Paris is on my mind. I feel compelled to go back, and sooner rather than later. I think it’s a combination of creating my Year in Photos slice, which had lots of Paris pictures, and reading a fellow slicer‘s posts about life in France. Instead of working on my reports, which are due tonight, I’ve been researching all the best foods to eat while in Paris and using Skyscanner.com to look up ticket prices to CDG. Oh man…I’m jonesing for some Paris time!
Paris was never really on my radar prior to my trip last year. I thought it could never live up to the hype. That it was highly overrated. A tourist trap of the extreme. Boy, was I wrong! Despite only being in Paris for 3.5 days, not to mention the fact that it was cold and rainy most of the time, I fell in love with the city of love. ❤
It has all of my favorite things I look for in a place to visit. It’s a foodie’s haven, with more food to possibly try than time in which to do it. Full of culture, there are jaw-dropping historical monuments to visit (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur to name a few), as well as museums with world-renowned artwork. My all-time favorite museum is The Lourve. I could meander its maze of hallways for days and never tire. There’s something indescribable about that place. And it’s charm…Paris has charm for days! Every corner you turn is just so damn picturesque that you can’t stand it.
I’ve been thinking of a few things I’d love to do on my return trip to Paris, a Paris bucket list if you will.
- Walk up the Eiffel Tower. Last time I took the elevator, but I think I’d like to walk up next time.
- Eat a picnic lunch of a crusty baguette, good cheese, luxurious butter, olives, roasted veggies, grapes, and macarons from Laduree for dessert in Champ de Mars, the park in front of the Eiffel Tower.
- Have breakfast at Angelina’s at least once, but knowing me, I’d go there a couple of times. It’s just one of those iconic places you can’t miss.
- Spend some time alone sitting at a small, quaint cafe, preferably overlooking the Seine, at an outdoor table with a large mug of warm tea, a buttery, flaky croissant, and my writer’s notebook, just observing the city pass by, jotting down ideas, observations, and musings.
- Eat my way through this gastronomical city, mapping out my days’ activities based on where I want to eat. I want to have a plan so I can get in all the yummy foods I’ve read about, but I’ll also leave room for spontaneity, as I know hidden gems will pop up that I just have to try!
- Get to The Lourve early, wandering my way through at my own slow pace, savoring the magic of this place. My writer’s notebook in tow, I just know I’ll stop and sit a while in front of one of my favorite pieces of art and write.
- Take more photos, focusing in on the little details of this beautiful, charming city.
- Get lost. I love getting lost in a new city…you never know what you’ll find!
With that…who wants to take a trip to Paris with me? 🙂
Did you book a ticket? We like to find an AirBnB place to call home and explore all the nooks and crannies – both touristy and local. I hope you get back soon.
Not yet…but I’m thinking about it! I was thinking October break would be a good time to go. Nice fall weather, the leaves changing colors…ahhhh!
You must go spend the rest of your life there!
And, while you are there, be sure yo visit all of the other regions with their own culture and gastronomy and allure, sure not to disappoint.
Bon courage and bon continuation.
M
haha..I would like to live there, but I don’t think I could spend my whole life living in just one place. There’s too many places I want to experience. And yes, I totally want to see the rest of the country!
I love Paris. It’s an amazing city imbibed with culture and history.
As a foodie you should check out places like Galeries Lafayette food hall.
I have read about that food hall…but I’ve yet to go. I’m totally going next time I’m in Paris!
Also make sure you do a Discovery Walks tour. They are amazing! A local leads the tour and you pay him/her via tips.
Good idea!!
“Paris is always a good idea” as they say!! I love to wander around the Marais neighborhood, get a fallafel sandwich at L’As du Fallafel and then take it to La Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. Not to far from Angelina and the Louvre are the Palais Royale gardens: tucked behind La Comedie Francaise, not many people find it, so it’s always welcoming and calm. Last time I was in Paris, it was Christmas, so I spent a lot of time at the big department stores Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps. Both have outdoor terraces on the top floor where you can get a wonderful view of the city. The best thing about Paris is that there’s always something new to see. I’ve been there numerous times (including a 2 month period) and still have a bucket list of things to try!
