The Cluny museum in the 5th contains breathtaking medieval tapestries. Literally could not breathe for a few moments when I first walked into the special space holding Lady and the Unicorn series.
Ahh thank you for the recommendation! I haven’t made it there, it was partially closed for remodeling a while back so I put off going, but I’ll have to make sure I go.
Yes to the Cluny and the tapestries. Before the renovation, i gave myself two re-entries to that amazing room. It was breathtaking each time. The sculptures then in the basement are also remarkable.
Last few years for 1-2 month visits we’ve migrated to the 9th and have never looked back. So thanks for excuses to actually leave the area. Also inadvertent thanks for not mentioning any of our faves.
A handy and engrossing guide book for even seasoned visitors and expats would be A Flaneur’s Guide self published by richardb (and probably available at La Belle Hortense or Shakespeare and Co.) will get you to places like Hôtel Drouot which can be hit or miss but when it does hit, oh boy.
Thanks for the recommendation! Yeah, I have places I like in the 9th but I feel like it’s so agreeable, I just have to say “yeah head to the 9th, you’ll figure it out when you get there!”
If you’re into photography, both Le Jeu de Paume and la MEP usually have excellent exhibitions, and they’re small enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. For cocktails, Les Ambassadeurs at the Hôtel de Crillon is a favorite. It’s more of a classic Parisian luxury vibe than an edgy LA spot, but still worth it. And yes, you’re right about Le Perchoir, definitely had its moment about a decade ago!
+1 for your recommendations of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, it really is (or at least was) a hidden gem offering fantastic vistas of the cité to the south-west. Also for the Bois de Vincennes. Indeed, Paris and her Banlieues have many parks and formal gardens that are well worth a relaxing visit…
I get what you say about The Louvre, but having first visited in its pre-pyramid days, it has (imho) to be done and since everyone else wanted to view La Jocande, there were vast galleries to view unbothered. However - and as a keen amateur of Impressionism - the Musée d’Orsay - is my must visit. That being said I’m old enough to remember when it was a disused railway station.
Ultimately though, I’m that people-watching, espresso and croissant, or biere and jambon-fromage kind of guy, head supposedly in L’Equipe or France Football but all the time secretly watching the world go by from whatever pavement or café window vantage-point I’ve chosen.
The most fun i've had in Paris (likely biased because i was with close friends i hadn't seen in years due to them living there and I don't lol) was hanging out by the Seine and playing pétanque (cliché, i know but i'm not french so fight me) then chilling by one of the bars there for drinks and ice cream. Also my high school bestie took me to parc de Sceaux which i thought was magnificent, 100/10 recommend. Also Bastille by night has the most immaculate vibe... those are my personal faves, and i'm absolutely saving this post for if i go back some time soon!!❤️
That sounds like the perfect day. I’ve also been meaning to make it down to Parc de Sceaux for years now and just haven’t found the time, or every time I plan it, it rains. Will have to make that happen soon, thanks for the recs
i love this list but i dooo wish more lists of what to do / eat in paris expanded more to the 45 min radius around paris. Jardin Bossuet is SOOO underrated. So are the canal paths running through Esbly. And the BEST suburb for vibes is changis sur marne, i enjoy just walking around and experiencing the rural beauty. the auto museum there is cool too. and finally the war museum outside meaux is honestly awesome. lots of great stuff outside the city limits that deserve shoutouts too
What a treasure trove of a post! My sister lived in Paris for over a decade so I've visited regularly and yet I haven't heard of so many of these places! Definitely need to pay a visit to a couple of these next time I'm in Paris. That lemon sage pasta is calling my name 😊
Thank you! And yes, this pasta sounds so simple but it really is life changing. I only hope it’s still on the menu, I think they recently did a menu refresh 😬
I totally agree on avoiding the big name bakeries! If you're looking for another small plates natural wine type place, one of my favorites in Ploc in the 20eme. It's on Rue Saint-Blaise which is totally gorgeous. Like you said about the 20eme, it's a bit out of the way if you don't live nearby, but I'd say Ploc is worth the trip (which is easy for me to say since I live in the 20eme and can just walk ten minutes away).
loved this read 🫶 only build on Sacré Coeur- yes its terrifyingly full of tourists *but* is open until 10:30p — we did dinner in Montemarte at a v legit Italian pizza place [Pizzeria Peppe- 4 stars] and then went to Sacré Couer for a short 9:30p service — totally quiet and peaceful, i got a picture of my husband on the famous steps alone.
Am I going to Paris anytime soon? No. Did I read every word of this and bookmark it? Yes. Thank you for your service, and the fun read!
Thank you for reading!
Me too. Have friends there at the moment who are going to the Carnevalet this morning. Hope they opt for the cafe for lunch.
The Cluny museum in the 5th contains breathtaking medieval tapestries. Literally could not breathe for a few moments when I first walked into the special space holding Lady and the Unicorn series.
Ahh thank you for the recommendation! I haven’t made it there, it was partially closed for remodeling a while back so I put off going, but I’ll have to make sure I go.
Yes to the Cluny and the tapestries. Before the renovation, i gave myself two re-entries to that amazing room. It was breathtaking each time. The sculptures then in the basement are also remarkable.
Wow, that's an endorsement. I can't believe I've been sleeping on the Cluny!
