travel
The best photo spots in Paris, for Instagram that is. Love it or hate it the reality of todays time, Instagram matters!! Well for if not all for many!! But before we begin, not everyone has the same definition of the perfect Instagram spot. Some like skyline views, some historic, some romantic and so on. This guide is from the point of view of iconic + romantic. Now lets begin.
- La Maison Rose - The pretty pink cafe in Montamarte. Every girl needs a shot here. Wander down the streets of Montamarte from Sacre Couer and you will spot it.
- Palais royale - Well as i said in my how to do Paris in 24 hours post, a shot with the striped columns in the courtyard here was on my bucket list. As for all the places reach early to find it less busy else you can wait. If in luck you will find a section with less people and then just go for the shots without wasting time. Will have to act fast.
- The sinking house of Montamarte - Haha its an illusion and i totally suggest you go, see and take a picture to get what i am saying. Its right next to Sacre Couer
- Arc de Triomphe and the rooftop views from it- Will take about 250 steps to get there but they are totally worth it. You will be able to take stunning pics of Parisian rooftops with the Eiffel Tower. Also stunning are the views over Champs Ulysses.
- Gallerie Lafayette - The glass and steel dome at the Gallerie lafayette is spectacular and a must shot. How about a picture with an eclair or macroon against the dome as the backdrop. If you happen to visit around christmas time you will be able to check out the super impressive christmas tree that they instal. But thats not all you have to go to the rooftop of the gallerie to take some stunning pictures of Paris from above.
- Eiffel tower from Trocadero - Of course, of course, Eiffel tower is a must in Paris and there are a zillion perspectives to it but one breathtaking one is at sunrise from Trocadero ( Eiffel tower with the staircase shot) If you go around sunrise there is no tourist and all the opportunities for the perfect Insta shots.
- Musee de Orsy - The giant clock inside Musee de Orsy is very instagram worthy. But you have to reach at museum opening else it gets crowded for photo opportunities .
- Palais de Luxembourg - Its majestic and lovely at the same time. The garden is lush and you can actually spend some time here reading or just with your thoughts. Photo opportunities are plenty.
- Parisian balconies and cafes - A shot of a Parisian cafe with the authentic parisian bistro chairs and the parisian balconies is well must to capture parisjetaime in its full. The balcony shot can be taken from the hotel you stay in and for the cafe shot there are plenty of opportunities in Montamarte. The one below i took near Palais de luxeumburg.
- Spring in Paris - Well Paris is not really famous for its blooms in spring time but nonetheless it has a few magical shot options specially against the Eiffel tower or any chic Parisian building.
- A picture of the bridges with the Seine - Pont des arts or Pont Alexander III.
- A shot of the pyramide outside Lourve. Best taken at golden hour.
Those are definitely the shots that will complete your Paris Instagram album.
Suggested posts - Paris in 24 hours
Instagram guide to Paris
The best photo spots in Paris, for Instagram that is. Love it or hate it the reality of todays time, Instagram matters!! Well for if not all for many!! But before we begin, not everyone has the same definition of the perfect Instagram spot. Some like skyline views, some historic, some romantic and so on. This guide is from the point of view of iconic + romantic. Now lets begin.
- La Maison Rose - The pretty pink cafe in Montamarte. Every girl needs a shot here. Wander down the streets of Montamarte from Sacre Couer and you will spot it.
- Palais royale - Well as i said in my how to do Paris in 24 hours post, a shot with the striped columns in the courtyard here was on my bucket list. As for all the places reach early to find it less busy else you can wait. If in luck you will find a section with less people and then just go for the shots without wasting time. Will have to act fast.
- The sinking house of Montamarte - Haha its an illusion and i totally suggest you go, see and take a picture to get what i am saying. Its right next to Sacre Couer
- Arc de Triomphe and the rooftop views from it- Will take about 250 steps to get there but they are totally worth it. You will be able to take stunning pics of Parisian rooftops with the Eiffel Tower. Also stunning are the views over Champs Ulysses.
