Paris Travel Podcast: What We’d Do on a First Trip
Paris can feel overwhelming on a first trip, especially when everyone has a different opinion about what you absolutely have to see. In this Paris travel podcast, we talk about the three-day plan Lisa usually recommends to friends and family, based on living in Paris and many return visits.
Our Paris Episode Recap
We talk about why we like starting a first trip with something that helps you get oriented, whether that is a walking tour or simply seeing the city from the Seine. We also get into some of the places we keep sending people back to, including Luxembourg Gardens, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame and Montmartre.
Museums are another big part of the conversation. We compare the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay and why we think first-time visitors should be realistic about how much of the Louvre they can actually see.
We also talk about experiences we think are worth adding to a Paris trip, like a wine and cheese tasting, a cooking class or simply giving yourself time to sit at a café instead of treating the city like a checklist.
What We Think First-Time Visitors Should Know
A big theme of the episode is not trying to do too much. Paris rewards slowing down.
We also talk about practical things like keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas, booking popular attractions ahead and knowing that some of the most memorable parts of Paris are not necessarily the headline sights.
Montmartre, Saint-Germain and even something as simple as a long lunch or a walk along the Seine can end up being the part of the trip you remember most.
If You Have More Time
We also touch on a few easy additions outside the core three days, including Versailles and Giverny.
Versailles is one we cover separately in another episode, and Giverny is especially worth considering if you are interested in Monet.
Planning a Trip to Paris?
If you’re planning your own Paris trip, these guides can help you go deeper:
Paris Travel Guide → our broader guide to planning a trip to Paris
Visiting Versailles → our full Versailles guide based on both day trips and overnight stays
Versailles Travel Podcast → hear more about our experience visiting Versailles
France Travel Guide → more ideas for planning the rest of your trip through France
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