Even after 31 years, he continues to surprise me. This time we went out for our anniversary dinner, where I found out we were leaving the next day for a 10-day trip to Paris! The girls were in on the surprise so there was nothing little left to do but pack a bag, grab our passports, and get on the plane.
Paris is Paul’s favorite city, so we often find our way back. Having lived in Paris and visiting more than a dozen times, the city is interwoven into our family’s travel history like no other. After spending time there over the years, we’ve found a few favorites. We did them all.
Favorite area – We have stayed in many areas of the city, but our favorite is Montmarte. This is the neighborhood we chose to live in and remains one of the quaintest parts of Paris. The cobblestoned streets that weave up to Sacré-Coeur, lined with cafes and stores, is a setting we never tire of. The history of the area is enticing and some of the artist vibe still remains.
Our cozy and well-equipped apartment was in Montmarte, close to where we lived in Paris a few years ago. For so many reasons it is our favorite part of Paris. The cobblestone streets wind up and down the mountain, lined with the coziest shops and cafes. We did all of our favorite Parisian things.
Our favorite little pasta restaurant close to where we lived.
Favorite meal – The first time we started spending summers in Europe was in 2002. I’d never had mussels before, and tried them with some friends in a small town on the Mediterranean coast. Loved them. Since then I’ve eaten them all over the world. A lot of them. If a restaurant has them on the menu, that’s what I’ll have. My absolute favorite moules-frites can be found in a small unobtrusive restaurant across the street from the Saint Lazare train station. Every time we are in Paris I hold my breath that they haven’t closed down. So far, they never disappoint. And they are still the best I’ve ever had.
Favorite shopping – The Galaries Lafayette is more than a shopping experience, it’s a spectacle. The huge dome is always fantastically decorated, but never as much as during Christmas. From the snaps it’s impossible to understand the enormity of the dome and the tree in it.
Paul’s favorite – affordable, excellent wine choices are everywhere. For someone who loves French reds, it’s heaven. Here he is at our local grocery store, and the amount of choices are impressive.
Our favorite activity of the morning is going to the bakery. In Montmarte you’re always a short walk from spectacular French baking. There is no need to visit only one, so we spread the love around and tried many.
Paris is one of my favorite cities to walk. We don’t use a car when we visit Paris. The metro is excellent and we love to walk the streets to take in all the views.
Favorite museum – We have done all the art museums in Paris we can find. But the Musée de l’Orangerie has my two favorite rooms of Monet’s waterlilies. It’s not a large museum, but it’s my favorite. A close second would be the Musée Marmottan Monet, followed by the Musée d’Orsay.
Favorite market area – This is difficult to narrow down. When we lived in Paris, we made an effort to get to as many markets and vintage shopping areas as we could. But our favorite is the Marche aux Puces and the surrounding area of antique stores and vintage shops. We always find some treasure to tuck into our suitcase to take home.
Favorite season to visit Paris would be Christmas. The decorations are over the top, the seasonal markets are some of the best in the world, and there is an excited buzz in the city that’s contagious.
Favorite sights – So much of enjoying Paris are the little things you see everyday while you’re living there. Doggies, stunning architecture, famous cemeteries.
Favorite evening activity – taking a cruise on the Seine. We did it the first time we came to Paris, and have been doing it ever since. It just does not get old.
