Paris 101

I in no way feel I'm an expert on Paris.  Of all of the cities I've been to, it is one of the largest with the most to do.  Paris has many neighborhoods to explore and much history to uncover.  Therefore disclaimer; these are the condensed  travel tips mainly geared toward the first timer or for a quick trip to the city. 

For my first trip to Paris, I went with my friend Gigi who did an amazing job of finding us the perfect AirBnB.  It was in the 11th arrondissement and had a magical porch with french doors.  We'd sit out there almost every night with a $3 bottle of wine, a fresh baguette from the bakery on the corner, and some cheese or chocolate while our jet leg kicked in after a long day of walking.   

What to Do? First stop: a cafe. French Bistros for cappuccino's and people watching are pretty much my favorite thing.  Allegedly French streets were widened by Louis-Napoleon so that artillery could be rushed to targeted locations in the case of a revolution.  These tree-shaded boulevards created a city for pedestrians, and walking around in fashion became a thing.  Merchants that once sold tea, coffee, beer and wine in bulk for consumers to drink at home, now set up tables for offering samples, and voila, the cafe was born! 

A cafe in the Jardin des Tuileries

Where to Shop?  French Pharmacies!  Look for the green cross anywhere for some of the best French beauty products.  The Pharmacies are like an American Walgreens or Rite Aid, but much better.  I always pick up some Bioderma Micellar Water.  It's the best makeup remover/face wash ever and a favorite of many a blogger.  A French flight attendant also got me into Roger & Gallet hand creams.  They all smell amazing, are very moisturizing (great for flying!), and cost around 7 euros.  My mom once asked a French lady with beautiful skin working at a pharmacy her skincare secret, and she claimed it's Nuxe products.  The Parisian line's Reve de Miel lip balm (the one in the jar) is the best I've ever used.  Before I found it, my lips were constantly dried out from all of the flying I do, but just one application of this had them looking and feeling amazing.  I swear by it! 

Where to Stay? I of course always recommend AirBnB's, but anything near the Seine river between the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame (on either side of the river) is recommended for a quick trip or first timer.  

Aren't Parisians Rude?  I have yet to have a rude encounter while in Paris, but I try my best to be polite.  It's common to be greated with a "bonjour" when entering a store, so be prepared to say "bonjour" back.  I have a friend that called room service and first thing she said was, "do you speak English?!"  She promptly was hung up on.  Always start with bonjour, or a greeting.  Pretty much every Parisian speaks English, but just like most Americans like to see an effort with English when in America, the French expect the same.  Don't just assume everyone speaks English when in France.  Bonjour and Merci will get you a long way!

Where to Eat?  I've also yet to eat anything bad in France.  Pretty much every cafe or restaurant I've been to has good food.  Whether you want a street-side Croque Monsieur, Crepe, or a cheap five course meal in the Latin Quarter, my best recommendation is to eat almost anywhere you see other people!  They say not to judge a book by its cover and when having to make quick decisions on where to eat in a new city, I never pick an empty restaurant.  

Where to Drink?  I love to grab a coffee or glass of wine at almost any bistro or cafe but my favorite is The Shakespeare & Company Bookstore's new cafe.  The bookstore is one of my favorite in the world and is named after the original location that was open from 1919 until closing during WWII.  It was a gathering place for English speaking writers like James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and Ford Madox Ford.  The current store located on the Left Bank was opened in 1951.  I also love grabbing a Leffe Ruby in any of the bars in the parks, especially the Jardin des Tuileries, the large park/gardens near The Louvre. 

Jardin des Tuleries

What to Pack?  Even in the middle of summer I things can get cool enough at night to see people in jackets.  If planning on being out all day I would recommend carrying one in a bag, as well as a small umbrella unless you're sure it won't rain.

Here's my packing list:

-European adopter

-Umbrella

-Sunblock 

-Cell Phone Power Bank

-Small backpack or Purse

-Camera

-dress, jacket, jeans, tops, underwear, pajamas and comfortable shoes (sweaters, coat and scarf in the winter)

-toiletries (zip lock baggie amount so I don't have to check a bag when leaving)

-PASSPORT!

Note: Paris is the one city where comfort is not always key.  When walking the city in Birkenstocks a few weeks ago I never saw another pair all day, and I only noticed one person in Chacos.  I did notice plenty of Espadrilles, Nike's and loafers.  Of course, feel free to do you, just be aware if not wanting to stand out as an American, stick to the "in" shoe types.    

