Hey there! Strap in for another edition of “VAGABOND SHORTS”. These are like the tapas of travel podcasts!
Small snackable 10-minute episodes that are small enough to not ruin your appetite for our full-length, gourmet episodes in Travel Tuesdays.
So, grab your metaphorical travel fork, and let’s dig into these bite-sized, travel-flavored treats!
Today we’re going to Paris, France, and I’ll give you my recommendations on what to see and do in this amazing city.
My name is Palle Bo, and this is The Radio Vagabond – “Explore Paris: The Top 7 Attractions You Can’t Miss.”
Eiffel Tower
First up, let’s hit the Eiffel Tower. Yes, you gotta see it, but make it quick. Snap that selfie so you can prove you’ve been here and give the tower a nod.
Close-up, it’s a jigsaw puzzle from hell – 18,038 iron bits. Who counted those, anyway?
If you’re thinking of going up, pack some patience for those lines. But the elevator ride is totally worth it. It’s like a fast-track to the sky. Up top, Paris looks like someone shrunk it in the wash. And the Seine looks like it’s taking a lazy stroll through the city.
Night time’s when Mr. Eiffel becomes Mr. Show-Off. It lights up every hour and twinkling like a disco. It’s more than just a big ol’ pile of iron; it’s a slice of history, a real looker, and yeah, a bit of a drama queen. But come on, it’s the Eiffel Tower – it’s allowed to show off a bit!
Louvre Pyramid
Now, we hit the Louvre, the art world’s heavyweight. Picture a vintage royal palace paired with a snazzy hi-tech glass pyramid.
It’s like your grandpa stepping out in ultra-modern space-age sneakers – odd couple, but it works!
Hunting for the Mona Lisa? Well, she’s not as big as her fame, and guarded better than the crown jewels. The Louvre is packed with everything from ancient mummies to sculptures that make you go wow.
This museum is a labyrinth of art, and practically endless. It isn’t just big; it’s huge. You’d need a hundred days to see it all … even if you rushed.
So, wear your most comfy shoes. You’re not just visiting a museum; you’re signing up for an art marathon!
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Now, let’s go to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a resilient symbol of Paris. Despite the devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame stands tall, its restoration is in full swing, and they have plans to reopen by December 2024.
So, if you’re listening to this as the episode comes out, you can’t enter yet, but the sight of Notre-Dame, even from the outside, is striking. It’s a blend of history and recovery, its gargoyles silently watching over the city, and it speaks volumes of its past and its future.
Notre-Dame is a testament to Paris’s enduring spirit, getting ready for its next chapter.
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Catacombs
Heading into the heart of Paris, let’s check out the Catacombs for a spooky twist. This place isn’t your typical tourist spot; think of it more like a hidden doorway to Paris’ darker side.
Imagine going down a narrow staircase into a world that’s cooler and quieter. The busy city life above fades away, and suddenly, you’re walking through a tunnel lined with bones. Yep, you heard that right – bones. The Catacombs are the final resting place for over six million Parisians.
The walls are decked out with skulls and bones in a layout that’s kind of eerie but also kind of artsy. It’s like gothic interior design taken to an extreme. The silence down here is heavy, with each skull looking like it’s got a tale to tell.
The Catacombs of Paris aren’t just a bunch of old bones; they’re a peek into the city’s shadowy past, perfect for anyone up for a spooky adventure.
And hey, don’t forget to buy your tickets online to beat those long lines.
Montmartre
For number five on the list, let’s take a stroll through Montmartre, a neighbourhood that’s a living piece of art. It’s soaked in artsy flair, and once home to Picasso and Van Gogh.
Montmartre’s heart beats at the Moulin Rouge with the old windmill, the iconic cabaret, the birthplace of the can-can and still going strong.
But this area is more than high kicks and historic vibes; it also serves as an outdoor art exhibit, displaying everything from grand murals to quirky stencils. And on the top of Montmartre is the Sacré-Cœur with the iconic white domes, offering a quiet contrast to the streets below.
Montmartre isn’t just a place to see; it’s to be felt – a blend of history, showbiz, and a vibrant street art scene.
Seine River Cruise
Next up in our Paris tour: a Seine River Cruise. Sure, it’s the classic tourist pick, but it’s an experience you can’t miss. The Seine is more than a river; it’s the lifeblood of Paris, offering a unique view of the city.
You’ll be cruising past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, all while enjoying a glass of French wine or a cosy coffee. It’s a relaxing yet exciting journey. The cruise includes engaging commentary, blending relaxation with fascinating insights.
It’s a perfect combination of leisure, education, and superb photo opportunities. It’s one of those moments where you realize, “This is Paris.”
Also here, you should book your tickets online to dodge the lines.
The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Wrapping up our list of must-see things to see in Paris, we hit the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées is more than just a street; it’s a parade of luxury with high-end shops and cafes. It’s the prime spot for people-watching, where Parisian chic meets tourist excitement.
And then there’s the Arc de Triomphe, standing tall at the end of this glamorous avenue. It’s an imposing sight, offering a stunning view of Paris from its top. Together, they embody Parisian elegance and history, making every moment feel cinematic.
This duo represents the essence of Paris – where style meets legacy in the heart of the city.
And that was it. These were my top seven picks for what to see and do in Paris. But there’s so much more to the City of Light, so make sure that you spend enough time, and simply go out and explore this romantic iconic city.
I hope you enjoyed today’s journey through Paris’s iconic landmarks. It’s both as a podcast and as a YouTube video, so if you’re just listening to this you should check out The Radio Vagabond’s YouTube channel to see everything we’ve talked about today in vibrant colour.
Tomorrow, I’ve got a podcast-only episode lined up, packed with hidden gems in Paris. We’re talking about the lesser-known spots, those secret corners of the city that even some locals might not know. Plus, I’ll be sharing some surprising facts about Paris, that’ll make you say, ‘I had no idea!’
You won’t find that episode on YouTube; it’s exclusive to The Radio Vagabond podcast. And trust me, you don’t want to miss this off the beaten path guide to Paris.
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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Either way, I would love to hear from you. It’s so nice to know who’s on the other end of this.
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