Travel Tuesday: Paris
Next up in my Travel Tuesdays series: Paris, France!
As I mentioned in my last post about Barcelona, Spain, last summer I took a solo trip to Europe and Paris was my second of three stops. And as much as I adore Barcelona and England (my third and last stop), Paris and I got along really well. I'd say it's one of my all-time favourite places - and I was only there for a few days!
I'll break this down in the same way I did Barcelona. Read on if you're curious about traveling to Paris for the first time, particularly as a 20-something woman on your own!
Before I dive in, two things!
- I'll point out that if you're traveling to Paris from somewhere else in Europe like I did, going by train is the way to do it. I loved the experience of traveling by train from Barcelona to Paris - I feel like it's part of the European backpacking experience.
- I read the crap out of this one amazing blog, Paris with Me, in the months leading up to my trip. Would definitely recommend giving this a read before packing your bags as she gives some amazing advice from a local's perspective! (Actually, I believe she's from Germany and moved to Paris years ago. So her posts are perfect for n00bs who want a more authentic Parisian experience.)
Where I stayed: I splurged my first night on a room in a boutique hotel called Hotel Elysées
Opéra in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris, which is in the northern part of the city - at least, it was the northernmost part that I visited. I picked this area for my first night because it was close to Moulin Rouge - another bucket list item I planned to splurge on (more on that in a second).
I loved this hotel, and after a long day of sweaty, mid-July traveling, it was so nice to take a breather in a beautiful, plush room with a tiny patio that offered a breathtaking view of some classic Parisian architecture.
I loved this hotel, and after a long day of sweaty, mid-July traveling, it was so nice to take a breather in a beautiful, plush room with a tiny patio that offered a breathtaking view of some classic Parisian architecture.
For the rest of my stay in Paris, I roomed at Mije, a nice hostel right by the Seine that I'm pretty sure was a converted historic building. This was my first-ever hostel experience, and I'm glad I picked this one because although I shared a dorm room with 10 other women, the accommodations were clean and comfortable, the view facilities were beautiful (there's a bright, lush courtyard where you can savour your complimentary French breakfast and chitchat with other lodgers!) and the location was perfect.
If you're interested in staying at Mije, I really recommend it. It's just south-east of the artsy Le Marais neighbourhood, and a quick walk or bike ride away from literally everything. And the price point is pretty great, too!
Was wowed (and a little turned on) at Moulin Rouge.
I know it's a tourist-y cliche, but I'm so happy I was able to see a show at Moulin Rouge. It was an utter spectacle. I bought a "dinner and a show" ticket, so I got to enjoy a luxe dinner, some wine and live music before the performance began. It was pricey - but worth it.
And a tip: A local let me know of a not-so-secret, but sort of hidden, bar located on the Moulin Rouge rooftop. It's called Le Bar a Bulles. I can't remember exactly how to access it, but there's an alley to the left of the theatre where you can find the entrance. The bar is two levels, one of which has a pretty, twinkle-lit patio, but the second floor is where it's at: An outdoor drinking space where travelers and stylish locals alike gather to socialize right at the base of the famous red windmill. It was pretty magical heading there after the show and bonding with some other young tourists.
Picnicked at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Because I am basic, this was at the very top of my Paris to-do list - and as cheesy as it is, if it's your first time, it should be on yours too. Pack a book and a blanket or scarf to sit on, grab a bottle of wine and some snacks from a local shop, and make your way to the grassy expanse at the base of the tower. It'll be crowded no matter what day or time you go, and you most likely won't be able to find a shady spot to curl up in - so bring some SPF and your sunglasses. But I loved spending an hour or so reading, journaling and just staring up at the beautiful structure the whole world is obsessed with.
Went on a boat tour of the Seine.
This was a great opportunity to become acquainted with the Seine. I'd recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip because it'll also give you inspiration for the rest of your stay - you'll see different landmarks and neighbourhoods you may want to bookmark for later. And seeing Paris by water was just an over-all magical experience - watch the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and more float on by while your tour guide shares some of the city's interesting history. (By the way, I went with this tour company. They were great!)
Got bored at the Louvre.
