Curator’s statement
Paris is one of those rare destinations that truly lives up to the hype. Every day feels like stepping into something iconic—watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, wandering through the impressionist galleries of the Musée d’Orsay, standing in the Louvre’s Mona Lisa room with Veronese’s massive Wedding at Cana just across from it, or simply lingering at a café with an espresso and no agenda. What I love most is that Paris balances grandeur with simple pleasures: fresh pastries, baguettes with brie, French wine, duck confit, and a perfectly toasted croque monsieur. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, savor everything, and maybe even leave with a scarf and beret of your own.
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Things to do in Paris
Scenic cruise along the Seine River
Explore the museums
Paris museums are more than sightseeing stops. They’re experiences. The Louvre is essential for the classics, but I especially love the Musée d’Orsay for its sculpture halls and incredible Impressionist collection. It feels more intimate and easier to take in without museum fatigue.
Visit the iconic landmarks
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is worth it. Go up if you can, but also make time to stay nearby after dark and watch the lights sparkle. It’s one of those moments that actually feels as magical as people say. Notre-Dame and the surrounding area are equally special for walking, history, and atmosphere.
Spend time at the cafés
Some of the best Paris moments happen when you’re doing very little. Order an espresso, sit outside, and people-watch for an hour. Paris café culture is part of the destination itself, and slowing down enough to enjoy it is part of the experience.
Take a day trip to Versailles
If you have the time, Versailles is absolutely worth a day. The palace is impressive, but the gardens are what make it unforgettable—especially if the weather cooperates. It adds a completely different layer to understanding French history and culture.
Prioritize food & wine experiences
Paris should be tasted as much as it is seen. A cooking class or wine tasting is a great way to go beyond restaurant dining and really connect with French culture. Between the markets, the cheese, the pastries, and the wine, food becomes part of the itinerary and not just a meal between activities.
Wander without a plan
Some of my favorite memories came from simply walking through neighborhoods, crossing bridges over the Seine, and discovering small shops and cafés along the way. Paris rewards curiosity, and not every great moment needs to be scheduled.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
View from Au Vieux de Chatelet - The Conciergerie on the Île de la Cité along the Seine River
Les Artisans
A lovely neighborhood restaurant in the 15th arrondissement that feels warm, local, and unfussy in the best way. The beef bourguignon and duck confit were both excellent, and the chocolate mousse with candied hazelnuts for dessert was the perfect finish.
Au Bougnat
Located near Notre-Dame Cathedral, this is a great dinner stop after a day of exploring central Paris. The baked Camembert cheese was unforgettable, and the steak frites delivered exactly the kind of classic French meal you hope for.
L’Ascension Café
A wonderful little café for a morning espresso or a slower breakfast start. It has that cozy neighborhood feel that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Au Vieux de Châtelet
This was the spot for one of my favorite simple Paris meals—a perfectly toasted croque monsieur paired with pink champagne. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest meals become the most memorable.
Café Louise
A classic Parisian breakfast spot and a great place to ease into the day. Think coffee, pastries, and that unmistakable Paris café energy that makes even breakfast feel special.
Need to know
Download the Île-de-France Mobilités app before you arrive. It makes navigating Paris much easier. You can use it for metro routes, train schedules, and getting around the city efficiently without wasting time trying to decode station maps on the spot. Paris is very walkable, but combining walking with the Metro is the best way to maximize your time.
If you’re interested in WWII history, I highly recommend visiting the Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin. It offers a fascinating look into the French Resistance and the liberation of Paris during World War II, and admission to the permanent collections is free. It’s one of those places that adds real depth and context to the city beyond the major landmarks.
One practical tip: make dinner reservations in advance, especially if there are specific restaurants you want to experience. Paris restaurants—particularly smaller neighborhood spots—fill up quickly. Some of the best meals are often in places you’d easily walk past!
Travel Advisor
Pam Hurt
Pam Hurt
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