10 Things To Put On Your Paris Holiday Bucket List 

Top places to see, things to do, eat and drink in Paris:

1. Picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Sure this truly Parisian notion may be mildly cliche but who cares! There’s nothing quite so iconically French as this wrought iron lattice tower built back in 1887. And what better way to toast to the occasion than to do so literally – grab a picnic rug, a hunk of cheese, and some local Champagne for an afternoon to remember.

2. Wander the Jardin Du Luxembourg
Among Paris’ gaggle of gardens is the Jardin Du Luxembourg (or Luxembourg Gardens). Perched on the border of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, this pretty public green space stretches an impressive 60-acres, and contains a rainbow of flowerbeds, fountains, sculptures, ponds, playgrounds, and even a marionette theatre.

3. Pay a visit to Versailles
Sure Versailles sits outside of Paris’ borders but it’s not that far (promise!) and this place truly is worth the effort – the French royal residence and centre of government is now a national landmark. Picture 700 rooms, 60 staircases and 1200 fireplaces, and unbelievable amounts of gold decor.

4. Go vintage shopping
French fashion is famous! But while this is the land of Chanel and Jacquemus, the Gallic nation is equally fluent in vintage. In fact, Paris is home to plenty of top notch vintage boutiques if you’re up for the adventure – try RoseMarket Vintage, Tilt Vintage, or Sous les pavés, le vintage for something extra special.

5. Eat your weight in cheese
No visit to Paris (or France for that matter) is complete without indulging in a hunk (or more) of specialty cheese. Fromageries are commonplace on the streets here and boy are we thankful for it! Nibble your way through the country’s national treasures at the likes of Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, Barthelemy, and Androuet.

7. Indulge at a fine diner in the 11th
While you’ll find no shortage of good eats all over Paris, it’s the 11th arrondissement in particular that is famed for its food offerings. Nestled among the cafes and drinking dens of this district you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants – the splurges worth spending on. Like the classic Bistrot Paul Bert, Le Clown Bar, and the Michelin-starred L'Arpège.

8. Gaze at the Pompidou Centre
Sure there’s the Louvre, but if you’re more fond of modern art than the Pompidou Centre is right up your alley. The cultural hub famed for its external escalators primarily focuses on visual arts from the 20th and 21st Centuries but within you’ll also find arthouse films, events, and even a public library.

9. Gorge on endless pastry
If you have a soft spot for flaky layers of pastry there’s nowhere better in the world to visit than the French capital. The city is a haven for croissants and their cousins, with treats a true art form around here. Which patisseries should you set your sights on? Du Pain et des Idées and Cédric Grolet Opéra (among them).

10. Browse the local markets
Markets are another local specialty, whether you’re after local produce or some souvenirs to adorn your abode back in Aus. Grab your best basket and make your way to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the covered food market created in 1615, or knick-knack haven Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen (known as Les Puces or The Fleas).