Our Favorite Things in Paris, France

With some time to reflect on our recent trip to Paris, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite things we did and about the City of Light.

1. Notre Dame. Now remodeled and reopened, Notre Dame’s once dark interior splashes with light and brightness. Even a long queue winds its way quickly into the church and it is free to visit (I don’t think it’s free to climb to the roof however. That just reopened after we left Paris). The distinctive rose shaped stained glass window, the sound of the bells ringing out, the 29 unique chapels and the brightly sunlit nave all are reasons to visit and pause inside and the exterior carvings, statues and gargoyles are captivating to both first-time and repeat visitors. This site offers some tips for your visit.

2. Sitting at a Brasserie cafe. There are a ton to choose from, like everywhere. Stopping, pausing, having a coffee or a verre du vin and a croissant or some escargot will make you feel almost Parisian while you sit in one of those distinctive rattan bistro dining chairs and watch the bustle of Paris stream by.

3. Rooftop bars. It is worth seeking out a rooftop bar in good weather to see the views and lights of Paris at sunset or at night. We visited the one atop the Kimpton Hotel overlooking the Palais Garnier (opera house) a couple of times as it was closest to home. For a list of restaurant and bar options, this was one of our sources.

4. Steak frites. Honestly, we got a little boeuf-ed out. But whether it is steak frites, entrecote or another style, if you’re a meat-eater I can think of no place better to endulge with a nice poivre-coating or mustard sauce. Just be aware that the French tend to like their steak rare (saignant) so best to lean on the side of more done if you like it in the medium-rare camp. “À point” is medium rare and “bien cuit” is well done, or just say “medium” if you want it in between.

5. Parks and Gardens. Our apartment was right by the Tuilleries Gardens which made for many strolls through on our way to or from home and at all times of day. Luxembourg Gardens, in the 6th arrondissement, which surround the old Palace where the Senate meets, is also a great meeting place and expansive park worth a visit.

6. Seine River cruise. We chose a private river cruise but there are many options. Some include dinner or lunch, and others are more like tour busses. Whatever you choose, a float down the Seine to look up at the sights from the river should be on your list.

7. Le Marais. The Marais neighborhood stretches across both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements including the old Jewish Quarter, old Paris, where the Bastille Prison once stood. The “new Marais” (or Haute Marais) is a funky mix of bars, restaurants and boutique shops that feels a bit like a larger version of West Greenwich Village in New York City. We ate in this part of the Marais several times on this visit. The older part of the Marais is filled with old buildings and cobblestone streets. We stayed in the older part on our first visit. It’s a fun place to wander around. The Picasso Museum is located in the Marais. This is a good site to use to orient yourself.

8. Boulevard Saint Germain. A mix of posh stores and cafes, the wide and tree-lined Saint Germain is a great place to grab a drink or dinner or lunch and watch Paris whir by you. For a break from the city, the Luxembourg Gardens are only a few minutes away from the boulevard. We stayed in this part of Paris 20 years ago and plan to do so again on a subsequent trip.

9. Gallerie Roger Viollet. We never would have known about this shop had it not been for Rick Steves’ Paris guidebook walking tour of the Left Bank. Located at 6 Rue de Seine, behind the Académie Française where the 40 full-time French linguists decide what words and expressions are acceptable to use, it has a fabulous collection of old photographs (and some not so old) of Paris that you can browse both in store or online. It is a total gem if you’re into photography.

10. Musee de L’Orangerie. Much lower key than its neighboring Musee d’Orsay and the mother of all museums, the Louvre, Orangerie is located near Place de Concorde in the Tuilleries Gardens. The water lilies paintings are displayed here in two oval shaped rooms designed by Monet himself to house them. Downstairs is a fabulous collection of impressionist paintings collected by Paul Guillaume. Downstairs is as worth visiting as up, so don’t just check out the water lilies and leave. We recommend (as with all Paris museums) purchasing tickets in advance.

While we are no Paris experts, hopefully these tips will help you if you’re planning a visit. To read more about our latest trip to Paris click here. Bon voyage!