- Gallerie Lafayette - The glass and steel dome at the Gallerie lafayette is spectacular and a must shot. How about a picture with an eclair or macroon against the dome as the backdrop. If you happen to visit around christmas time you will be able to check out the super impressive christmas tree that they instal. But thats not all you have to go to the rooftop of the gallerie to take some stunning pictures of Paris from above.
- Eiffel tower from Trocadero - Of course, of course, Eiffel tower is a must in Paris and there are a zillion perspectives to it but one breathtaking one is at sunrise from Trocadero ( Eiffel tower with the staircase shot) If you go around sunrise there is no tourist and all the opportunities for the perfect Insta shots.
- Musee de Orsy - The giant clock inside Musee de Orsy is very instagram worthy. But you have to reach at museum opening else it gets crowded for photo opportunities .
- Palais de Luxembourg - Its majestic and lovely at the same time. The garden is lush and you can actually spend some time here reading or just with your thoughts. Photo opportunities are plenty.
- Parisian balconies and cafes - A shot of a Parisian cafe with the authentic parisian bistro chairs and the parisian balconies is well must to capture parisjetaime in its full. The balcony shot can be taken from the hotel you stay in and for the cafe shot there are plenty of opportunities in Montamarte. The one below i took near Palais de luxeumburg.
- Spring in Paris - Well Paris is not really famous for its blooms in spring time but nonetheless it has a few magical shot options specially against the Eiffel tower or any chic Parisian building.
- A picture of the bridges with the Seine - Pont des arts or Pont Alexander III.
- A shot of the pyramide outside Lourve. Best taken at golden hour.
Those are definitely the shots that will complete your Paris Instagram album.
Suggested posts - Paris in 24 hours
Just like London its impossible to do Paris in a day but nonetheless we did have a perfect 24 hour in the city of Lights so here i go.
Start your day at 7 am with delicious breakfast of crepes or croissant with your favourite drink tea/ coffee at any of the chic coffee shops along the canal st martin closely located near the gare du nord, the main train station. After that head to quintessential paris Montamarte which also houses Sacre Coeur. Its possible to go by metro but i suggest you uber it because their is quite a climb after the train station and no point getting tired right at the start of the day. At the Sacre Coeur you can climb up for the city views but i suggest you skip that, many stairs and the view is good but we have loads to do. After spending some time admiring the architecture and some obvious photo taking begin a stroll on the streets of Montamarte. Any given street will greet you with stunning architecture, ivy and some of the cutest cafes like La Maison Rose the iconic Le Consulat. Also worth checking out is Place du Tertre where you’ll find plenty of artists painting ‘en plein air’. Montamarte is really the one Parisian district which will give you all the flavours that is quintessential ‘Paris’. Cobblestone streets, cafes, artists, nostalgia, architecture, boutiques, it has it all so a good couple of hours are definitely worth.
It will be about 11 am now, head to the Louvre, well you do not have the hours to do justice to it so lets just skip visiting and instead check out the pyramid in front of it and then head towards Palais Royale. Stop for a quick lunch of whatever you fancy on the way at any of the cafes on the way. The Instagram famous installation at the Palais Royale was on my bucket list and i am super glad to have ticked it off. Spend some time there and also check out the garden and the arches in the Palais.
It will be about 4 pm now, walk through the tuileries gardens and the pontes des arts to take the metro to arc de triomphe. I recommend you climb the 250 odd steps to get on the top for the most stunning views of the city. If you are in luck and the timing is perfect you will witness the most stunning sunset over the city of lights. I personally am not a fan of shopping but if you are you can check out Champs Elysses after Arc de Triomphe, its right there. I did stop for tea and croissant at cafe. It is about 6.30 pm now and you have to now head to the mecca in Paris the Eiffel tower. In the metro would take about 15 mins to reach from Champs Elysees and exploring around the Eiffel Tower about 30 mins. The first time i went to Paris i did go on top of the Eiffel Tower but i feel the views from Arc de Triomphe are much better. So i have not included it in this itinerary. It will be around 7.30 pm now perfect timing to do the cruise on the river Seine and soaking the city of light at night. I recommend you do advance booking for the cruise with dinner if you can but if not tickets are available on the spot.
