EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: PARIS

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN PARIS

What to eat in Paris? It would be easier to define what NOT to eat in Paris. The City of Lights tends to wow the fussiest of palettes so instead of identifying the one must-devour culinary item, you’re encouraged to try everything. Escargot bathing in garlic butter; coq au vin swimming in red wine; cheese, cheese, and more cheese; a warm baguette with fresh, local butter; pain au chocolat and her croissant cousin; crepes (both sweet and savory); foie gras, frog legs, and pretty much any dessert that comes your way. Bon appetit!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Paris

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Paris:

• French Onion Soup: French onion soup is a total classic, made with a rich beef broth and caramelized onions, all topped with a giant crouton and a thick layer of melted cheese. This savory and satisfying dish is a staple at every traditional Parisian bistro. You can’t get better than this classic meal!
• Brie de Meaux: You can’t talk about French food without mentioning cheese, and Brie de Meaux is a must-try during your time in Paris. This delicious, creamy soft cheese is famous for its rich, earthy flavor and is a classic part of any French cheese board. It's a perfect example of France’s commitment to quality and tradition, and you will find it in every good fromagerie in Paris!
• Bouchées à la Reine: For a taste of classic French elegance, you have to try Bouchées à la Reine. This dish features a delicate puff pastry shell filled with a creamy sauce and a mix of chicken, mushrooms, and meatballs. It's a traditional French dish that is a staple of bistro menus, and it’s worth a taste! 

BEST DRINK IN PARIS

Afternoon tea is something we generally align with the British. And while her neighbor across the Channel may have started the tradition, there’s no topping afternoon tea in Paris. It’s not so much the exquisite bone china or the array of legendary Mariage Frères tea selections, but rather the accompanying pastries. From cloud-like macarons to crème-filled profiteroles, buttery madeleines to warm-from-the-oven scones, delicate meringues to air-filled souffles, tea in Paris is a sip worth taking.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Paris

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Paris:

• French Wines: Wine is not just a drink here, it's a way of life. Paris is the perfect place to explore the diverse wines of France, from the red wines of Bordeaux to the crisp whites of the Loire Valley. You’ll find that sharing a bottle of wine with friends is a huge part of social life, making it a must-do for any college student studying abroad.
• Kir and Kir Royale: For a taste of Parisian elegance, you have to try a Kir. This classic French cocktail is a mix of white wine and a splash of blackcurrant liqueur. For a fancier version, order a Kir Royale, which uses Champagne instead of wine. It also acts as a great aperitif to enjoy before a meal at a bistro.
• Champagne: When it’s time to celebrate, there is only one drink in Paris: champagne! Champagne is the ultimate celebratory drink, a symbol of luxury, happiness, and special occasions. Nothing feels more Parisian than toasting with a glass of sparkling Champagne. 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN PARIS

The City of Light has a dark underbelly. Hundreds of miles of old caves, limestone quarries, and tunnels make up the Paris Catacombs, which house the remains of more than 6 million people. Guided tours will take you through portions of the labyrinth, often dubbed, “the world’s largest grave.” The ossuary was created in the late 1770s to address the city’s overflowing cemeteries due to famine and disease. Beware: the catacombs are not for the faint of heart. Walking through cold, claustrophobic tunnels surrounded by human remains may be a bit too macabre for some.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Paris

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Paris:

• Eiffel Tower: Ready for the most classic Parisian photo op? You simply can’t experience Paris without taking a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Its intricate iron structure is a global symbol of France, and seeing it lit up at night is a genuinely magical experience. It is the perfect place to hang out with friends, have a picnic on the lawn, and soak in the romance and energy of the city.
• Arc de Triomphe: This massive monument is a key part of French history, honoring those who have fought for France. Located at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées, it is a symbol of national pride. You can climb to the top for a stunning view of Paris's twelve avenues fanning out below, which is a great way to see the city’s unique layout!
• Louvre and Musée d'Orsay: If you love art, you are in for a treat. These two museums are home to some of the world's most famous masterpieces. The Louvre, with its iconic glass pyramid, holds everything from ancient artifacts to the Mona Lisa. The Musée d'Orsay, housed in a beautiful old train station, has an incredible collection of Impressionist art. Together, they really show why Paris is the global capital of art and culture. 

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