Best of Paris in 24 Hours

Start off your day the French way—a healthy sampling of fresh fruits, after hovering over the pastry section.

An aspiring actor in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The second largest green space in Paris boasts hundreds of statues of former royalty, and is home to the French Senate.

La vie en rose! Take time to smell the flowers in one of the numerous florists that line the streets of Paris.

A must-see in Paris is the Sacré-C&oelig;ur, an ancient basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You can climb the scenic stairs (as featured in the famous scene from Amélie), or take a tram up the hill of Montmartre (where the basilica is located)—the highest viewing point in the city. Don't forget your camera at the bottom!

Of course, you won't be able to do justice to the Louvre in less than a day. But you could squeeze in one exhibit, and then some people-watching by the fountain.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you cannot leave Paris without having afternoon tea–and a sampling of the macarons–at Ladurée.

Once you're on Île de la Cité, check out the impressive Christian art fresco at the Notre Dame cathedral, and its Gothic clock tower that inspired the legendary Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Sweethearts around the world lock in their true love on the quaint bridge next to Notre Dame. There are even locks written in Chinese!

While you’re there, be sure to try the insanely good Berthillon ice cream. Trust me, the hazelnut cappuccino ice cream is worth the wait!

Don't be alarmed–I thought this gentleman was going to get hit by a car sweeping the street in the middle of the road. He's actually a street performer in disguise. The early summer sun sets around 9:00 PM in France. So while you’re waiting for the restaurants to open, why not work up an appetite by exploring the cobble-lined streets (in a beret, bien sûr)?

End your day with a scenic boat ride along the Seine. Boat tours are available in 15 languages including my four favorites: English, French, Mandarin and Korean!

The Eiffel Tower lights up like a firecracker at sunset! (And twinkles on the hour for five minutes.)

It’s hard not fall in love with the land of romance–France.

After studying French for 10 years in school, I've always wanted to live in France and experience the lifestyle (and their fresh baguette!) firsthand. I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively with Shen Yun, but spending more quality time in France has always been top on my priorities. So this year after tour, I decided to spend my vacation doing just that. And today, I’m going to share with you one of my action-packed days in Paris, the city of romance.

For me, one of the best aspects of Paris is the remaining presence of ancient and classical art. Everywhere you go, there are mirages of the past, reflected in architectural details or statues that line the streets. Though the city is painted with vibrant multicultural hues, you still feel as if you are walking through layers of history. Allons-y!