This post is specific to my personal favorite experiences in Paris and lessons learned. I can’t wait to go back and gain more favorites and make more mistakes! Even a mistake is a pleasure in Paris.
- Magnificent Montmartre
- Spectacular St. Germain
- Lovely Le Marais
- Get in the groove and get to The Louvre
- Nighttime on the Seine
- Transportation Trials and Tribulations
Magnificent Montmartre
One of my favorite things about Paris is getting outside the main tourist areas and seeing the other towns. Montmartre is one of those places. It has such an old-fashioned, picturesque feel to it that I just can’t help myself from taking dozens of photos. A former artist’s district, it is now a popular tourist destination with its winding streets, lovely gardens, and magnificent views of the city. There are plenty of things to do in Montmartre, from visiting museums and art galleries to sampling local cuisine at restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for a unique experience while in Paris, be sure to explore this vibrant neighborhood. Walk the Rue Lepic, an ancient and bendy street that winds through Montmartre.
The busiest street in Pigalle for stores and cafes is Rue des Martyrs, which runs between the 9th and 18th districts. It connects the Eglise Notre Dame de Lorette and Sacré Coeur and has maintained its vintage charm throughout the years with its vintage shops, several characteristic Parisian cafes, bustling bars, cabarets, and historic concert theater, “Le Divan du Monde.” Commercial during the day, it transforms into the epicenter of Parisian nightlife and partying at night. On a single street, you’ll experience the entire lavish charm and color of the 18th arrondissement!
If you are planning out your time in Paris, an option would be to explore Montmartre in the afternoon, visit the Montmatre Sacré–Cœur basilica, and have dinner and catch a show at the famous Moulin Rouge (advance reservations are a must).
I’m a big fan of planning my days out based on location. If you have a museum or show reservation, plan other activates around that “main event”. It’s not easy, or efficient, to trek back and forth across town so make the most of your time in Paris (or any city) by clustering sites and scenes together when possible.
Spectacular St. Germain
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for good reason and a stop at Saint-Germain is a must when planning your visit to this charming district.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and charming neighborhood to explore in Paris, look no further than Saint Germain-des-Pres. Situated on the Left Bank of the Seine River, this vibrant area is home to picture-perfect streets lined with cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. It is a fashionable and sophisticated district and the home of famous French authors. This area is also one of the suggested areas to stay in Paris because it has so many lovely boutique hotels. Wandering around Saint Germain was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Paris; there’s something new to see and experience on every turn! .
While in Saint-Germain, consider a visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, established in the sixth century by one of the Merovingian Kings. The church flourished during the Middle Ages under the shadow of its splendid Abbey. Up to the French Revolution, the Abbey, which was supported by the king, was the epicenter of Catholic France’s thriving intellectual life and was well-known for its Scriptorium.
Visit Famous Cafes
If you are looking to enjoy a cup of coffee while in Paris, make your way over the iconic Les Deux Magots. This famous café was home not only for philosophers and artists but also many other historical figures such as Hemingway or Picasso who drank here frequently before they became well known publication writers!
Through Ernest’s Eyes
For Ernest Hemingway, who was then just starting as a writer at the time of his first visit to Paris in 1920s,”the most fantastic place” became “a magical city. In Paris, you can find many incredible places that were significant in Ernest Hemingway’s life. For example he spent six years there and wrote most notably A Moveable Feast (1962) which is about his time as an artist living across from Gargoyle’s Café on Boulevard Saint Germain near Place de la Concorde or at nearby Hotel Crillon.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the setting of Paris’ finest pastry shops selling delicious cakes, chocolates, and hand-made sweets. Here, the greatest chocolatiers and pastry chefs compete for creativity to create the latest wonder, each in their own field and specialty. You’ll likely have done plenty of walking and earned the well deserved delicious delights Saint-Germain has to offer.
Lovely Le Marais
Le Marais is a historic district in the heart of Paris that’s teeming with things to do. It contains beautiful architecture, interesting museums, trendy shops and lively restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you want to explore the area’s rich history or just wander around and take in the sights and sounds, Le Marais is definitely worth a visit. Here are some of the best things to do in this fascinating neighbourhood.
Start your day off with a visit to the Picasso Museum. Here, you can view works by some of the most influential artists in history, including Picasso and Matisse. Afterward, take a stroll through Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. The Palais Royal is also nearby and well worth a visit.
Next, explore the area’s many boutiques and small shops for unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to stop by a local bakery or cafe for a tasty snack! Then, head to Centre Pompidou for incredible views of Paris from their terrace. Afterward, you can check out some of the district’s many art galleries, such as Galerie Perrotin and Yvon Lambert.
End your day with dinner at one of Le Marais’ excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for something classic, try Brasserie Lipp or Café des Musées. For a more modern dining experience, check out Septime or La Grace Restaurant & Bar.
No matter what time of day it is, Le Marais has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culture or cuisine, this charming neighborhood is a great destination for your next Parisian adventure!
By the end of your stay in Le Marais, you will have experienced the best of what this historic district has to offer. From world-class museums to delicious restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this beautiful part of the city.
Get in the groove and get to The Louvre
This part of the post will be short and sweet.
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