paris: top 10

10. catacombs

the catacombs are underground ossuaries in paris, that hold the remains of about six million people, lining the walls in intricate designs. it's a little creepy, and even a little sad, but definitely a unique experience worth seeing at least once.

9.  boulangeries and patisseries 

it would be pretty difficult to avoid stumbling into the endless supply of bakeries found in paris. just follow the scent of fresh baked bread and pastries, which can be found on almost every street you wander down. you can't really go wrong. and the bread really is better in france.

8. notre dame

notre dame is a historic catholic cathedral found on the eastern side of the ile de la cite. It took about 182 years to complete, and the architecture is positively stunning. i would say that it's worth waiting in line to see the gorgeous interiors, and partake of the calm and pleasant atmosphere found within.

7. street meandering and vintage shopping

sometimes i think we get so caught up in crossing off tourist destinations from our to-do list, that we forget to simply enjoy our surroundings and the culture of the locals. one of my favorite days in paris was spent aimlessly wandering the streets and seeking out vintage clothing stores. I found many treasures, and brought home a 1920's aquamarine bracelet.

6. champs elysees

champs elysees is a boulevard you haveee to vist when you are in paris. its famous for its luxury shopping, theaters, and cafes. i took a lovely tour of the christian louboutin store (which apparently always has a line you have to wait in, in order to enter).

5. rue de cler

rue de cler is the best street market in paris. it's the perfect place to go find everything you need for a picnic in the park. there are rows of the freshest produce, cheese, baked goods, and meats. it's basically what i imagine heaven will be like. 

4. the louvre

photo by amy cloud photography

the louvre is one of the world's largest museums and home to some of the most famous pieces of art ever created. it's so large, that it would be impossible to explore it all at once. this is definitely a must-see, even for those who are less artistically inclined.

3. lock bridge and the seine river

"love hard when there is love to be had"

the lock bridge overlooks the seine river, and is the perfect destination for a romantic evening. the bridge is covered in "love locks" where sweethearts lock the padlock to a bridge or other public fixture in order to represent their love. most love locks have the lover's names or initials inscribed, and the key is thrown away to symbolize a love that can never be broken. even though the french are cracking down on love locks, treating them as vandalism, it is still a beautiful idea worth seeing before they are banned for good. 

2. eiffel tower

photo by kandis broadhead from wish photography

the eiffel tower is an obvious must-see, as it is the globally recognized icon of france. it has a very romantic atmosphere, despite the crowded streets and tourists. it is worth seeing during the day and at night.

1. versailles

the palace of versailles is one of the most extravagant symbols of absolute monarchy. not only are the interiors over the top with luxury, but the gardens and marie antoinette's estate are beyond gorgeous. it's worth renting a golf cart, because it would otherwise be impossible to cover the length of the gardens. marie antoinette's estate must not be skipped, as it is a girly paradise of glamour. whatever your opinion of marie may be, she knew what she was doing with pink.

photo by kandis broadhead from wish photography

honorable mentions:

sacre coeur 

a roman catholic church that offers an incredible view of paris

arc de triomphe

located at the end of the champs elysees, the arc honors those who fought and died for france in the french revolutionary and napoleonic wars. it is definitely an incredible piece of architecture. 

moulin rouge

a performance house located in paris' red light district. it is the birth place of the can-can dance and the subject of a pretty incredible movie.

tuileries garden

a public garden, located next to the louvre. perfect for an afternoon picnic.

the metro

i know this one might seem strange, but some of the most exciting stories of my trip took place on the metro. it is a place for love at first sight and fighting thieves.