To celebrate the Guinness Six Nations, we're providing some inspiration for your next city break with Aer Lingus, flying to over 100 routes across Europe, including France’s capital city.
Planning an itinerary can be overwhelming, so we’re helping you out with a ready-made list of some essential things to do when you’re in Paris.
Take a Da Vinci Code tour
If the Dan Brown novel is among your favourites, this is a must-do experience during your time in Paris. The 90-minute tour will bring you to the main locations from the book (and movie) so you can immerse yourself in the story. You’ll stop at the Ritz Hotel, Palais Royale, the Louvre Museum and many more locations along the way, guided by a local whose area of expertise is the work of fictional Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. Unfortunately, Tom Hanks is unlikely to join.
Stroll through Père Lachaise Cemetery
Be sure to add a visit to the world’s most-visited cemetery to your list, as it’s a must-see. The site hosts 3.5 million visitors a year and is the largest cemetery in Paris. Oscar Wilde is buried there, along with some other notable figures including Marcel Marceau, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin and more. You’ll find it in the 20th arrondissement and will easily lose an afternoon exploring its 110 acres of history.
Eat your way through Marche des Enfants Rouges
The renowned covered market is located in the 3rd arrondissement beside a building that was once an orphanage in the 16th century. In Paris’ oldest food market, you’ll be able to sample some local cuisine, along with a host of international flavours including Lebanese, African, Japanese and Thai food. If you happen to find yourself at Marche des Enfants Rouges on a Sunday, brunch is a must-have at L’Estaminet or La Petite Fabrique.
Take a Segway tour
When your feet get tired, consider enlisting the help of two wheels to get around the city of love. A tour guide will take you to some of Paris’ most iconic sites including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde and more. You can choose the duration of the journey, which may be swayed by the time of year and associated weather conditions. There’s even an option to do a street art Segway tour which will take you to see some of the city’s most eye-catching murals, if that’s more your speed.
Get an ice cream at Berthillon
If you’re keen for a treat, this authentic French ice cream and sorbet spot will sufficiently sate your cravings. The family-run business was founded in 1954 and is a local treasure, offering up some delicious ice cream and fruit sorbet flavours that are all made exclusively from natural ingredients and secret recipes. You’ll find it on Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement, likely with a sizeable queue outside.
Join a hop-on hop-off bus tour
The quickest way to cover a lot of Parisian ground is to get a day pass for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. As the name suggests, you can board and alight the bus as often as you’d like and from any location on the route, deciding which of Paris’ best attractions you fancy visiting along the way. There are multiple routes to choose from, each incorporating the sights and sounds of Parisian life and culture. You can even brave the windy open-top level, if the weather permits.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
It’s a no-brainer when compiling a list of must-do activities when you visit Paris, so be sure to bag the most spectacular view of the city during your stay. Standing tall since 1889, you can opt to climb this historic monument by foot, or with the help of an elevator that will speed up your journey to the 330-metre-high top. If your schedule is flexible, try to get there an hour to two before sunset (to allow time for queues) and you might be lucky enough to catch a picture-perfect moment as the sun goes down over the city.
Book your trip to Paris now at www.aerlingus.com.
Aer Lingus are the official airline and a proud sponsor of the Irish Rugby team. It's their privilege to not only fly the team to away matches, but also the legions of loyal fans who travel where it takes to get behind the team.
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