The Louvre bored me. There, I said it. But it was definitely worth checking out! I was honestly more inspired by the architecture of the grounds itself than the art it housed - for the most part. I think the issue is the Louvre is SO massive (rumour has it that it would take, like, 100 years for an individual to see everything), and if you don't go with a mission, you'll find yourself wandering around for hours looking at random works, with only a slight chance of bumping into the more famous pieces like the Mona Lisa or Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Tapped into my inner art kid in Montmartre.
Montmartre is a ~bohemian~ neighbourhood perched atop a hill in the northern section of Paris. I spent a few hours walking the cobblestoned streets, stopping in at cafes and bars for bites to eat and sips of wine, and shopping for artwork to bring home with me in the many little shops in this beautiful area.
Quietly explored Notre-Dame.
It's free to explore the ground floor of the cathedral, which is all you truly need to get acquainted with its stunning, ancient architecture and, you know, holy essence. Don't be scared by the enormous line of people waiting to get in for the free walk-through - it goes quick. But be warned, no photography is allowed inside - and no talking. (I managed to snap a few photos when the guards weren't looking because I'm a disrespectful and evil tourist).
Notre-Dame has an incredible history that you can get to know throughout the walk-through on various plaques and such. Construction began in 1163 (!!!) and it was slowly built up over the next centuries. Today, it's a total labyrinth. It brought tears to my eyes just being there, especially when lighting memorial candles for my three grandparents who have "fallen off their perch," as my Aunt Trish would say.
Felt very floral at Cafe de Flore.
If you can't tell by now, my entire trip to Paris was pretty Instagram-driven. (ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME!) I added this stunning cafe to my Parisian to-do list the moment I found it on Instagram months before my trip, and it definitely lived up to its representation on social media. Super classic, super beautiful and very authentically French (not like I'd really know).
It was a great place to meditate on my trip so far, revisit my plans and rejuvenate over some hot coffee, some yum snacks and a glass of wine - all while people-watching from my quaint perch on the sidewalk patio. And the cherry on top was when a florist came by my table and sold me a handmade jasmine necklace.
Read, sipped and wandered at Shakespeare & Co.
Another place I discovered on Instagram, Shakespeare & Co. is a famously charmed cafe and book store just south-west of the cathedral. I went here on my last afternoon in Paris. It's a dreamy labyrinth for any book lover; the place appears lovingly patched together, like a library in some old fairy tale. There are two storeys, both stuffed with framed pictures, reading nooks furnished with threadbare couches, tucked-away enclaves hiding ancient tomes. There's even a cat that lives there, who can sometimes be spotted winding around the bookshelves or napping out on the rafters. I bought a book of love letters and curled up in a second-floor reading room that overlooked the front patio and the Seine. It was one of the highlights of my time in Paris; it reignited my love of reading and gave me some serious inspiration for home decorating.
And here's a quick list of some other things you should put on your Paris to-do list!
- Vintage shop hop! I researched all the thrift shops in Paris and made a map for myself to hop from one to the next. Unfortunately I was only able to visit a few of them, but the shops here are so rich with treasures I wish I could have taken home something from them all!
- Spend an afternoon in the Spanish Quarter. It's packed with culture, beautiful sights, yummy restaurants and overall much fun to be had.
- Boat-bar hop along the Seine. There are so many boat-bars along the water. It's so fun to grab a glass of rose and settle in on deck, people watching the sidewalk. (And that's another thing: Paris is the best place to people-watch - you'll get so much style inspiration, trust me!)
- Get to know your bartenders. There's this stigma around Parisians, and particularly around their waiters, waitresses and bartenders, that they're kind of, well, bitchy. I learned this trip that it's totally not the case. Spark up a conversation with the person serving you. Chances are, they'll make you laugh, and probably even give you some tips on what to do and where to go when you're finished your drink!
- Bring a journal with you. Maybe it's just me, but Paris excited and inspired me like no other place has. I felt abuzz with poetry, story-writing concepts, style and home decor ideas. It was wonderful having a notebook to jot down all these thoughts. (Love you, Notes app, but it's just not the same as scrawling it all out by hand.)
So that was my Paris trip. I never really know how to end these things, but I hope that if you made it to the end of this post, it gave you some inspiration for if and when you find yourself on the cobbled streets of this magical city. Honestly, it'll be everything you think it is and so much more. And since I was only there for a few days, I can't wait to get back there and take a deeper dive into the sights and culture!
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