In 2016, I cried on the train to Paris just thinking about the fact that my dreams were about to materialize. Would the magic that pulsated throughout novels by our literary greats be as palpable as I’d imagined? I’d hoped? In short, the answer is a resounding yes.
The long answer is that Paris takes a moment to sink in. A lot of tourists struggle to “get” Paris, immediately condemning Parisians as “rude” for their straightforwardness or trying to pack in three museum visits in one day (don’t do it!). Paris is a big city, with an overwhelming amount of must-sees and must-dos. Being back in Paris earlier this month, my second visit, I felt like I could breathe a little; really savor my time, and I’m coming away with one big piece of advice: relax in Paris. Spend an afternoon people watching with a glass of wine on a terrasse. Spontaneously decide to metro to the Eiffel Tower at night just to watch it sparkle. Don’t try to pack it all in.
This map-based guide makes it a little easier to find the kind of places worthy of an afternoon without feeling like you’re adding to your list. The idea is that you base your day around an activity - let’s say a visit to the Louvre or a dinner reservation in Montmartre - and while you’re in the area, or on your way over there, open up the map and see what’s around you.
Most travelers will recommend just wandering around Paris, and I wholeheartedly agree that this is the best way to feel Paris’ pulse. But I also think it’s very easy to pass by unsuspecting coffeeshops or an atelier worth popping into. There are boulangeries on every corner, but you’d be sad to miss the best pastries in France because you weren’t sure where to look, no?
click here to view and save to your Google Maps: RACHEL’S PARIS
It’s worth noting that this is primarily a list of dining experiences. I’ve left out a fair share of museums and parks. Whatever you plan to do, rest assured there’s probably a really good restaurant, coffeeshop or patisserie nearby you can discover via this list.
Resources
Many of these places saved were recommendations from friends, saved Instagram posts, or notes I’d taken from various sources. I read both of Lindsey Tramuta’s brilliant books, The New Paris and The New Parisienne, which recommended many of the places I’ve included in the Google Maps guide. Some of them I’ve saved for my next trip, others Kat and I went to while we were over there - needless to say, I just trust her. Another book I loved and gathered plenty of recommendations from is Paris By Design by Eva Jorgensen. The book is for people who have an appreciation for aesthetics and creativity. It was an inspiring read, and made me want to hop right back on a plane to France. Lastly, and gratefully, I’d saved several recommendations from French native Melanie Masarin, founder of buzzy non-alcoholic apertif Ghia. Every place we went to that she recommended was amazing!