What I loved about Paris when I came (and what I missed) :
— the Louvre museum: honestly, I recommend not spending more than 3 hours inside; it’s exhausting, and forcing yourself to do it just to do it isn’t a good idea. What I definitely recommend doing: Salle des États, Grande Galerie, Salon Carré, Galerie d’Apollon, Escalier Daru, Salle de la Vénus de Milo, Salle des Cariatides, Galerie des sculptures françaises, and that’s already really great.
— Parisian restaurants and the world cuisines you find in Paris: bistros, bouillons, brasseries, neighborhood canteens, pastry shops, cheeses, wines… France clearly isn’t just Paris when it comes to food. The sub’s recommendations are good, but there aren’t enough restaurant recommendations.
— Sainte-Chapelle: the stained glass is breathtaking; there was a cloudy sky so we didn’t really see the stained glass reflecting, but it was still so beautiful!!
— the Musée d’Orsay: the old train station building is magnificent. Less exhausting than the Louvre if you target it well (maximum 2 hours inside, it’s my personal opinion).
— Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur: too touristy… locals must be sick of us (sorryyyy), but the atmosphere, the little streets and the view are clearly worth the detour. Do it early in the morning or at the end of the day.
— the Seine quays and bridges: strolling at sunset, seeing the bouquinistes, stopping on a bridge… one of the best memories.
— bakeries/pastry shops: baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, éclairs (I’m addicted to the vanilla ones) it’s hard to go back to normal after that with our industrial pastries…
— markets and covered markets: a good way to taste local products and see daily life. Special mention to Marché d’Aligre, Marché des Enfants Rouges and Rue Mouffetard.
— the Paris metro: practical for doing everything without a car, and just for the atmosphere of some stations, it’s part of the experience.
— the Jardin du Luxembourg: one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, perfect for a break, reading, strolling or just people-watching.
— the Tuileries and the area around the Louvre: strolling between the Louvre and the Concorde, especially at the end of the day, is very pleasant/ careful, lots of pickpockets in the area.
— Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis: for the architecture, the quays, the small streets and the ice cream (if you come in summer during a heatwave).
— Trocadéro at night, I don’t recommend it, it can be dangerous and honestly, I didn’t feel safe.
— the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées: going up to the top of the Arc is worth it for the view, and the historic axis is impressive.
— Canal Saint-Martin: young vibe, canals, bridges, cafés and walks. Very different from monumental Paris (alcohol is cheap !! Beers at 5€ the « pinte »)
What I regret not having done but will do again when I come back to Paris (in 2 months):
— Buttes-Chaumont: a large park in northern Paris with a waterfall, perfect for a nature break.
— the Paris Catacombs: I didn’t have time, but it looks impressive and very unusual.
— the Opéra Garnier: left aside, even though the building looks magnificent. We passed by it on bikes.
— the Musée Rodin: for the sculptures and the garden, it seems like a very good complement after Orsay.
— the Musée de l’Orangerie: for Monet’s Water Lilies (especially in the oval room).
— the Conciergerie: closely linked to the French Revolution, a must-see next time (I’m not a huge history fan, but I must say it was impressive).
— the Musée Carnavalet: for the history of Paris.
— the Musée Picasso: to complete the modern art part (even though apparently he was a bad person).
— the Grande Mosquée de Paris and the baths: for the architecture and the mint tea haha.
— the Jardin des Plantes and the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution: perfect if you want a calmer, more scientific Paris.
— Parc Monceau: another garden I didn’t have time to see.
There is so much to see … Paris is so beautiful please build another Paris in my country 😭😭😭