3 things to do in paris

Ah, Paris! Of course, there’s the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, but there’s much more to see and do. We’re in Paris this week—just for a few days—on our way to Morocco, and here are a few of the off-the-beaten-path things that we’re doing, while we’re here!

1. HIDDEN SHOPPING PASSAGE – PASSAGE DES PANORAMAS

Recognized as the city’s oldest covered walkway, Panoramas opened in 1799, and its maze-like construction makes this arcade thrilling to amble through. Bisecting the Ninth and Second Arrondissements, the passage houses curious boutiques like Tombées du Camion (a shop with odd little collectible knick knacks), along with old stamp, postcard and autograph shops that collectors love. You can also sip vins nature (unsulfured wines) at trendy bars or dine grain-free at Noglu, the city’s first gluten-free eatery.

2. INTIMATE MUSEUM – MUSÉE DE MONTMARTRE

For first-time visitors to Paris, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are some of the number-one spots on their itineraries. Veteran travelers, or those looking for a unique kind of experience, can stray from the big names, however, to find a bevy of tiny, often empty and overlooked museums that show a different face of the City of Light. Built in the 17th century, this villa that overlooks Paris near the Sacré-Coeur basilica is the oldest building in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its heyday was arguably in the 19th century, when artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Suzanne Valadon and Émile Bernard lived or spent their working days at what was then known as the Bel Air House. Visitors can plunge themselves into the life at the Moulin Rouge with the museum’s entire room dedicated to the French cancan or its collection of original art by Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum’s gardens offer one of the best-kept secret views of the city: looking out over the hill of Montmartre into the last surviving vineyard of Paris. We absolutely love this neighborhood—our favorite “hidden gem” hotel is here, and it’s packed with value. You can truly experience Paris as a local in Montmartre, and museums like this are a great example of something that not everyone knows to do!

Photo credit: Ian Wood. Used with Permission.

3. CAFÉ DE FLORE

One of two iconic institutions along the tiny Rue Saint-Benoît, Café de Flore is among the oldest coffeehouses in Paris. Mostly unchanged since World War II, it serves a dose of Saint-Germain’s bohemian spirit along with its potent cups. You can just imagine the days when Hemingway, Capote, de Beauvoir and Sartre camped out in the cafe’s red booths.

We’re posting lots on Facebook and Instagram from Paris this week. If you love Paris as much as we do, isn’t it time to go back? And if you’ve never been—what are you waiting for? Either way, just give us a call!