Well you can’t do and should not do more than this in 24 hours in Paris. The itinerary covers the highlights of Paris and gives you a true taste of #Parisjetaime.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested posts - How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in Paris
Just like London its impossible to do Paris in a day but nonetheless we did have a perfect 24 hour in the city of Lights so here i go.
Start your day at 7 am with delicious breakfast of crepes or croissant with your favourite drink tea/ coffee at any of the chic coffee shops along the canal st martin closely located near the gare du nord, the main train station. After that head to quintessential paris Montamarte which also houses Sacre Coeur. Its possible to go by metro but i suggest you uber it because their is quite a climb after the train station and no point getting tired right at the start of the day. At the Sacre Coeur you can climb up for the city views but i suggest you skip that, many stairs and the view is good but we have loads to do. After spending some time admiring the architecture and some obvious photo taking begin a stroll on the streets of Montamarte. Any given street will greet you with stunning architecture, ivy and some of the cutest cafes like La Maison Rose the iconic Le Consulat. Also worth checking out is Place du Tertre where you’ll find plenty of artists painting ‘en plein air’. Montamarte is really the one Parisian district which will give you all the flavours that is quintessential ‘Paris’. Cobblestone streets, cafes, artists, nostalgia, architecture, boutiques, it has it all so a good couple of hours are definitely worth.
It will be about 11 am now, head to the Louvre, well you do not have the hours to do justice to it so lets just skip visiting and instead check out the pyramid in front of it and then head towards Palais Royale. Stop for a quick lunch of whatever you fancy on the way at any of the cafes on the way. The Instagram famous installation at the Palais Royale was on my bucket list and i am super glad to have ticked it off. Spend some time there and also check out the garden and the arches in the Palais.
It will be about 4 pm now, walk through the tuileries gardens and the pontes des arts to take the metro to arc de triomphe. I recommend you climb the 250 odd steps to get on the top for the most stunning views of the city. If you are in luck and the timing is perfect you will witness the most stunning sunset over the city of lights. I personally am not a fan of shopping but if you are you can check out Champs Elysses after Arc de Triomphe, its right there. I did stop for tea and croissant at cafe. It is about 6.30 pm now and you have to now head to the mecca in Paris the Eiffel tower. In the metro would take about 15 mins to reach from Champs Elysees and exploring around the Eiffel Tower about 30 mins. The first time i went to Paris i did go on top of the Eiffel Tower but i feel the views from Arc de Triomphe are much better. So i have not included it in this itinerary. It will be around 7.30 pm now perfect timing to do the cruise on the river Seine and soaking the city of light at night. I recommend you do advance booking for the cruise with dinner if you can but if not tickets are available on the spot.
Well you can’t do and should not do more than this in 24 hours in Paris. The itinerary covers the highlights of Paris and gives you a true taste of #Parisjetaime.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested posts - How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
Heading to Paris anytime of the year, here are a few essentials that must be packed in the suitcase. I say anytime because these are just classic items that go with the Parisian style all year long. The Parisian style that draws me to the city more than the city itself, haha !! Its really the mecca of effortlessness and i just can’t stop wondering how they do it. And in such majority!!! An average person on the Parisian street is far better dressed than a fashion conscious person elsewhere!!! Such a stylish city, hence!!
- Small block heels or kitten heels or flat shoes- There is no way you can do the cobbled streets in high heels so best leave them at home.
- The colours - The two colours that top are navy and red. Parisians love red and navy be it in the accessories or their outfit!!! The other colours are shades of beige, khaki, brown, white, black. In short neutral colours.