  

I always grab Euros at my local bank ahead of time for the best exchange rate (call your local branch ahead of time to find the closest location with foreign currency), and make sure my Live Trekker App is up to date.  Live Trekker allows you to track your steps and share your location with family without using data.  Once I have internet, it syncs photos and locations and allows me to keep track of where I saw what in case I want to remember for later! 

What to See in Two Days?  Only have a few days in Paris? I would recommend sticking to a loop around the Seine and hitting most of the main attractions in that area.  Follow my plan below!

Fat Tire Paris Tours are also an amazing way to hit many attractions with interesting and funny guides.  I've heard the night tour is the most beautiful.  Check them out at fattiretours.com!  Tickets start at $23.  

If only going for a short amount of time, especially in the summer I'd recommend buying skip the line tickets ahead of time for all attractions.  It's a huge time saver!  I purchase most of mine on Viator and the app allows you to save your tickets to your wallet on your phone.  

My One to Two Day Parisian Loop:  

(It's okay to start at any point and it's not necessary to go in order)

-Jardin des Tuileries.  Start out the morning with a cappuccino and a croissant at any of the cafes in this beautiful park. Fill up and prepare to spend a at least a few hours at your next stop...The Louvre.

Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre

-The Louvre.  The lines can grow enormous here so be sure you got your skip the line ticket on Viator beforehand.  Currently the skip the line with audio tour is available for around $45.  I love audio tours as they allow you to skip to whatever you'd like, whenever you'd like and you're not stuck in a large group tour where you have to go the same pace as everyone else. If this is a one day loop, spend a few hours here.  If you have two days in Paris, spend half the day or more here.  There are cafes with decent food all throughout the galleries, and  better food in the mall area attached to the Louvre (the Carrousel du Louvre).  If you're doing the one day tour, grab lunch before heading out at The Louvre, or at any of the cafes nearby.  I love Cafe Le Nemours for a beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and great people watching.       

The Louvre

-Pont des Arts.  Cross the Seine at the East side of the Louvre. Grab a love lock at any of the little booths nearby and attach to the bridge while crossing.  

-Sainte Chapelle.  Continue to head East to the gem of the gothic style that contains 1,113 stained glass windows.  The entry is confusing and can only be assessed off of the Boulevard du Palais, just look for the signs.  I prefer this cathedral to almost any other in Europe as it's so unique.  Tickets are 10 Euro and you can buy ahead of time at www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/BUY-YOUR-TICKET-IN-ADVANCE.  Also check the website to see if your trip will coincide with any of the classical music concerts commonly held inside.   

    

 Sainte Chapelle

-Shakespeare and Company.  Head East on the Quai du Marche Neuf and cross the Petit Pont-Cardinal Lustiger Bridge to find this little cafe to the left.  I always pick up a signed copy of something that looks interesting as they often have special events with well known authors in the store.  Don't leave without checking out the upstairs, and be sure to grab a stamp at check out to make your purchase even more special! 

-Notre Dame.  If cathedrals are your thing check out Notre Dame across the street.  Admission is free, but the tower and the crypt cost between 6 to 8 euros.  Its history is of course extensive and you can read up on it ahead of time at www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/la-cathedrale/histoire/.  

-The Latin Quarter.  Double back towards Shakespeare and Company to grab in the Latin Quarter.  There are too many great resturaunts over here to recommend just one but check out Culture Trip's write up on the ten best beforehand to pick your favorite https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-paris-latin-quarter/.  

-The Eiffel Tower.  From the Latin Quarter to the Eiffel Tower it's about a 4km or hour walk along the Seine (or you could catch a cab for a 10min drive).  As dusk approaches the Eiffel Tower lights up (at sunset specifically) and begins its twinkling light show every five minutes on the hour.  

-Place du Trucdero.  If you have any time left, the Place de Trocadero across the Seine offers excellent views of the tower.  And is an excellent spot for photographs.   

-Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees.  And if you still have time head North towards the Arc.  Many people don't know for a small fee you can climb to the top for excellent views of the city.  The Champs is off to the East and wander the famous walkway for excellent shopping, and food.  Be sure to grab a macaroon at Loudre!

The Champs-Elysees