Preface
When it comes to European travel destinations, Paris is undeniably unavoidable. Its charm lies in its unparalleled diversity: from classical to modern, from East to West. Artistic Paris carries the grandeur of romanticism, nurtures the haziness of Impressionism, and gathers the edge of modern art. Historical Paris has witnessed the rise of revolutions, documented Napoleon’s ambitious feats, and buried the fleeting existence of the Paris Commune.
From wine to escargots, from cafés to bookstores, Parisian life retains its elegant refinement, leads the waves of fashion, and preserves the tranquility of time. I don’t wish to stereotype it, but each visitor to Paris will undoubtedly encounter a version of the city uniquely their own.
This time, I initially planned to travel with a companion. However, after one day of exploring together, I realized our paces were different, and we parted ways. In a sense, this journey turned out to be a “solo backpacking adventure.” Even though I traveled alone, the stories that unfolded along the way were just as memorable.
Louvre Museum
Tickets:
Reserve the 9 AM entry slot in advance. Arrive 20 minutes early at the Lion Gate (there were only two people ahead of me at that time). When the doors opened at 9 AM, follow the signs quickly to see the Mona Lisa (already quite a crowd). Then, head to the Victory of Samothrace at the grand staircase, and finally go downstairs to admire the Venus de Milo. The signage throughout is very clear, making it easy to navigate. However, be aware that the Lion Gate is occasionally closed, so it’s a good idea to check recent information.
Audio Guide:
The Louvre’s audio guide is well-designed, featuring both navigation and detailed explanations. If you enter through the Lion Gate, you’ll need to exit to the underground mall to rent the guide. You can coordinate with staff so you can re-enter the museum without queuing again.
Early in the morning, I met up with my friend downstairs at the hostel, and we set off for the Louvre—one of the world’s four great museums. We arrived at the iconic glass pyramid around 8 AM, taking the chance to snap a few photos of it while the area was still quiet before the museum opened.
Ancient Greek Sculpture “Venus”:
When we arrived, the hall was completely empty, so quiet it felt as if time had frozen.
Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa:
This Romantic masterpiece truly captured my heart, sparking my deep admiration for Romantic art. Unfortunately, photographs cannot do it justice. Standing before this colossal painting, three times the height of a person, with life-sized figures, you feel as if you are aboard that fragile raft amidst a violent sea, experiencing the same conflict between despair and hope.
The painting is set during the Bourbon Restoration period, depicting the wreck of the frigate Medusa, which sank due to the captain’s negligence. Survivors on a small wooden raft fight for their lives. Many have already perished, their bodies scattered in a grim display of mortality. The remaining survivors form a pyramid of intertwined limbs, culminating at its peak, where a figure waves a red cloth—nearly the only bright color in the painting—toward the distant horizon. Upon closer inspection, a faint sail can be seen at the edge of the sea—symbolizing hope and salvation.
Beneath the surface, the artwork also expresses the people’s deep discontent with the Bourbon monarchy. For me, this painting embodies the perfect Romantic vision—where life coexists with death, light with darkness, good with evil, and black with white. Every emotion surges with intensity, washing everything away in a flood of passion and raw feeling.
I lingered in front of this painting for a long time, overwhelmed with emotion, tears filling my eyes, reluctant to leave. Before the museum closed, I made my way back for one last look, unwilling to part from it.
The first major highlight in this area is the Assyrian Khorsabad Court. In 713 BC, Sargon II decided to build a new capital to establish his authority and reinforce royal prestige. The remains of that ancient city are what we can see today in the Khorsabad Court.
One of the most distinctive features here is the statues of the protective deity, known to the Assyrians as Lamassu or Shedu. These statues depict a being with a human head, the body of a bull, bull’s ears, and the wings of an eagle.
Next, we visited the Apollo Gallery to admire the royal jewelry. The gallery’s dazzling, gilded corridor immediately evoked thoughts of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. However, the jewelry itself seemed somewhat overshadowed by the brilliance of the other exhibits.
Musée d’Orsay
Aside from the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay is arguably the most renowned museum in Paris, celebrated as a haven for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin, along with other prominent figures of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Neo-Impressionism, are gathered here. This museum is undoubtedly a must-see when visiting Paris.
Tips:
If you’re using the under-25 EU resident free entry option, make sure to queue in the C2 line. However, it tends to be the second-longest line, just behind the on-site ticket purchase queue. I arrived a little after 10 AM and had to wait 1 hour and 20 minutes before finally entering. Keep in mind, I went on a Tuesday when the Louvre is closed, which may explain the larger crowd.
Centre Pompidou
Given its late closing hours, the scheduling worked out well for me. The Centre Pompidou is not just an art museum; it also houses bookstores, learning spaces, and other functional areas. However, for most visitors, the main draw is the modern art collection. As someone unfamiliar with modern art, visiting this “capital of modern art” in Paris felt like the perfect opportunity to indulge in a bit of cultural refinement.
Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum is a relatively niche museum in Paris. I chose to visit because, years ago, I read Chiang Hsun’s The Beauty of Angkor while exploring the Angkor Wat complex. One chapter, Encountering Angkor at the Guimet, caught my attention. The French, with their long colonial presence in Cambodia, brought many artifacts back from Angkor, forming the core of the Guimet’s collection today. Of course, I firmly oppose the act of plundering cultural artifacts from their original contexts.
Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace is located in the suburbs of Paris, technically belonging to a different province. It was built during the reign of the famous “Sun King” Louis XIV, making Versailles the de facto capital of France at the time. You can reach it by transferring to the suburban train at the St. Michel station. Upon entering, the sight is truly overwhelming—opulent, magnificent, and dazzling.
As soon as we entered, we immediately started searching for the famous Hall of Mirrors, but after wandering around, we couldn’t seem to find it. Finally, we had to ask a staff member for help, and at last, we found it on the second floor.
Beyond the dazzling gold carvings and frescoes, the most striking features of the Hall of Mirrors are the crystal chandeliers and the mirrored walls. The brilliance is reflected endlessly within the mirrors, creating an illusionary, mesmerizing effect that leaves one utterly spellbound.
Arc de Triomphe
I had long heard that the Arc de Triomphe is one of the best places in Paris to watch the sunset, so after leaving the Panthéon, I hurried over.
The Arc de Triomphe was built by Napoleon I to commemorate his victories, modeled after the ancient Roman triumphal arches but on a much grander scale.
Here, you can purchase a ticket to ascend to the top, where you can overlook the twelve avenues radiating outward from the Arc’s center, creating an impressive sight. In the distance, you can spot another iconic landmark—the Eiffel Tower.
The golden Arc de Triomphe truly exudes the grandeur of an empire, symbolizing the glorious history of Napoleon’s era.
Les Invalides
When mentioning Les Invalides, most people likely think of it as the burial place of Napoleon I. If the Panthéon is France’s “temple of literature,” then Les Invalides is undoubtedly its “temple of military valor.” Additionally, it houses the Musée de l’Armée, making it an essential visit for military enthusiasts.
The most striking feature of Les Invalides is its golden dome, visible even from the banks of the Seine.
Upon entering the main hall of Les Invalides, beneath the grand dome lies the sunken structure that holds the sarcophagus of Napoleon I, the “God of War” of France.
In the corridor surrounding the sarcophagus, marble reliefs depict several key achievements of Napoleon’s life. While Napoleon is commonly remembered for his military prowess, overwhelming Europe with his conquests, one lesser-known but equally impactful accomplishment is the codification of the Napoleonic Code. This legal framework has profoundly influenced countries following the civil law tradition.
The relief shown below illustrates this achievement, with particular attention to the gilded words “CODE NAPOLÉON” on the book’s cover to the right—code meaning “law code” in French.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower up close truly reveals its immense height. Bathed in the soft orange glow of the setting sun, the tower stands elegantly and romantically beneath the blue sky and white clouds.
Gastronomy Segment
Bofinger ⭐⭐⭐
The specialty here is Alsatian cuisine. Given the region’s history of shifting between France and Germany, Alsatian dishes closely resemble Central European and German-style cuisine.
For my appetizer, I had butter escargot. The snails themselves don’t have a strong flavor; it’s mostly about the butter and some herbs distinct to Western cooking. What intrigued me the most was the process of eating them – the refined French have invented various specialized tools, and I had to search online mid-meal to figure out how to use them.
Le Florentin ⭐⭐⭐
I stumbled upon this bistro after coming down from the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a cozy little place with a nice ambiance.
For the main course, I tried the renowned Confit de Canard, a signature dish from southwestern France. Its flavor reminded me slightly of Chinese cured meat, though with the distinct texture of poultry. The saltiness was just right, making it a delightful dish.
Boulangerie Bonon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located next to the Guimet Museum, this renowned bakery often has a line of eager customers.
I tried two types of tarts, both with crispy crusts and flavorful fillings—a truly satisfying treat.
Chez Papa Bastille ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The only restaurant on this Paris trip that I give a full five stars. This chain is renowned for its foie gras, and I visited the Bastille branch near my accommodation.
Although the place wasn’t crowded, the waiter was surprisingly warm and welcoming. Given the fame of French wine, I ventured to order a Bordeaux Supérieur despite not knowing much about it. To my delight, I stumbled upon a fruit-forward style that suited my palate perfectly.
For my main course, I had the foie gras salad bowl. The foie gras was seared into thin slices with butter and served with buttery toast. The richness of the foie gras paired beautifully with the crispness of the toast. If it got too heavy, the refreshing vegetables provided the perfect balance.
