The 10 things I always do in Paris
I’ve been to Paris quite a few times, and every time I go, I try to seek out new things to experience–but I also make a point to go back and do the things that I love the most. 
On my last trip to Paris, I was playing tour guide for my boyfriend–not only was it his first trip to Paris, but it was his first trip to France! I was so excited to show him all of my favorite places (although there were some that he was more enthused about than others!). Here are the experiences I insisted that we have: some are iconic Paris sites, but others are just my preferred way to enjoy the City of Lights.
Galeries-Lafayette
There’s no department store quite like Galeries-Lafayette: I feel like it’s as much of an architecture destination as a place to go shopping. I rarely go into any cathedrals anymore, but I can never get enough of this gorgeous stained-glass dome. And, of course, it’s a fantastic place to pick up a piece of Parisian fashion to show off at home! Bonus: the recently-opened rooftop deck also offers an amazing view of Parisian rooftops. 
Rue Cremieux
Rue Crémeux is one of the most colorful streets in Paris: I just can’t get over this brightly-painted houses on this cobblestone alleyway! It was even better in summer than in winter, with all of the overflowing flower pots and open shutters. 
Luxembourg Gardens
I always get a kick out of perfectly manicured French gardens–especially with the wide expanses of grass that you’re not allowed to step on! The Luxembourg gardens are some of my favorites: mostly for vivid flora and fauna and the sunbathers basking in the variety of standard-issue garden chairs, but also for the coolest playground that I’ve ever seen and the children (of all ages) playing with the sailboats in the center fountain. 
Arc de Triomphe
I’ve said it plenty of times before, but the Arc de Triomphe gets my vote for best view in Paris. I love the perspective of the Eiffel Tower (I never get the reasoning why you’d actually go up the Eiffel Tower and miss out on the most iconic part of the skyline) and the Champs-Elysee. The last time I went up was in January (one of my favorite times to visit Paris), and I was struck by how lush and verdant it was in the summer! Bonus: our Paris Pass made it so that we didn’t have to wait at all, we could just go straight up the 284 stairs to the top. 
Grande Roue de Paris
Fun fact: I have an undying love of Ferris wheels, and I will always try to take advantage of an opportunity to ride one (and David kindly indulges me). The Grande Roue de Paris is right at the Place de Concorde, and offers an incredible view over the Seine and the Tuileries. I will say that it’s a little bit expensive for what it is, but I always get such a kick out of it! 
Impressionist museum
I love impressionist art, so I always try to sneak in at least one visit to L’Orangerie or the Orsay. At the Orangerie, I enjoy seeing how grand the water lilies are (one thing that I still haven’t done in France but that’s on my list: going to see the actual water lilies in Giverney!). And at the Orsay, I adore the ballerinas in the Degas room. We had a Paris Pass this trip: not only does it save money, but it was SO convenient to breeze right to the front of the line.
Under the Eiffel Tower
Even though I’ve seen it plenty of times, I still like working in some time to hang out under the Eiffel Tower–whether it’s a picking up Chinese takeout for a picnic on the Champs de Mars, a bottle of champagne at sunset on the Trocadero or simply taking a detour to watch it sparkle after dinner. 
Shakespeare & Company
This English-language bookstore is a staple in the expat, artist and writer community. It was surely more of a heaven-sent necessity to English-speaking expats and travelers in the years before the Kindle, but even now, it’s a quirky little haven of typewriters and window seats and a wide range of books. Also: I didn’t make it to Merci this trip, but that’s another concept shop that I usually try to check in on. 
Sunset on the Seine
There’s something so lovely about sitting on the banks of the Seine and watching the sun set over the river–especially when you can bring your own drink to enjoy. It’s even more fun during Paris Plages: we created a lovely little happy hour with a bottle of wine and two beach chairs on the sand! 
Pere LaChaise
Maybe this is a weird thing, but I love wandering through cemeteries–the older, the better. Pere LaChaise is perhaps my favorite in the entire world: it’s the final resting ground of so many famous French people (Colette, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf) and one rebel American (Jim Morrison) but I actually enjoy just looking at all of the “normal” family tombs. It’s incredible to see how people manage to leave a legacy even in death, with incredibly intricate tombstones and mini-chapels.
What is the one thing that you want to do the most in Paris–or the one thing that you never miss?
The Paris Tourism Board kindly provided me with two complimentary Paris Passes, but all opinions are my own.
