If i were to ask where is my dream travel ? i'd say "Paris" its because Paris has a place on pretty much every traveler's bucket list. It is known as the most romantic city in the world, and is home to some world famous sights that are constantly shown in travel magazines, movies, and other works of art.

Paris, the capital of France, has a population of over two million people and is one of Europe's most-visited cities.

There are two major international airports in Paris, Orly Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport, the latter of which is the second busiest airport in all of Europe. There are also plenty of buses and trains passing through Paris, making it a convenient stop on a European budget backpacking trip. But why is Paris so famous? What is it about this city that attracts travelers from all over the globe? There has to be more than just the Eiffel Tower, right?
Right. Paris is a diverse and sophisticated city that appeals to the wealthy but can also be enjoyed on a budget. In addition to the Eiffel Tower, Paris has countless other gorgeous landmarks and monuments that add to the beauty of the spacious boulevards and their charming cafés.

French cuisine is also world famous, and you can find some of the best of it in Paris. There is world class shopping and a dynamic fashion scene, and plenty of interesting museums and art galleries.

Just outside Paris, there are plenty of fun day trips to take for a further insight into the culture and history of France.

Paris is absolutely packed with things to do, so no traveler who stops here will find themselves bored. As a wonderful insight into French culture and cuisine, with some incredible photo opportunities, Paris deserves its place on every traveler's bucket list destinations.

In this article, I'll explain some of the reasons why travelers should visit Paris. At the end I'll reveal some of the amazing Worldpackers volunteer experiences available in Paris and around France. 

So if any budget travelers are looking to save money and work and live with locals to have a deeper experience with the French culture, you'll definitely find some inspiration there.

8 unforgettable reasons to visit Paris
1. Famous landmarks

Reasons to visit Paris: famous landmarks
When people think of Paris, they most likely picture its famous landmarks. Paris has many stunning sights that showcase impressive architecture and design, and these places have become world-famous for their beauty.

The ample photo opportunities are some of the most popular reasons to visit Paris for travelers, writers, artists and bloggers. 

Here are some notable landmarks in Paris that draw tourists to the city:
The Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower, Paris France
As one of the most famous monuments in the entire world, the Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of Paris. Made of wrought-iron and standing at 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is a sight to see. At night time the tower lights up in shimmering gold, and there are nice gardens surrounding the tower that make for a once in a lifetime picnic spot.

Tickets to enter and climb the Eiffel Tower vary; it costs €7 if you are willing to climb the stairs and €11 to take the elevator, and there are different prices for different age groups. The line also gets very long, so try to arrive early.

The Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum, Paris, France
The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world, but even those who aren't interested in art will stop here to witness the incredible design of the massive building and take pictures with the pyramids. 

There is one large pyramid and three smaller ones, the largest one being the main entrance to the museum and all four are constructed of glass and metal. Tourists love to pose on the concrete blocks around the Louvre courtyard and pose with the iconic pyramids.

It costs €15 to enter the Louvre Museum, and it is completely free to hang out in the courtyard and admire the building.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame, Paris, France
This medieval Gothic cathedral has become known as a symbol of Paris, and there has even been a Disney movie set in the cathedral (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). 

Construction of the cathedral began in 1160, though it has had its ups and downs throughout history. Nowadays, it stands tall and magnificent, and is a huge draw to anyone who loves impressive architecture and photo opportunities.

It costs €8,50 to enter Notre Dame, though there is usually a very long line so try to arrive early.

Arc De Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Located at the end of the famous shopping street, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, this massive arch commemorates the soldiers who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It has become a well-known national monument of France, and you can climb about 280 stairs to get to the top for an amazing view over the city. 

It costs €12 to enter the Arc De Triomphe and climb to the top, though it is free to admire the landmark from the outside.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Paris, France
Also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, this Roman Catholic Church stands at the highest point in the city and is known for its towering white domes. 

It is located on top of Montmartre Hill, which is a charming area full of history and art. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a relatively new landmark in Paris; construction began in the late 1800s and the church was completed in 1914.

