Preparing For Paris

(Image sourced from We Heart It)

Paris is just under two weeks away and although i'll have plenty of excursions and activities to do, with my course, i thought i'd be a good idea to fill you all on the sights and sounds of the beautiful French capital.

I'm lucky enough to be in Paris while the infamous Paris Fashion Week is in full swing, now i'm not expecting to be frow at the Lanvin show or back stage rubbing shoulders with Gisele Bundchen but when Fashion Week's in town, the streets of Paris become their very own runway with industry professionals and the fashion forward, alike, coming out of the woodwork to get discovered as fashion's most wanted.

If you're not one for battling the crowds for a look at this months hottest Parisian celebs, why not spend your time touring the rest of this romantic city. There's so much to see and do that you'll never have enough time to see it all, but here's my rundown of some of the top sights to see.

Three of the best ways to see as much of this beautiful city as possible are by Bus, by Foot and by Boat. You've probably seen in some of the UK's biggest cities but Citysightseeing can also be found in Paris. For just €26, for two days, you can run (or drive) circles around this historical city, hopping off and on as much as you like. Make sure to sit up on the top deck, weather permitting, to spot all the best sights from Notre Dame to the Champs-Elysees. Paris also offers hundreds of walking tours with several companies and routes to choose from, so there's something for everyone, just remember to wear your comfortable shoes as a lot of ground will be covered! Last but not least, why not take a boat down the Seine to see some of the best tourist attractions, minus the crowds; from the Seine you can spot the Louvre, The Eiffel Tower and St-Germain-Des-Pres to name a few. Why not take the tour at night to really see the city in all it's lit up glory.

An attraction that's often overlooked is 'The Man in the Wall' situated in the Montmartre district , also the home of the Sacre-Coeur, which is a sculptural tribute to Writer Ayme known as the 'the man who could walk through walls'. It's neither classic Parisian or new in appearance, but classic in build so a beautiful work of art non-the-less. As it's known by the locals, but not by many others this a lovely walk and attraction to view if you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of busy Paris.

Cathédrale Notre Dame De Paris is a well known attraction and may be best known for being the backdrop to Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, starring Tom Hulce and Demi Moore. Known as the religious centre of this great city, the site has had four places of worship built there before Notre Dame was erected. Sadly, it wasn't until writer Victor Hugo wrote his book "Notre Dame de Paris" that the people of Paris started to realise that this great building was worth restoring, in the 19th Century and took 20 years to complete.

You're full of sightseeing and want something a little more relaxing? Take some time out to shop in one of Paris' best kept secrets. If you're one for buyers remorse, fear not! Why not take a trip to Merci, at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd Arrondissement, the store that offers a huge variation; from YSL to local designers, everything to please the browsers and serious shoppers alike. The best things about Merci is all profits are given to organisations fighting poverty among children, especially in Madagascar. So, why not spend your pennies where you never have a reason to feel bad for shopping.

Amongst all this sightseeing, and shopping, you're going to want a break so you should definitely head on over to Laduree for one of their infamous macaroons. The do sell many other items, and delicious delicacies, but the macaroon is sure to be their best seller.

Last but by no means least, you surely can't go to Paris without visiting Disneyland! With two parks and their own hotel, there's plenty to see, do, eat and even somewhere to lay your head after a hard days work play. Many people only come to Paris for this reason, alone, so there must be something good about it...

What are your favourite things about Paris?

K|xo