It was the spring of 2008 when the city of love – Paris beckoned me with its charms as I set out to plan a holiday for myself. Folks around were aghast that I would spend so much on airfare and not visit a few more countries in Europe. But I was stuck on visiting only Paris and planned 8 days in the city which at the end of the trip I felt had been too little. I photographed so many gorgeous places while in Paris, and clicked pictures of Paris’s France streets to soak it all in. So, presenting beautiful Postcard Pictures Paris for your inspiration.
Don’t miss my Paris 3-day Itinerary!
My funda of a trip to any place is to peruse it in every colour and aspect; not merely touch the highlighted tourist spots. So, my plan was to walk along the Seine River, laze in the many garden spots, sip coffee/house wine on the street side cafes and watch the Parisian cityscape while daydreaming. I treat my holidays as lazy days and not tasks that have a fixed agenda with a start-to-finish time.
Yes, folks do call me wasteful; but this is my ideal way to travel. I recommend others to embrace it and enjoy their trip; most come back exhausted from their vacations 😉
Related Read – Things to know before the first visit to Paris!
So let’s talk about Paris and its ways which entranced me in its web while I happily meandered its city walks and garden paths. I am not going to embroider its beauty in words or even list out all its touristy attractions; rather will let the pictures tell you about my tranquil holiday and my favourite spots in this city of love. If you’re planning your travel expedition check out this complete guide for 3 days in Paris.
Check out these some less touristy things to do in Paris, it’s always nice to find someplace without crowds. If you love festivals, then France is a country with a deep love for music. Plan your trip to overlap with these music festivals in France.
Postcard Pictures Paris
Love wrought in Ironwork
The first stop was definitely the Eiffel Tower and though I did spend some time climbing it; I would recommend others to not do so as it’s really not that grandiose up there. The view was also not remarkable from the top. I realized all this when I came down and noticed the green expanse of the landscaped gardens, dotted with fountains and colourful flora, especially great bunches of tulips and other winter blooms. In fact, carrying a picnic lunch and lazing on the greens is the ideal thing to do around the Eiffel Tower. Oh, don’t miss it at night when it’s lit, and the lights buzz on it for a minute or so – quite an epic sight! If you want to explore Paris post-sunset, there are so many things to do in Paris at night.
Suggested Read – Best hotel & restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower – Paris!
A Royal Chateau
I embarked on a day trip to the Palace of Versailles which was a short train ride away and is a must-visit for an art & history buff like me. I won’t bore you with architectural descriptions or historic narrations but will urge you not to miss out on this gorgeous Chateau set out on 7 hectares of landscaped greens with a musical fountain show. The interiors have gorgeous artwork with breathtaking architectural details while the exteriors are fabulously landscaped. And yes do take a picnic lunch as one can spend the whole day here in one of the most opulent castles in the world.
Interested in more day trips from Paris? Read more about Loire Valley here.
Sacre Couer
Sacre Couer means the sacred heart and is one of the most visited cathedrals in Paris. Somehow this Basilica reminded me of the Taj Mahal with its creamy white stone finish and architectural façade (Ok that’s just my hyperactive imagination).
Lots of steps to climb up and there was a pulley-tram thingy on one side but the line was way too long for my patience and so I climbed up; using the stops in between to click pictures.
Love clicking pictures from the top? See these Free accessible Vantage points across Europe!!
Jardin de Luxembourg
This was one of the best spots for me to roam around in Paris and I couldn’t get enough of it. Built on 25 acres, the Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect picnic spot for kids and adults alike. There is a mix of French and English garden styles with a huge forest thrown in the midst of it too.
Gorgeous sculptures abound in the park which has a stunning architectural building in the backdrop that had me clicking it from every angle. Broad walks lined with huge leafy trees that didn’t allow for the sun to filter through.
Horse rides, puppet shows, and many other activities for children; some of whom were also sailing mini boats in one of the large ponds while several adults sat around with canvases, painting away. In fact, I think it’s the national pastime of Paris – sketching/painting! 😉
Epilogue
I did enjoy my quiet times on the broad walk cafes while sipping some wine or coffee as the mood demanded and even chatted with some friendly folks at the next table. Most Parisian streets are buzzing with activity and one can see people singing, sketching, posing as statues or simply rollerblading. I think it’s a city that doesn’t stay still and every bit of it throbs with life and love.
Related Read – Places to visit in Paris in 3 days beyond Eiffel Tower!
Do you too have any postcard pictures from Paris? Do tell.
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Shalini is a guest writer for The Wandering Core. An interior designer by profession, writing is a passion which coupled with travel love blossomed into this blog where she loves to just “do my thing”! Be it recipes, food events, travel jaunts, fiction dreaming or even meditative musings; all of it’s taken up quite passionately on my blog. She’s a serious wine guzzler and love to chase butterflies in my free time. She writes at Shalzmojo and you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
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