Paris Guide: Paris Walks
Paris, exudes an unparalleled charm that captivates the hearts of millions. Indulge in the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, and explore a quieter, more intimate Paris waiting to be discovered. Step off the beaten path, away from the bustling boulevards, and into the hidden alleys and cobblestone streets where the true essence of Paris resides. Here, we embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Parisian walks. These pedestrian pathways offer a unique perspective, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and unmistakable allure. From strolling along the banks of the Seine River to wandering through charming neighborhoods steeped in centuries of tradition, each walk unveils a new facet of Parisian life. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Paris through the lens of these captivating walks. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty and irresistible charm of the City of Love.
Jardin des Tuileries: It's very likely that when in Paris, whether it's your first or fifth time, you will be near Jardin des Tuileries. This idyllic park is a stretch of trees and flower beds and fountains that lead up to the Louvre museum and its famous landmark pyramids. I had been here last during the springtime and Lynette was last during summer months so it was pretty amazing to see it in the autumn with very different colors. Despite the cooler weather there was still a healthy mix of tourists and locals enjoying the park. As you'll see in the video below we were also pleasantly surprised to see goats happily grazing!
Le Louvre: From fortress to palace to museum the Louvre is a site where you feel the thread of history. Lynette and I have both been to the museum and seen the Mona Lisa among the many other master paintings housed at the Louvre. It is something certainly worthwhile but do plan to spend a considerable portion of your day at the museum. This time around, we enjoyed a walk around the grounds and admired the I.M. Pei pyramid.
Our hotel was in the 11th arrondissement. Our evening walk the night we first arrived I imagine is pretty typical for any area in Paris where you might be staying. We stopped at a small wine store where the clerk was incredibly helpful and friendly. He was patient with the little French I know and struggled through his own English so that we had a nice bond exchanging a bit of our stories in NYC and Paris. We also visited a flower shop and a deli.
Following breakfast at Café de Flore, we walked Boulevard Saint Germain to my sister-laws-hotel to get ready for the ceremony. On the way we admired and window shopped specialty boutiques and stopped into Richart Chocolate. This is a stop worth making. The chocolates and candies are all beautifully wrapped so they make excellent gifts. We picked up marron glacé, candied almonds, pâte de fruit, and chocolates for friends and family and of course, some for ourselves. Balance.
Lynette really wanted to go to Café Breizh while in Paris for crepes. Because one of our party had an egg allergy and our days with just the two of us in Paris were booked, I had it in my mind that when I saw a crepe worth having I would make it happen. My friend loves walking, probably more than the rest of us. He insisted on going from the Catacombs in the 14th arrondissement (more about those later, it was a tour we did right after changing from our wedding clothes) to Pizza Popolare in the 1st arrondissement by foot. Although the remaining three of us wondered when we could sit and enjoy a drink or a bite the walk actually provided the opportunity to take in a beautiful sunset, walk through several neighborhoods and cross Pont Neuf just as the Eiffel Tower lights started blinking. Anyhow, it was on this walk that I saw a small crowd and a line at a window waiting for crepes! It was my opportunity to make my bride happy with a simple pleasure and so I insisted we stop for crepes. They were really very good. Between the three egg eating people we had salted caramel, lemon and butter, and nutella banana. See video. They were all delicious.
So, these were just a handful of my favorite walks in Paris. It's an amazing city to take in by foot.
