To truly experience Paris, you must get out of the tourist traps and venture to some places you wouldn’t usually think of. Paris is a wonderful city with lots to see and do and something magical around every corner! From terrace cafés to local markets, try these on your next trip.
Venture into Chic Neighborhoods
Paris is a wonderful place to explore with chic neighborhoods such as Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and Saint-Germain-de-Prese. To truly embrace what it has to offer, you must shed your burdens. No, not confession! It helps to travel light when exploring a city like Paris. Fortunately, there are many places you can drop off your stuff and explore, such as luggage storage at the Louvre and tons of other tourist spots all over the town. Drop off your stuff and go!
Enjoy Café on a Terrace
Like Italy, Paris is known for its coffee enthusiasm. Because of this, there are many cafés dedicated to coffee, which is where the word actually comes from. In case you aren’t aware, it’s French for coffee! The love the French, and indeed Parisians, have for coffee means there are many delightful eateries and cafés dotted around. Although, there’s nothing quite like sipping a late evening café au lait on a terrace as the sun sets behind the world-famous Tour de Eiffel!
Experience Paris through It’s Parks
Paris is a cosmopolitan and metropolitan city, and like other cities of its kind, there are many public spaces such as parks to explore. In fact, there are 421 public parks and gardens in Paris. So, when you fancy taking a walk through Paris, consider some of the most popular parks:
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a hilly park with stunning Parisian views and a lake.
- Jardin des Plantes is home to many different plants and a large menagerie.
- Parc Monceau is known for its pavilions and small bridges right in the heart of Paris.
Shop at Local Markets
If the French are passionate about one thing, it’s food! Shopping for food, cooking, and dining are considered an experience by many European countries rather than something you just need to do. Each European country makes food a little differently, but the way the French shop for groceries is also a core part of the experience. Take your time to explore local food markets for French specialties such as cheese, fresh baguettes, and, of course, wonderful wine!
Eat Where the Locals Dine
Because Paris is a major tourist destination, you will see restaurants offering the “authentic” French dining experience. However, don’t be fooled! These are often changed dramatically to cater to UK and US pallets and rarely offer anything but watered-down versions of traditional French cuisine. For a true taste of Paris and the food and drink it can offer, dine where the locals go. Of course, these places aren’t tourist-friendly, so brush up on your French language skills!
Summary
Venturing into chic and safe neighborhoods is a fantastic way to explore Paris and get a taste of its authenticity. Of course, there are plenty of parks in Paris, each with something unique. However, it is worth going where the locals eat for an authentic Parisian dining experience.