There are a few touristy things I love to do in Paris. It doesn’t feel right to miss out on a few things that feel like the City of Lights. They never disappoint; they stay the same, and it’s like a promise that they will be there for you every time you visit. If it’s once or twice a year or several years in between…these places will always remind you of why you love Paris.
Café de Flore
Let’s start with Café de Flore. Every time we stop for a drink, a coffee, or dinner…it seems that we are nestled right between a pair of travelers (like us) and a couple of locals, old friends catching up that live in the neighborhood. I love that! You can read more in this recent post.
In September, we never have to wait for a table. I love to sit at a table on the sidewalk, which is perfect for people-watching and seeing what everyone is wearing in one of the most fashionable neighborhoods. A stop at Cafe de Flore is always one of the highlights of a trip to France.
Louvre Museum at Night
A visit to the Louvre is also a must. Even if it’s past museum hours, it’s never too late to walk through the first arrondissement. It amazes me every time I see the museum, the vast size of it. It’s the largest museum on earth. I had to look it up to be sure I had this fact correct- The Louvre is over 652,300 square feet with over 380,00 works of art. I may not always have to buy a ticket to see the Mona Lisa, but I never miss a walk over the bridge from Saint Germaine.
There are so many monuments in Paris and all of Europe that you are taking in so much history even without a destination in mind. I use my iPhone to identify monuments like I do with plants and trees. Do you know this trick? Take a photo and then look at the bottom. If the little “I” in a circle has a star on the edge of the circle, that means there is information on it. Tap on the i with the star. You will get Wikipedia information about the monument. For example, on our last night in Paris, after walking through the Louvre, we wandered through the streets lined with cafes and boutiques. I stopped to take a few photos so that I could find out more about the place later.
View of Paris and the Eiffel Tower at Sunset
The Eiffel Tower – Even just a glimpse of it from a distance, it’s a magical gem in one of the prettiest cities. There’s always a long line for the Eiffel Tower, but the best view of The Eiffel Tower can be seen from many different locations.
Montmartre
Have you been to La Maison Rose in Montmartre? It’s always been a little touristy, and then it was even featured in Emily in Paris in season one. But here’s the thing: when the weather is nice, it’s a beautiful place for lunch or brunch. Getting to the restaurant from the Metro station is a nice walk uphill. After lunch, there’s plenty to see in the area, including the Wall of Love! No admission is needed for any of the sights in Montmartre.
Crepe Stands
Visiting Paris and not having at least one crepe from a crepe stand is out of the question. And when I say one crepe, I am most likely talking about one crepe a day!
And now on to some more favorites this week with my friends Mary Ann and Cindy!
I think we are all talking about two new books!
A Sense of Place: Design Inspired by Where We Live
From the authors of Travel Home, mother/daughter authors have a new book, and it’s just as amazing as their first book. Julia Goebel and Caitlin Flemming “For anyone interested in curating a home that is personal, functional, and beautiful, it’s important to understand how our surroundings impact our interiors.”
Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed
Mary Ann first clued me in on Allison Bornstein, and I have been a loyal follower ever since. Allison created the three-word method to discover and define your own personal style. Personally, I think everyone at any age would love this book!
Quiet Luxury
I loved Kim’s (Northern California Style) and Juliet’s (Make Mine a Spritzer) posts on the subject of quite luxury.
How to Get the Quiet Luxury Look – Northern California Style
Always In & Never Out, Embracing the Quiet Luxury Lifestyle – Make Mine a Spritzer
Annie,
I could not agree more about your Paris suggestions. There is so much to see and do in Paris even if you never step foot in a museum. That would be hard to do but believe it or not there are some that do not like them.
Between the walks, cafes’ stores, parks, people watching, monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Pantheon, Arc de Triumph, La Defense there is lots to see and do.
Along with a crepe, an eclair for breakfast is always one of my favorite things to do. That and to sample hot chocolate from all of my favorite places.
Loved Juliets’s and Kims’ post.
HAve a wonderful week.
Elizabeth
Annie, I’ve been enjoying your travels through France and want to book a flight to Paris … tomorrow. xo
Annie I was so excited to read this! I haven’t been to Paris in a very long time and I hope to soon. I am saving all of this. I love the pictures you have taken. Paris in fall looks magical. I love Montmartre and the steps there..
Thank you for mentioning our posts, so sweet of you.
I can’t wait to read more of your Paris stuff!! xo
Annie this was so fun!’ Now if Zi can just get to Paris!! Love , Love love Sense of Place. Even better than the first which doesn’t happen often!!
Why don’t you write the names w/o an error ? Especially when you feature a photo showing the correct spelling !
… Café de Flor – sic ! Correct spelling is FlorE