Thinking of a visit to Paris? Paris is a leading destination on every avid globetrotter’s bucket list of countries to visit for good reasons. The City of Light is, without doubt, the world’s most romantic city packed to the brim with things to do and see. As such, it is no surprise that 30 million tourists visit Paris annually, a significant reason why France is the world’s most visited country. Therefore, Paris is undoubtedly worth considering as your next destination for a great vacation. If you wish to learn more about why a visit to Paris is a must for families then read on mes amis.
7 reasons to consider a visit to Paris
Endless shopping opportunities
Paris is indeed a shopper’s paradise, making it the best place to be if you have enough money to splurge on luxury items. You can find designer handbags, fragrances, shoes, and pieces from all of the top watch brands in the world in huge department stores and trendy boutiques all over Paris. High-end places like the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Boulevard Saint Germain, and Triangle D’or are worth visiting if you have a bit of money to spend on luxurious items. Alternatively, you can visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market or Le Marais for vintage goods if you are a budget traveler. Also, you can pick up various souvenirs like key chains and T-shirts from shops in tourist areas around Paris. Finally, you can visit luxury stores to admire all the expensive and beautiful items for sale, even if you don’t intend on buying anything fancy.
French gastronomy
France and Paris are well known for their cuisine, so it is no surprise that food enthusiasts worldwide travel to Paris just for the food. The French are so renowned for their cooking that the famous Michelin Star rating system that assesses the quality of the best restaurants worldwide originates from France. However, you need not dine out at the most expensive Michelin-star restaurants in Paris to get the best French cuisine since you can enjoy fantastic dishes in a Parisian bistro or traditional brasserie. No visit to Paris is complete without trying some French classics like French Onion soup, a delightful blend of meat stock, onions, croutons, and cheese. Beef Bourguignon, pan sautéed steak with french fries, and cassoulet are some of the classic French dishes worth trying in restaurants that litter the city of Paris. In addition, France is one of the leading wine producers worldwide, so prioritize going on a wine tasting tour as an excellent way to kickstart a memorable night in Paris.
Stunning landmarks
Landmarks are typically the first thing that comes to mind when people think of a visit to Paris. Indeed, Paris boasts of several breathtaking sights that flaunt top-notch architecture and design, and these places have gained worldwide popularity for their beauty. For instance, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments worldwide and a symbol of Paris. This 324-meter tower attracts nearly seven million visitors annually and is the most visited monument you must pay to access globally. In addition, you can visit the famous Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum, for a visual treat if you are an art enthusiast. Even those with no interest in art always stop to appreciate the massive building’s incredible design and take pictures with the four pyramids. Lastly, you can visit the Notre Dame Cathedral to admire one of the paradigms of French Gothic architecture and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Beautiful parks and gardens
Paris has a lot of green spaces designed to make the city feel more open. As such, you can make quick stops at these parks during your days of exploring. You will likely stumble across some of the centrally-located parks accidentally, so you can explore away if you are that fortunate. Alternatively, you can purposely pack your bags to head out to one of the farther parks for a dedicated day of nature exploration. The abundance of green spaces in Paris makes it one of the best reasons families visit this city since there is enough space for sports games and family picnics. The Bois de Vincennes, Tuileries Gardens, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Luxembourg Gardens are some of the top green spaces that should be high on your list of parks to visit in Paris.
Experience the café culture
Paris has café culture engrained into its social fabric. Many visitors insist that very few things rival the feeling of watching Parisians go about their day while relaxing at an outdoor café sipping coffee and eating a croissant. Many locals flock to these cafés before work, after work, or during a busy day to relax with a drink, catch up with friends, or enjoy some alone time. However, it is worth remembering that people are permitted to smoke at outdoor tables in France, so you might want to sit indoors if you prefer to avoid cigarette smoke. Also, you needn’t tip at Paris cafés, and many of them are open all day long to give as many people as possible the chance to indulge in the vibrant café culture.
Exciting day trips
Day trips outside the center of Paris are also one of the biggest reasons to consider a visit to Paris. You can see the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts several tourists worldwide. The palace has impressive rooms and decorations with landscaped gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. It is only 30 minutes away from Paris, so you can book a group tour, board a bus, or take the train. Also, you can visit the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy’s most-visited tourist attraction. Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, the medieval town of Provins, and Paris’ Disneyland are also great locations to consider for fun day trips.
Paris has numerous tucked-away areas that surprise first-timers and regular visitors alike. Consequently, during a visit to Paris you can explore the narrow streets hiding behind the big boulevards to enjoy a complete scenery change. As a curious walker venturing off the capital’s beaten track, you will likely find exotic and extraordinary micro-neighborhoods like Butte Bergeyre and Butte aux Cailles isolated from the usual urban rush. Therefore, you can walk around the city as often as possible to discover it in its entirety.
Looking for more inspiration for family travel? Why not check out our list of 5 family-friendly breaks.
Photo by Nicolas from Pexels
If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting this site by buying us a virtual coffee.
