I just spent my Spring Break in Paris and realized it is definitely a better experience in warmer weather. The sun keeps everyone in a good mood and there are many more street performers by the Notre Dame. The cathedral is beautiful on the inside and view from the top is amazing. I lit a candle to pray for family and friends. But it's a little sad that there's coin machines to make money off of tourists. A monument and religious space like that shouldn't be cheapened with commercialization.
After the Notre Dame, I went to the Eiffel Tower. There were so many people trying to sell souvenirs but some of them were rude up to the point where I wouldn't buy the souvenirs even if I wanted to. The tower itself is a great view and this time, we could actually take the elevator all the way to the top.
It is definitely worth walking from the Eiffel Tower to the Arch de Triomphe, or if anything, taking a bus rather than the metro. It's a great way to see the real city and enjoy a pastry at a sweet shop you would've otherwise missed. I'm still not sure what this structure means but everyone finds it important so I guess it must be special....
Sacre Coeur is located on a hill that has a gorgeous view of the rest of the city. You have to climb a lot of stairs but it's definitely worth it. The inside is a bit more religious than the Notre Dame but it's just as pretty. The streets leading up to the cathedral are full of affordable souvenir shops and restaurants. The cobblestone alleyways really set the mood for a cute little village inside Paris.
Moulin Rouge is walking distance from the cathedral (a little weird I know). This part of the city is just a little bit crazy and can take you by surprise if you're not ready for all the explicit material displayed in windows. It's a good experience to see what you're comfortable with and of course the actual Moulin Rouge provides a great photo op.
Best part about Paris, crepes with nutella and banana. If you don't do anything else, at least try this dessert. I had two while I was there and wish I had had more!
