Paris is the city of light and the city of love, but it has so much more to offer. After exploring France’s capital and the surrounding areas, we can truly understand what makes this part of the world such a gem.
In addition to the standard tourist sights, there are a plethora of options for delicious food. A highlight for a fancy but not pretentious night out is Les Tablettes from chef Jean Louis Nomicos. Just a few steps from the Victor Hugo metro station, this Michelin star restaurant is quaint, making those dining feel like members of an exclusive club. The service is impeccable while the food is delightfully crafted. Be sure to try the lamb shoulder and quail, along with their array of champagnes to celebrate a special occasion. Nomicos is a perfect escape to enjoy an upscale evening.
Probably the best view in France for dining is Café de l’Homme. Sitting atop the Trocadero and overlooking the Eiffel Tower, you simply can’t get a better view of Paris’s signature sight than at this restaurant. It’s a busy spot with plenty of commotion, but the food is well prepared. Come after sunset for the hourly Eiffel Tower light show, which adds an extra bit of entertainment to an already majestic view. Not far from Café de l’Homme is 6 New York, which offers a partial view of the Tower as well as a delicious beef filet and lemon meringue dessert.
While it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of Paris, try not to forget all the history that’s happened under your feet. Between your meals and sightseeing, consider taking a walking tour with Context Tours. They offer a fascinating World War II Nazi Occupation tour which explores what Paris was like during the Holocaust and its after-effects. Our phenomenal tour guide Gil Soltz took us through the history of the Jewish experience during the anti-Semitic Vichy France era, as well as resistance from Parisian Jews. We came to understand the struggle that continues regarding the culpability of France in the Holocaust.
While the Germans ran the death camps, the French were exiling and persecuting Jews, as well as rounding them up. The highlight of the tour (and a powerful result of the dark years) was learning that every single elementary school now has a plaque to commemorate the Jewish children in that area who were killed due to the Nazis as well as French government. Such an act demonstrates how modern France works to ensure Never Again is more than just phrase. Gil and his organization truly lived up to their namesake because we fully understood the context of what led to approximately 90,000 French Jews being murdered.
To continue exploring history, you absolutely should take the roughly two-hour train ride to Normandy. The region where Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied France is home to powerful reminders of our past. If you’re staying in Paris, Overlord Tours offers a memorable half day trip. We got off the train in Bayeux and explored the quaint and charming town with plenty of establishments nodding to its history of liberation by US and British forces.
Many houses in the region display US and/or UK flags to simply show their continued appreciation of their liberation. Overlord took us to see some of the Nazi bunkers used to fire on approaching ships, which are incredibly well-kept, still intact and with marks where they were hit by the US troops. You can even still see craters in the grass where the Allies bombed in advance of the invasion. We also got to stand on Omaha Beach, also known as “Bloody Omaha”, where the bravest men in history landed on D-Day with many giving their lives for the cause. Being able to stand on the beach where it all happened and visualize what it was like on June 6, 1944 was truly a treasure.
Transportation in Paris is among the best in the world, with metros coming every few minutes that can take you everywhere around the city. The best way to purchase tickets is with the Paris Visite Pass, where you can buy an unlimited pass for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days. The metro and bus system gets you to all the famous sights such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, which you can see for free by purchasing the Paris Museum Pass.
A trip to the Paris metropolitan area truly offers something for everyone. You’re able to experience romance, art, history, sports, architecture, food, and much more. No wonder why Paris is considered by many as the centerpiece of the world.
