Paris
Last travelled: November 2014.
List last updated: May 2015.
As a teenager, I really disliked Paris. It felt as though the people and the food and the geography of the place were not for me. As an adult, I couldn't disagree with my adolescent self more. I have visited Paris so many times and everytime I leave I can't wait to return. Paris is full of excitement and relaxation. Sitting with a glass of wine on a Parisian street watching the world zip by, whether winter or summer, night or day, is one of the best things to do in life.
SEE.
Fondation Louis Vuitton - opened in late 2014. It may sound like a fashion museum, but it's a Frank Gehry designed art foundation in Parc d'acclimatation. Beautiful pieces and an amazing building to experience. Opens at 11am most days, closed on Tuesday. Highly recommend.
Palais de Tokyo - Beautiful building, modern art. Really great cafe for lunch and a good restaurant - Tokyo Eat - for dinner (young, arty crowd, nice cocktails). Open 12pm-12am.
Musée Rodin - beautiful sculpture gardens. 1€ or free on a sunday just for gardens, depending on what time you go.
Invalides - around the corner from Musee Rodin. Stunning old military building. Walk around to the back for Napoleon's tomb. Beautiful.
Père Lachaise - cemetery where Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Proust and Chopin are all buried. Hilly and gothic. Print off/download a map before you go.
The Parthenon Vaults
Jardin du Luxembourg is down the street from the Parthenon and is one of Paris' most magical parks. A nice spot to sit by the fountain and read/nap/enjoy life with everyone else.
The Louvre on a Friday/Saturday evening
Canal St Martin on the weekend. Walk along the canal and over the bridges - gorgeous. Perfect brunch spot.
Sacre Coeur at sunset. Beautiful view across the city
Have a walk along the left bank (south bank) of the river. It's gorgeous
Make sure you have a view of the Eiffel Tower one night at 6pm/7pm/8pm/9pm/10pm/11pm/12am/1am exactly. It's cute.
EAT.
Terra Corsa - Corsican wine/cheese/charcuterie in Montmartre - one of my favourite spots.
Les Cocottes - a nice, relaxed Sunday night dinner.
Any french bistro. Café de Flore on Saint Germain is the classic.
Café Marly - overlooking the Louvre. Tres chic. Go for a tea and a pastry and sit outside.
Chez Prune for brunch. Nice charcuterie after 5pm too. Coolest spot on Canal St. Martin.
If Chez Prune is full, really nice Indian food across the canal at Marcel
Rue de Buci - fun bars and good happy hours. Everyone sits outside and drinks wine every night of the year.
Falafel in Le Marais
Pastries - Fauchon or Ladurée. Super yummy!
DO.
Colette - a pretentious but fun, well curated shop.
Merci - Homewares and women's clothes. Really lovely. I wish I could wander through this shop once a week.
Le Marais district
Deyrolle is incredible, the best of the world's taxidermy and beautiful prints. I found it fascinating.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs has a great museum shop. Close to the Louvre.