Plan a trip to Paris

Getting there 

Travelling Europe by train? Just out these Eurail options. Or book a flight from anywhere in Europe using EasyJet.

Where to stay

For affordable hostels check out Adveniat Paris near the Champs-Elysées or Le Regent in Montmartre (If you book using this link I get a small commission at no extra cost to you).

Visit the Eiffel Tower

View the Eiffel Tower from the Champs du Mars or Place du Trocadero

Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower

Visit the Arc du Triomphe

Walk along the High Street of the Champs-Élysées

 

The Eiffel Tower

Day three in Paris all revolved around the Eiffel Tower. When I woke up and looked outside, the sky was completely overcast and I thought to myself, ‘Seriously, the day that I plan to see the Eiffel Tower it is so overcast that I probably won’t even see it!’. I took the train and metro to the start of the parc Champs du Mars which is the park that you walk through as you approach the Eiffel Tower. And sure enough the cloud was so thick that I couldn’t see the top. Thankfully it cleared fairly quickly.

Nearer to the Eiffel Tower, the walkways were lined with Christmas markets selling everything from roasted chestnuts to gluvine to souvenirs to hats and scarves. It was such a festive atmosphere. I queued in the line for the steps up to the Eiffel Tower and only waited for 10 minutes. My ticket cost me only 5 euro and allowed me to walk up to the second floor. Looking back I’m so glad that I walked. Seriously I don’t even think the lift should be an option. It’s really not that tough of a climb and gives you a real sense of accomplishment.

Upon arrival on the first floor I looked around and just admired the beauty below me. I then saw an ice rink and thought, ‘Wow, that’s so cool! Imagine ice skating on the Eiffel Tower. But I don’t want to spend any extra money.’ I then inquired about the price just out of interest only to find out that it was totally free! I quickly got some skates and was soon gliding upon the ice and trying to wake myself up from this incredible dream. It really made my heart so happy to experience this moment. 

I continued walking up and up until I reached the second floor. It was really very cold up there and so on went the gloves and neck warmer. Unfortunately the visibility wasn’t great but I could see enough. 

I then descended and made my way across a bridge over the Seine to Place du Trocadero. It is an incredible viewing spot where you can see the Eiffel tower in all of is splendor. I grabbed a Nutella crepe (yes I am eating whatever so that I can truly experience the French culture) and found a bench with a view of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy it.

Next I hobbled with my sore and blistered feet to the Arc du Triomphe. It is a huge arch that honours those who fought for France and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It was so big and decorated beautifully.

I then hobbled to the Champs-Élysées which the French think is the world’s most beautiful avenue. In my humble opinion I didn’t really see the big deal. So I saw it but didn’t spend much time there because my sore feet were beckoning me home.

Planning a trip to Paris? Check out my blog posts on the an evening in Paris, Montmartre, the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre to plan a perfect 5 days in Paris.

 

If you’re visiting more of France on your trip why not check out my French regional guides:

South of France: Provence and the French Riveria

The Champagne region in Epernay

A winter skiing trip to Tignes

The Rhone Alps region: Thonon-Les-Bains, Annecy and Lyon