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Exploring The City of Lights: Paris, France

Exploring The City of Lights: Paris, France

LUXURY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS, PARIS

Paris is the one love affair that never ends: after the first visit, you’re already thinking about your next trip!

This effervescent city remains one of the most admired and beloved destinations of all time, and no matter how many times you go, there is always more to discover.

Looking out into the city of Paris

Like many of the major cities in Europe, Paris is an architectural and aesthetic paradise. Many of the buildings and apartments have survived the test of time, contributing to the magical atmosphere of being surrounded by history regardless of where you go. Renting an apartment can be the best option for those planning to stay in Paris for more than a few days. And with tips from the experts at a1realestate.paris, you’re sure to find the perfect apartment in Paris that competes with staying at a local hotel. Not only will you have your own space to enjoy, but renting a property allows you to live like a local and experience daily life in Paris as if it were home. As an avid shopper, one of my favorite activities to do while abroad includes frequenting popular shopping spots, areas that are prime for finding products I can’t find at home, and to indulge in a quintessentially French hobby: people-watching.

View of Champs Elysees, Paris
View of Champs Elysees, Paris

When I visit Paris, I usually stay in an apartment not far from the renowned Opera Garnier, located in the lively 9th Arrondissement, which is within walking distance to one of my favorite stores in all of Paris: Les Galeries Lafayette. While this French department store chain does have locations in other areas, I have visited the leading store on the Boulevard Haussmann countless times and will undoubtedly continue to for the rest of my life.

Opera Garnier Paris
Opera Garnier, Paris

Open to the public since 1912, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers Haute Couture as well as street-wear, furniture, and food. Every Friday there is a free fashion show (reservations necessary) and a ‘cultural space’ that has been designated for showcasing French and international design. While all these reasons are enough for anyone to add Galeries Lafayette to their Parisian itinerary, the glorious 43-meter high Neo Byzantine dome is the show-stopping cherry on top. Each floor in the Galeries Lafayette allows shoppers to view this magnificent dome of glass and steel designed by Ferdinand Chanut. The dome adds an effect of grandeur to the shopping experience so that whether you are shopping Haute Couture or perusing the sales rack, there is always a feeling of underlying splendor.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris
Galeries Lafayette, Paris

France is an incredible country with so much to offer, whether you’re interested in Paris, St. Tropez, or Normandy! For your next trip, I highly recommend that France-Voyage be your guide. Not only is their content easily accessible and geared towards travelers of all ages and nationalities, but they break down all the different aspects of traveling (transportation, activities, even language) in France.

Photo credited France-Voyage.com
Photo credited France-Voyage.com

It works well across all electronic devices, and is updated daily, so it’s no surprise that they boast over 18 million users each year. I particularly appreciate that the website’s interactive map makes it easy to peruse the different regions as seen here: https://www.france-voyage.com/travel-guide/.

It’s highly practical and particularly useful if you’re traveling with kids or a group, for a short weekend or holiday, and everything in-between!

About the author

Carmen Edelson is the Founder of Carmen's Luxury Travel. Carmen has been traveling the world for over a decade. Her travels allow her the opportunity to pursue her itch to travel to the best luxury destinations, and experience those first class tastes from around the world.

18 Comments

  1. Indya | The Small Adventurer
    April 24, 2018 at 2:09 am
    Reply

    It’s so refreshing to hear about someone who enjoys visiting Paris. It’s been one of my dream places to visit my entire life – my house has always been full of Eiffel Tower items – but I’ve heard so many bad things about it, which really upsets me. I know I’ll love it when I do get to see it because I already love it now, and this post just makes me want to go even more!

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 25, 2018 at 1:37 am

      I really think you’ll love it!! It’s a magical city.

  2. Helen
    April 24, 2018 at 9:10 am
    Reply

    Ugh, now you have me wanting to plan a Paris trip. I’ve never been but definitely on my list!

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 25, 2018 at 1:37 am

      I hope you get to go, Helen! It’s amazing.

  3. Jasmine Vargas
    April 24, 2018 at 7:29 pm
    Reply

    It’s freaking beautiful! Paris is on my bucket list.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 25, 2018 at 1:38 am

      As it should be! Easily one of my favorite European cities 🙂

  4. Candy
    April 29, 2018 at 5:03 pm
    Reply

    Paris has many attractions to see and visit. Be prepar d to a ton of people. Photos are very pretty

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 30, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks! And yes, Paris can be very busy but it depends where in the city you go and what time of year.

  5. Tina Hogan Grant
    April 29, 2018 at 6:54 pm
    Reply

    Paris is such a unique city. One that creates many memories for the visitor. Great pictures

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 30, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      I totally agree with you, Tina! Thank you.

  6. Sondra Barker
    April 30, 2018 at 1:57 am
    Reply

    Very stunning photos. There is so much to do and see in Paris! It truly is the “City of Lights”.
    Xo, Sondra
    Cuisineandtravel.com

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 30, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks, Sondra! I just never get tired of Paris.

  7. Roselle Toledo
    April 30, 2018 at 7:05 am
    Reply

    First, your photos are stunning! I felt like I was already in Paris. It has been a dream to go out of my comfort zone (Asia) and someday explore France.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 30, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      I would love to explore more of Asia too!

  8. Elizabeth O
    April 30, 2018 at 8:48 am
    Reply

    Paris through your eyes looks incredible, your photos really show how romantic and picturesque a country it is. It looks like you had a really great time and the app really helped you out too.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 30, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks, Elizabeth. It really is a romantic city.

  9. Whitney
    April 8, 2020 at 11:07 pm
    Reply

    Paris is such an amazing city and your post made me want t plan another trip! I can’t wait to visit again.

    • Carmen Edelson
      April 13, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      Me too, I miss traveling!

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