Paris: The City of Light and Love

Museum hopping

One of my favorite things to do is visit a local museum. Paris has over 100 to explore, so planning ahead is key. Many of the museums are a work of art in themselves.

It's so hard to pick a favorite, but the Louvre is a must-see. See how underwhelming the Mona Lisa is, especially next to Paolo Veronese's Wedding Feast at Cana. Marvel the details of the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. There is so much to see that I recommend more than one trip. Take advantage of the late hours on Wednesday and Friday. The first Friday of the month, it is free after 6 pm (except in July and August). There are audio guides with maps to help you see the must-see attractions.

Musee d'Orsay is an impressionist paradise. Based in an old train station, this museum houses works by Degas, Van Gogh, Monet and many others. There are audio guides for rent and a gorgeous cafe at the top for a well-deserved break between masterpieces.

The Atelier des Lumières offers a unique digital art experience in the 11th arrondissement, housed within a beautifully restored nineteenth-century foundry. The center features exhibitions that utilize cutting-edge projection technology to display artworks on the over 10-meter-high walls and floors of the Halle de l'Atelier. The Van Gogh exhibit, which we attended, was an unparalleled digital presentation. Each show lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which visitors can walk around and view the art from various angles. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they wish, and the exhibitions are updated every few months. You may check out the schedule here.

While not an official museum, Père Lachaise Cemetery holds the title of the world's most visited graveyard. It is the final resting place of many notable figures in the arts, such as Colette, Michel Ney, Miguel Ángel Asturias, Frédéric Chopin, George Enescu, Édith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Georges Méliès, Marcel Marceau, Olivia de Havilland, Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde, J. R. D. Tata, Georges Bizet, Jim Morrison and Sir Richard Wallace. Situated in the 20th arrondissement, Père Lachaise was Paris' first garden cemetery and municipal cemetery. Beyond the ornate tombs, it features various monuments dedicated to individuals and groups, including:

• Monuments for foreign soldiers who died for France during WWII.

• Monuments commemorating the victims of concentration and extermination camps.

• A monument for the genocide in Rwanda.

Landmarks

The Palace of Versailles is conveniently located a brief train journey away from Paris. It tends to become crowded by mid-morning, so it's advisable to arrive early or opt to explore the gardens initially. Plan a full day to really enjoy the grounds and surrounding area.

I enjoy admiring the Eiffel Tower from a distance. The area around it tends to be crowded, and Montmartre offers stunning city views for free. Each evening, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated with golden lights and twinkles for the first five minutes of every hour. For those who consider it a must-see, elevators are available to ascend to the first, second and third levels for breathtaking views.

Latin Quarter

The 5th arrondissement in Paris is on the left bank, just across the river from Notre Dame. Allow yourself to wander around the romantic streets. Including de Rue Saint-André des Arts, filled with antique dealers, jewelry shops, rare booksellers and charming cafés.

Montmartre

Montmartre is renowned for its artistic heritage and the iconic, white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur perched atop its hill. The church steps are a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views. However, be cautious of scammers and street vendors peddling trinkets and bracelets. They can be quite forceful in their sales tactics. The Moulin Rouge is also located in the 18th arrondissement. For those who enjoy exploring, be aware that there are adult-themed stores and theaters along Boulevard de Clichy between Moulin Rouge and Place Pigalle. To bypass this area, you can head north towards the Basilica.

Seine River

Strolling along the riverbank is a wonderful way to discover the romantic charm of Paris. A dinner cruise on the Seine offers an ideal view of the city lights dancing on the water and a close-up of the glittering Eiffel Tower. If a dinner cruise doesn't suit your taste, there's a wide selection of other cruises available. We chose a cruise from Bateaux Mouches and were very satisfied.

Local festivals and events

Paris is a city where there's always something to see or do. Look for local events, shows, concerts, festivals and exhibitions that might coincide with your visit. For instance, we attended the Salon du Chocolat Festival during our stay in October/November. It was an amazing experience and definitely a highlight of our trip. These are some more links to visit: What to do in Paris and Paris Events

Dining

Chez Mademoiselle: Our anniversary dinner at Chez Mademoiselle was exceptional. Tucked away in the 4th arrondissement, this hidden gem serves traditional French cuisine that truly impressed us.

Poinçon: For those who enjoy a leisurely Sunday Brunch with unlimited mimosas and live music, Poinçon is the place to be. They offer two services across four time slots: 11 am, 11:30 am, 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm every Sunday. The buffet-style brunch is fresh and diverse, featuring locally sourced seasonal items. A highlight is the live French Jazz band that plays throughout the day, adding to the local ambiance away from the bustling tourist spots. Additionally, Poinçon boasts an impressive lunch and dinner menu for visits at other times.

Boulangeries/Patisseries

With over 30,000 boulangeries in Paris, it's easy to find a pretty great baguette or croissant just about anywhere in the city. That said;

Boulangerie Utopie: Boulangerie Utopie was crowned with the title of the best baguette at the annual Grand Prix de la Baguette competition in Paris earlier this year. The baker's secret? It's all in the sourdough starter. While you won't catch Parisians eating on the move, it's common to spot someone strolling down the street with a fresh baguette and a bottle of wine.

Boulangerie Mamiche: Boulangerie Mamiche is renowned as one of the finest bakeries in Paris. They knead their sourdough by hand every day. With three locations available, it's convenient to pick up some fresh baked goods. For the best selection, it's advisable to arrive early.

L'Eclair de Génie: L'Eclair de Génie is a gourmet pastry shop specializing in a wide array of éclairs. Offering everything from traditional chocolate to seasonal fruit flavors, Chef Christophe Adam views the éclair as "an endless wellspring of creativity, both in flavor and presentation." The brand boasts three Parisian locations, one of which features a coffee shop.

Crêperies

Crepes are a must-try in Paris. You can savor both sweet and savory varieties, filled with an array of ingredients. While street vendors selling crepes are widespread, be advised that not all crepes are created equal. Below are some recommendations for exceptional crepes.

Crêperie des Arts: As you meander through the Latin Quarter, make your way to the 6th arrondissement to savor a crepe at Crêperie des Arts.

Crêperie des pêcheurs: Crêperie des Pêcheurs embraces a farm-to-table concept, offering gourmet crepes made with organic flour and eggs, and highlighting fresh, artisanal, and natural ingredients. The menu specializes in savory and seafood-filled crepes.

Breizh Cafe: Breizh Cafe carefully selects its partners to ensure high-quality, locally sourced products. With numerous locations across Paris, there's a variety of choices available.

Cocktails

Little Red Door: The Little Red Door is a cocktail wonderland, encapsulating the Marais district's creative scene with a Farm to Glass concept. This approach has secured its place on the World's 50 Best Bars list nine times since its 2012 opening. Be prepared for a wait outside as the inside is cozy.

Candelaria: Ranked among the top 50 bars worldwide, this speakeasy is hidden behind a taqueria in the Marais District. The tacos are exceptional, yet the space is intimate, accommodating a maximum of 15 people. Beyond the bar lies the speakeasy, revealing a rustic cocktail lounge that offers an array of meticulously selected cocktails. Their extensive 15-page menu features Agave Tequilas and a variety of other spirits worth sampling. It comes highly recommended!