It is free to enter Sacre Coeur basilica, though you can pay €5 to climb to the very top if you would like.

The Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier, Paris, France
This monument is a giant opera house that is arguably one of the most impressive buildings in Paris. 

Built in the 1800s, this magnificent building has hosted so many operas, ballets and other artistic performances and it is a huge part of Parisian history and culture. 

This opera house was also used as the setting for the famous novel, The Phantom Of The Opera, which has now become a Broadway musical and major motion picture film.

You can take a guided tour of Palais Garnier to learn all there is to know about this significant building.

2. Amazing French food

Amazing French food, Paris, France
One of the best reasons to visit Paris is easily the food. French cuisine has earned itself a place on the list of best cuisines in the world, and foodies from all over the globe travel to France just for the food.

To prove how amazing the French are at cooking, they even invented the prestigious Michelin Star rating system that measures the quality of the best restaurants all over the world.

But you don't have to dine out at Michelin-star restaurants to get a taste of French cuisine. There are some staple French dishes that you can find in restaurants of all price ranges.

Some French classics to try include Soupe à l'oignon, a heartwarming beef stock and onion soup commonly known as french onion Soup, Bouillabaisse, a fish and seafood stew, Steak-Frites, pan sautéed steak with french fries, and Beef Bourguignon, beef cooked with red wine and mushrooms. All these classic French dishes can be found in restaurants all over Paris.

You also have to try some of the delicious bread products and pastries in Paris. Just a classic baguette or croissant will taste better here than anywhere else in the world.

Also when it comes to desserts, the French do them so well. Desserts like chocolate mousse, Crème au Caramel, Crème brûlée, éclairs, chocolate soufflé, and more are native to France. You can find these sweets all over the world but you might as well try them where they originated.

Some famous bakeries in Paris where you can try the best-quality desserts and breads include Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Carl Marletti, Du Pain et des Idées, Karamel, and Chambelland.

Also be sure to stop by Ladurée to try their famous macarons, which are small meringue based cookie sandwiches with a layer of creme in the middle.

3. Shopping opportunities

Shopping in Paris, France
With an overwhelming sense of classic culture mixed with sleek modernity, Paris has so many shopping opportunities for travelers who want to treat themselves. Whether you want to shop in some famous high-end stores or just pick up a few nice souvenirs, Paris has it all.

The most famous place to shop in Paris is Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This wide avenue is almost 2 km long and is packed full of cafés, restaurants, theaters, and of course, shops. Everything here tends to be more luxury, so this is the place to go if you have a bit of money to spend and want to blend in with the high-end Parisian fashionistas.


Champs Elysees, Paris, France
Other shopping locations for high-end purchases include Rue Du Commerce, Boulevard Saint Germain, Triangle D'or, and Rue De Rivoli. 

Boulevard Haussmann is another location in Paris with gorgeous department stores.

Even if you don't plan on buying anything fancy or expensive, it can be fun to explore the luxury stores and admire all the beautiful items without buying anything. Paris takes presentation very seriously, so just pretending you are among Paris's fashion elite and browsing the high-end stores if a fun way to spend an afternoon in the city.

There are also plenty of places for budget travelers to shop in Paris. Visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market to find some cool vintage goods from around the world, or visit Le Marais for more vintage collections.

You will also find an abundance of the classic souvenir shops in touristy areas around Paris, so pop in to one of those if you're just looking for a cute t-shirt or a keychain.

4. The café culture

Cafe culture, Paris, France
Paris has one of the strongest café cultures in the world. There is nothing quite as satisfying as sitting on a wicker chair at an outdoor café in Paris, sipping a coffee and eating a croissant while watching the Parisians go about their day.

Parisians have café culture engrained in their society. During a busy day, or before work, or after work, locals love to relax in a café with a drink and either catch up with friends and colleagues or just enjoy some solo time.

Café culture has been part of the Paris lifestyle for centuries. You can even find mementos to historical figures that have visited certain Paris cafés (Les Deux Magots is a classic café in Paris that prides itself on its famous visitors).

