What not to miss if you have 2 days in Paris
It is rare to have two days alone with my teenage daughter, so to share those days in Paris is an unforgettable experience.
You know something special is unfolding when the girls in the back of the plane start singing, “We're in Paris” as you land. Inside we were singing too. We had a mini bucket list of things to do and see:
To see the Eiffel Tower sparkling (for 5 minutes on the hour every hour from dusk until 1am when there is a 10 minute show - we watched from Pont Alexandre III. Nearest metro is “Invalides”.)
To see the glass pyramid outside the Louvre, as spotted in ‘Lupin’ on Netflix (spend some time in the Tuileries, enjoy an ice cream. Nearest metro is “Palais Royal - Louvre”).
To go shopping in Sephora. (We went to Westfield Forum les Halles, nearest metro station “Les Halles”. This is a big indoor shopping mall but also links to lovely areas to walk. Nearby Rue de Rivoli and Samaritaine also worth a look, many places open on Sunday also).
To go on the Bateaux Parisiens on the River Seine and wave at people on the riverbank. (embark at the Eiffel Tower, 18 euros per adult over the age of 12, buy the tickets on the quay or they are cheaper online. You can buy hot chocolate from the vending machine on board if it is cold outside. Nearest metro station is “Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel” ).
To buy some art from the street sellers on the banks of the River Seine (we went near the Pont des Arts, nearest metro station “Les Halles”).
Marvel at the art in a museum (we went to the Petit Palace, entry is free, nearest metro station is “Champs Elysees - Clemenceau”).
Walk around the Eiffel Tower by day (we didn't climb it, although you can. It is just fun to see it! Nearest metro is “Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel”).
Taste French patisserie - there are patisseries all over the city, from famous social media icons and those that sit quietly on the corner. It is a feast for the eyes. You can order a baguette, cooked just how you like it. The sandwiches and quiche are great for picnics.
Where to stay?
We stayed in the Hotel l’Interlude in the 12th arondissement. It is a lovely quiet area of the city with a Sunday market right outside the door. There is also a huge park to walk in, an aquarium and museum just moments away.
What to Wear
Paris is a huge cosmopolitan city, renowned for fashion and style. I noticed a lot of leather jackets this time, and Adidas shoes. Well cared for skin, nails and hair are de rigeur, as is the “natural look”. Ireland tends to veer towards the fake eyelashes, fake tan and fake nails whereas Parisians tend to emphasise their natural beauty with minimal makeup, a good manicure and a smart, well-cared-for outfit (I didn’t see any tracksuits while we were there!). My go-to is a white and black outfit with red lipstick.
