Travel

40 Amazing Things About Paris

Bonjour!!

Aah, Paris. The City of Light. The City of Love. One truly begins to enjoy this wonderful city when all the site seeing and bus hopping is done. The beauty of Paris lies in its culture, its vast and interesting history, its charm, its romance, the architecture, the food. Saying this is my favorite city would be the understatement of a lifetime.

My husband Sean and I, spent 10 perfect days of Spring in Paris for our honeymoon. As the days flew by and with every passing sunset, a pang of sadness grew in our hearts as we counted the time we had left. I guarantee you there is nothing I can say that will do this majestic city any justice. We savoured this city as much as we could with the mere 10 days we had, but it was enough for us to fall heavily in love with it. Here are some things that resonated with us and what we believe, makes Paris the beloved city that it is.

1. Rue Cler walk – then wandering around this picturesque neighborhood. In two two’s you’re at Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower.

2. The Arc de Triomphe then window shopping on Champs Elysees – wear comfy shoes and take a nice long stroll.

3. The Eiffel Tower from the Bir Hakeim Bridge – go really early. Great opportunity for pictures as its pretty empty before 8am.

4. Narrow cobblestoned streets – they are everywhere. So romantic! Not on your high heels though.

5. The pristine gardens at Chateau de Versailles – do a private tour to beat the crowds and long lines, then have a quiet evening taking in the sheer beauty of the grounds

6. The chic atmosphere of St. Germain-des-Pres – the cafes, the shopping, the nightlife and the quiet nights. This area boasted the boutique hotel we stayed at.

7. The Wall of Names at the Shoah Memorial

8. Paul – the quiche is divine.

9. Men in three piece suits and shiny shoes riding bikes.

10. Scarves – be sure to have one. Everyone wears them. I went out once without mine and I felt very out of place.

11. Chatting over a glass of wine – Parisians actually talk to each other without the snapchats and the Facebook stories when in social settings. It is refreshing.

12. Luxembourg Gardens – tons of lawn chairs to relax on if you don’t catch a bench. Visit the Pantheon close by.

13. Stracciatella gelato – make a quick stop at Glaces Artisanales for some of the best gelato and sorbet on your way to the Luxembourg Gardens. Thank me later.

14. Large carved brightly colored doors.

15. Ham and cheese crepes – avoid the carts close to attractions. Try for the creperies and patisseries.

16. The ease of getting around – walking and the metro was our main way of commuting. We even commuted back to the airport.

17. Fashion – sophisticated and chic. Leave the sneakers and sweatpants at home.

18. Tiny cars – with those tiny streets and barely there parking spots, I see the need.

19. Always bonjour! and au revoir!

20. Clock at Musee d’Orsay – there are also clocks at the Chateau de Versailles that are designed to work until December 31st, 9999.

21. Dogs everywhere with their owners – didn’t like the constant dodging of dog poo though.

22. The river Seine – an evening cruise is the perfect way to wind down from a hectic day of site seeing.

23. Montmartre – perched on the hilltop it’s by far my favorite neighborhood in all of Paris. I felt right at home roaming through its quiet, stone-paved streets.

24. Getting lost. We found the best places to eat that way.

25. Artist lined streets in Montmartre.

Creperie des Artes

26. Saint-Andre des Arts – lots and lots of little shops and novelty stores. Check out Creperie des Arts for the best crepes ever!

27. Boulangeries – all that dreams are made of.

28. Outdoor cafes – our favorites were in the St. Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter areas.

29. Macarons – don’t take too long to savor them, they have a 2-3 day shelf life.

30. Angelina’s L’African Hot Chocolate – this is hot (dark) chocolate of the Gods. It’s so thick and decadent. There can be a little line to dine in but it moves quickly. It’s worth it.

31. Long sunsets – in April dusk came at around 8pm and the sun finally set shortly after 9pm.

32. Specialty chocolate shops – there were some lovely ones on Ile de la Cite. Hop across after visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral.

33. Feeling like a cast member of The Bourne Identity – the sirens!

34. People watching – just sit and look at Paris going by. It’s satisfyingly relaxing.

Sacre Coeur Basilica

35. Sacre Coeur Basilica – go late afternoon on a weekday to escape the throngs of people.

36. Recognizing locations from popular movies – The Tourist, Midnight in Paris and Inception comes to mind.

37. Nostalgia after only one day back home.

38. The architecture.

39. The Marais – We spent the last day in this area. Convenient bus and metro stations, great food and amazing views of the Eiffel Tower at night.

40. The friendly and accommodating people we met in our quest to knowing Paris. This made our trip extra special.

Sean & La Shell

We had so much planned for this trip, but from the moment we arrived we accepted that Paris is to be appreciated slowly in order to capture its sweet essence.

So, what do you love most about Paris? If its your first time or your dream destination, what are you looking forward to in the City of Light?

