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Paris Guide from A to Z


A –  Arc de Triumph. Climb to the top for the best view of the city. It is worth the climb for the breathtaking view from La Defense to the Eiffel Tower. Arrive a little early before sunset to get a great spot to watch the sunset on the city of lights.


B – Boulangerie. Our favorite is located at 28 Beaumarchais in the Bastille. Grab a baguette and make a picnic in Place de Vosges just a quick 5 minutes by foot.  


C –  CitĆ© metro stop on Ǝle de la CitĆ© is closest to Notre Dame. We love this stop for the unique architecture and the old fashion street lights. This may just be our favorite metro stop in Paris.


D –  The MusĆ©e dā€™Orsay is located on the left bank across from the Louvre. Donā€™t miss this converted train station turned museum for its beautiful collection of French Impressionism. We love the clock located on the stop floor giving a great view of the city all the way to Montmartre.


E – Ɖtienne Marcel ā€“ Not far from the Louvre is the Ɖtienne Marcel, which is the closest metro to our favorite food street in Paris, Rue Montorgueil. You can meet friends for happy hour, grab a baguette, wine, cheese, or a pastry at the famous Stroher (a patisserie with the best chocolate Ć©clair in Paris).


F ā€“ CafĆ© de Flore located on St. Germain is great for a cafĆ© crĆØme or glass of wine. We have spotted Karl Lagerfeld here a few times. We love to sit outside even in the winter months for great people watching.


G –  Galleries Lafayette – This department store located close to the opera has everything you could imagine when it comes to French brands under one roof. The beautiful stained glass ceiling is a must see! 


H – HĆ“tel de Ville ā€“ In the winter you can ice skate in front of HĆ“tel de Ville and you can also ride the carousel just outside. There are some great exhibitions year-round so if you are visiting Paris check the schedule.


I – Ǝle St Louis, the small but adorable island just off of Ǝl de la CitĆ© is known for the best ice cream in the city, Berthillon. Arrive on the week days to avoid the long lines and full streets. Grab breakfast or a glass of wine at cafĆ© St. Regis for a view of the sunset.


J – Jardin du Luxembourg ā€“ This garden is beautiful for an afternoon with friends, a picnic, or to catch up on your reading. We love the autumn here for the beautiful potted plants and changing of the leaves is the perfect backdrop for romance.


K – CafĆ© KitsunĆ© ā€“ Located in Palais Royal grab a cup of coffee to stay or to go. Stroll around the beautiful gardens and people watch. They just finished a lengthy renovation to the area and it’s much quieter than the nearby Tuileries.

L – Louvre. The world’s largest museum and historical monument is located in the center of Paris. The museum is home to the Mona Lisa and Napoleon’s apartment among many other famous sculptures, paintings and drawings. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. We love the Tuileries just in front of the Louvre for picnics and garden walks .


M – Montmartre. The 18th arrondissement known as Montmartre, is filled with history and charm. It’s a bit away from the center of the city but is worth the visit. There are so many great cafĆ©s and shops moving into this area making it even better than before. Donā€™t miss out on Rue des Abbesses for people watching and hike up to Montmartre for a breathtaking view of the city. 


N – Notre Dame ā€“ Located on Il de la CitĆ© it’s a part of Paris that canā€™t be missed. In the Spring months there are dozens of trees filled with the perfect pink cherry blossoms. If you arrive in April you wonā€™t want to miss this.


O – OpĆ©ra Garnier – in the center of Paris lies the most famous opera house. If you have the chance to stop by and visit don’t miss the Grand Staircase and the Grand Foyer. Check the schedule you might be able to book tickets to see the Opera or Ballet while in Paris.  


P –  Palais Royal ā€“ In the summer months the jardin du palais royal is filled with roses and is the perfect place to have a picnic or people watch in the center of Paris. Once of our favorite places to stay Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is just minutes away and offers a birdā€™s eye view of the gardens. 


Q –  Rue Quincampoix – a tiny street in the 4th arrondissement in Paris, just steps away from the Pompidou but is not crowded with tourists. 

R – Rodin Museum ā€“ The museum just finished a lengthy renovation and reopened in 2015. Donā€™t miss the staircase in the center of the museum and a stroll through the gardens for some of the best views and sculptures. 


S – Shakespeare and Company ā€“ located just opposite of Notre Dame the English bookshop has become a center and resource for expats in Paris. Donā€™t miss the upstairs for older books and a room with a piano. One many occasions you can hear different visitors testing out the piano with an impromptu concert. 


T – Tour Eiffel ā€“ One of most recognized parts of Paris, no doubt is the Eiffel tower. Plan to make a visit to the top or view it from the popular vantage point, the trocadero. Arrive at sunrise to see a magical view and avoid the tourists and crowds. Sunset is also stunning but you will have to fight your way through the visitors. Every hour on the hour after sunset the tower sparkles like a glass of champagne for 5 minutes. It is stunning!


U – Under the Seine ā€“ You can stroll along the Seine without cars on Sundays and experience Paris from a different perspective. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset or go for a bike ride. 


V – Versailles. Just a quick train ride away from Paris you can make a day trip to Versailles. Preorder tickets online to avoid the long wait times. Don’t miss out on the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens of Versailles. In the Summer months you can picnic or bike ride through the gardens. 


W –  Walk through many of the parks in Paris and you will hear kids laughing, birds chirping, and fountains splashing. One of our favorites and less touristy is located in the 8th arrondisement called Parc Monceau. 


X – Saint FranƧois Xavier – metro in Paris will take you close to the Rodin museum and Coutume cafĆ© for a great cup of coffee.

Y – Yves St. Laurent ā€“ The famous French fashion designer is regarded as one of the greatest fashion designers in history. At the young age of 21, Saint Laurent was the head of the house of Dior. 

Z –  Zelda Fitzgerald – “She quietly expected great things to happen to her, and no doubt that’s one of the reasons they did.” 

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  1. Great post! A lot of work went into it. The photo under the bridge is inticing if that’s the right word… I want to walk there!

    • Hi Kelly,

      The photo by the bridge is the perfect spot for a picnic! I usually pick up sweets at eric kayser before walking down to the seine!

    • You are so sweet! Thank you! It was a lot of fun to put together. I would love it if you came to Paris alongside me one day. We would have so much fun!