Who doesn’t love Paris? Its culture, art and grandiose food… Whether you visit for fun or business, Paris always offers plenty of quality experiences for every taste.
WHEN TO VISIT
You can visit Paris any time of the year, really. But, if you’d like nice weather, I recommend going during the fall or the spring. Paris has stunning parks and walking is a must in this city. The architecture alone makes walking worth it and you will be able to do this more so during the warmer months. Of course, accommodations and flight prices are higher during these times. However, if you are in a tight budget, consider going during the winter. My last trip to Paris was in January. I decided to take my daughters last minute and I couldn’t believe how inexpensive the whole trip was. Our AirFrance flights were under $300 and our hotel cost $100 a day for a triple room. You really can’t beat that! And, honestly, after living in New York for so many years, winter in Paris felt like fall in New York. On a sunny day we bought pastries and enjoyed them sitting at a nice table in Jardin du Luxembourg.
WHERE TO STAY
I prefer to stay somewhat central. My favorite neighborhoods are the 1st, 3rd and 9th arrondissements (Arr.). I find them accessible from all places and most attractions are walking distance from the 1st and 3rd Arr. On our last trip I found an inexpensive hotel on the 9th Arr. I will be sharing that information since I realized that we could walk everywhere and the location was good in general and it was also walking distance to the subway when we needed to go far.
Here is were we stayed:
Hôtel Le Cardinal
This is a simple hotel but the rooms are clean and the service is excellent. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially because the price is unbeatable.
The Hoxton is another nice boutique hotel that offers a nice bar and ambience. If you don’t stay there, I recommend swinging by for a drink. We loved their Mojito and everyone in our party enjoyed their drink.
https://thehoxton.com/france/paris/hotels
On the 1st Arr., the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal won’t disappoint if you can splurge,
https://www.grandhoteldupalaisroyal.com/en/
or stay at the Hotel Duo in Le Marais if you want to be in a more intimate hotel but have the same quality of service and comfort.
For somewhere in the middle price-wise, you can stay at the Hotel Marais Home
https://hotel-marais-home.fr/en/
WHERE TO GO
Of course you can visit all of the “must see” sites if it’s your first time, (like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre… ) but, if you really want to go off the touristy path, I recommend the following:
Grab a pic-nic and have lunch at a park, visit museums that are not crowded or enjoy a meal at a local bistro.
Jardin du Musee Rodin is a small, somewhat hidden park. You can enjoy Rodin’s sculptures scattered throughout a very serene setting. This is a perfect place to enjoy lunch or just sit and have a coffee.
Place Vendôme
If you like French architecture, then a stroll around Place Vendôme is a must. The buildings are impressive and there is plenty to discover.
Jardin du Luxembourg
This is my favorite park in Paris. If you have children don’t miss the carrousel and gated play area. This park is filled with fountains and sculptures. You will never get bored. The flower beds in spring are stunning and if you are into gardening, this is a great place to find inspiration.
https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71393/Jardin-du-Luxembourg
Museé d’Orsay is probably my favorite museum in the world. It’s organized in such a way that is not overwhelming and its collection is perfect as you can view a little bit of all the world’s amazing art. You should not miss their sister museum, Museé l’Orangerie (https://www.musee-orangerie.fr). It is worth paying the combined ticket to go see the incredible Monet murals.
https://m.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html
Museé Marmottan Monet is also a hidden gem. This is where locals go. It is not as crowded as most museums in Paris and they have an impressive impressionist collection that you shouldn’t miss. And obviously, a unique collection of Monet’s paintings.
Wonder around Rue Montorgueil. There are many restaurants and fun stores and no cars are allowed on this road. If you are hungry and are craving Italian, Little Italy Restaurant is a great option and it is priced right. Delicious, authentic pasta and Italian dishes.
