Paris was the first city I lived in on my own. I was 18 when I received a job offer to work at Disneyland Paris and soon after I was on my way to living in Europe for nearly ten months.
Paris became my second home. I could navigate the city like the back of my hand, I’d claimed a seat at a bookshop in Latin Quarter as “my” spot and after three months I could pull off having a somewhat average conversation in French.
Without my knowledge the city of love was molding me into the young woman I am today. Paris taught me patience, how to listen, that picking your battles is a lot easier than constantly starting a war, that there’s not only one right answer to every question and that you can’t possibly fathom what something is like until you experience it yourself.
This past January had been seven years since I’d left France and I finally had the opportunity to go back! I’d constantly dreamt of what it would be like to return to my former home and it was a dream come true to make that a reality.
With that being said I’ve put together an essential adventure guide to Paris filled with all of my favorite things Parisian!
NEED TO KNOW
Language: In France they speak French! If you don’t speak the local language that’s okay, but I will tell you that knowing a few basic words and phrases like “hello, thank you, please, goodbye, etc.” will go a long way with the local people. They really do appreciate a little effort.
Currency: The local currency in France is the Euro. When I was there in 2009 the Euro was worth nearly double the US dollar but at the beginning of 2017 it was almost equal. You can easily keep an eye on the exchange rate online.
Where to get money: BNP Paribas is an international banking group with a large presence in France and it’s a reliable, safe place to pull out money. You’ll see them all over the city and that’s your best bet for accessing your money.
Transportation: Taxis are expensive. If you’re in a pinch they’re not a bad option but the Paris Metro is definitely the way to go. There’s an app called “Paris Metro” (go figure) and it makes even the most directionally challenged people (me) able to use the metro system with ease. The app might be a dollar or two but it’s worth it! You don’t need wifi or cellular network to use it and it can give you directions to any stop in the city from your current location.
Metro Passes: Unlimited use metro passes are available and that’s what I would recommend. They are the best bang for your buck and can get you just about anywhere. Most of the metro pass machines have an English language option but if you’re still unsure which ticket option to choose there are ticketing agents at most of the big metro stops.
Where to stay: There are some really cute hotels in Paris that I would LOVE to stay at (Hôtel Plaza Aténée like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City!!!) but a lot of them are spendy and the affordable ones tend to be small and dated. This makes me eternally grateful for Airbnb. It never fails! We stayed in the cutest flat just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower and it was very affordable at $120 per night. After a lot of shopping around this was for sure the most sensible choice for us. Plus, it’s nice to feel like a local and not a tourist at a hotel.
TRY BEFORE YOU DIE FOODS!
Crepe – I’m not talkin’ a lavish crepe at a fine dining restaurant (although I have no doubt that would be amazing). I’m talkin’ a crepe wrapped in a napkin from a stand on the street. My two favorites crepe combinations are nutella + almonds + whipped cream and cheese + mushroom but no matter what you get I’m sure you’ll love it.
Macarons – Macarons are a quintessential sweet treat for the French! There’s more about them later on in this post but you MUST try them on your trip.
Cheese – Can I name all of the best French cheeses you have to try? Nope. There are a MILLION but if I had to choose two they would be Brie and Camembert. Yum yum yum.
Wine – There are many different varietals of wine that only come from France. Example; Champagne only comes from Champagne, France; Bordeaux wine only comes from Bordeaux, France; Burgundy wine only comes from Burgundy, France; and so on. Being in a country that produces delicious wine, I recommend enjoying as many different kinds as possible. Even if you go to the grocery store (look for Carrefour and Auchan) and grab a few bottles for four euro each, you can have your own private wine tasting at a park!
Soupe à l’oignon – This traditional French soup is a hot, salty bowl of goodness with baguette bread and caramelized onions waiting for you under a blanket of melted cheese! Who can say no to that?!
The Paris Must-do’s!
Boulangerie Breakfasts
It’s not a proper start to a Parisian day without passing by a boulagerie (“bakery” in French!) and getting a beautifully plump, buttery goody! One of the most popular baked goods is the melt-in-your-mouth pan au chocolat. It’s like a chocolate croissant but a million times better. I can almost guarantee that no matter what you get it will keep you coming back for more each morning!
Quartier Latin
When I think of Paris my mind darts for memories of Latin Quarter. This is not only my favorite area of the city but one of the oldest areas in Paris. It’s full of inexpensive restaurants, bars and shops along small, cobblestone streets. Located off the Saint Michel metro stop, take a stroll down the whimsical alleyways, check out the prefix menus (a menu with a starter, entrée and desert for a set prices) and chose one that speaks to you! It’s a great way to enjoy an authentic French meal that wont break the bank. Oh, and a great way to people watch!
