Paris is Always a Good Idea

Laduree', Paris.

Paris is one of those cities that everyone dreams about visiting at some point in their life time. I knew when I decided to study abroad Paris would be one of the first things to check off my list. I was blessed enough to visit the beautiful city a few times while abroad.  Twice with my roomate and best friend and again with my Mom when she came to visit. Both times in Paris were absolutely breathtaking. I, like many of you, had all of these expectations from movies and TV shows. But an important thing to remind yourself before you visit any country is to completely forget about everything you have heard and seen about it. Some people will say the metro is dirty, the people are rude, etc. However, when I went, I experienced the complete opposite. You never know what your trip will be like. All you can do is go into it thinking positively. If you ignore all of the pre-conceived notions in your head, you will enjoy your trip that much more. Do not let what anyone else has to say about it effect the way you perceive it. Everyone has different opinions! I 

Love Lock Bridge, Paris.

Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles.

always tell everyone to have an open mind when traveling. Be a sponge and soak up absolutely everything you see. Once you are home, then you can reflect. I thought I would share with you all some of my favorite spots I visited, most of them popular landmarks and spots, others were hidden gems. The first is one of the most obvious shops most people like to see when they visit Paris, Laduree'. There are many of them throughout the city since they are so popular to visitors as well as locals. I had never had macaroons before Laduree' but I was quite taken with these ones. My favorite was the turquoise one called "Marie Antoinette." The name suits it, right? Mmm. Perfect travel snack. If you happen to miss it in the city, there is also one at Charles De Gaulle Airport. So you can snag some on your way out! I have to say the most breath-taking place I visited in Paris was the Palace of Versailles. You have all heard about it probably from history books. But nothing you read or see will do this place justice. The palace is outlined in pure gold and furnished with lavish furniture and decorations. I was in complete awe the whole time I was there. Be sure to see the Palace Gardens as well, they go on for miles and miles. They are free so if you decide not to go in the palace, you can always stroll around it for a beautiful view. Another one of my favorite spots you may have seen in movies or on Tumblr, etc. The Love Lock Bridge. Now there are a few bridges with locks on them around paris but the main one is across from the Louvre.The story goes that if you and someone you love put a lock of love on the bridge and throw the key into the Sine River, your love will last forever. Its a beautiful place to walk and hear street performers as well see some great view of the canals. Walking along the river is a must, you will get amazing views of the city..  I suggest  looking for a spot where you can get waffles and crepes. Mmmm, Enjoy!


A hidden spot that not many people visit when in Paris is Mt. Sacre Cour. It is a beautiful little town on a slope. The winding streets are full of markets, restaurants, and many street artists. You can truly get a sense of the culture when you are up there. At the top is an old Basilica or church. On the steps you get an amazing view of all of Paris. It will take your breath away, that's for sure. At the bottom of the hill is also the famous Moulin Rouge.

Mt. Sacre Cour 

If you're interested stop by and take a picture! 

Finally, My last favorite place in all of Paris is obviously the Eiffel Tower. But, only in the evening. This is because on the hour, every hour in the evening, the tower sparkles. It may seem cheesy, but when you see it in person it leaves you speechless. The first time I saw it light up I got this feeling, or realization I should say, that I was actually in Paris, France. It's just one of those amazing moments that you will always remember and tell your grandkids about. Definitely plan to go there at some point int your trip. I suggest grabbing a bottle of wine, some snacks and a friend and sitting on the grass in front of the tower and watching it. Amazing.

Some other great places to see are Notre Dame Cathedral 

(I suggest at night), Arc De Triomphe (There's a lot of shopping

around that area), & The Louvre. I only went outside the Louvre

which is STUNNING. I never went inside due to lack of time and

it takes about two days to get through the whole thing..But one

 day I'll go back and see it!

I hope my experiences give you a better idea of where to go in Paris. It is such a gorgeous city full of opportunities and things to see. Every corner and street has a history. Go with an open mind ready to soak everything in. I promise you will fall in love with the culture as well as the food. Yum.

xx, Miranda Lopez