Mar 20th, 2017, 05:05 PM

Paris in the Spring

By Narmin Elfurjani
Image Credit: Discover Walks Blog
The best of the city's highlights on foot.

After living in Paris for three years, I have seen Paris as both a tourist and and a local. Through my experience, I've realized that recommendations from guidebooks and Trip Advisor are not dynamic enough to provide visitors with insightful experiences. In reality, the 'real' Paris cannot be seen at the luxurious cafes, the touristic neighborhoods, or most popular monuments. Most importantly, both Paris and Parisians alike must been seen apart from typical French stereotypes.

To truly experience the City of Light, skip the tour bus and just walk. Throughout the years, I have walked all over the many arrondissements of Paris. It took until my third year for me to begin to feel as though my relentless self-guided walking tours had finally come to cover the best that Paris has to offer. If you’re looking for neighborhoods to wander, below are my top highlights!

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Cruise on the Seine

A great way to enjoy Paris is by a cruise on the Seine river, especially at night. When the sun sets, the buildings illuminate and create a magical ambience. The cruise will take you all around the city, enabling you to relish the beauty of Paris and it's monuments: Notre Dame Cathedral, Pont Alexandre III, Eiffel Tower, and many more. It's also a great way to spend a romantic date night with a dinner cruise on the Seine.  

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Palace of Versailles

The Château de Versailles is the most famous castle in France. Built in the 17th century to symbolize the military power of France, this huge complex of gardens, buildings, and terraces is an absolute must-see for everyone who wants to be captivated by lavish decorations, exceptional accommodations, gilded works of Renaissance art and antique furniture. Visit Versailles to get a taste of French history.

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The Latin Quarter

I usually go to the Latin Quarter in Paris for one main reason: the restaurants. The food in the Latin Quarter comes from all over the world and there are a plethora of middle eastern restaurants. Take a stroll around the Latin Quarter and you'll surely find delicious and inexpensive food.

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Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis

There are two islands located in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more magnificent island, Île de la Cité, is known as the birthplace of Paris and is the home of the Gothic styled Sainte-Chapelle and the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists huddle to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that set the Seine. From Île de la Cité, be sure to wander onwards to Île St-Louis for the best ice cream in Paris at Berthillon.

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Disneyland Paris

Have you been to the place where childhood dreams come true? I think most of you have been to one of the Disney parks in the United States, but not the park in France. Disneyland is located 32km from central Paris, but easily accessed by the RER A (direction Marne-la-Vallée). The top attraction is Space Mountain, so don't miss it! 

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