Paris is… Paris. It’s everything you’ve ever heard it is and more. And that’s why lots of people want to visit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Paris without being overwhelmed by other tourists also enjoying their moment in the Parisienne sun. Here’s five tips that come from a combination of personal experience and that I learned from my friend who’ve moved full time to France from America seven years ago and visit “the city of light” on the regular…
Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The 6th arrondissement is the best arrondissement. It’s right in the center of everywhere you want to be with good food on every corner and must-do breakfast on the sidewalk sipping un café classics like Café de Flore. There’s also museums and the metro right there. Plus the free and inspiring Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can sit back on the cute little green chairs like a true local and watch the world go by. We stayed at Hotel du Danube on our friends’ recommendation and HIGHLY recommend it too! I’d never slept so well on a vacation.
Yes, A Boat Ride on the Seine is Worth Doing
Swimming in the Seine may be the once again new thing, but I’d rec staying on top of the water. I’ve done the dinner cruise. And it’s fine, though expensive and incredibly hard with people with food allergies or picky eaters. Instead, truly enjoy yourself with the final cruise of the night, timed perfectly as the lights on the Eiffel Tower start twinkling. The best way to avoid the crowds and delight in the experience is to take the journey from Pont Neuf instead of catching a cruise in front of the Eiffel. One, it’s closer to hotels, if you’re staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés as noted above. And two, the sunset from Pont Neuf looking up the river towards the Louvre and such cannot be beat. There’s a great little crêperie near by to grab a snack at too. Plus, this is way cheaper than a whole night on a river dinner cruise!
Don’t Skip Musée de Cluny
Musée de Cluny is excellent! And for some unknown reason it isn’t crowded. You can go for free on the Paris Museum Pass. It’s in the aforementioned 6th arrondissement, down the street from Shakespeare and Company (which, yes, you want to go to if you love books!!). And bonus, you can see the cool Roman baths ruins excavation that’s there too. Inside, they’ve got ancient artifacts dating back to Roman times, cool tapestries (including the famous unicorn one), stained glasses from Sainte-Chapelle, and more. There’s a cool little garden to walk through outside too. While you’re at it, don’t skip the Conciergerie or Sainte-Chapelle either, also both free with the Paris Museum Pass and they’re close by too.
Pre-Book Your Louvre Tickets & Take a Break on Their Rooftop Terrace Cafe
This seems so standard now that I can’t believe everyone doesn’t know it, but somehow people are skipping the booking of tickets to the Louvre. You’re not getting in without a pre-booked time and ticket. You can book for free online long before you get there and buy the Museum Pass. Just select that option on their website. It really couldn’t be easier. And while we’re talking about it, make sure you get in the correct line when you’re there. We lucked out and walked right on into the glass pyramid entrance with no wait. We smartly planned our day starting at the Musée de l’Orangerie right when it opened (yes, pre-book those timed tickets too!) This is another museum you don’t want to skip. You NEED to see those Monet waterlilies as they were meant to be seen! Then wonder through the free Tuileries (grab a coffee from the stand near the Bassin Octogonal and drink it while wondering around after the museum). Then grab lunch, then head for the Louvre. An after-lunch time slot worked out good for us. Make sure to take a break after a few hours in the Louvre. Their seemingly secret rooftop terrace of Café Mollien was super fun and had great views. You’re gonna need a water break and quick rest after two hours in the Louvre, then you’re ready for two more. Four hours is a good amount to plan on being there to see all the must-sees.
You Don’t Need a Bus Tour to/ of Versailles
Versailles is a must-visit for the palace and the gardens. It gets busy inside and can feel overwhelming with all the people shuffling through, but don’t dispair. Follow the signs and take your time. The Hall of Mirrors is too cool to skip. But often people skip all the outdoors stuff, which was possibly one of the most relaxing parts of our whole trip. Stop and smell the roses, literally! Wonder around to see all the fountains. These are incredible works of art and great to sit an ponder at. There’s also some pretty decent eateries with no reservations needed out in the gardens too. The first time I went here years ago, my sister and I booked a tour bus tour, thinking it would be hard to get out there on the train. But it’s not at all. Buy your timed tickets at Versailles (sensing a theme here?!), get on the train (its the RER C line to Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche). Then a few blocks walk through a cute little French town and et voilá, you’re there! And you’ve saved enough money to buy something cool at the gift shop and the garden ticket and probably more. Those tour buses are expensive and they limit your time. We didn’t know the first time we went and had to skip the gardens because of it. But I learned this time and am all the better for it, and now you know too!
I was ready to go back to Paris the second we left. There’s so much to experience and enjoy here. And the more I read about it, the more I can’t wait!
Travel Muse Magazine 
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