Paris

48.8566° N, 2.3522° E

I am often asked, what it is specifically that draws Paris so near to my heart? And, I have a hard time putting it into words….. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of my first visit to Paris —- I was fourteen and was fortunate to travel there with my parents, my brother and older cousin. I had just completed my first year of French in High School and now here I was in this romantic city I had learned about all year. Perhaps, it’s special because it was the first big international trip Kevin and I took together. I was mesmerized by Paris all over again as I saw him take it all in — our first kiss under the Eiffel Tower, him being enthralled by the Louvre, people watching at a sidewalk cafe! Or it could be seeing it through the eyes of our children — watching them play with other children in the park, tasting new foods……. All of these special moments have been stacking blocks to my love affair with Paris.

Everyone has their own reasons for being infatuated by this city —- I think my list begins and ends with, C R O I S S A N T S! Light and flaky with just a dab of strawberry jelly — dip it in a cup of hot chocolate and it’s heaven! After putting our bags down at our hotel or Air BnB, Kevin and I always make a beeline for the local boulangerie and buy croissants and du pain before we hit the sidewalk. It’s like our trip cannot officially begin until we have one in hand. With all of the walking we do on our travels, I don’t feel guilty in the least for indulging on their buttery goodness!

I also love the Haussmann architecture with their gorgeous stone facades as they seem to gaze upon the grand tree lined boulevards and the people that promenade along them. And, I can’t mention the architecture without mentioning les toits —- those beautiful rooftops that pepper the skyline as far as you can see!

The Arc de Triomphe anchors the Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement) and is a gateway to the Haussmanns along the boulevard —- I think the smartly manicured horse-chestnut trees that line the street are beautiful …

After the long flight from SFO to Charles de Gaulle, we’re usually too exhausted to do anything big our first day….. instead we like to spend a lazy afternoon strolling the Seine and refamiliarizing ourselves with this beautiful city as we gaze upon des ponts —- the iconic bridges that straddle the Seine and les bateaux that sail upon it.

Finally, on our first day, we take a break from walking —- we have to pace ourselves, this week has much in store, The Tuileries, Montmartre, strolling Le Marais….. but for now, we find a spot on the Champ-de-Mars and contemplate our options for dinner as we await the first series of lumières scintillantes (twinkling lights). This has truly been OUR perfect day……. many would have spent their day differently. What matters is that you spend your day in Paris in the manner that speaks to your heart — YOUR perfect day.

Here are a few of our other favorite things in the city of lights and love:

The Louvre + Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel + the Tuileries - They’re all within feet of one another so, easy to check off your list. You might consider going to the Louvre on a Wednesday or Friday evening . The museum is open until 9:45pm on those days and there are fewer crowds. Have a romantic dinner picnic in the Tuileries before you go!

Musée de l'Orangerie - take in the stunning Water Lilies of Claude Monet. You’ll find this museum tucked in the corner of the Tuileries.

Dancing along the Seine River - As the weather heats up, you can find yourself Salsa dancing along the Seine River……. No matter your talents, beginner, intermediate or life of the party - join in! Also, a fun spot to people watch. Be warned though - the dancing is contagious!

Saint Chapelle - Take in the gorgeous stained glass windows!

Ride the Ferris wheel before your climb the steps to Montmartre’s Sacre Couer!

Rue Crémieux - A short stop but, fun stop for it’s colorful neighborhood

Our takeaway….. there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city. You really can’t go wrong with how you choose to spend your time —— just don’t try and do it all in one trip! Pace yourself. Paris will always be there and so will new discoveries for your next trip. Share with us….. what does a perfect day in Paris look like to you?! Happy Travels!