PARIS

Paris wasn’t my dream city until it was COVID. During then, I had the chance to visit several times when it wasn’t busy. I enjoyed it better and I have discovered local places where you really feel Parisian. Again and again I get affirmations that travel is very personal. Not all times suggestions and recommendations are suitable or handy. For Paris specifically, I totally agree now that Champs Elysees in not the area that I would love to stay in. I noticed that shopping is best done in Le Marais rather than Lafayette. This came with experience and lots of visit to the city. What I found beautiful might not be the same for you but at least now I see the city in different faces.

what to do?

day 1

Personally I have never enter the Eiffel Tower and will never do. I always find it much more beautiful from a far. Due to this, I suggest to take your breakfast at Champ de Mars with its best view and why not even making a picnic. For the love of walkable cities, I always discover walks like this from Trocadero Square to Museum of Modern Art and do a coffee stop if weather permits. Then I enjoy walking side by side of the Seine river as photos look awesome. If you have kids, then a boat trip would be nice. I don’t like it myself, I prefer walking unless it is cold.

day 2

I have visited plenty of museums and galleries in Paris but they were through different trips. I have loved all but I still find Musee d’Orsay as my favorite. Choose which one suits you more and go. It could be the Louvre or Pompidou. If you decided to do the Louvre then check the beautiful Tuileries Garden. Roam around Place Vendôme and Madeleine. And don’t miss visiting Palais Garnier the iconic opera house.

day 3

If you want a more bohemian neighborhood with character, history, and beautiful artsy streets with lots of hidden gems, consider visiting Montmartre. I loved during the afternoon and when it is just before sunset. The funicular is fun for the kids as well. Walk down the streets for a more village atmosphere, check Basilica Sacre-Coeur the big white church, and visit vigne du Clos. Don’t forget to visit the house of Dalida if you’re a fan as me.

day 4

If you want to do some shopping Rue Rivoli, le Marais and Bastille are highly recommended places to do that. Pass by Place des Vosges to see its interesting location and galleries.