Last stop: Paris, France
Bonjour, bonjour!
Well, we've officially come to the end of our wonderful, wonderful trip abroad. With that being said, what better way than to end the adventures with Paris?! Paris has been nothing less than magical. The romantic architecture, historical views, beautiful language, quaint boutiques, kind-hearted people... Everything is simply enchanting here. Paris has definitely been the cherry on top of the sweetest ice cream sundae ever created!
Paris, like many other cities we've seen this month, encourages an active lifestyle. There are parks, sidewalks and bike paths everywhere, promoting an easy walk/ride commute; who wouldn't take advantage of such a scenic stroll?! Each day, we'd get lost in the beauty of Paris (literally, lost) and would stumble upon a new, lovely area. Regardless if our new findings were planned or serendipitous, my momma and I loved every second together in the city.
This article is all about our findings -- with a healthy twist, of course! So here ya go, the 10 {mostly healthy} things you must do in Paris! Enjoy :)
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower. This one is a no-brainer. The Tower is ginormous and beautiful; it literally "towers" over the entire city. Visiting the Eiffel Tower was one of the first things we did after arriving in Paris. Though we didn't have any spare time to try this, it's possible to climb the stairs up the tower. Can you imagine that view? Not to mention, the cardio-workout? Next time, fo sho.
2. Walk through the Arc de Triumph on your way to Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The Arc is a famous monument in Paris that leads to the widely known shopping street, Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Personally, shopping has always been a sport to me, but even more so now. The avenue is 1.2 miles long, with a loop mileage of about 2.4 (yes, you'll want to shop on both sides of the street). Add in the walk from the Arc and you've nearly shopped your way to a 5k.
3. Skip the taxis and rent a bike to explore the city at a faster pace (than by foot). All over Paris, as well as most cities, there are bike racks with rentable bikes (from a company called Velib). The cost for one day is 1.7€, while seven days is 8€. You simple pay, ride around, then return the bike to any of the bike rack locations. What a great {inexpensive} way to cover some ground!
4. Emerge yourself into the culture by learning a few words in their language! This one is fun and incorporates a different side of health. Prior to visiting Paris, mom and I knew how to say about five words in French... Combined. That quickly changed. All of the Parisians are certainly eager to help you learn their language if you show you're willing to try (they are such a great bunch). By the end of our stay, we could string together a couple of sentences in French. I definitely want to continue to learn the language. J'adore Paris!
5. Stop for a mid-morning coffee at one of the many cafes. Adorable cafes are located all over Paris and sell a variety of goodies (especially coffee). Since exploring and walking miles can grow exhausting, find a nearby cafe and order a cup of coffee -- we all know coffee has wonderful health benefits (from my recent article)! There's no doubt that you'll enjoy sitting outside, while watching the Parisian lifestyle take place.
6. Tour Notre Dame Cathedral and the Lourve to admire some ancient (and beautiful) art, including the Mona Lisa. Both of these locations are gorgeous, not to mention extremely historical. Both locations require some walking (especially if you're walking from one to the other) and leave you feeling enriched -- physical and mental health!
7. After viewing the Notre Dame Cathedral, head over to Ile St. Louis for {more} quaint cafes and shops. Crossing over the bridge onto the ile is beautiful (have I used that word enough yet?). Accordion players and pure happiness greets you as you wander into the cute "island."
8. Put your feet up and take a shopping break! Head to the nearest pâtisserie to buy a box of macaroons. No health whatsoever, but macaroons are always a necessity. Treat yourself.
9. Take a leisure stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg (gardens). The landscaping of this garden is simply magnificent. It's filled with beautiful statues, seating areas and views. Don't forget the "jardin" when making your "to-see" list in Paris.
10. I admit, I saved the best "must do" for last. Head to the Hyatt Regency bar (on the 33rd floor of the hotel) for an unforgettable, amazing view. While at the bar, we each ordered a glass of wine and veggie focaccia to share. Tip: Get there early (a little before 10:00pm) to claim a comfy couch by the window. Trust me, you won't regret waiting a little longer for the sun to set once you see the Tower glistening at night.
Thanks for reading... And remember, "Paris is always a good idea."
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