Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are forgoing their plans to travel again this year. However, if you plan to have the much-delayed trip to Paris, you may want to consider booking now. You can explore the French capital by following the social distancing protocols and still have an enjoyable city break.
Not sure where to go? This article curated 11 things you can do in the city, but let’s talk about what you should know before traveling.
Preparing for Your Paris Trip
As of January 31, 2021, France no longer allows travel outside of the European Union unless you have compelling reasons to go. However, if you live in any member travel, you can enter the country without restrictions. If you are coming from other countries, you need to wait until the authorities relax the regulations unless you have a valid explanation. According to AssignmentHolic, France may also cancel airplane and train departures at any time.
Here’s a list of closed places as of January 31, 2021:
- Monuments
- Museums
- Theaters
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Pools
- Gyms
- Cinemas
- Large department stores and shopping centers
Starting January 16, 2021, Paris no longer allows trips from 6 pm to 6 am. You need an exceptional trip certificate if you need to go out during these hours or pay a €135 penalty. Wearing a facemask for six years old and older is mandatory in enclosed spaces and public areas. Failure to do so will mean a fine of 135 euros.
If France lifts the travel restrictions, you may book your travel immediately. As the coronavirus situation everywhere in the world changes from time to time, you can check the government information for the latest updates.
How to Enjoy Your Paris Trip while Practicing Social Distancing
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Enjoy an Authentic French Cuisine
Time your trip when the cafes and bars open again to enjoy the sumptuous food that Paris has to offer. You will find several restaurants with outdoor seating at a reduced capacity. If you are not comfortable dining inside, you can jam with a few locals outside. You may check with the restaurants you plan to visit if you need to book a table in advance.
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Stroll through the Spectacular Parisian Parks
You can spend a perfect sunny afternoon in any of the parks in the city. Drop by the local supermarket to buy baguette, ham, and cheese for a picnic in the green spaces. You can check any or all of these parks:
- Parc Floral de Paris
- Wood of Vincennes
- Parc de Belleville
- Parc Monceau
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Tuileries Garden
Do not forget to put on your facemask if you will be roaming around the Parisian parks!
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Buy Pastries and Coffee from a Local Patisserie
Currently, patisseries remain open in Paris but only for takeaways and deliveries. You can grab some pastries and croissants with your coffee to enjoy in your hotel room. Pain au Chocolat, cream-filled éclairs, macarons, and Tarte Tatin are waiting for you. Try not to pay in cash to limit contact as much as possible.
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Ride a Bike to Tour the Top Tourist Spots
If you want to avoid taking public transportation, you can cycle around the city to visit Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the historic Marais streets, and the Sacre Coeur. You can enjoy sightseeing by hiring a bike for €15 a day from the Paris Bike Tour.
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Explore the City by Foot
If you are not confident riding a bike, you can opt to walk! You will enjoy the journey as you wander around the neighborhoods. As per the recommendation of bestcustomessay.org, try to visit Montmartre, Le Marais, and Canal-Saint-Martin by foot.
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Hear Mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral
Churches are open but up a capacity of 30 people only, as of January 31, 2021. You can see the most iconic church in the city, the Notre Dame Cathedral. You may climb the tower stairs to a view of Paris.
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Stride through the Alexandre III Bridge
If you are a hopeless romantic, you will like to watch the sunrise or sunset on the Seine River. You will love the ornate details and gold trimmings of the Pont Alexandre III. The warm lights on evenings turn the bridge into a whimsical location.
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Enjoy Ice Cream at Ile de Cite
Ile de Cite is the center of Paris and home to quaint cafes and ice creameries. If you visit during the summer, you can take shelter by the narrow streets and shadowed buildings as you cool yourself with its sumptuous flavors of ice cream.
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Catch the Sunrise on the Seine
The Seine River is the top favorite for early risers. It boasts of the most stunning places to watch the sunrise over Paris. While some tourists prefer to head to the river at sunset for a picnic, you can enjoy the area without the crowd if you wake up early.
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Enjoy the Eiffel Tower View from Avenue de Camoens
You can enjoy several views of the Eiffel Tower in many locations around the city. However, if you head to Avenue de Camoens, you will discover why it is the best-kept secret place. You will also see the most luxurious and beautiful real estate there. Bestessaytips.com recommends exploring the neighborhood too.
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Pay Homage to Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison
You may not include visiting a cemetery as a bucket list while in Paris, but Pere Lachaise is exceptional. Besides paying tribute to Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, you will find the place intriguing because of its cobbled paths with trees standing guard on both sides.
Once Paris lifts its travel restrictions, go ahead and take that dream vacation. You can still enjoy the City of Lights even during the pandemic. Just remember to put your facemask on and practice social distancing. Enjoy!
About the Author
Thomas Lanigan has been dabbling into several careers that include editor, writer, marketing specialist, journalist, and social media manager for four years. He is one of the essay writers proficient in business, progressive education programs, blogging, and marketing features for the best essay writing service uk company. He also works for a dissertation writing service company.
