We thought it was about time to round up our favorite places and things to see in the various cities we’ve spent the most time in during our travels. We hope you can use this as a resource when dreaming up your next adventure. To kick off our monthly city guide, Paris is where we will begin!
Museums, Monuments, and More
Jardin des Plantes and the Galerie d'Evolution: A nice afternoon can start with a stop at the Paris Mosque for tea and cake, then a stroll through the Jardin, then a visit to the Galerie; a natural history museum.
The Louvre and Musee Rodin: The Louvre, yes, but Musee Rodin is a favorite for the building, the collection, the sculpture garden and the outdoor cafe.
Musee Picasso: Situated in one of the beautiful Paris mansions. The building is as photogenic as the art.
Bateauxx-Mouches: Use the Bateaux-Mouches for a quick way to get from sight to sight. The boats make a big circle on the Seine and you can get from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower in a jiffy, then hop back on to get back or go to Notre Dame.
Palais de Tokyo: The magazine stand at Palais de Tokyo is the best in Paris.
10th Arrondissement: Stroll through the 10th arrondissement. Once a sketchy part of town, now is home to lots of new boutiques, cafes, and markets. Take the metro to Chateau d'Eau station and look for Marche Saint-Quentin, L'atelier Courrones, Jamini, Du pain et des Idees, Le Verre Vole, Holybelly, and Les Resistants. And discover some new spots in between.
Marche des Enfants-Rouges: A fun street to explore filled with food specialties.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid of the metro. It's lovely to walk the Paris streets in the spring, but when it's super hot or raining, the Metro is very intuitive and easy.
Where To Stay
Hotel Paradis is in an up and coming neighborhood near Gare du Nord.
If you'd like to stay in a private home and don't mind spending a little more try using The Plum Guide. It is often a better, more edited source compared to AirBnB.
Pro Tip: If you have time, book a weekend at Le Barn about 45 minutes outside of Paris.
- Merci, of course.
- BonTon, a chic children's store near Merci with a cute photo booth
- Sezanne Appartement
- Le Bon Marche (sort of a French Harrods)
- Monoprix (sort of a French Target)
- Smallable, a children's concept shop
- Démodé (new shop by the founder of Merci)
- E. Dahillerin (a kitchen supply shop once frequented by Julia Child and Chuck Williams)
- Centre Commercial, a fashion boutique curated by the founders of the Veja sneaker brand.
- The Big Emmaus in the 19th arrondissement, a very chic sort of french goodwill.
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Relais de l'Entrecôte in Montparnasse for steak frites
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Septime for pretty decor and a lovely modern French menu. Try lunch: easier to get a reservation and lower in price.
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Le Moulin de la Vierge for morning pastries
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Paris Mosque by the Jardin des Plantes for afternoon tea
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Le Used Book Café at Merci for just about any time of day
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Pamela Popo for decor and delicious dinner. Try the mushroom ravioli for a starter
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Cafe de Flore of course
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Ladurée Cafe for an omelet when you feel like something simple
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The outdoor cafe at Musee Rodin
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Boot Cafe (this is the blue building with Cordonerie painted on the outside that you see on everyone's instagram. Surprise, it's actually quite delicious for coffee and pastries.
(don't forget to pick up some macaroons at Ladurée)
Editor's Note:
Writing this city guide has me wanting to hop on a plane and go straight back to Paris! Stay tuned for our next city guide. Have any cities you're dying to learn more about? Send us a note and just maybe you'll see it pop up on Etcetera.
Xx,
Shannon