- Beret - It was everywhere on the streets of Paris during my trip and i couldn’t be happier. So yes do pack a beret and make it red if possible!
- A trench coat - Paris weather is quite close to London’s. Bright and sunny and begins to rain!! So a trench is a must. If its cold you can add layers inside and good to go.
- A tote bag with a zip that can keep all the essentials for your day out. Camera, charger, umbrella, etc. I say with a zip because Paris is super touristy and just like any touristy city got to be careful of pick pocketing.
Love
Chichi
What to pack for Paris
Heading to Paris anytime of the year, here are a few essentials that must be packed in the suitcase. I say anytime because these are just classic items that go with the Parisian style all year long. The Parisian style that draws me to the city more than the city itself, haha !! Its really the mecca of effortlessness and i just can’t stop wondering how they do it. And in such majority!!! An average person on the Parisian street is far better dressed than a fashion conscious person elsewhere!!! Such a stylish city, hence!!
- Small block heels or kitten heels or flat shoes- There is no way you can do the cobbled streets in high heels so best leave them at home.
- The colours - The two colours that top are navy and red. Parisians love red and navy be it in the accessories or their outfit!!! The other colours are shades of beige, khaki, brown, white, black. In short neutral colours.
- Beret - It was everywhere on the streets of Paris during my trip and i couldn’t be happier. So yes do pack a beret and make it red if possible!
- A trench coat - Paris weather is quite close to London’s. Bright and sunny and begins to rain!! So a trench is a must. If its cold you can add layers inside and good to go.
- A tote bag with a zip that can keep all the essentials for your day out. Camera, charger, umbrella, etc. I say with a zip because Paris is super touristy and just like any touristy city got to be careful of pick pocketing.
Love
Chichi
It sounds quite intimidating to write a travel guide for the spiritual capital of India but nonetheless here it is. But before i start let me put some perspective, India is for experience, pictures, texts and videos don’t do justice to it. And Varanasi is the epitome of that. As i always say it is the people that make a place and imagine the energy of a city where people come for salvation, meditation and enlightenment.
How to reach Varanasi
There are direct trains taking about 10 hours from the capital, Delhi. Both overnight and day options available. Flights take about 1.5 hours from Delhi. Car will take about 10 hours.
Where to stay
We had a comfortable stay in Taj Varanasi. Some family members also stayed in Hotel Clark and they found it great too.
Places to visit in Varanasi
- There are more than one temple in almost every lane in old Varanasi. Hence also sometimes called the ‘City of Temple’ must visit are Kashi Vishwanath and Sankatmochan.
- The ghats - you can rent a boat and hop on and off on any of the 84 ghats, favourite for photos are Raja ghat, Munshi ghat and Tulsi ghat.
- Ganga arti on Dhaneshwar ghat. Be early to get the best seat or try for reservation through your hotel or someone. You can also see the Aarti from a seat on the boats. Timing 6.30 pm.
- Take a car ride in the sprawling campus of Benares Hindu University.
- Visit Tulsi ghat and the adjoining areas. 1. The spot where Tulsidas wrote Ramayan, now a temple 2. A 400 year old wrestling place 3. Warrior princes Laxmi Bai’s birthplace. Most movies shot in Varanasi are shot in this area.
- Visit Sarnath, 10 kms away from Varanasi famous for its stupas.
Where and what to eat in Varanasi- THE MUST EAT
- Pehalwan lassi
- Chachi puri behind Pehalwan Lassi
- Chaat in the old city.
- Chai at Pappu
all the 4 are extremely popular and most people will be able to guide. or just put in google map.
Some facts about Varanasi
Some facts about Varanasi
- Varanasi is one of the oldest crematoriums in the world.
- Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga it is the most sacred city in Hinduism, Jainism and one of the most sacred in Buddhism.
