The opening ceremonies for the 2024 Summer Olympics are imminent and the two-week-long event — from July 26 through Aug. 11 — plus the 11 days of the Paralympic Games afterward, are sure to bring millions of people to the City of Love.
Paris is already one of the most-visited places in the world, so it can seem overwhelming when trying to figure out what to see and do.
Traveling to Paris? Visitors can discover three delightful experiences beyond the thrill of the Olympic competitions that await them. Each adventure paints a different shade of Parisian life, inviting her visitors to pause, reflect, and enjoy.
Experience the Eiffel Tower Beyond the Ordinary
The Eiffel Tower stands tall, not just as an iconic structure, but also as a hub of culinary artistry and architectural wonder. It features four levels accessible to the public, and on the third floor, there’s a champagne bar that promises a celebration 900 feet high. In this magical space, the air is a mix of delight and effervescence. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a toast to the moment.
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Those seeking a dining experience at a prestigious level should try Le Jules Verne. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located on the second floor of the tower, offers breathtaking views that complement its exquisite dishes. For a moment of quietude, diners can gaze out at the Seine and ponder the vibrant life below, contemplating how history weaves through the very fabric of this city.
Many locals might suggest opting for one of the window-side tables. The magnificent view through the ironwork is not to be missed; it frames Paris like a beautifully kept secret. Be prepared for the magic to unfold at Madame Brasserie on the first floor, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even a casual meal enjoyed amid such grandeur can send one’s spirit soaring.
Père Lachaise Cemetery: The Poetic Quiet of Remembrance
The journey leads to Père Lachaise Cemetery, where around 70,000 souls rest beneath the heavy boughs of ancient trees. Among them are notable figures like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, making the cemetery a place of reflection. Here, silence reigns, but whispers of the past linger in the air. Visitors are often entranced by the ornate tombs, which stand as tributes to extraordinary lives.
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Guided tours are available, offering intimate glimpses into each grave’s rich history. For those whose curiosity ventures deeper, the macabre allure of the catacombs awaits. An underground ossuary of millions of bones exudes a sense of haunting poetry. Originally limestone quarries, the bones relocated here tell a story of necessity, ingenuity, and respect for the deceased.
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The Louvre: Where Art Meets the Soul
Stepping into the Louvre is akin to walking into a dream where time ceases to exist. Within its walls, awe-inspiring masterpieces beckon every curious heart. The captivating smile of the Mona Lisa and the grace of the Venus de Milo invite stories whispered in awe, each painting crafting an echo of emotions from centuries past.
(Antoine Boureau/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
As Cathédrale Notre-Dame remains cloaked in restoration, nearby, Sainte-Chapelle awaits, revealing stained glass that tells a Biblical tale like none other. Here, moments can become meditative as light dances through the blues, reds, and yellows, whispering the history of an age gone by. It’s an invitation to let the soul pause.
(Riccardo Milani/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
The Tuileries Gardens, rich in history as they are in greenery, beckon for leisurely strolls where every step resonates with Olympic triumph, having hosted events as far back as 1900. There’s a story behind every path — a blend of art, plants, and Olympics woven seamlessly into the fabric of Paris.
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These experiences create snapshots of the heart and spirit of Paris, weathered yet proud, inviting visitors to explore beyond the fervor of the Olympics and connect with the essence of this city that inspires generations. Each corner, each moment spent in these iconic locations offers both a story and a reminder of life’s beautiful, fleeting nature.