Lecture Notes: Top 10 Things to Do in Paris

Hosted by Ian and Anna

Introduction

• Excited to present the top 10 things to do in Paris.

1. Seine River Dinner Cruise

• A romantic dinner cruise offering views of iconic landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Includes a 3-hour trip, 3-course meal, welcome drinks, bottle of wine, and live singer.
• Price: Approximately $120 per person.
• Starts below the Eiffel Tower, inside a glass-walled boat.
• Can cruise year-round; best at sunset.
• Historical note: France gifted the US the Statue of Liberty, and US gifted France a miniature version.

2. Palace of Versailles

• Must-visit, UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering over 2,000 acres.
• Ways to get there: Train (cheapest, ~1 hour) or Uber (40 minutes).
• Opens at 9 am, closed on Mondays.
• Features: Statue of King Louis XIV, golden gates and roof, Hall of Mirrors.
• Historical significance: Home to three French kings, signed Treaty of Versailles.
• Outdoor gardens with statues and fountains.

3. Eiffel Tower

• Built in 1887 by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair.
• Was tallest building for 40 years, symbol of France.
• Viewing tips: Arrive one hour before sunset for views.
• Best views: Second floor, top floor has Gustav Eiffel’s office replica.
• Alternative views: From nearby parks or Airbnb.

4. Baking Baguettes

• Iconic French food, 10 billion sold annually.
• French law limits ingredients to wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
• Baking experience with Mahmoud MCD, award-winning baker.

5. The Louvre

• Largest and most visited museum globally.
• Features: 38,000 artworks, Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace.
• Denon Wing contains most famous pieces.
• Historical backstory on Mona Lisa's fame.

6. Montmartre

• Charming neighborhood, home to Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
• Historical artists lived here: Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali.
• Features Rue de la Brouvois, La Maison Rose restaurant.

7. Notre Dame Cathedral

• Gothic architecture, famous spires, and stained glass.
• Holds original crown of thorns.
• Closed due to fire in 2019, reopening in December 2024.
• Nearby attractions: Latin Quarter, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.

8. Arc de Triomphe

• Built by Napoleon to commemorate military victories.
• Can climb to the top for panoramic views of Paris.
• Access via underground tunnel.

9. Champs-Élysées

• Known for luxury shopping, parades on Bastille Day.
• Lauderee cafe famous for macarons.

10. The Catacombs

• Historical tunnels with 6 million skeleton remains.
• Unique, eerie experience, open 9:45 am - 8:30 pm.

Bonus: Chez Du Monet

• Recommend trying beef bourguignon.
• Traditional dish, made famous by Julia Childs' cookbook.
• Large portions, ideal for sharing.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to have a magical time in Paris.