Soft Life in Paris: A 5-Day Guide from My Study Abroad Days

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Taylre Arnold
Curated By

Taylre Arnold

  • Paris

  • Food & Wine

  • Couples Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Solo Travel

  • bucket-list worthy

Advisor - Soft Life in Paris: A 5-Day Guide from My Study Abroad Days
Curator’s statement

Paris is special to me because it was the first place that truly taught me how to slow down and see beauty in everyday life. The city felt romantic and luxurious without trying, from quiet cafe mornings to long solo walks that fed my solitude instead of draining it. Being there showed me how the environment itself can encourage people to romanticize their lives through art, design, food, and presence. Paris didn’t just give me memories, it shifted how I moved through the world and to appreciate the magic in simple moments.

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Where to stay in Paris

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Things to do in Paris

The Tuileries Garden

  • The Tuileries Garden: Feels effortlessly elegant, with perfectly aligned paths, sculpted greenery, and open views that invite you to slow down and simply exist. It’s the kind of place where time softens, people lounging by fountains, sunlight filtering through trees, and Paris quietly reminding you that leisure is an art.

  • The Eiffel Tower: In person, it feels surreal. It turns into a shared moment, people laughing, swapping cameras, and pausing life for that perfect photo while Paris hums romantically in the background.

  • Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel: This experience feels like stepping into a painting, where ornate details, soft light, and passing strangers create a quiet, cinematic moment in the heart of Paris.

  • Parvis Notre-Dame—Palace: Standing in front of this beauty, feels grounding and awe-inspiring at once, where history, cathedral bells, and the gentle flow of people make you pause and take in Paris’ timeless soul.

  • Paris’ University Campus: Exploring their campus, drifting through history and modern student life at once, with stone courtyards, quiet conversations, and the simple joy of trying my first macarons in the cafe that made me feel part of the city instead of just a visitor. The

  • Galaries Lafayette Mall: Stepping into this stunning mall felt like stepping into a world of elegance and spectacle, with glittering glass ceilings, designer displays, and the buzz of shoppers mingling while you wander, soak in the luxury, and snap a few must-have photo moments.

  • Walking across Paris’ Bridges: this feels alive and surreal, with the gentle flow of the river below, beautiful street music in the air, and locals selling art that makes every step feel like a scene from a storybook.

Places to eat & drink in Paris

Beautiful ancient architecture shops

  • Le Trait d’Union: An intimate and refined, where they serve French comfort dishes, delicate pastries, rich sauces, and thoughtfully prepared plates that balance elegance and flavor in a cozy, candle-lit Parisian setting.

  • Sacree Fleur Montmartre: Is a cozy, lively steakhouse known for its tender cuts of beef, classic French sides, and welcoming atmosphere that makes dining feel like a warm, unforgettable Parisian experience.

  • Pink Mama: Is a vibrant, multi-level Italian restaurant known for its lush decor, open kitchen, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and the kind of energetic atmosphere that turns dinner into a full experience.

  • Peniche Le Diamant Bleu: This is a sleek dinner cruise boat on the Seine, offering elegant dining, panoramic river views, live ambiance, and a luxurious way to experience Paris glowing at night.

  • Pierre Herme: This is an iconic Parisian patisserie celebrated for its artful macarons, delicate pastries, and bold flavor combinations that turn dessert into a true luxury experience.

Need to know

Walk more than you plan:

Paris is a walking city. Some of your best moments won’t be on the itinerary, they’ll be between cafés, bridges, bookstores, and random side streets. Build buffer time into your days so you’re not rushing from attraction to attraction.

Pro tip: Morning walks hit different, fewer crowds, better light, calmer energy.

Sit at cafés, don’t rush them:

In Paris, cafés are about presence, not speed. Order something small, sit outside, people-watch, journal, or just exist.

Do this:

  • Don’t ask for takeout immediately.

  • Let the waiter come to you.

  • Tip isn’t mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated.

  • It’s a soft-life ritual, not just a meal.

Mix famous sights with neighborhood life:

Yes, see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame—but also explore areas like:

  • Le Marais—chic & historic

  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés—cafés & bookstores

  • Montmartre—artsy & romantic

  • Latin Quarter—student, soulful energy

  • Book big attractions in advance: Museums, cruises, and popular restaurants fill up fast.

Book ahead for:

  • Eiffel Tower access

  • Seine dinner cruises

  • Louvre / Musée d’Orsay

  • Pink Mamma

Learn the Metro Just Enough:

Uber is fine, but the Metro is faster for short distances.

Helpful basics:

  • Buy a carnet (10 tickets).

  • Use Google Maps for routes.

  • Mind pickpockets in crowded lines.

  • Extra: Sit near doors and keep your bag zipped in tourist zones.

  • Respect the art & street culture.

  • When crossing bridges and squares, you’ll see musicians and artists.

Etiquette:

  • Ask before photographing someone’s art.

  • Tip street performers if you stop to watch.

  • Don’t block sidewalks for long photoshoots.

  • It keeps the energy respectful and authentic.

  • Eat slowly, eat well: Paris’ food isn’t about rushing—it’s about savoring.

Try:

  • A croissant & espresso in the morning

  • A long lunch

  • A dessert stop at Pierre Hermé

  • Late dinners (8–10 pm is normal)

  • Also: don’t overbook food spots in one day. Leave space for cravings.

Paris at Night:

Paris transforms after dark.

Do at least one:

  • Seine River cruise

  • Evening walk near the Eiffel Tower

  • Montmartre at sunset

  • Late café moment

  • It’s romantic, cinematic, and perfect for content.

  • Protect your energy: Traveling in Paris can be overstimulating.

Balance with:

  • One slow morning

  • One solo wander

  • One “nothing planned” afternoon

  • Hydration & rest breaks

Learn a little French

Even a few words can change how people treat you:

  • Bonjour—Hello

  • Merci—Thank you

  • S’il vous plaît – Please

  • Parlez-vous anglais?—Do you speak English?

  • Always say bonjour when entering a shop, it’s cultural currency.

Taylre Arnold

Travel Advisor

Taylre Arnold

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