Thanks for stopping by!

Oregon Girl Around the World



  Comments: 44

44 responses to “40 Amazing Things About Paris”

  1. robin rue says:

    Paris is up at the top of my bucket list. My husband has been there, but I have not, so I HAVE to get there one of these days.

  2. halima says:

    Such a lovely post. I’ve never been to Paris but it is one of those places that I’ve always wanted indulge in and not simply check a list. I am bookmarking this page. 🙂 So thanks for saving me from planning.

  3. I have always wanted to go visit Paris. It is on the short list of places my husband and I want to visit when the kids get a bit older.

  4. I have never been there but your pictures make me want to see it for myself. I loved those gardens and the Musee de Orsay. I too have it on my list.

  5. I went back to Paris for the second time back in June and it has pretty much solidified that it is my favorite city. I love the culture and the ease I feel when I am there. I’m also a huge fan of Angelina’s white hot chocolate. If I have my way, I will go to Paris once a year because there is always something new to find.

  6. Kansas Bonanno says:

    I’ve always wanted to visit Paris! Your pictures are stunningly beautiful. I’d love to go and spend the evenings on the Terrence with my husband and kids.

  7. The last time I went to Paris I had no money and no guide book. I still got to experience a lot of these though! Maybe next time I’ll get to try all that chocolate. 🙂

  8. Pam says:

    I haven’t been to Paris since circa 2004, but I remember being upset the day we left because I wanted to stay. There is so much to love about France and thanks so much for this post!!

  9. Cassie says:

    Your photos are amazing and you make a compelling point about why Paris is amazing and worth a visit! Your photos made it feel like I was there

  10. Amber Nelson says:

    I would love to go to Paris one day. I am sure there are a zillion more amazing things about Paris. Fascinating city!

  11. Karen Morse says:

    I think it’s such a romantic city. It’s definitely a dream destination. I would love to experience these 40 amazing things someday in Paris.

  12. I have always wanted to go to Paris. After reading your post I think that first up on my list would be Chateau de Versailles as the gardens are beautiful x

  13. Sona Jain says:

    I have been to Paris and I cannot agree less. It is beautiful and simply amazing!

  14. Heather says:

    It does look amazing! I have never been. My oldest daughter has been talking about us going for a month once she turns 13 to really experience life there. She is only 9 now, so I have a little time for planning. This is a great resource!

  15. This made me miss Paris so much. Surprisingly I didn’t know if I was going to like Paris when I went but I just fell in love.

  16. Heather says:

    I was obviously already sold on visiting Paris but this makes me want to start planning a visit so much more. We have two daughters, two and eight, so we’re trying to decide if we should plan a family vacation or just a week away on our own.

  17. Kitty says:

    I have never been there but may be one day :D… Thank you for posting it, I am in love with all the pictures 🙂

  18. Terrific list and I really appreciate that you included the Shoah Memorial as a must-see. Most people wouldn’t have done that. Thank you.

  19. All of these pictures are making me want to plan another trip to France. Paris is such a great city with so much to do. Love this list!

  20. Jeanine says:

    Oh boy wouldnt I love to take a trip to Paris. I’ve never been, and neither has my hubby. I think we’d both enjoy a trip there, what an awesome list.

  21. michenn says:

    Aww I miss Paris. I didn’t have a great time when I went before and I want to remedy that with a good experience. And I’ll be sure to wear a scarf haha

  22. reesa says:

    I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Paris. It’s just so beautiful and romantic looking to me. Your pics are just stunning!

  23. Carolyn says:

    I love any city over in Europe because of all the architecture. It is all so romantic and beautiful.

  24. Joy says:

    So jealous!! I got to go for 24 hours, but it still was just as amazing! Perfect place for a honeymoon, good choice!

  25. My husband and I have both agreed that we will have to visit Paris someday. We both mostly want to check out the Louvre while we’re there.

  26. HilLesha says:

    I have never been to Paris, but it ranks high on my traveling to-do list! My best friend visited there several years ago with his culinary class and quickly fell in love with the city.

  27. I feel like everything is amazing about Paris but I love this list! I really hope I get to visit some day.

  28. Paris is a must on my travel list, it will happen someday! I can’t wait to see all these great things for myself!

  29. Courtney says:

    Omg I would love a Paris trip right about now!!! Such a fabulous city!!!!! One of my favorite places to visit

  30. Sara says:

    Paris through your on eyes, as you experience it – I like that. Your photos are well documented.

  31. Angelina’s L’African Hot Chocolate would be my first stop. I’m a sucker for anything chocolate.

  32. Liliana says:

    Awesome content! I am going to Paris next month and I am definitely going to follow your tips.

  33. Caroline says:

    Paris is so amazing! I have been there three times, but I can see from this post I need to go again!!!!

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