Shakespeare and Company
Also located in Latin Quarter is the most amazing bookshop I’ve ever set foot in – Shakespeare and Company. This legendary literary utopia is filled with the works of great authors alongside recent releases for everyone to enjoy. The charm and character will no doubt captivate you as you explore all the hidden treasures this shop has to offer. During my year in Paris I’d frequent Shakespeare and company a few times a month to sit on the top floor and journal while looking at Notre Dame. Take a trip to this gem and you wont regret it!
Notre Dame
This medieval cathedral it not just an amazing spectacle to see, it’s an experience. Walk the perimeter of the church as well as the gardens on the rear end and you will see the beautiful gothic style architecture this 670-year-old piece of art has to offer! For a small fee you can join a tour that takes you to the top of Notre Dame to see some of the gargoyles up close as well as the bell tower, but be prepared to get your workout in! The total climb is 387 steps to the top without many places to rest along the way. Notre Dame is a monument that will leave you in awe and is more than worth your time.
Sainte-Chapelle
After all of the time I’d spent in Paris previously I hadn’t seen this gem until my most recent trip. I was seriously blown away. Walking through the doors of Sainte-Chapelle you will find yourself standing in the midst of nearly 770 years of history. Although this royal chapel is just as impressive as Notre Dame (in my opinion) it’s drastically different. Sainte-Chapelle’s detail is not in stonework but rather in color. The detailed woodwork, painting and stained glass inside the upper chapel fills the room with a rainbow of color. A free audio tour is provided that gives fun insight into this remarkable, intimate chapel.
Ladurée
Ladurée is the birthplace of the modern day macaroon! A macaroon is sweet treat comprised of two small soft-on-the-inside-crunchy-on-the-outside cookies held together with a thin layer of cream. AKA heaven. The Ladurée shop on the Champs-Élysées (a popular street lined with high end shopping) is so gosh darn cute and perfect for your afternoon snack. Order a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate!) along with a few macaroons and this decadent treat will leave you feeling fancy and satisfied! It’s a fun, authentic Parisian experience.
Montmartre walk
This is the art district of Paris. Start your journey at the Sacré-Coeur, a large church sitting at the highest point in Paris, where you will get a stunning view of the city. Once you exit the chapel take a right and you will be on your way through the streets of Montmartre. This sector of the city is filled with quaint cafés, art studios and picturesque views. During my time there in January they were selling mulled wine at small stands on the streets! So, if you’re there during the winter be sure to keep an eye out for this yummy warm drink. Finally, if you follow the path from the Sacre-Coeur through Montmartre you will find yourself at the bottom of a large hill in Pigalle. This is where the Moulin Rouge is! This entire walk is a great way to spend an afternoon in Paris as well as check a lot of fun things off your list.
Versailles
Oh, Versailles, you are so magical. I’ve been here too many times to count and I enjoy the experience just as much every time.
The palace of Versailles is the former home of the French royal family. It is now a museum of the history of France. You can explore the palace, the gardens and the other properties located on the estate. Tip #1 – Use the audio tour! Of course it’s fun to walk the palace and look at all the pretty things but the audio tour will help you understand what it is that you’re looking at. You don’t want to miss out on all the history you’re in the presence of! Audio tour audio tour audio tour!
Tip # 2 – Explore ALL of the estate. The gardens are an adventure! Grab a coffee or a glass of wine at the bar to the right side of the gardens and make your way through the property. It’s MASSIVE. There are lakes, a small hidden village filled with animals and other homes located on the royal premises that you are welcome to see and I greatly encourage you to do so! It’s going to be a long day (wear the most comfortable shoes you have) but this journey is a real treat. Be royal for a day!
La Tour Eiffel A La Nuit
What I’m about to tell you is a widely known fact so you probably wont be surprised but when I moved to Paris eight years ago I honestly didn’t know this even was a thing… In the evening, once on the hour every hour until 1am, the Eiffel Tower SPARKLES like it’s been touched by Tinker Bell’s pixie dust! As if this stunning, iconic Parisian landmark wasn’t beautiful enough, they made it even better by adding twinkles. Grab a beverage, make camp somewhere with a good view of the tower and soak up every bit of the beauty before you. This is absolutely a must.
Note: The above picture was taken during the day because I don’t have any pictures at night that truly do the tower justice but that just leaves it as a surprise for you!
There are too many wonderful things in Paris to list them all. Of course there is the Louvre, the beautiful parks, the catacombs, the Chámps-Élysées, an array of museums, etc, all of which are amazing but the sights listed above are simply a few of my favorites.
One of the best things about Paris is strolling through the city. Being in a city that is over 2000 years old there is nothing that isn’t amazing! Every so often I’d choose a random metro stop, disembark and simply take a walk. Sometimes not knowing exactly where your going is what leads you to right where you’re suppose to be 🙂
The most important thing about your trip is to enjoy every moment of the journey; each smile from a stranger, every laugh you have trying to decipher a French word on the menu, even each drop of rain you didn’t plan for. You only get today once and if it’s in France it may only be once in your life. So soak up every spectacular, spontaneous moment and live like a Parisian!
Bon Voyage!
