Here’s my list of 10 really fun things I did on our recent Paris jaunt.
Next time you are in Paris, try to experience them! I know, I haven’t mentioned any museums, and there are so many fabulous ones to visit over and over again.
1. Take an evening Bateau Mouche ride along the Seine. This takes a little over an hour and is delightful. Try to time it so that they sun is setting while you are on the boat.
2. Go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We did this very late, around 10:45 pm and I think we got the last elevator ride up. And fortunately we did not have to wait in line at all. It happened to be July 13th, the evening before Bastille Day. At 11PM there were fireworks all around the city, which we were able to enjoy from atop the tower. An extra treat.
3. Take a walk around Ile St. Louis, the smaller of the two islands in the Seine. It’s a quiet area, with interesting shops and restaurants. Make sure to stop for ice cream at Berthillon.
4. Have dinner at one of the restaurants in Place du Marche’ Ste. Catherine. This plaza is in a residential area, with a park in the middle and restaurants surrounding it. It’s a bustling place for local Parisiens to meet and spend an evening, and you’ll see young and old enjoying each other’s company.
5. Walk through Place des Vosges, the oldest park in the city, or go and sit on the grass and relax a bit.
6. Visit Montmartre for a few hours. It’s an easy metro ride from the city, and be ready to climb lots of steps. The church of Sacre Coeur is beautiful and there are some pretty streets all around the area. Shops are a little touristy but you may find some treasures to bring home.
7. Eat some macarons from Dalloyau. There are a few branches of this patisserie around the city. You can buy a box of them to take home, too, which is what I did. They are pricey but worth each bite.
8. Try a variety of French cheeses. The window displays in the cheese shops are works of art, and each cheese has a different taste. A taste test is always fun; and get some great bread to go along with the cheeses.
9. Walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg. The flowers and gardens are breathtaking. We were there on Bastille Day and families and lovers were out and about taking it all in.
10. Sit at outdoor cafés and brasseries and get a little lunch, or stop for tea. You will get a taste of what the real Paris and Parisiens are all about.
