City Break Review - Paris & The Eiffel Tower
What to do on a family holiday in Paris with teenagers.
For a long time I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. So when I my parents suggested a city break for a day in Paris, I couldn’t wait. So, would this ‘city of love’ gain my admiration or would it prove to be a waste of time?
City Break to Paris
Visiting the Eiffel Tower, getting around and fine foods.
Before going, I had been warned from my French teacher that Paris drivers were a bit dangerous. Know what to expect. She was so right… Crossing a road in this famous city came with risk and it seemed that pedestrian crossings had no effect on the drivers. Traffic was a lot. The constant beeping of vehicle horns was also a bit much. Know where you’re going and make sure you are prepared from impatient Parisians.
Paris a true film set
Paris was beautiful. Seeing the Louvre from the outside was incredible after seeing it in many movies such as ‘Wonder Woman’ the ‘devinci code’ and the series ‘lupin’ (I’m a bit of a film buff). Let’s say many photos were taken. Walks through the park were peaceful, not to mention the incredible architecture around the city which we enjoyed through a boat tour (seeing the notre dame being rebuilt along the way). Apart from the heat, walking around Paris was amazing.
The Eiffel Tower
This brings me to the Eiffel Tower … Fantastic! After having a well-deserved baguette from a bakery, we turned a corner and finally saw it in the flesh. One of those surreal moments seeing it in so many movies and programs, to stand beside it was brilliant. We unfortunately couldn’t climb up the tower due to the strike action at the time, but we did the next best thing. Walking through a short stretch of foliage, we were able to queue up to stand under the tower! With my younger brother getting some arty shots with his camera and my mum enjoying the history, it was just unbelievable. I even liked to read about the history of why it was constructed and where the parts came from! And trust me, I’m not usually one for history.
Conclusion, should I have gone ?
Overall, Paris was incredible. Unforgettable landmarks for such a famous city and stunning architecture. The only thing I would say is, be prepared for Parisian drivers and try not to go in a heatwave or when strike action is taking place. I would definitely go back.
Rating Card
Top Tips if your planning a City Break to Paris
- Traveling, By car or train = Euro Tunnel or Eurostar is the best option for dependable travel. You Will need the usual driving compliance rules including a clean air certification if you plan to travel in Paris.
- Getting Around – Underground – The RATP run the Metro, RER, buses and trams within Paris and a single ticket can be used on any of the four modes for a single journey.
- You can get various city passes for attractions but calculate your plans in advance as they are not all good value for money.
Typical; Day Plan
Started- staying in an out of City Hotel near Disney Land Paris.
Transport – Underground RAR line into Paris Central
The Louvre – Walked to the Louvre – no tickets but walked around the area with a patisserie
Tuileries Garden – Spent time with a coffee walking around the gardens just past the Louvre
Walking to Eiffel Tower – Walked along the River Seine, to the Eiffel Tower, great views and bridges.
Eiffel Tower – Walked around the park underneath and spent time under the tower looking around a museum.
Boat Tour- Just next to the Tower you can take a boat tour along the River Seine, seeing lots of tourist highlights .
Early Tea – grabbed some early evening dinner
Tube back to the hotel – Traveled back from a very ling day back to the hotel