Ah, the City of Light. While there are many recommended must-sees including the beloved Louvre and Eiffel Tower, I know you can get great guidebooks to help you explore these landmarks. I’ll share a few of my off the beaten path favorites.
- Left bank English bookstore and cafe: Shakespeare and Co.
- Right bank English bookstore and cafe: Smith&Son.
- Fancy tea house: Ladurée. Rose macaron, rose latte with oat milk, and a stunning setting.
- Cozy English tea house: Tea caddy. Scones!
- Flower-filled walk: Promenade plantée.
- Authentic hammam and tea experience: La Mosquée de Paris.
- Photo taking bliss: Jardin des Plantes, Jardin de Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries.
- Cozy tea house and stationary nook off historical Place des Vosges: Thé des Écrivains.
- Fave vintage shopping spot: Kilo. Also enjoy La Frange à l’envers, Vintage Désir, and Free’p’Star.
- Neighborhood to meander: Le Marais.
- Famous hot chocolate: Angelina.
- Yoga: Rasa.
- Green juice: Bob’s.
- Places to stay: a quaint apartment through Airbnb. I’ve stayed in arrondissements 4, 6, 7, and 15 and loved them all.
- Champagne boat cruise on the Seine.
- Macaron making class: La Cuisine Paris.
- Flea markets: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Clignancourt), Marché d’Aligre and Porte de Vanves.
- Online resources: Hip Paris Blog and Do It in Paris and Paris-To-Go.
- What to pack for 10 days in Paris.
- Sweet right bank tea bar: Lily of the Valley.
- Perfume making class: Studio des Parfums.
- Fancy vegan resto: Gentle Gourmet.
- Vegan concept store with boutique and cafe: Aujourd’hui Demain.
- Where I spent my 40th birthday: Rodin museum.
- Beloved used book cafe to sit for hours: Merci.
- Marie Antoinette’s Versailles getaway: The Estate of Trianon.
- Casual vegan spot with many locations: Wild & the Moon. Try the la vie en rose drink!
- For a fancy drink topped with a pink rose: Hemingway Bar at the Ritz.
- I spend hours mesmerized by live jazz at 38Riv. Also love Le Caveau de la Huchette conveniently located near Shakespeare and Company.
- Enjoy Marie Antoinette’s favorite rose petal and fresh apple tea plus pink cake at this adorable tea salon: Nina’s.
- A few more go-to jazz spots: Café Laurent in Hôtel d’Aubusson and Sunset/Sunside.
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