The Sassy Guide to the City of Light
As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, E, is for Eiffel Tower.
You can't talk about Paris without mentioning the Eiffel Tower. Some people love it and dream of visiting it. Some people hate it and think it's an eyesore or a tourist trap.
But let's get real. It's cool. It's photogenic and you'll probably frame whatever photo you snapped of yourself in front of it and cherish it forever. People can pretend all they want that there are more important things to see in Paris, like stuff off the beaten path, but you really can't avoid Le Tour Eiffel unless you try really hard. So I recommend embracing it and visiting it in all its glory.
That said, I'm not the biggest fan of actually going up in it. It's not a fear of heights - I've been skydiving and hang-gliding thankyouverymuch - it's a matter of lines, crowds, and cost. If you insist on going up in the monument, I recommend getting a speed pass. Life (and, likely, your time in Paris) is too short to spend waiting in line.
My favorite way to enjoy the beauty of the structure is to have a picnic on the Champs de Mars (the grassy lawn) in front of it. Because it's kind of hard to see the Eiffel Tower if you're in the Eiffel Tower, am I right? A leisurely picnic of wine, cheese, and baguettes while admiring all 1000+ feet of the 19th century structure is undeniably enjoyable. And the Champs de Mars is one of the few places in Paris you're actually allowed to - gasp - walk on the grass and have a picnic. (Check out my book, Confessions of a Paris Party Girl, for an in-depth look at Paris's Lawn Police).
Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City
