{"id":24781,"date":"2020-07-21T09:29:13","date_gmt":"2020-07-21T13:29:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/?p=24781"},"modified":"2025-10-19T19:32:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T19:32:38","slug":"9-things-to-make-you-fall-hopelessly-in-love-with-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/9-things-to-make-you-fall-hopelessly-in-love-with-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things To Make You Fall Hopelessly in Love With Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a reason Paris is known as the City of Love. Everything \u2014 from its charming streets to ornate architecture, the caf\u00e9 culture to elaborate pastries \u2014 exudes a certain \u201cje ne sais quoi\u201d (that’s French for \u201cI don\u2019t know what,\u201d the perfect phrase to sum up something inexpressible). And all of it seems made to capture your heart yet keep you wanting more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s magic to be discovered around every corner here, but to start your love affair off on the right foot, here are nine things that will make you fall hopelessly in love with Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor Dining All Day, Every Day<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Le
Le Pave bistro in Cha\u0302telet (Photos by Kellie Paxian)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Day or night, rain or shine, winter or summer, the streets of Paris are buzzing with patio people \u201ctout le temps\u201d as they say in French, meaning \u201call the time.\u201d Parisian terraces are always filled with tourists sliding down their first taste of escargot or the sophisticated Parisian enjoying a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the best part is, outdoor dining provides a prime seat for Parisian people watching, which is absolutely a thing here. You can sit, sip or snack, and watch the world pass by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whimsical Gardens With Flowers and More<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Loungers
Loungers enjoying the fountain at the Jardin du Palais Royal, the grounds of a 17th-century palace<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In this bustling concrete metropolis, there are always places to stop and smell the flowers. The gardens of Paris breathe life into the city, and they are straight out of a fairytale. With romantic statues, colorful blooms, scenic landscaping, and sometimes a place, they’re the perfect place to spend an afternoon \u2014 or sometimes the whole day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the meticulously manicured Jardin des Tuileries<\/a>, and relax in one of the sage green chairs as you soak in the fountain views, pigeons fluttering about (hey, it’s Paris), and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Stop by the Jardin du Palais Royal, just a block over from the Metro stop for the Louvre. Or stroll through the grand and picturesque grounds of the Luxembourg Gardens, which some people say are the best in Paris<\/a>, but I’ll let you be the judge.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sitting on the green chairs at a fountain in Tuileries Garden, the oldest garden in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A bit farther afield, you can kick back on the grassy knolls of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or step into royalty in the nearly 2,000-acre estate of the Palace of Versailles<\/a>. And you can always pick up a bouquet at a florist shop \u2014 there are dozens \u2014 to bring some French floral beauty to your hotel room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip:<\/strong> Visit Parc de Sceaux in the springtime for cherry blossom paradise. This ch\u00e2teau estate is technically just outside Paris, but you can reach it within 20 minutes from the Paris Catacombs<\/a> by taking the RER train south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Seine River<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Banks
Banks of the River Seine, where people come to relax, drink wine, and enjoy the ambiance<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Winding through the heart of Paris is the Seine River, and with it comes an ambiance you can\u2019t help but fall in love with. This famous river flows past historic landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, and it also serves as a base for soaking up the perfect Parisian atmosphere when weather permits).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do as the locals do and grab a bottle of wine, head over to the banks during golden hour \u2014 when the sun starts to set and the river shines with a golden tint \u2014 and indulge in a bit of cheeky gossip with a friend, an impromptu dance, or just some poetic reflection on life and beauty. It\u2019s a great place to feel truly Parisian, if only for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Eiffel Tower Sparkling at Night<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Sunset over the Seine with the Eiffel Tower glittering in background<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you know anything about Paris, you\u2019ll know that the Eiffel Tower<\/a> is an icon of the city, but did you know that this architectural masterpiece actually comes alive at night?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To mark each hour, from sundown till 1 a.m. (or until 2 a.m. in summer), the tower becomes a glittering beacon for five minutes. You can soak in the captivating show from viewpoints such as Place du Trocad\u00e9ro, Champ de Mars, Pont Alexandre III, or various birds-eye views across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip: <\/strong>The best vantage point, in my opinion, is to catch a glimpse of the tower from one of the quieter side streets such as Rue St. Dominique, where you\u2019re more likely to find a quiet moment with the twinkling tower and you can get photos without the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fabulous French Cuisine<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Fresh pastries on display at a patisserie in the Latin Quarter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Paris serves up incredible international cuisine from some of the world’s best chefs, so don\u2019t even try to hold back from indulging in all the French delicacies you\u2019ve been drooling over. You don\u2019t need to dine at a five-star restaurant, either, to get a full taste of French flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ham and cheese cre\u0302pe on Rue Mouffetard in the lively Latin Quarter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Savor quintessential Paris with the cr\u00eape stands lining the streets,\u00a0patisseries\u00a0offering fresh and flaky\u00a0croissants and multi-colored macarons, and boulangeries\u00a0serving up the freshest baguettes of your dreams. Rue de Mouffetard, located in the Latin Quarter, has