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Ile-de-France

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Places worth going

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de MontmartreDon't missLandmarksBeautiful basilica, and if you don't go you're missing out! It sits at the top of Montmartre so you get all of Paris laid out from the steps, which is half the reason to climb up. Wander the streets behind it while you're there. Gets crowded though, so go early or late.BicheDon't missFood & drinkHad the grilled octopus, mashed potatoes, fries, the chateaubriand with pepper sauce, and a bourbon-vanilla crème brûlée. The octopus was the standout, properly charred and sitting on a red pepper sauce, and the steak was perfect. Most places are stingy with the sauce, but this came with loads of it and it was delicious. The room is lovely too: exposed brick, low pleated lamps and big white flower arrangements. Not cheap, but it's the Faubourg Saint-Honoré and it earns it. Amazing food, amazing wine and amazing vibe!Bouillon PigalleDon't missFood & drinkHad the snails, the bone marrow and the beef bourguignon - went in wanting to try things I hadn't had before. Really glad I tried the bone marrow, and the snails in their garlic butter were better than I expected. The bourguignon was good without being amazing. Classic bouillon prices too, huge portions and paper tablecloths for not much money. If you don't book, turn up early or expect to queue down the boulevard. Will definitely be back to work through more of the menu!Disneyland ParisDon't missActivitiesI went from opening to close, and did both parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. A full day, not a half, and you'll walk a very long way! Main Street first thing before the crowds build, the Studios in the afternoon, then back over for Hyperspace Mountain at dusk when the whole place lights up. It rained on and off all day and it honestly didn't matter, but take a jacket rather than an umbrella, your hands will thank you. Looong day but a great experience!Eiffel TowerDon't missLandmarksGo up, and time it for sunset. The very top was shut on my night because of high winds, so I only got one level up - and I took the stairs, which as someone scared of heights I did not love! Completely worth it though: the Champ de Mars straight below you, then the sky going orange and pink and the whole city switching its lights on. I came back to see it from Trocadéro and Bir-Hakeim too, and it's different every time.Notre-Dame Cathedral of ParisDon't missLandmarksI didn't go inside this time, but it's magnificent from the outside - the west front, the rose window and all that carving over the doors. I did go in back in 2007 and it's absolutely worth it, so make time if you can: it's free now it's reopened, but book a slot ahead or you'll be queueing for an hour.PEPPE PIZZERIA Etienne MarcelDon't missFood & drinkHad the burrata with pesto, the focaccia and a pizza with ricotta, slow-roasted datterini tomatoes, aubergine and basil. Neapolitan done properly, with the puffed, blistered crust to prove it, and the burrata was so much better than it needed to be! There's usually a queue out onto Étienne Marcel but it moves quickly, so join it, or book!Pont de Bir-HakeimDon't missLandmarksBest view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and hardly anyone on it compared to the Trocadéro. Go at golden hour and walk the middle deck between the pillars.TA SushiDon't missFood & drinkHad the salmon nigiri, the avocado maki, salmon and cream cheese rolls under a crisp onion crumb, and a donburi with salmon and a whole fanned avocado over the rice, with pickled cabbage and cucumber alongside. Everything came out fresh and the boards kept arriving - far more food than I expected, and great value with it. It is tucked in the lanes behind Forum des Halles, so it is easy to get to and a great stop in the middle of a day walking the city. Would go back!Arc de TriompheWorth a stopLandmarksI only looked from the outside this time, and it's worth it for that alone. Much bigger up close than you expect, and the carving around the base is extraordinary. I went up back in 2007 and it was amazing: the twelve avenues spreading out from it is the best way to understand how Paris is put together, so go up if you have time. Use the underpass, and do not try to cross the roundabout!Canal Saint MartinWorth a stopOutdoorsIf it's on the way, have a look - the green iron footbridges and the lock gates are pretty enough. Nothing spectacular though, and maybe the grey weather didn't help. I wouldn't make a detour for it.