2019 was the year of major decluttering – my stash is less than half of what I started with this year and I have hardly purchased any makeup.
One reason for not buying was to reduce my waste. I did not wish to add more plastic to the world. But, the biggest motivators were these decluttering session. These were the biggest lesson on how when something is new, they feel like I must buy them but later they might not even get used. Now, if I am insanely temped (which rarely happens anymore), I take a picture of them. If I am looking at that even after a couple of days or a week, I rethink if I really need it or it is just going to be garbage soon.
For my unconditional love for view from top (though I am uncomfortable from height most of the time), I wanted to visit the top as many places I could go to. So, getting on top of the towers at Sagrada Familia was a must for me.
In case you do not know then here are some details about it, here are some details - The Basilica de la Sagrada FamÃlia whose one of the architect is none other than Antoni GaudÃ. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where modernist design mixed up with contemporary styles But the most fascinating fact is the construction started in 1882 and it is still not finished! It was opened for public visits only since 2010. They aim to finish it by 2026, the centenary of GaudÃ's death. So, every time you go, you might find it different from your last visit.
In Amsterdam, after you paid your visit to the favorite museums in Amsterdam (get tickets from Museumplein Museum shop for zero line and please visit as early as possible to save yourself from the load of touristy crowd), head to Albert Cuyp Market. Walk through the lovely streets with beautiful houses and along the canals and reach the hustle and bustle of Albert Cuyp Market.
No offence to the million Eiffel towers sold around Paris. I will totally buy then for friends and family. I have one key ring that I got from someone ten years back and it is special for me.
Therefore, personally, I wanted something different. Here is what I got from Paris:
Tourist Medal (2-3 euros each)
Monnaie de Paris issues tourist medals on places of interest.Not only at Paris, you can even collect them at other places in France. I collected few for myself and also got them for family, You can spot these machines where you need to put 2 Euros and the medal is delivered. At some places, you can get them from the store like in Louvre. The maximum variety was at Sacré-Cœur Basilica (I think there were 6 or 7 machines!)
I hope you have already read the previous three posts you have an idea about what happened there. If not, go have a look.
Some of the highlights of the trip:
Important info on how to book and tips to know before your visit to Eiffel Tower - here
Do check the detailed post on the Louvre and how I almost missed it all here - Trip to The Louvre and What It Taught Me
Details of Paris travel card and other things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Paris - here
Collection of my French Coins (See all the interesting things in purchased in the Souvenirs from Paris post)
Some of the highlights of the trip:
|
| Eiffel tower from the summit |
 |
| Eiffel tower from the bottom |
Important info on how to book and tips to know before your visit to Eiffel Tower - here
 |
| Trying my luck at the Louvre and finally see the famous pyramid |
 |
| Meeting Mona Lisa |
 |
| Salade niçoise, Le deauville, Champs-Élysées, Paris - Just needed a warm place to sit :D |
 |
| Strained glass at Saint Chapel (Free entry on first Sunday) |
 |
| Strained glass at Saint Chapel (Similar to Notre Dame) (Free entry on first Sunday) |
 |
| Montmartre at night |
 |
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica at night |
 |
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica during Sunday mass. Bless my lucky stars! |
 |
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica Dome Painting |
 |
| My first time in Funicular. I walked the way up but while getting down I got to know that this is part of the Paris travel ticket. Cheap thrills! |
Details of Paris travel card and other things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Paris - here
 |
| 130 Years of Eiffel Tower Limited Edition Tourist Medal Coin |
Collection of my French Coins (See all the interesting things in purchased in the Souvenirs from Paris post)
 |
| Cheers to travelling |
As I told you in my previous post, at Louvre, my only aim was to see Mona Lisa because I probably won’t have time. I planned a trip to Paris on the first weekend of the month because, on the first Sunday, tickets to all museums and important places are free. So, here I am all relaxed and happy after wandering the whole Saturday night at Avenue des Champs-Élysées. I check online just to see the opening time on Sunday. And it hit me like a punch on my face when I read this – Free visit on first Saturday from 6 to 9 PM, When I was loitering around at Champs-Élysées, I was supposed to be at Louvre. All slots for online booking were sold out for Sunday. I was heartbroken and decided to sleep-in on Sunday.