WHERE TO SHOP
You can shop high-end brands in Paris but I love shopping around Le Marais. Finding original art or quirky stores is what I usually go for, so here are some stores on my list:
HOME STORES
Merci
This is one of my favorite stores in Paris. They carry all sorts of unique objects for the home as well as clothing. Don’t miss the downstairs floor and don’t forget to take a picture with the little red Fiat by the entrance. It also has a restaurant where you can stop to have lunch or take a coffee break.
https://www.merci-merci.com/en/le-111-beaumarchais
Fleux
This is such a fun store. There are different ones all over le Marais so be sure to visit them all. If you are looking for a unique gift, you will, for sure, find it here.
La Tresorerie
At this store you can find all sorts of home items curated and organized impeccably.
La Super Marquette
This is a boutique store with so many cute options. If you want to get a souvenir that is chique, this is your place. https://lasupermarquette.fr
If you LOVE to cook
E.Dehillerin
If you are into cooking you can’t miss this store. Very traditional French. You can find anything that you might be looking for.
https://www.edehillerin.fr/en/
If you are into sewing, knitting, crochet, jewelry making and crafts in general I recommend you visit:
La Droguerie where you will find lots of treasures as well as your basic items. Fair warning…you will spend more time in here than anticipated. https://www.ladroguerie.com
Lil Weasel is in a passage that is as charming as everything that they sell at the store. Very typical French store with every delicate design that you can think of.
OFR Bookshop
This is a wonderful bookstore where you’ll also find an awesome selection of magazines. There are many treasure to be found here and you should also visit their gallery that is close by.
BHV
You will find anything and everything here. From décor to shoes.
If you are into Interior Design
You should walk along Rue de Seine. There are loads of stores to get inspiration from.
FREE activities that are lots of FUN
Musée du Parfum
This is a museum where you will learn about fragrances and the history of the famous Fragonard Parfumerie. They offer guided tours in different languages and it’s free. You can buy their products after the tour and choose from a variety of fragrances. This was surprisingly very informative and we enjoyed our visit to Fragonard. https://musee-parfum-paris.fragonard.com/en/
Brancusi Studio
If you like sculpture, then, you most likely love Brancusi’s work. Centre Pompidou has a replica of his studio and you can visit it for free. Not to be missed!
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/Collections/Brancusi-s-Studio
WHERE TO EAT
As you can imagine, there are an infinite number of amazing restaurants in Paris. I have made a short list but will probably write a whole post about restaurants in Paris in the future. Stay tuned!
If you want to have an inexpensive, traditional French meal you have to visit Bouillon Chartier. There are two restaurants in Paris and lines form fast. So plan to arrive early and even if the line is long, don’t worry. It moves fast. https://www.bouillon-chartier.com
Café Pouchkine is a traditional French Café. It is a bit expensive but definitely worth it. I love the ambience of the one close to L’Eglise de la Madeleine. https://cafe-pouchkine.fr/en/
If you like seafood, Wepler is your restaurant. If you go at dinner time, walk over to the Moulin Rouge.
For tea and coffee or a quick bite
Café Pavane is a small restaurant close to Jardin du Luxembourg. Simple but delicious dishes and amazing desserts. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Café+Pavane/@48.8494153,2.3379919,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xcbda797effe22093!8m2!3d48.8494153!4d2.3379919
Bontemps-Salon de The
The décor of this café is beautiful and they offer an array of teas that will make choosing one very challenging.
https://www.instagram.com/bontempsparis/?hl=en
Grand Café Tortoni
This is a beautiful café that also sells toiletries and unexpected items. The design and architecture of this store is exquisite.
Pastries
Every Pastry shop in Paris is good. Believe me. But, there are some that are extraordinary. These are some of my favorites:
Du Pain et des Idees
Traditional French pastry shop. Try their signature escargots but everything there is really delicious.
Comptoir Belge
This pastry shop really reinvented Belgian classics. If you like Belgian waffles you should try the different versions that are offered.
If you like choux there are two places that are really out of this world
Odette
https://www.odette-paris.com/fr/
Popelini
https://popelini.com
There is SO MUCH MORE to share about Paris! I will make sure to write at least one more post soon about one of my favorite cities in the world.