If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” ― Ernest Hemingway
This Hemingway quote resonates with me, as I lived in Paris during the summer before my senior year of college. The three months I spent working overseas definitely marks the greatest growth in my life. I became much more independent during that summer, and I loved throwing myself into a new culture in a city where I only knew a handful of people. Paris is the most special city in the world to me – the cafe culture, the historical significance around every corner, the chic clothing, the hustle-and-bustle of the metro. Every aspect of this city excites me, and I truly feel so energized every time I go back. I can’t begin to accurately describe the joy I felt as I showed some of our closest friends around my favorite city (none of them had been before!). I want to go with every single one of you, telling you about the experiences I had on that corner, at that cafe, in that museum, etc. I want you to taste the amazing food, drink the delicious wine, speak the gorgeous language. Unfortunately, I know I can’t do that! Therefore, I have created the most detailed travel guide I could dream up. I want it to be as easy as possible for you to experience Paris as a tourist and as a local.
So below you will find six detailed maps of key areas in the city: the Louvre, St. Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, the Marais and Canal St. Martin. The best restaurants, shops, cafes, and sights are marked on the map, then described below each neighborhood’s section.
Destiny and I are both sharing this guide, with slight personal variations throughout, so make sure to check out hers on TrulyDestiny.com as well (here) – her outfits on the trip were all absolutely incredible, and she linked many of the things she wore!
You can view all of the spots referenced below on an interactive Google Map here.
If you have any questions on something I don’t cover in the guide below, please email me. So, without further ado!
KEY INFORMATION
Culture: Parisians typically don’t love loud Americans who don’t even attempt to speak the language. But you can win over most by endearingly attempting to speak French – even the smallest phrases show you are willing to try!
- “Je voudrais” (jeh voo dray) is I would like – as in “Je voudrais la salade chevre” – “I would like goat cheese salad.”
- “L’addition, s’il vous plait” (“lad-ee-see-on, see voo play) is “I would like the bill, please”
- “Un verre d’eau” (un vehr doh) is “a glass of water”
- “Merci” (mer-see) is “thank you”
- “Bonjour” (bon-joor) is “hello” (literally good day, but used as a greeting during the day)
- “Bonsoir” (bon-swohr) is “good evening”
- “Bonne journée” (bon-joor-nay) is “have a good day!”
- “Bonne soirée” (bon-swohr-ay) is “have a good night!”
- “Au revoir” (aw-reh-vohr) is “goodbye”
French people are in no rush. Don’t expect to stop in at a cafe for a quick 30 minute breakfast. It won’t happen. So instead of impatiently waiting for the waiter to come by with the bill, plan your day accordingly. Also, you are not expected to tip, but a little bit of a tip is always a nice gesture.
Getting around: I am a huge fan of the metro! Uber wasn’t around when I lived there, so it’s easy for me. I recommend going to the ticket counter and asking for a book of 10 tickets (“Dix billets, s’il vous plait” – “deez bee-lay, see voo play”). We also used Uber during the trip, and it was very convenient, just more costly (and sometimes took longer due to traffic).
Where to stay: I always look for places to stay in St. Germain des Pres. I’ve stayed in multiple Airbnbs in the area and also at the Hotel Bel Ami, which is perfectly located near the best restaurants and is a very short walk to the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay. Another good area to look for apartments in is the Marais. Look for apartments located near places on this Google Map. You can also reference Nessy’s (who wrote “Don’t Be a Tourist in Paris”) Airbnb wishlist here: https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/112104048.
Paris with kids: We traveled to Paris with Isla when she was 11 months old, and despite the hassle of carrying the stroller up and down the metro stairs (few have elevators!), it was a great trip. Restaurants aren’t full of kids in Paris like they are here, but for the most part, they will happily give you a high chair for your kids to sit in. Isla rode around in the stroller while we did most of our sightseeing, but here are a few good ideas of things to do with kids in Paris:
- Fete des Tuileries: Every June through August, over 80 attractions come to the Jardins des Tuileries – most are family friendly (and it’s free!). Bumper cars, ghost train, etc. – perfect entertainment for kids.
- La Cite des Enfants: An interactive science exhibition space for kids within the La Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: Isla took some of her first steps in this gorgeous garden. It’s full of kids running around. You can sail toy boats or go on the antique wooden carousel too.
- Parc Zoologique de Paris: The zoo sits in the Bois de Vincennes in eastern Paris. There are over 1,000 animals inhabiting the zoo.
- Aire de Jeux Park in Nelson Mandela Park: This colorful park is full of activities for kids old and young. Although it doesn’t appear on the map, it is in the southern park of Nelson Mandela Park, near Les Halles.
GERMAIN-DES-PRES
Neighborhood summary: My favorite place in Paris to stay is St. Germain des Pres, due to its proximity to everything! I am also a big Hemingway buff, so I love that all of the artists in the 1930s hung out in this area (you’ll find me a Les Deux Magots – their favorite coffee shop – multiple times during a view to Paris). The Latin Quarter (slightly to the east) is historically where all of the universities were in Paris – less so now, but still houses the Sorbonne.