Paris, the “City of Lights.” I have visited this iconic city numerous times and never fail to enjoy it. Never fail to sit in a Montmartre café and feel the same “joie de vivre.” Never fail to smile at the magic of the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights against a midnight sky. To hear the beautiful French language and wonder what life was like for my ancestors in this city. Paris simply never fails.
On each visit, I like to incorporate one or two new experiences, whether cultural or culinary, and stay in various arrondissements to experience the uniqueness of each. Notwithstanding these new adventures, I relish the familiarity of my favorite haunts. Who doesn’t enjoy revisiting those places that evoke happy memories? That feeling of sweet nostalgia via recognizable sights, sounds, and smells, such as fresh croissants emerging from the oven of your favorite café? For me, familiarity brings a sense of belonging and joy.
Most visitors to Paris enjoy a little shopping, and this city offers everything from Chanel to the famous flea markets. One of my favorites is Louis Vuitton’s flagship store. I love to experience the quiet elegance and study the beautifully crafted products. My first purchase there was a stunning pale pink silk scarf.
Afterward, I often wander over to Hotel Plaza Athénée for a glass of French wine. This hotel is old-school Parisian, and if you can snag a reservation at the rooftop restaurant, La Terrasse Montaigne, it will be an experience you will not soon forget.
I also revel in a totally different shopping experience only Paris affords. Flea markets shoppers can discover luxury brands, but of the vintage sort. There is a large permanent flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, just a short distance outside of Paris proper. My favorites, though, are the weekend "pop-up" markets that are found throughout the city. The best way to locate these unique opportunities is via a website (https//:brocabrac.fr/75/). You will find everything from pre-owned luxury items including china, artwork, clothing, and more. It’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning stroll!
Afterward, grab lunch at another one of my favorite cafés, La Maison Rose, located in Montmartre. But book early, as it is the most photographed café in Paris! This former artists’ village was once home to Picasso and Salvador Dalí and is the site of the famed Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The area is my home away from home when in Paris. I love nothing better than to have lunch, wander through all the works of art in the Place du Tertre, duck into little shops, and settle into a café to people-watch with yet another glass of wine. Catching the sunset from Butte Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, is a sure way to transition into the evening with a sense of peace and tranquility.
Next, no visit to Paris is complete until I check in on my most treasured cultural haunts. The Musée d’Orsay, located on the left bank of the Seine, is my go-to museum. Set in an old Beaux-Arts railway station, it blends architectural beauty with that of Impressionist works of art. Masterpieces from Monet, Degas, and Renoir adorn the walls, along with many others of the Impressionist and Post Impressionist periods. While there, you can take a gourmet break with a number of dining choices. It’s perfect for a rainy day!
Another favorite is the former royal chapel of Sainte-Chappelle, situated on the famed Île de la Cité, also home to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Originally built in the 13th century to house relics of the Passion of Christ, today it still holds a total of 1,113 panels telling the story of the history of the world according to the Bible. These are some of the most magnificent stained-glass panels in Europe, and the chapel is considered a masterpiece of the High Gothic Style. Visiting this site always inspires a reverence for spiritual beliefs.
One last preferred haunt is the Hotel de la Marine, located at the Place de la Concorde. This palace was built between 1757 and 1772 in honor of King Louis XV and was home to the office personnel managing the furnishing of all royal properties. It contains a passage reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and beautifully furnished apartments from the 18th century.
Lastly, who can talk about Paris and not think of the gastronomic delights that abound there? While I always try a few new spots, I still delight in those places I visit every time. A small and very local spot is the restaurant Marie-Edith in the 15th arrondissement, with its reasonably priced menu. It has no website, so make your reservations by phone. Another more upscale bistro choice is Café de la Paix, a block from the Palais Garnier. Its theatre-district location is a little touristy, but the grandeur, ambiance and history make up for it. My final spot for a late-night cap is the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz. Expect a line, but it is “The Ritz!” after all.
Even with new surprises on each visit, it’s these familiar haunts that have beckoned me back to Paris time after time. And I’m sure we will meet again in the not too distant future!
"Paris is a city of familiar haunts, where every corner holds a story and every street invites discovery. Finding your own special place is like a treasure hunt, and when you do, it becomes a part of you forever." - Lisa Thompson, Owner, Thompson Exploration