green globe reduce, reuse, recycle

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

by | Apr 25, 2018 | Gardens

Between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, you will find the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries).  Since the 1500s, this grand park has been a cultivated respite.  First the respite was from court life, or maybe as part of court life?  Then for fashionable Parisians.  And, eventually, for throngs of tourists and locals alike.

Enter from the Louvre Side

On the Louvre side of the garden, the Louvre and its pyramid will dominate the horizon.  However, just think, a palace once stood that would have blocked your view – the Tuileries Palace.  Originally built in 1564 under the direction of Catherine de Medici, the palace stood on the site of old tile kilns.  In French, these places for making tiles were called, tuileries.  Hence the name, Tuileries Palace and Tuileries Garden.  The Louvre is gargantuan today, but imagine with another entire wing enclosing a giant courtyard!!!

Tuileries Palace

Tuileries Palace, photo taken around 1860.

Okay, back to the garden.  Although the gardens were created in the mid-1500s, royalty demanded a makeover after 100 years.  Who could remake them?  The most famous garden designer ever, of course!  André LeNôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener, was commissioned in 1664 to redesign the gardens.  Soon after, in 1667, the Tuileries Garden was the first royal garden to be opened to the public.  Just for reference, in 1667 in North America, Charles II was King of England.  That means he was the monarch of his subjects in the colonies in what would one day become the United States.

There is so much history, it is hard to focus on the gardens!  The Tuileries are filled with trees, shrubs, lawns, basins, fountains and lots of crushed granite!  You can walk up and get close to inspect nearly any plant in the garden.  Beautiful and substantial ironwork fences line the street sides of the garden.  But, there are so many entrances, the fencing is purely decorative at this point.

Enter from the Place de la Concorde Side

Enter from the other side of the garden, and you will find a crêpe stand just between the Place de la Concorde and the entrance.

Find a bookstore to the left, appropriately named, Librairie du jardin des Tuileries, that specializes in garden books.  Then, up the ramps for horses (now for pedestrians), you will find the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume museums on either side.

Tuileries entrance from Place de la Condorde

Entrance from the Place de la Concorde side – not much changed since this photo was taken.

You will also see Antoine Coysevox’ famous equestrian statues carved in 1699.  Replicas now stand in for the originals that are protected in the Louvre.  Sometimes called the Marly statues, they are imminently famous and named the Marly statutes because they were moved from Louis XIV’s estate, Marly, to the Tuileries for decoration.

Huge and Enjoyable

Do not be fooled by looking at the garden on a map.  The gardens cover a tremendous expanse.  Walking across the garden will take you a while – from any direction.

tuileries garden from the air

It is expansive! Those are people walking around down there.

Take a break while crossing at one of the garden’s café’s.  Under the trees, enjoy an expensive baguette sandwich and citron pressé – a lemonade that you make yourself from lemon juice.  It is brought to you in a tall glass of ice, along with a bottle of sparkling water that you mix sugar from packets into the lemon juice to make lemonade just to your liking.

Along with hosting the annual Jardins, Jardin exposition, the garden brings out lots of children in the summer sailing wooden boats, joystick-ing motorized boats, all while sun worshipers get their vitamin D.

The Tuileries Garden is in the heart of Paris and will be a reference point for your visit.  Take advantage of it at any time of year.  Even in the dead of winter, it is marvelous to walk in the Tuileries and absorb the history and beauty of Paris.

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

Nearest Métro:  Multiple Métros provide access to the Tuileries Garden.  Tuileries and Concorde on the Tuileries side of the Seine; On the opposite bank of the river, but still close, look for the stations of Assemblée National and Musée d’Orsay.
Arrondissement:  1st
Admission:  Free to access the garden.
Official website:  https://www.louvre.fr/en/departments/tuileries-and-carrousel-gardens