Beautiful Wanderings: An Extended Weekend In Paris

• See a different side of Paris: Beyond the landmarks and museums, some of the best experiences in Paris are the ones you stumble upon. These are a few of my favorite ways to experience the city at a slower pace, discover something unexpected, and see a side of Paris that feels a little more local.

• Get lost at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen: If you love antiques, vintage finds, interiors, or simply the thrill of discovering something unexpected, give yourself plenty of time for Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. One of the largest flea markets in the world, it’s a maze of individual markets and vendors selling everything from old photographs and vintage slides to salvaged hardware, artwork, furniture, and vintage Louis Vuitton trunks. This is one of my personal favorites. I could probably furnish ten houses from this place. Come without much of a plan and give yourself a few hours to wander. You could very easily end up staying all day.

• Wander Paris's covered passages: Save this one for a rainy or slower afternoon. Paris's historic covered passages are tucked between busy streets and filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, galleries, cafés, and the occasional hidden bar. Rather than choosing just one, map out a few and wander between them. The passages themselves are beautiful, but the real fun is discovering the little places hidden inside along the way.

• Have lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges: Trade a formal lunch reservation for an afternoon at Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. Inside, you'll find small stalls serving everything from French favorites to Moroccan, Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern dishes. Order whatever catches your eye, find a seat where you can, and settle into the organized chaos. It's casual, lively, and a great change of pace from the traditional Parisian café experience.

• Take a champagne day trip to Épernay: Just a quick train ride from Paris, Épernay makes an easy day trip and is especially worth it if you love Champagne. The centerpiece is Avenue de Champagne, an elegant street lined with historic Champagne houses sitting above miles of underground chalk cellars. Book one or two tastings, tour the caves, enjoy a long lunch, and wander the avenue before taking the train back to Paris that evening.

A few stops worth considering

• Champagne Paul-Etienne Saint Germain, 51 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay, a smaller Champagne house and a nice contrast to some of the famous names along the avenue.

• Cellier Belle Époque by Perrier-Jouët, 26 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay: A beautiful stop from Perrier-Jouët with a more intimate tasting experience along the Avenue de Champagne.

• Moët & Chandon, 20 Avenue de Champagne, Épernay: Yes, it's one of the big names, but the cellar tour is genuinely impressive. Descending into the historic caves beneath Épernay gives you a completely different appreciation for how Champagne is made and aged. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Slow down along the Seine at Pont Neuf: Not everything in Paris needs an itinerary or reservation. Pick up a bottle of wine, some cheese, a baguette, or whatever looks good and make your way toward Pont Neuf and the western tip of Île de la Cité.

• Find a spot along the Seine, watch the boats pass, people watch, and stay for sunset. Paris is one of those cities where doing absolutely nothing for an hour can somehow become one of your favorite memories.

• Find your Paris scent at Officine Universelle Buly: Instead of bringing home another traditional souvenir, choose a fragrance that will remind you of Paris long after you've left. Officine Universelle Buly feels like stepping into a beautiful old Parisian apothecary, with fragrances, oils, beauty products, and beautifully packaged gifts. Take your time testing the scents and choose one that feels like your Paris. Scent is so closely tied to memory that every time you wear it back home, you'll be transported right back to the trip.

• Chez Monsieur: A warm, traditional Parisian bistro that’s an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner after a day of exploring. Expect classic French cooking in an intimate, unfussy setting. If the chocolate cake is available, it’s well worth saving room for dessert. Good for a classic Parisian dinner and don't pass on the chocolate cake.

• Bouillon Racine: Reservations are highly recommended. Worth visiting for the setting alone, Bouillon Racine pairs traditional French cuisine with a beautifully preserved Art Nouveau dining room. Plan for a leisurely dinner here and take your time enjoying the atmosphere. Reservations are recommended. Perfect for a romantic or leisurely dinner while marveling at the incredible Art Nouveau interior.

• Au Chai de l'Abbaye: A cozy neighborhood bistro with a more relaxed, local feel. It’s a particularly nice option for lunch while exploring Saint-Germain, especially if you're looking for somewhere casual to settle in over a glass of wine and a classic French meal. This is ideal for a casual lunch with a neighborhood atmosphere for an easygoing alternative to some of the area's busier restaurants.

• Le Pont Traversé: Consider this less of a destination café and more of a starting point for exploring the surrounding neighborhood. Stop in for a coffee, then spend some time wandering the nearby streets, where you'll find a more residential and contemporary side of Paris away from the city's most heavily visited areas. This spot is great for coffee followed by a neighborhood walk for a glimpse of everyday Paris beyond the major sights.

• Marché des Enfants Rouges: One of the food experiences we recommend making time for. Dating back to the 1600s, Paris's oldest covered market brings together a collection of small vendors and food counters in a lively, casual setting. Come for lunch and wander before deciding what to order. For a more memorable sit-down meal, Les Enfants du Marché is a standout. The steak and mussels with Gorgonzola are particular favorites. Visit for a lively, less formal lunch and don't miss the Les Enfants du Marché.