a selection of crepe stands that whip up delicious crepes for around \u20ac3. No matter if you go sweet (banana and nutella) or savory (ham and cheese), it\u2019s a tasty snack appropriate for any time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooftop Views<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Rooftop views and the shadow of the Eiffel Tower from its summit<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There is something simply romantic about the view of Parisian rooftops. A panoramic view of the winding streets, flower-decked terraces, and quaint chimneys across the staggered rooftops is a unique perspective that you won\u2019t find in every other city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where should you catch your rooftop view? You can always climb a monument. The Arc de Triomphe<\/a>, Eiffel Tower, and Montparnasse Tower are good places to start if you want to combine some history and architecture with your skyline view. Or hop on one of the city\u2019s rooftop bars such as Le Rooftop or Le Perchoir to sip as the sun goes down.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Rooftop views from Le Rooftop bar on the sixth floor of Peninsula Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There are free spots in the city for rooftop views, too. One of the best is the department store Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. Most people go for diverse shopping at all price points, but don\u2019t forget to pop up to the rooftop terrace on the seventh floor. You\u2019ll be met with a panoramic view of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parisian Artwork Everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Artwork for sale from vendors lining the Seine<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Paris houses some of the most famed works of art in the world. Art lovers can\u2019t miss seeing Mona Lisa herself at the Louvre, or the Impressionist masterpieces in the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay<\/a>, or the flashy contemporary art of the Centre Pompidou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But art in Paris spills outside the galleries right onto the pavement. Beyond the museums, there is free art to inspire any tourist. Relish the work that goes into the trendy and creative Paris street art scene, admire the artistic architecture<\/a> and embellished bridges, and take in the works of art made on the spot by vendors across the city. A hand-drawn sketch of your smile by a Parisian artist is the perfect souvenir of your trip \u2014 visit Montmartre<\/a> and you\u2019ll find plenty of vendors to choose from for a reasonable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quaint and Quiet Streets<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A quiet street in Saint-Germain-des-Pre\u0301s<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I\u2019m definitely not talking about the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es here, though that\u2019s fun to see, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a captivating type of silence found in the side streets of Paris. While the city\u2019s main streets of hubs such as Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Pr\u00e9s, and Le Marais<\/a> can be elbow-to-elbow with tourists, getting off the beaten path<\/a> can lead you through less frequented, historic and winding streets. Here, the pavement echoes with a calming hush, and this is where you can truly lose yourself in the heart of Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A scene from the streets of Paris with pedestrians, scooters, and shops<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Instead of taking the Metro, spend your days walking between the arrondissements and allow yourself to get lost. Discover the empty streets between the Place de l’Op\u00e9ra and Montmartre, or between H\u00f4tel des Invalides and the Eiffel Tower. I found a peaceful type of magic during my morning stroll from Rue de Mouffetard to the Jardin du Luxembourg. It\u2019s these side streets where you\u2019ll find regular Parisians going about their day (many with a baguette in hand) and take in the captivating silence of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sizzling Nightlife<\/h2>\n\n\n
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30-euro cocktails at Bar Hemingway in the Ritz Hotel, a historic spot for Paris nightlife hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The romance of Paris turns up as the sun goes down, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars for those looking to experience the nightlife of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sip your potion of choice on a terrace as you take in the scenes around you. You can grab a glass at a wine bar, such as Chez Georges, or head into neighborhood favorites like Le Mary Celeste or Le Mauri 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afterward, you might want to find your way into one of the city\u2019s speakeasies, such as Little Red Door or Moonshiner, or jazz clubs like 38 Riv or Le Baiser Sal\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nightlife connoisseur with a historical bent might want to visit an establishment such as Bar Hemingway, located in the 5-star hotel Ritz Paris on Place Vend\u00f4me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAu Revoir\u201d \u2014 Until We Meet Again<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Vanilla macaron at Ladure\u0301e, a world-renowned French luxury patisserie<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These are just a few of the reasons I\u2019ve fallen for with Paris, but I believe if you visit you will be sure to fall in love with it for your own reasons. The City of Love caters to all types of lovers \u2014 whether you love art, food, people, nature, or romance itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Paris is constantly evolving, there\u2019s always something new to discover and fall in love with. Just be sure to visit with an open heart, ready to embrace the romance arounds you, and you\u2019ll fall in love with Paris just like I have.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a reason Paris is known as the City of Love. Everything \u2014 from its charming streets to ornate architecture, the caf\u00e9 culture to elaborate pastries \u2014 exudes a certain \u201cje ne sais quoi\u201d (that’s French for \u201cI don\u2019t know what,\u201d the perfect phrase to sum up something inexpressible). And all of it seems made<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":24795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24781"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24781"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24781\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37992,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24781\/revisions\/37992"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}