Keep in mind that people are allowed to smoke at outdoor tables in France. If you'd prefer to avoid the cigarette smoke that wafts through France's streets, you might want to sit inside. Most cafés are open all day long and serve small plates of food as well. You do not need to tip at cafés in Paris, though you can round up to the closest euro if you want.

Here are some of the best cafés in Paris to visit during your stay:
La Fontaine de Belleville: A café on a street corner that serves all the French classics
Au Vieux Paris D'Arcole: Has a beautiful design and lots of flowers outside
Lomi: This rustic café has a tasting and training centre on site
Le Fouquet's: Like Les Deux Magots, this café is famous for having many influential guests
HolyBelly: Has delicious brunch in addition to coffee
Le Rotunde: Writer Ernest Hemingway mentioned this café in his book, The Sun Also Rises
Odette: Known for its delicious tea and cakes
Café Oberkampf: Small and cozy café that serves incredible coffee
La Fourmi Ailée: Has a vintage atmosphere with lots of books on the walls
Café de Flore: One of the oldest cafés in Paris
O Coffeeshop: A mix of Aussie and French culture, this place has a beachy feel
Deli-Cieux: A rare café that is located high up and offers amazing sunset views
Whether you can visit one or two, or all of these cafés, you will surely be impressed with the charming decor and delicious treats and drinks available. No trip to Paris in complete without a stop in a café to relax and refuel during a long day of sightseeing.

5. Impressive art collections

Mona Lisa, Paris, France
Many people think of Paris as an artistic city, and they are not wrong. France has been very involved in European art movements throughout history, and there are plenty of places to witness some incredible and famous art while traveling through Paris.

Even if you're not an art fanatic, it can be quite fascinating to see some of the famous art and culture that came out of this world capital. 

So for those interested in learning more about the history and culture of the world through visual masterpieces, Paris is a great place to visit. There are too many different art collections around Paris to list them all, but I'll briefly describe a few of the most popular ones.

The Louvre has over 30,000 pieces of art and is home to the famous Mona Lisa.

Musée d'Orsay showcases famous french art from the 1800s and 1900s, including works of art by famous artists Monet, Manet, Degas, and Van Gogh.

Centre Pompidou has lots of different exhibitions and art collections on view, and it has a very impressive display of modern art.

Musée National Picasso has thousands of artworks by the famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, and is set inside the Hôtel Salé.

Petit Palais is a stunning building that houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. This art collection is free to enter and has forms of art including painting, sculpture, and even furniture and antiques.

Musee du Quai Branly showcases a very diverse range of indigenous art from Oceania, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, thus enlightening visitors about different cultures and their histories.

6. Parks and gardens

Parks and gardens in Paris, France
For such a massive city, Paris has plenty of green spaces designed to break up the stuffiness of the metropolis. This beautiful gardens make the city feel more open, and they make for lovely stops during a day of exploring.

You may stumble across some of the more centrally-located parks by accident, or you can pack a bag and head to one of the further parks for a day of enjoying nature. Either way, the green spaces of Paris are simply stunning and they make the city feel so much more enjoyable.

The abundance of spacious parks are definitely some of the best reasons for families to visit Paris, because they can take their kids here to let off some steam. There is plenty of space for family picnics and sports games, so if you are traveling as a family than stopping by a park is a must.

Here are a few of the best parks and gardens to visit in Paris:
Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes, Paris, France
This is the largest green space in Paris and was created in the 1800s by Napoleon III. In addition to the peaceful gardens, here you can also find a zoo, a botanical garden, a racing track, and other eye-catching monuments. 

I recommend coming here for a day and bringing some snacks and a blanket so you can just wander around and soak in the relaxing energy.

The Tuileries Gardens

The Tuileries Gardens, Paris, France
These stunning gardens were created in 1564, but were originally only designed for royalty. After the French Revolution, the area became a public park and it is now one of the most beautiful areas to stroll through in Paris. It is located near the Louvre, and makes a wonderful stop during a day of sightseeing.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris, France
In northeastern Paris you'll find this large public park full of green grass and trails perfect for running, walking or cycling. There is a wide artificial lake inside the park which has a 50-meter high cliff in the center. If you want to feel like you are really in the woods and not in the middle of the one of the world's biggest cities, then come here!

The Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France
Inspired by the beautiful Boboli Gardens of Florence, the Luxembourg Gardens exude an aura of luxury and designs. With landscaped gardens, rich green grass, fountains, lots of flowers, and the Luxembourg Palace just nearby, you may feel like royalty while hanging out in this park.

Bois de Boulogne

Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France
As one of the biggest parks in Paris, this green space is more than double the size of Central Park in NYC. There is a beautiful lake here as well as lots of space for having picnics, playing frisbee, or just taking a tap in the soft grass.

Trocadéro Gardens

Trocadero Gardens, Paris, France
This charming green space is located just across from the Eiffel Tower, so it is a nice place to relax and take some photos of the iconic landmark. This park is most famous for the Fountain of Warsaw, which is a long pool filled with fountains that create a beautiful scene.

7. Fun day trips
If you have more than a few days to spend in Paris, why not venture outside the city for a day? Paris is surrounded by lots of natural beauty and historical landmarks, so if you've seen all there is to see, take a day trip so you can experience more of France.

Funny that some of the best reasons to visit Paris are located outside Paris! But day trips are a great way to explore a new country without having to spend lots of money.

Here are some fun day trips to take from Paris:
The Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles, Paris, France
With construction starting in 1631, the Palace of Versailles is famous for housing a few of France's past leaders. The ground originally served as a hunting lodge and chateau for Louis XIII, and later on Louis XIV lived here until the French Revolution started in 1789.

After the French Revolution, the palace had a turbulent history; it was used for many different roles by many different French leaders.

Nowadays, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical monument that travelers from all over the world come to visit. The palace has stunning decorations and rooms that exude regality. The landscaped gardens outside are massive and aesthetically pleasing, full of fountains and sculptures. A highlight of the palace is the Hall of Mirrors.

The Palace of Versailles is only 30 minutes away from Paris, and you can either take the train, the bus, or book a group tour.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France
This is the most-visited tourist attraction in Normandy, and makes a lovely day trip from Paris. Mont Saint-Michel is a tiny island located about 1 km off of France's northwestern coast.

Though this used to be a pilgrimage centre and is mainly a religious site, anyone can come and admire the hilltop monastery surrounded by the sea. The monastery is known as the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, and there are a few monks and nuns who live inside the Abbey. It costs €10 to enter the Abbey.

At high tide, the island appears to be floating in the water, and at low tide you can walk along the sand, right up to the edge of the attraction. Wear comfortable walking shoes while visiting here as you'll have to climb lots of hills and stairs to reach the height of Mont Saint-Michel.

It takes about three hours by train to travel from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel. You can easily do this is a day if you are short on time, but if you don't want to rush you can even stay overnight in a town near the island and return to Paris the next day.

Claude Monet's Gardens in Giverny

Monet's Gardens, Giverny, France
Located in the charming town of Giverny in Normandy, the Fondation Claude Monet has worked hard to preserve the residence of this famous painter.

As one of the founders of the French Impressionist movement, Claude Monet's paintings are smooth, colorful and simply gorgeous. Even if you are not an art fanatic, this day trip can still be fun because the area is so beautiful.

The village of Giverny served as a common place of inspiration for other French painters, Édouard Manet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Giverny also has an American Museum of Art and plenty of nice cafes and restaurants.

Claude Monet lived in the village of Giverny from 1883 to 1926, and his picturesque house and gardens have been well-kept. There are plenty of colourful flowers and a Japanese Bridge, and many other scenes that seemed to appear in Claude Monet's paintings.

You can visit Giverny either by train or car from Paris, or you can book a tour.

Paris Disneyland

Disneyland, Paris, France
Though Disneyland is actually in Paris, people normally spend a whole day here so I think it fits better under the category of day trips. 

