Paris, France is one of the most popular bucket list destinations for travelers around the world. Many people know the main touristy spots to hit, like The Lourve and the Eiffel Tower. However, in order to truly immerse yourself in the Parisian culture, the off-the-beaten-path museums, churches, and eateries are true gems. Here are some of the top places to visit to experience Paris like a true local.
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I recommend going and getting a taste of The Lourve, but don’t forget about the smaller museums in Paris. They are less crowded and more intimate, giving you a chance to see the offerings close up without having to fight your way through masses of people. Some can be perused in an hour, so you’ll feel like you’ve fully seen them without being overwhelmed.
Since Parisians dwell in such close quarters, their parks and gardens are of the utmost importance, making Paris one of the greenest cities in Europe, with dozens of squares, parks, and gardens.
The 'Emily In Paris' series on Netflix. was shot entirely in Paris with no fake or replacement locations and shows many of the most beautiful and iconic Paris monuments plus some off-the-beaten-track locations.
The Paris skyline is not filled with dizzying skyscrapers trying to outdo each other. It’s a much richer, more varied, and wider skyline due to the six-story height limit of almost 90 percent of the architecture. Terracotta pot chimneys, vast swaths of green from the verdant parks, rooftop gardens, and the unique, architectural masterpieces of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur, and the Arc de Triomphe are just a smattering of the sites you will marvel at if you visit at least one of the long list of the best rooftop terraces in Paris. Here, we’ve have gathered a list of our favorites.
The beauty of Paris comes not only from the city’s landmarks and stately buildings, but also from its lush green parks and gardens. These gardens beckon to locals and visitors alike to sit and relax, rest those weary feet, forget the cares of the day, and enjoy the trees and brightly colored blooms. This being Paris, a palace may be nearby, and world-class sculptures often adorn the grounds. Ponds, lakes, and fountains add to the ambience.
The Seine is central to life in Paris and so are its three islands, Ile de la Cite, Ile Saint-Louis, and Ile aux Cygnes. Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis are two of the oldest villages in Paris brimming with treasures to explore and Ile aux Cygnes, a little further down the river, has a gem of its own. These islands in Paris can be visited in one day or more leisurely over a few days. And as with all things Parisian, they can be returned to over and over and each time bring new, captivating discoveries.
The tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019 left many travelers reworking their bucket lists. Where else can they go to worship? Where else can they admire beautiful stained glass? Where else can they appreciate Paris’s history, architecture, and art? Fortunately, Paris is absolutely brimming with spectacular houses of worship that inspire travelers. Here are five incredible sites you won’t want to miss.
As a former baker in New York City, I have a special appreciation and love for French bread and pastries. My appreciation deepened when I moved to Paris in 2005 and started to learn the art of bread and pastry making following the strict rules the French government sets to control pastry quality.