- It is also a seat of learning and culture. The benares hindu university spread over a sprawling 4000 acres is one of oldest universities of India and the largest university in Asia. It gives education from kindergarten level to doctorate.
- Ramayan was written by Tulsidas in Benares.
- It is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
- Varanasi has 88 ghats ( as set of steps leading to the river) . Making it the city with the most ghats in the world.
- In the Hindu religion it is believed that the person who breathes his last breath in this city attains salvation.
- The city is the birthplace of many celebrated artists, musicians and dancers like Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
- Homeland of Benarsi silk an extremely rich traditional indian hand made fabric.
- It is India personified. Colourful, chaotic, overwhelming, inspiring, magical and truly incredible.
I was at my most overwhelmed state during my trip to Varanasi. Extremely calm but inspired, full of thoughts and energy. That is what great places do to you.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested - Ranthambore Rajasthan travel guide
Love
Chichi
Varanasi the spiritual capital of India, a travel guide
It sounds quite intimidating to write a travel guide for the spiritual capital of India but nonetheless here it is. But before i start let me put some perspective, India is for experience, pictures, texts and videos don’t do justice to it. And Varanasi is the epitome of that. As i always say it is the people that make a place and imagine the energy of a city where people come for salvation, meditation and enlightenment.
How to reach Varanasi
There are direct trains taking about 10 hours from the capital, Delhi. Both overnight and day options available. Flights take about 1.5 hours from Delhi. Car will take about 10 hours.
Where to stay
We had a comfortable stay in Taj Varanasi. Some family members also stayed in Hotel Clark and they found it great too.
Places to visit in Varanasi
- There are more than one temple in almost every lane in old Varanasi. Hence also sometimes called the ‘City of Temple’ must visit are Kashi Vishwanath and Sankatmochan.
- The ghats - you can rent a boat and hop on and off on any of the 84 ghats, favourite for photos are Raja ghat, Munshi ghat and Tulsi ghat.
- Ganga arti on Dhaneshwar ghat. Be early to get the best seat or try for reservation through your hotel or someone. You can also see the Aarti from a seat on the boats. Timing 6.30 pm.
- Take a car ride in the sprawling campus of Benares Hindu University.
- Visit Tulsi ghat and the adjoining areas. 1. The spot where Tulsidas wrote Ramayan, now a temple 2. A 400 year old wrestling place 3. Warrior princes Laxmi Bai’s birthplace. Most movies shot in Varanasi are shot in this area.
- Visit Sarnath, 10 kms away from Varanasi famous for its stupas.
Where and what to eat in Varanasi- THE MUST EAT
- Pehalwan lassi
- Chachi puri behind Pehalwan Lassi
- Chaat in the old city.
- Chai at Pappu
all the 4 are extremely popular and most people will be able to guide. or just put in google map.
Some facts about Varanasi
Some facts about Varanasi
- Varanasi is one of the oldest crematoriums in the world.
- Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga it is the most sacred city in Hinduism, Jainism and one of the most sacred in Buddhism.
- It is also a seat of learning and culture. The benares hindu university spread over a sprawling 4000 acres is one of oldest universities of India and the largest university in Asia. It gives education from kindergarten level to doctorate.
- Ramayan was written by Tulsidas in Benares.
- It is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
- Varanasi has 88 ghats ( as set of steps leading to the river) . Making it the city with the most ghats in the world.
- In the Hindu religion it is believed that the person who breathes his last breath in this city attains salvation.
- The city is the birthplace of many celebrated artists, musicians and dancers like Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
- Homeland of Benarsi silk an extremely rich traditional indian hand made fabric.
- It is India personified. Colourful, chaotic, overwhelming, inspiring, magical and truly incredible.
I was at my most overwhelmed state during my trip to Varanasi. Extremely calm but inspired, full of thoughts and energy. That is what great places do to you.
Thank you for stopping by, see you with my next.
Suggested - Ranthambore Rajasthan travel guide
Love
Chichi
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