Those who have already visited Disneyland in the USA may not be interested in this, but if provides a super fun and exciting day for those who have never experienced the magic of Disneyland. 

Disney is very near and dear to many people's hearts, as the movies and characters grew up with us throughout our childhood. Spending a day meeting all the characters and riding roller coasters and other rides makes you feel like a kid again. 

You can also head to the Walt Disney Studio Park to watch performances and behind the scenes shows. If you are traveling with a family, this is a great place to visit as it has entertainment for all ages. 

From the city center, you can take a shuttle, train or metro to Paris Disneyland. 

8. Worldpackers experiences

Local life in Paris, France
If you have a few weeks or more to spend in France, you can always try volunteering with Worldpackers in Paris. 

Volunteering at local establishments is a great way to explore the culture deeply, and you can save plenty of money on accommodation.

Most work exchanges require roughly 20 hours of work per week, and in exchange you get free room and board, and sometimes free meals, tours, laundry, and other perks. This is also a great way to gain valuable work experience for your resume while on the road. 

For an incredible French experience, spend a few days exploring Paris and then venture outside the city to volunteer in a different area of France. 

Head to northwestern France to work in a guest house in Côtes-d'Armor. If you're a dog lover, you can volunteer in a guest house here and help with gardening and taking care of the dogs. What better way to enjoy this stunning coastal French town than living with locals and helping out local businesses?

Also in the northwest of France is a small village called Hambers, where there a few volunteer opportunities for travelers as well. If you love to work outside, there is a homestay here that needs help with farm repair and roof restoration. Past travelers say this is a great place to relax and connect with nature, so during your time off you can explore the landscape or enjoy some peace and quiet with a book. 

If you want to explore some different parts of the country, head south to the city of Montpellier. Here, you can volunteer at an eco village, or work as a web developer or event organizer. There is also an interesting experience here for a renewable energy youth training, only if you are a French or Dutch resident though. 

Another top-rated Worldpackers host in south western France is located in the historical area of Dordogne. Here there is a friendly local family who needs help renovating their home. In exchange for your efforts, the family will feed you all your meals and help you explore nearby towns and attractions. This is a great way to explore this area of France while saving money and getting to know a local family. 

For a change of scenery, you can even volunteer in the French alps. Visit Oz en Oisans in southeastern France to work in a guest house in the mountains. Here, they need help with general cleaning, housekeeping and gardening, and in exchange you will get free meals and the opportunity to explore this beautiful area of France. 

So another one of the best reasons to visit Paris is all the doors it opens for you! After exploring the city, you can hop on a train or bus and head to a different area of France for a life-changing volunteer experience. 
Even if you don't have the time to volunteer in France, your time in Paris will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience and introduction to the French culture. 
Traveling gives me the opportunities to do the things I’ve always been eager to try, and live the kind of life I’ve always dreamed about. I quit my job in 2015 to focus on my travels. I wanted to see more of what the world had to offer.

I’m not telling you to quit your job, too. Go whenever you can, even if it means traveling seasonally. A seasonal traveler is still a traveler! If you wish to work while you travel, you can try taking freelance work on the go.

Whether you’re keeping that full-time job of yours, or quitting it to travel full-time, here are 8 reasons why you should pack your bags and start traveling.

1. New adventures await you
Travel gives you the opportunities to explore new things. They can be the places you’ve always dreamed of visiting, the cultures you’ve read about in your history books, the world’s highest bungee jump you’ve been wanting to try, and so on.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, find it along the way, and enjoy every moment. The world is a wonderful playground. Of course, you must remember to always travel responsibly, no matter where you are. Hit the road as soon as the chances roll in. You’ll never know what you might find out there!

2. Travel gives you empathy for the world’s problems
How much do you know about the world? Before I started traveling, I knew very little about the world. Although I never really understood the pains of others when I saw the news, I began to feel them when I witnessed them myself for the first time.

Traveling has exposed me to a world so alien from mine. I became more curious, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the world and about life. The experience has also made me more humble and appreciative. Yes, the world is indeed a place that holds many mysteries. Want to enter the school of life? Travel.

