10. Stroll the Champs-Élysées
You have enough energy to walk from Arc du Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, right? All roads seem to lead to this impressive monument that was commissioned by Napoleon back in 1806. There’s a great view from the top if you think you can spare the time. If not, enjoy ambling down the famed Champs-Élysées, the grand boulevard full of chi-chi shops, hotels and sidewalk cafes. The Champs-Élysées is filled with world-famous stores of every budget level. If you’re not interested in shopping, it also makes for some of the best people watching in the known universe. The tree-lined street is always bustling (and the traffic situation will blow your damn mind).
11. Indulge at Angelina
On your final morning, fortify yourself with enough calories to last you a year with a hot chocolate and breakfast at Angelina’s on Rue de Rivoli. You can literally stand a spoon in this thick, rich, molten magic. Their signature pastry is the Mont Blanc, but there are other divine dishes to start your day off on a less indulgent foot. Grab some colorful macarons on your way out to snack on later.
12. To Louvre or Not to Louvre…
You’re just a short walk away from the world renowned Louvre museum, which many consider a major must-see in Paris. It is, but if you only have three short days in the City of Lights, a rush job through a check-list of artworks in this massive institution may be too much to handle. If it’s important to you to, by all means earmark a few hours to explore this wondrous place. Otherwise, save it for a more leisurely time. Tip: avoid the crowded Pyramid entrance by entering via the shopping mall down the escalator on Rue Du Rivoli. Simply buy your ticket from the vending machine and you are basically in (after a security checkpoint). Do some research ahead of time to map out the crucial things to see – beyond the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory – and plan an efficient route.
