Paris is a city you don’t just visit — you experience it. It’s not about checking off a list. It’s about rhythm, walking, and taking breaks. In 2024, we decided to explore mostly on foot — and it was the best choice.
BY KATERINA CHRISTOFI
The city is laid out in circles — like a snail. As you walk, neighborhoods, parks, avenues, and monuments appear. That’s where our travel tradition started: street photographers take spontaneous shots and give them to you for a small donation. Since then, we’ve been looking for them in every European city.
Walking Paris — Discover the city step by step
The first thing you notice is that Paris invites you to walk. There are wide avenues, symmetrical buildings, cafes on every corner, and small parks between museums and monuments. No need to hurry — in fact, the slower you go, the more you see.
It’s a city where getting a little lost is part of the fun.
Facts:
- The modern layout of Paris was mainly designed in the 19th century by Baron Haussmann.
- The wide avenues were made for light and air — but also for controlling the city.
- Most central attractions are within walking distance.
Eiffel Tower — When the city becomes an emotion
You see it from afar many times before getting close — but when you’re underneath it, its size hits you. And when night falls and it starts twinkling with lights, the vibe changes completely. People stop, look, and smile.
This isn’t a cliché — it’s an experience.
Facts:
- Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair.
- Height: ~330 meters with the antenna.
- Initially had a 20-year permit — it was meant to be torn down.
- Today it’s one of the most visited monuments in the world.
Siene River Cruise — Relaxing with history
A short cruise on the Seine was one of our most relaxing experiences. After lots of walking, you sit back, travel slowly, and watch the city glide by.
Facts:
- The Seine is about 777 km long.
- The banks in central Paris are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- There are over 30 historic bridges crossing it within the city.
Angelina — The famous ‘melted’ chocolate
We visited Angelina for their famous hot chocolate — and yes, it’s not just any chocolate. It’s a mix of different melted chocolates, thick and rich — almost something you eat instead of drink.
The line was about 15 minutes long — but it moved quickly. Inside is so elegant that it feels like stepping into a period drama — think Bridgerton vibes.
Facts:
- Founded in 1903.
- A favorite spot for artists and fashion designers.
- The signature chocolate is called “L’Africain.”
- This chocolate is considered one of the most famous worldwide.
Louvre & Mona Lisa—Among thousands of artworks
Of course we went to the Louvre to see Mona Lisa . Lots of people , small painting—but a big moment . The museum itself is so huge that if you don’t have a plan , you’ll get tired .
Facts :
- The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world .
- It was a royal palace before becoming a museum .
- Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and found two years later .
- The glass pyramid was added in 1989 .
Versailles—And then… Hall of Mirrors
You walk through thinking “ there can’t be more ”—and there is . The room with mirrors was our favorite—a real wow moment . Light , reflection , gold—pure royal display .
Facts :
• Palace of Louis XIV .
• Over 2 ,000 rooms .
• Hall of Mirrors = historic treaty signing space .
Arc de Triomphe—Center of radial city
Standing under the Arc de Triomphe , you feel the city’s geometry . Avenues open radially around it—an impressive visual effect .
Facts :
- Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 .
- Tomb of Unknown Soldier lies beneath it .
- From above , see 12 avenues radiating outward .
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur—Romance with view
Climbing Montmartre changes your view of Paris. It’s more artistic and human. At Sacré-Cœur we placed a love locket—a truly romantic moment. The view, musicians, and people sitting on steps simply enjoying themselves make it special.
Facts :
• Artists’ neighborhood for over a century .
• Basilica completed in 1914 .
• One of city’s highest points .
Painters’ Square—Live art before your eyes
We visited at noon. The square was full of easels, half-finished portraits, and artists observing with an “ artistic eye.” We didn’t get a portrait—but if your budget allows, it’s worth it. The artworks were truly wonderful. Not a tourist trap—it’s live creation. Every frame tells a story. Facts: Place du Tertre—historic artists’ square. Continuous street portrait art tradition. Connection to bohemian artistic history of area.
Louis Vuitton ‘trunk’—Modern iconThe new building looks like a giant luxury trunk—very visually impressive.Facts:: Louis Vuitton started as trunk maker.
Founded in 1854.
Design honors this travel heritage.Disneyland Paris—Magic & waiting: Many people—even in March.
Wait times up to two hours.
But character parade totally worth it.
And night show with drones—incredible.
Can’t describe—you live it.
Feel like entering fairy tale.Star Wars ride; Ultimate adrenaline rush:360° spins,speed—I closed eyes,
Christos ready to go again five times
if no line.Yes worth—but don’t go
to France just for Disney.Facts:
Opened1992.Most visited theme park
Europe.Night drone shows=new tech
theme parks.Paris is emotion embodied in city:
Light,art,movement,taste,& romance.
Also tiring—but sweetly so.And when
you see Eiffel twinkle from above—
something inside says “yes,it was worth.”
And fall little bit love.City.Moment.Path:
Watch Video HERE
Louis Vuitton ‘trunk’—Modern iconThe new building looks like a giant luxury trunk—very visually impressive.
Star Wars ride; Ultimate adrenaline rush:360° spins,speed—I closed eyes,