3. It motivates you to give back
When we travel the world, we may just realize how much we’ve taken for granted the things we have, which others might never get to enjoy or experience. My journey to Laos made me realize how fortunate I was to be given a chance to have a safe neighborhood to live, clean water to bathe, a chance to go to school and graduate from college and so on.

Many of the people from the 3rd world countries I visited were very humble, helpful and generous, which also made me realize that  the ones who don’t have much are usually also the most generous. It inspired me to give back to society. You, too, can help someone today.

4. New friendships along the way
During my travels, I’ve made many new and meaningful friendships along the way. The best thing about it was many of the people I met on the road are very similar to me. We share similar interests, we enjoy doing things together, we have more or less the same kind of mindset, and we believe in helping others.

We may come from different countries, have been raised in different cultures, or follow different philosophies in life, but we embrace each other’s differences and similarities. We even fell in love. Today, we still make trips together, even if it means meeting each other halfway around the world.

5. It trains you to be tougher and more independent
Our minds sometimes make us underestimate our true talents and capabilities. Just because we have the abilities to do many things, doesn’t mean we are capable of doing them. Sometimes, it take tough times to bring the best out of us.

I used to think that I’ll never be able to travel due to insufficient funds, yet I still followed my dreams, even if it meant I had to travel beyond my means. Tough conditions taught me to be mentally, emotionally and physically tougher. I admit that I still find myself crying in a corner sometimes, but I always pull myself together in the end.

Indeed, traveling made me appreciate the individual I am, and can become. If you’re a solo traveler, you might also start to appreciate the joy of being alone, and realize that your happiness doesn’t need to depend on someone else.

6. You learn to be better at handling money
When I started my first solo trip, I didn’t have much money. I was worried if I didn’t have enough for my journey — or if anything happened to me, I won’t have anyone to lean on. I also felt insecure when I quit my job to travel (with no plan of coming back home anytime soon) and only had US$200 in hand.

Let me tell you this: I wasn’t very young when I started doing all this. While I was on the road, I never stopped looking for opportunities, be it finding money, freelance work, or any kind of employment in a foreign country.
Everyday was a challenge, but that was what kept me going. Since I didn’t have much, I learned to be more prudent with my money, and not only did I find ways to save, I also taught myself how to make money while on the go.

7. You can inspire others
I’m not sure if anyone has ever inspired me to travel. Back then, I rarely had access to social media. Therefore, I hardly saw inspiring stories and pictures like the ones I frequently see today. I guess I was inspired to travel more after my trip to the Philippines, which was the first overseas country I visited. 

I had a penpal who lived there, whom I wanted to meet. After the wonderful experience in the country, I realized that I should explore the world while I’m still young and strong. I also realized that traveling isn’t just about visiting nice places, but also learning about other other cultural differences, global sufferings and more — and that life isn’t just about going to school and getting a job.

8. It pushes you out of your comfort zone
I have to be honest with you. Traveling isn’t always easy, and sometimes your travel journeys are like the scenes of a drama series. No joke. I suppose that’s why I like traveling. I love the thrills and adventures it offers.

Hard times on the road have shaped the way I think and how to help myself, and improve my survival skills. Of course, I didn’t learn all these by myself. My problems were my teachers, but they’re weren’t the only ones.

The people I met were also my teachers. Some of them were trouble, and some of them were my heroes. Although I was in the Girl Guides’ club in school, I never learned how to make a fire. I was just a silent member of the group. Many years later, I learned how to do it in the woods, when I actually went camping in the wild.

Since I can’t take everything I own with me, I also learned to feel less attachment to my things. I also learned to adapt to new things, even when they don’t always make me comfortable.

—

We often think that the world is a big, scary place; but, we must not judge it too quickly before we explore it. Go out and explore the goodness that the world has to offer, and you’ll enjoy every moment of it.

Go travel. If not today, perhaps tomorrow is a good day to begin! 

#DREAMTRAVEL
#GOODINFO
#INSPIRE