Indeed, Paris is always a good idea! Thanks for the travel tips…I’ll have to add those to my list, too! 🙂
Me, me, me! I’ve been there three times, but not since 1999. It totally lives up to the hype!
Btw: I loved Musée d’Orsay even more than the Louvre. Do put it on your list in addition to another Louvre visit.
Oh man, that’d be so fun to travel Paris with you! You’ve been 3 times?? So fun! I liked the d’Orsay, but I loved the Lourve! 🙂
Then go where you love!
One of my favorite spots is the park outside of Victor Hugo’s home. Such a tranquil spot!
If I were made of money, I’d be meeting you in a heartbeat! I love eating my way in, around, and through most cities, but Paris is a special treat. I’m with Stacey on the d’Orsay, Impressionism is my favorite style of painting. What a treat to dream about Paris through your words.
How fun would that be?!? Meet up in Paris and explore…that would be fabulous! 🙂 I’ve been to the d’Orsay. I liked it, but the Lourve has my heart. ❤
You post has me so excited! This summer I will be visiting Europe for the first time ever and Paris is one of the cities on the tour. I thank you for the suggestions and the links. We are definitely foodies so I’m off to check out your link now.
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Yay!! You’ll love Paris!! 🙂
All Paris in museums are wonderful, but if you want something smaller, something like The Frick(NY and Pittsburgh) or Barnes Foundation (before it was ruined and moved to downtown Philadelphia), check out the Musee Jacquemart-Andre, in a hotel particulier, on Blvd. Haussman in the 8th. My all time favorite ‘house museum’ ever! When will you be in Europe? We headed to the burbs of Paris to see an elderly family member, maybe my husband’s birthplace, brother and a few cousins, and another undecided country as well this summer…
I’ll have to check the museum out! I’m hoping to go for October break. Summer, I’m headed home to Texas to visit my family! 🙂
Yay!! You’ll enjoy it so much! Yes, check out the link, but do put Angelina’s on your list…and get the hot chocolate!
I’ll go with you! lol. Wow. I also love that you have a Paris Bucket List. Just going to Paris IS on my bucket list!!! 🙂 As well as traveling to Ireland and Italy! I’m hoping I will have the opportunity in life to travel. Your life experiences truly sound (and look) amazing. Thanks again for sharing your journeys with us.
I’ve been to all 3, and you should totally go! Just save up and make it happen. Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂
Paris is my favorite city I’ve ever been to! You described it so well. Now I am dreaming of macaroons from Laduree and crepes!
I was in Paris this past July and found it and the south of France to be wonderful. You are so right about the food. And I would add wine. Hope you go back soon.
I hope so, too! 🙂
I went to Paris on a solo backpacking trip and had a good time, but it wasn’t quite what I had hoped for. I would love to return one day with a boyfriend or husband. Paris is the only place I’ve traveled where I felt like it would just be so much better to visit with a loved one!
Here’s the link to my Paris post: https://teachingwanderlust.com/2015/08/17/four-days-in-paris/
Oh, I’m sure going to Paris with a significant other would be divine!!
I’ll check out your post!! 😉
I’m itching to return to Paris, too. When you go back, be sure to visit the Catacombs if you missed them the first time. Also, take a trip down the Seine at night and sit outside, even if it’s cold. It’s a magical experience. Every day I spritz on French perfume and am reminded of how much I love Paris.
I’m heading to Cinque Terra Thursday, actually flying into Milan. I’m really excited for the trip as my husband is going, too. He wasn’t with me two years ago when I went to Paris, London, Rome, and Barcelona. I thought about him every minute and hope to return to Paris w/ him.
I’ll add both to my list! 🙂 Have fun on your trip! Sounds amazing!
Lovely memories … I hope you get to return. Have you read “The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris” by David McCullough (my favorite historian) … about American artists, writers, and doctors who traveled to Paris (1830-1900) and how they changed America by what they learned. Fascinating read and you’d appreciate it’s connections to the city you love.
Thanks for the recommendation, Alice! I’ve not heard of this book before, but I’ll have to check it out!
I guess every one dream to see Paris… Great photos…