Mimi and Weesse's TOP TIPS for Paris

Last weekend we had the pleasure of travelling to one of our favourite places on the planet for the third time- Paris! Treating our gorgeous mum to a girly weekend for her up and coming 'special' birthday, we aimed to cram as much possible in to the 3 nights and 3 days to ensure mum got to do and see all the highlights. 

As we'd both been before, we had a few ideas of how to get around and make the most of our time effectively. Our plan (hugely orchestrated by Mimi!) worked a treat and so we thought it may be useful to offer up our TOP TIPS to anyone planning a trip to Paris in the near future! 

1. Book an Apartment- As there were 3 of us, it worked out cheaper to book an apartment rather than 2 hotel rooms and we're so glad, as it really added to our quest to be all French-like during our stay.

 We booked with Cobblestone Paris Rentals and stayed in the Marais region in their super cute, very-French Le Classique du Marais apartment. 

 Wooden beams, terracotta tiled floor, spiral staircase leading to bedroom and etoile curtains and furnishings...this small but perfectly formed loft apartment was an ideal base for our weekend adventures and in an ideal spot (Rebublique metro station was two streets away). Free WiFi and calls to UK landlines and cell phones; kitchen equipped with toaster, fridge/freezer, hob, kettle, dishes, washing machine/dryer etc; bathroom stocked with shower gel, shampoo and towels......basically everything you could need. Having an apartment meant we could stock up on goodies from the supermarket round the corner (Monoprix) to rustle -up a yummy petit dejuner  and then sit each morning enjoying our boiled eggs and pain au chocolat planning the day ahead in our PJs. Super!

2. Use the Metro- This is a super EASY, super CHEAP and a QUICK way of seeing all of Paris. You're best to buy a 'book' of 10 tickets at a time (especially if there's a few of you) from the machines within the stations. At only 14.40Euros (£10) the Metro is a sure-fire way of getting around on a budget and as long as you don't leave the station, you can change lines still using only one ticket per person, working out at a £1 a journey per person. Bargain! 

Mimi had downloaded the app RATP on to her phone which she used (with the help of a map of the city) for every journey we wanted to make. The app will navigate you on all forms of public transport. We never got it wrong once using the app. We always ended up where we needed to be and in record time. Ideal for cramming as much in to your days. 

The stations are well signposted and the metros themselves safe (like in any major city just be mindful of potential pickpocketing) and used by EVERYONE in Paris. They're open until 2 am and there's' a station on nearly every major street in the city.  We visited The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dam, Ile Saint Louis, L'arc du Triomphe, the Padlock Bridge, the Louvre, the Moulin Rouge and Disney via the Metro. 

3. See the Eiffel Tower at Night- Of course it's really impressive in the day, but our favourite view of this must-see attraction was at night and ON THE HOUR. The tower is lit at night but on the hour it twinkles and wow, what a sight that is! We got off at the metro station Trocadero (The Trocadero gardens and fountains are beautiful too!) and walked up the stairs only to be taken aback by the awesome sight of the Eiffel Tower right in front of us. Perfect spot for taking photos. 

 We also stumbled across a late-night outdoor Tango session. 20 or so couples gliding around in the dark dimly lit by the glow from the Tour de Eiffel. Outstanding! 

4. Eat in the Street cafes- Don't make a dash for nearest steakhouse, McDonald's or Hard Rock Cafe. Try dining where the locals go and you won't regret it. We had a gorgeous meal of sea bass and green beans at Le Cafe Rebublique just a stone-through's away from our apartment on our last night as we watched the world pass by.

We can also recommend taking the Metro to Pigalle and treating yourself to a salad at Le Relais Gascon. 

5.  Do Disney Cheaper- Book before you go. Attractiontix.com allows you to print off a voucher before you travel, to then easily pick up your tickets on arrival at the park. We made a saving £40 on each ticket.

6. See Paris from Above- Grab a coffee-to-go then head for the department store Galleries la Fayette and take the escalators to the roof top for the most stunning view of Paris! You'll find tourists and locals alike taking their lunch break as they soak up the sights, chilling on the sofas dotted across this artificial grass covered rooftop. The department store itself is stunning inside and adorned with floor upon floor of designer brands to drool over. 

Et voila! Our tops tips for now. We could give you some more but we feel these 6 are the BEST advice for getting the most out of your trip. 

Aside from the above, my personal advice to you would be to get yourself a Mimi. She organises and orchestrates everything. You just need to turn up and enjoy! Thanks Mimi! 

A' bientot! 

W x