Things to do in Paris

Paris is a city with endless sights to see, and often times too much to take in on one visit.  Having visited Paris more times than I can count, I have listed a few of my favourite activities that will give you a taste of the Paris I have come to know and love…

Take a walk along the Left Bank to see the Bouquinistes

The Bouquinistes are the booksellers and literary antiquarians that sell their wares from wooden boxes along the left bank of the Seine River in Paris.  Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this stretch of the river and the unique book boxes are an important part of Paris’s literary history.

Have a coffee at Place de la Contrescarpe

Place de la Contrescarpe is a delightful square full of cafés that sits between the Pantheon and the oldest street in Paris, Rue Mouffetard in the 5^th Arrondissement.  Before venturing down Mouffetard, stop in Place de la Contrescarpe for a coffee at one of the many cafés; and watch the world go by.  People-watching is one of the simple pleasures enjoyed in Paris, as illustrated by the outward facing chairs in the bars and restaurants.

See Notre Dame by night

Most people queue for ages to head inside Notre Dame Cathedral on the edge of the River Seine, and yes, it is something I recommend seeing.  However, I also recommend taking a walk around Notre Dame at night.  The façade and famous ‘flying buttresses’ (the external support system) are well-lit at night and there is something magical about seeing her grandeur at night.

Walk along the Promenade Plantée

Similar to New York’s High Line, Paris’s Promenade Plantée or Coulée verte René-Dumont, is an elevated green course built on the old Vincennes railway line.  Inaugurated in 1993, it was the only elevated park in the world until the High Line was created.  At 2.9 miles long, this walkway affords spectacular views of the 12^th Arrondissement and lets you see Paris from a different angle.

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