When planning a trip to Paris, it can be particularly overwhelming given the city’s abundance of beautiful buildings, museums, parks, restaurants, and shops. The key is figuring out how to see and do as much as possible without feeling stressed or exhausted in a way that takes away from your vacation (where the point is to unwind…). You will see the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. But where to begin after that?
With that in mind I wanted to create my own “Top 5” for Paris – having recently made my 6th trip to the City of Love, I wanted to share a very small sample of my favorite places – which, if you are up for a very full day, you can fit into a single day and easily fit into even a short weekend jaunt to the city.
1. Musée d’Orsay: The second best thing about the Musée d’Orsay (the first being its art, of course) is its manageable size. It is possible to cover the entire museum – albeit while “skimming over” some paintings – in one visit. This allows you to relax while appreciating the museum’s incredible collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces instead of guiltily rushing from painting to painting in an attempt to get it all in.
2. Jardin du Luxembourg: This garden is beautiful – I visited only a couple of weeks ago and the flowers were, incredibly, still in bloom. As the second largest park in Paris, this is a tourist hot spot. If you go early enough in the day you will easily be able to grab one of the many chairs they have set out by the fountain and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, whether with a book or just kicking your feet up for a quick nap in the sun. You will also get to take in the beautiful Luxembourg Palace, which is the seat of the French Senate.
3. Village Saint-Paul: This peaceful village, located in the Marais neighborhood, is one of my favorite places to walk around in Paris. Filled with unique antique shops, art galleries, artisan boutiques, and charming restaurants, the Village Saint-Paul is a great place to escape from the more hustle-and-bustle parts of the city, such as the Champs-Élysées. Additionally, the oldest planned square in Paris, Place des Vosges, is a short walk away from the Saint-Paul metro stop and is a must-see if you are in the area.
4. Le Petit Cler: There are thousands of incredible restaurants in Paris, so recommending just one may seem a bit silly. However, Le Petit Cler has a lot going for it – it is very fairly priced, particularly given the delicious classic French bistro fare it serves, so you won’t have to choose between buying yourself something at the Galeries Lafayette and indulging in a delicious meal. It’s also located on an adorable cobblestone side street a short walk away from the Eiffel Tower.
5. Ladurée: I had always been skeptical of Ladurée– I used to think of it as an overpriced French pastry shop, albeit a very pretty and colorful one. Particularly after a Ladurée opened in New York City, I thought it was even less important to make a stop at one in Paris. However, on my last day in the city I found myself seeking refuge from the rain inside the Ladurée on Rue Royale. I bought a single large chocolate macaroon, and on my way out of the store it occurred to me, I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten a macaroon – or, frankly, if I ever had. Regardless, seconds into my first bite I was hooked – it was worth every cent of the 4.50€ I had just coughed up. Yes, Ladurée is expensive but it is worth stopping even if just for a single macaroon and to take in the beautiful displays throughout their shop.
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