From what you've included in your very interesting guide, I'n guessing you'll enjoy it. (I am so hoping the improvements haven't spoiled it.)
I love the Cluny beyond measure. My favourite place in Paris.
Yes yes yes it's so beautiful now and so bright compared to before lol
Last few years for 1-2 month visits we’ve migrated to the 9th and have never looked back. So thanks for excuses to actually leave the area. Also inadvertent thanks for not mentioning any of our faves.
A handy and engrossing guide book for even seasoned visitors and expats would be A Flaneur’s Guide self published by richardb (and probably available at La Belle Hortense or Shakespeare and Co.) will get you to places like Hôtel Drouot which can be hit or miss but when it does hit, oh boy.
Thanks for the recommendation! Yeah, I have places I like in the 9th but I feel like it’s so agreeable, I just have to say “yeah head to the 9th, you’ll figure it out when you get there!”
Such a great list!
If you’re into photography, both Le Jeu de Paume and la MEP usually have excellent exhibitions, and they’re small enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. For cocktails, Les Ambassadeurs at the Hôtel de Crillon is a favorite. It’s more of a classic Parisian luxury vibe than an edgy LA spot, but still worth it. And yes, you’re right about Le Perchoir, definitely had its moment about a decade ago!
Thank you for the additions!
I’ve always loved Parc André Citroën in the 15th. Built on the site of the old Citroën factory. V modern, but lovely
I have never even heard of this park, thanks for sharing!
My culinary kid & I did a Croissant Crawl last June- French Bastards was the best of the six we visited (in two days!)
That's quite an endorsement, I'll have to get over myself and just go try it, even if my friend can't get out of his apartment to come with me.
Ble Sucre was our 2nd favorite (on the Square Trousseau)
Not for everyone but, for me...Arts et Métiers
Discovered this museum on my last trip in December- wow! So much to see and I need to go back.
+1 for your recommendations of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, it really is (or at least was) a hidden gem offering fantastic vistas of the cité to the south-west. Also for the Bois de Vincennes. Indeed, Paris and her Banlieues have many parks and formal gardens that are well worth a relaxing visit…
I get what you say about The Louvre, but having first visited in its pre-pyramid days, it has (imho) to be done and since everyone else wanted to view La Jocande, there were vast galleries to view unbothered. However - and as a keen amateur of Impressionism - the Musée d’Orsay - is my must visit. That being said I’m old enough to remember when it was a disused railway station.
Ultimately though, I’m that people-watching, espresso and croissant, or biere and jambon-fromage kind of guy, head supposedly in L’Equipe or France Football but all the time secretly watching the world go by from whatever pavement or café window vantage-point I’ve chosen.
The most fun i've had in Paris (likely biased because i was with close friends i hadn't seen in years due to them living there and I don't lol) was hanging out by the Seine and playing pétanque (cliché, i know but i'm not french so fight me) then chilling by one of the bars there for drinks and ice cream. Also my high school bestie took me to parc de Sceaux which i thought was magnificent, 100/10 recommend. Also Bastille by night has the most immaculate vibe... those are my personal faves, and i'm absolutely saving this post for if i go back some time soon!!❤️
That sounds like the perfect day. I’ve also been meaning to make it down to Parc de Sceaux for years now and just haven’t found the time, or every time I plan it, it rains. Will have to make that happen soon, thanks for the recs
i love this list but i dooo wish more lists of what to do / eat in paris expanded more to the 45 min radius around paris. Jardin Bossuet is SOOO underrated. So are the canal paths running through Esbly. And the BEST suburb for vibes is changis sur marne, i enjoy just walking around and experiencing the rural beauty. the auto museum there is cool too. and finally the war museum outside meaux is honestly awesome. lots of great stuff outside the city limits that deserve shoutouts too
What a treasure trove of a post! My sister lived in Paris for over a decade so I've visited regularly and yet I haven't heard of so many of these places! Definitely need to pay a visit to a couple of these next time I'm in Paris. That lemon sage pasta is calling my name 😊
Thank you! And yes, this pasta sounds so simple but it really is life changing. I only hope it’s still on the menu, I think they recently did a menu refresh 😬
I'm sure they'll have great alternatives 😋
Merci! I’m headed there tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Went to Paulownia last night as a result of this and it was so wonderful ! Unbelievable food and ambience and the owner was so cool and friendly.
I heard they just revamped it a bit, I’ll have to head back!
I totally agree on avoiding the big name bakeries! If you're looking for another small plates natural wine type place, one of my favorites in Ploc in the 20eme. It's on Rue Saint-Blaise which is totally gorgeous. Like you said about the 20eme, it's a bit out of the way if you don't live nearby, but I'd say Ploc is worth the trip (which is easy for me to say since I live in the 20eme and can just walk ten minutes away).
Oooo I’ll have to give it a try, thanks for the recommendation!
loved this read 🫶 only build on Sacré Coeur- yes its terrifyingly full of tourists *but* is open until 10:30p — we did dinner in Montemarte at a v legit Italian pizza place [Pizzeria Peppe- 4 stars] and then went to Sacré Couer for a short 9:30p service — totally quiet and peaceful, i got a picture of my husband on the famous steps alone.
"Yes, I know over-explaining is a trauma response." wow this explains so much (no pun intended).
😅