Can there be a trip to Paris without seeing Gustave’s Eiffel Tower? In fact, the tower is easily visible from most places, so it is unlikely that you visit Paris and not catch a glimpse of the famous tower.
In Eiffel tower, you need to book tickets to go up. There is option to up either till the second floor (16,30€ by lift and 10,20€ by stairs), or you can go to the very summit of the Eiffel tower (25,50€ by lift and 19,40€ by stairs till the second floor and lift after that) If you are less than 24, then you the rates are half, and for age 12-24, it is one-fourth of adult ticket price.) Now, this was the only time I was stepping in the tower, so I had to try the summit.
How and when to book? Book ahead online. I was lucky that I go the only open slot left to go to the summit while it was sunny. Everything else was sold-out. I purchased Saturday morning tickets within two hours of my arrival in Paris. Please check the weather forecast before you go. It is freezing at the top. You do not want the rain to add to that. Plus, you will not be able to see much. It was a lucky shot for me. It might not be the case always. So, please book ahead.
Once you reach on top, there is no end time. So, enjoy the view. People from the slot before you might still be there, so book the earlier slots if possible but keep the weather condition as your highest priority.
Ah Paris!
I am here in south of France for a month for work. There are lot of great places to see around here but this is my first trip to Europe so, I had to visit Paris. I did not do a lot of research before reaching. Here is what I learnt with first-hand experience. Hope this helps if you are planning a weekend trip.
To reach: Paris has two airports and is well connected with most major airports all over Europe. But, the airports are quite far from the city. You will have to pay extra to get in the city. Reaching by bus (Flixbus or Blablabus) or by train is a better option. I wanted to go by train because it is faster but the price of the tickets go up exponentially near the travel dates. Booking in advance is the key. Bus in general takes a long time to reach but the prices are low. For Bus, choose an option that reaches at Berny Seine or other stop within the zone 1 or 2 of Paris. This will save you precious time in Paris.
Travel pass: Paris is divided in zones. Keep that in mind while getting your travel pass. I purchased mine from Berny metro stop. I had to travel to zone 3 to stay with my friend so, I purchased the one for zone 3 for two days. If you want to roam around the popular tourist destination then zone 1 or zone 1 and 2 is enough. The travel pass allows you to take the bus, tram, metro, and even the funicular (available at Sacre Cour. More on that in a later post)
The trip around the city: I booked the two days BigBus trip where you can sit on top of a double-decker bus and enjoy the city while listening to their guides (prerecorded or live) telling you about the area you travel to. You can get down at their designated stops. You will get another bus in 15-20 minutes. It can be easily tracked using their apps – the routes, stops, how far you are from the nearest stop and how long it will take the next bus to come. They cover two routes and also a river cruise. But, I was out of time to enjoy the cruise plus it was getting too cold so, skipped it. The tickets are for 44 euro but I paid 35 euros because of some discounts on their websites. There are other companies that offer this but do check their frequency and routes before you book. They do not stop unless it is the designated stop so, at times you might have to walk a lot.
What to see: It all depends on personal choice. My top priority was the summit of Eiffel tower and visit Louve especially for Monalisa. Then, enjoy the city and walk around. In the end, I did a lot more than that in two days and I am content with the trip. I will do a post on the places visited soon. Do let me know if you have anything in mind that you wish to know.
Safety precautions: The city is full of thieves and pickpockets. The city with its posters, warning on public transport, and even the good-hearted by-passers will caution you about this repeatedly. Take a light backpack which you can either hang in front. If you keep it on your back, make sure there is nothing important. Keep a fanny pack with some cash and important documents. Luckily with the coat that I was wearing, everything is concealed. Keep your money in different places. Some even told me to keep some in my socks in case I lose things.
Stay: Luckily, I had on colleague staying in Paris Zone 3 (also here in France for work). I stayed with her. But, whatever place you choose please check which zones it fall on so that you can easily travel around. Airbnb also has a lot to offer around the place.
I will add more things as and when I recall them.
Love,
Shayoni
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons