Palace of Versailles, Milankaraja

7 reasons why Paris is the ultimate Indian Family & Friends Trip

Paris turned out to be a favorite travel destination for my Indian parents. From sitting at an outdoor cafeteria to enjoying a glimpse of the city from the top of the Eiffel tower to taking strolls in the numerous beautiful parks, everything seemed perfect for a family trip. Even when they began missing Indian food, we had numerous Indian restaurant options that served both South and North Indian food.

Paris has everything to offer. Even the subway/metro and train rides were enjoyable as you really get to see the city and its people well while reaching anywhere in the city comfortably. One observation was that unlike some other places in Europe, the people are really friendly and helpful when they see you with your older parents. Although Paris seems beautiful and safe during the day, the city can feel much different at night around some areas. The city attracts tourists from all over the world and for good reasons.

Top 7 things to see and do in Paris

  1. Enjoy the city view from the top of the Eiffel tower
  2. A day at the Palace of Versailles
  3. Stroll along the Seine River
  4. Pitstop at a Parisian café
  5. Visit the Louvre Museum
  6. Arc de Triomphe
  7. Moulin Rouge in the Pigalle District

Enjoy the city view from the top of the Eiffel tower

If there is any city that looks beautiful from the top then it’s Paris.

Eiffel Tower, Milankaraja
Eiffel Tower

Eiffel tower top view 1, Milankaraja
Eiffel tower top view 1, Milankaraja
Indian parents on Eiffel tower, Milankaraja
Indian parents on the Eiffel tower
Eiffel tower top view 2, Milankaraja
Eiffel tower top view 2

A day at the Palace of Versailles

We took a lovely train ride to Versailles for a fun day trip. Apart from the Palace Museum, you also have lovely gardens to explore.

Paris train with wide windows, Milankaraja
Paris train with wide windows
Chandeliers in Palace of Versailles, Milankaraja
Chandeliers in Palace of Versailles
Paintings in Palace of Versailles, Milankaraja
Paintings in Palace of Versailles
Garden in Palace of Versailles, Milankaraja
Garden in Palace of Versailles
Mysterious girl posing at Palace of versailles, Milankaraja
Mysterious girl posing at Palace of Versailles

Stroll along the Seine River

seine river, Paris, Milankaraja
seine river, Paris

The love lock bridge on seine river, Paris, Milankaraja
The love lock bridge on the seine river, Paris

Pitstop at a Parisian café

The Parisian Café is my favorite. In some ways it was better than the Milanese cafe I am familiar with. Mainly due to the delicious Baguette sandwiches they often serve during lunch.

Parisian Cafe, Milankaraja
Parisian Cafe

Indian Parents at a Modern French Cafe, Milankaraja
Indian Parents at a Modern French Cafe

Visit the Louvre Museum

Important to book your entry ticket in advance and aim to be there early. While we skipped entering the museum, the outside area was itself fun enough for me to click pictures during both my Paris visits.

Louvre, Milankaraja
The Louvre

Milankaraja at Louvre
Milankaraja at Louvre

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe, Milankaraja
Arc de Triomphe

Moulin Rouge in the Pigalle District

The Pigalle District is infamous for its numerous nightclubs and sex shops. Not very family friendly but it is still very popular among young bachelors.

Moulin Rouge, Paris, Milankaraja
Moulin Rouge, Paris

Conclusion: Paris is perfect for everyone!

Despite visiting Paris two times, I still have a lot more to explore. The first time was visiting friends during my 20s. It was great to play some Tennis on a clay court in Paris and explore the Pigalle district, watching the high-rise buildings at La Defense while strolling around the Eiffel Tower area. During my second trip in my 30s with my parents, we spent more time exploring the beautiful Parisian parks and the Palace of Versailles while stopping for some Indian food at the local Sarvana Bhavan for some Indian spicy crepe aka Dosa.