paris overview

Paris is an art, fashion, and food mecca, in addition to being the most romantic city in the world. The city is flat, easy to navigate, and world-class landmarks are around every corner, including endless and unparalleled museums and parks to wander and picnic in. Paris offers just the right pace and scenery for living our best lives and reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed.

Luxembourg Gardens – are one of the most beautiful areas in all of Paris. Luxembourg Palace is located at the head of the gardens, and then there is a U-shaped walkway that showcases a series of statues dedicated to the Queens of France and famous women. The grounds are meticulously maintained and a peaceful retreat from an otherwise busy central Paris.

Louvre Museum – is both the largest and most visited art museum in the world. With over 38,000 pieces on display and tens of thousands of visitors each day, it is not possible to see everything. We suggest mapping out a few favorites ahead of time instead. Avoid the crowds by visiting on Wednesday and Friday evenings when the museum is open until 9:00 pm (21:00) or later.

Sacre Coeur – The famed Basilica is located at the top of Montmartre Hill and offers one of the best viewpoints of Paris. The surrounding streets of Montmartre are quiet and so quaint you will be tempted to take pictures at every street corner.

Orangerie Museum – is best known as the permanent home of eight large Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet, displayed along the walls of two oval-shaped rooms. They sit under direct diffused light as was originally intended by Monet. The museum also contains works by Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir, among others.

Pont Alexandre III – The bridge is the most ornate and extravagant bridge in the city and it connects Champs-Élysées with the Invalides Quarter and Eiffel Tower. Taking photos here around sunset with the Eiffel Tower in the background is highly recommended. 

Hotel Raphael – The Terrace rooftop bar is open from the months of April to September and is one of the best spots in the city to drink champagne and watch the Eiffel Tower light show. Treasure this moment – it will be how you will want to remember Paris!

Arc de Triomphe – is best enjoyed in the evening when the lights come on. Visitors can enjoy the view of the Arc from one of the many intersecting street corners or take a formal tour. Tours are offered until around 10 pm and include a stop at the Arc’s panoramic terrace. 

Notre-Dame de Paris – is one of the most visited monuments in all of Europe. Due to a roof fire in April 2019, the cathedral is expected to be closed for up to five years, however, we felt it deserved an honorable mention. It is still worthwhile to visit the surrounding area and is best viewed from nearby bridges, the walkway along the Seine.

Les Marais – is the hippest neighborhood in Paris and features trendy boutiques and galleries, streetside cafes, and the best plant-based food options in the city. It also has a much more local feel, as if the Parisians have kept this neighborhood to themselves.

bottom line

The French put an emphasis on living well – they eat, drink, converse enthusiastically, and have no problem with public displays of affection. We could spend weeks in Paris exploring its neighborhoods, surviving on nothing other than espresso, croissants, and wine. If you have some extra time in Paris, consider making a day trip to Versailles, enjoying other museums such as Musee d’Orsay or Centre de Pompidou, the gardens of Place de Vosges, or just spend your afternoons sampling different sidewalk cafes. There is endless enjoyment to be found here and the Parisians know how to live well. We would all be wise to follow their lead.