10 Things to Do in Paris

Paris is one of those places you could live for years and still never see everything.  I love cities like that, though.  There is literally no excuse to be bored.  Ever.

If you’ve never been, or plan on going in the near future, here’s 10 pretty cool things to do while you are there:

1. Paris is famous for it’s outdoor markets.  You can shop fresh everyday for dinner.  It’s a foodie’s paradise.  Our favorite is Rue Cler Street Market.  It is just a couple of blocks away from the Eiffel Tower, making it really convenient.  The street is lined with shops that sell everything from flowers, to wine, to, of course, cheese.  And, best of all:  no cars allowed.
2. Paris Flea Market.  If you will be in Paris over the weekend, you have to stop by the Paris Flea Market.  It is HUMONGOUS, and it has the most eclectic things you have ever laid your eyes on.
3. Centre Pompidou.  Not only does the Centre Pompidou have some of the most unique modern architecture you’ve ever laid your eyes on, but it also house a monstrous library and it is the hub for Modern Art in Europe.  I have been to tons of art museums where you get to see works of the past, but I haven’t really done a ton of modern art.  It’s actually pretty cool to see a collection of some of the most relevant artists of today.
4. Musee D’Orsay.  The Musee D’Orsay used to be one of Paris’s railway stations–so architecturally it has a pretty cool feel.  Now, it houses the largest collection of impressionist painting in the world.  If you are a fan of Monet, Van Gough, etc. you’ll want to make this a top priority.
5. The Promenade Platee.  The Promenades Platee used to be a train line, but now it has been turned into a tree-lined walkway.  You can really soak in a different side of Paris with a quick walk through nature right in the city.
6. Luxembourg Gardens.  The French seriously know how to manicure a lawn.  If you want to experience the perfectionism that is French, you’ll want to check out these gardens.  You can ride a bike, stroll, or just sit and read a book in the gardens.
7. Take a boat ride down the Seine.  the Seine River runs right through Paris.  Even directions in Paris will include the left or right bank–all in relation to where the place is compared to the river.  Taking a boat down the Seine through Paris is super touristy, sure, but it will not disappoint, I promise.  There are a couple of options to choose from–from a quick ride, a night ride, to a complete meal and 4 hour tour.
8. Rue Saint-Honore.  The Rue Saint-Honore is a street that houses shops that cater to the HIGHEST end fashionistas in the world.  While I would argue that a black gap tee goes with anything, it’s still pretty crazy to see how the other half {or maybe 10% lives}.
9. Eiffel Tower.  Obviously, if you go to France, this is a MUST do.  You can pay to ride up the elevator, or trek it up the stairs.  Either way, the bird’s eye view of Paris will blow your mind.
10. Saint-Germain-Des-Pres.  This neighborhood has 15 world class chocolatiers!  I am literally trying not to tear up as I write about it.  You can stroll through the neighborhood from shop to shop, sampling the different chocolates–and since you’re walking, it’s all guilt-free.

Paris is truly an amazing city, full of art, culture, and FOOD.  The 10 things I listed are really only the tip of the iceberg.  Have any of you been to Paris?  What is the one thing you experienced that you would recommend?

~Mavis