Today Starts my 10 day count down. So I decided to have various Top 10 lists. The first is my "top 10 Must Do". I've visited most sites and museums. And I have to say, they are ALL worth seeing. This list is based on my favorite activities and things to do most of which cost little to nothing! The best way to enjoy Paris is to live as a Parisian!
10. Watch a French Flick at the Cinema:
Now, I don't mean watch an American film with french voices over dubbed, which I find a bit strange! Even if you can't understand french, this something worth doing. French film is a genre in itself and definitely expresses the sentiment and humor of the french.
9. Picnic in St. Cloud:
Just on the outskirts of Paris is Parc St. Cloud. It's a popular spot for Parisians to sunbathe and have a refuge from the city on nice spring/summer days. It's not the easiest to get to if you don't have access to a car, but you can find a bus line to drop you from a nearby metro station in the Billancourt/Boulogne area. There is endless open grasslands, majestic views of Paris and canopied tree areas. I suggest heading to a market and grabbing some wine, olives, bread, cheese & saucisson for a nice french picnic.
8. Window Shop:
If you can't afford Paris prices, you can afford to window shop. Store displays in Paris are like works of art! You want to buy everything straight off the mannequin. Pick an area like St. Germain, Les Halles or Le Marias, a street like Faubourgh St. Honoré or Victor Hugo, or head into a famous store/mall like Galleries Lafayette, Bon Marché & Printemps. Of course there is always the famous Champs Elysses. I always get this song in my head "Oh, Champs Elysses...Oh, Champs Elysses..." Maybe you won't buy items but you can certainly get ideas for your next shopping excursion in the States or elsewhere.
7. Check out Paris Parks and Gardens:There are parks and gardens all throughout Paris. Check out the main one's like The Tulleries, Jardin du Luxembourg & Parc Monceau. Of course, Versailles on the outskirts of Paris has the most spectacular gardens! Expect them to be crowded on weekends and sunny days. Make time to stop and people watch, grab a bite or see the museums or special exhibit.
6. Check out the Markets:
There are tons Open air Markets throughout Paris. Some markets are open all week (excluding Sundays and sometimes Mondays). These kinds of markets will close for 2 hours from 12-2 usually and expect shop owners to start closing up at 7:30 and hurry shoppers out by 8. You can find a market like this in just about every area. Then there are flea markets like
"Les Puces" near Porte de Clignancourt open Friday - Sunday, where you can find everything from clothes, accessories & antiques. My favorite are the weekend markets. These are open usually just on Saturday& Sunday from sunrise to about 3 only and have a little bit of everything. It can be quite an eye opening and french experience to get up close and personal with favorite french delicacies. All the food at the weekend markets are from french farmers. I always feel like I'm in a movie when I go to these markets. You can find more info by just googling Paris Markets.
2. Museum Night & Nuit Blanche:
Paris has a ton of special events all year, especially Spring through Fall. If you look up Pariscope or at the posters all around the city, you can get an idea of what's happening. Museum Night is usually in May and Nuit Blanche sometime in early Fall. Both are a great way to explore Paris by night. For Museum night, entrance is FREE after 8pm! You can find a list of participating museums throughout France. I suggest setting up a plan in advance to try and make the most of the night. The major hot spots like the Louvre will have a waiting line and closing times vary from 11pm-1am. Nuit Blanche showcases current artists throughout the city. Again, streets will be crowded, lines long and some groups rowdy, but it's free and totally worth the experience!
4. Visit a Fromagerie:
At first, just the idea of walking into a shop filled with french cheeses was overwhelming. It was hard enough going to an open air fromagerie, but shopping for cheese in a closed environment seemed impossible. But be open minded! The stinkiest cheeses are often the tastiest, but I suggest in small doses. Yes, the smell will overwhelm you, so make your visit quick. Ask the shop keepers for a recommendations. If you can't, then stick to fromage chevre, camembert, rochefert or reblochon which are all staples. OR find a wine and cheese restaurant and they will do the work for you. This is hard to imagine, but now I LOVE the smell of a Fromagerie! It made Joe very proud to hear me say that. I am a reformed American!! Basically, TRY THE CHEESE!
3. Eat a Crepe in Montmarte: Sacre Coeur is the highest point in Paris. And just behind it you have narrow winding streets with restaurants, shops and street artists. The first place Joe ever took me to in Paris and it left quite an impression. With the city view in front and Sacre Coeur just behind you, you have the most amazing view of Paris. Sometimes you even have entertainment. It's beautiful in the day and night. I suggest grabbing a crepe and enjoying it while you look at the city.
5. Take an evening Stroll:
Walking around Paris day or night is breath taking. I don't care how many times you come to Paris, it never gets boring. And Paris weather is pretty mild all year, so there is always a good time to take a stroll. It's the city of lights which, obviously, you can only appreciate at night. The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour after 8 or 9 until 12am. Etoil is lit up. Notre Dame is even grander at night. The Louvre lights up like an egyptian pyramid. And if you walk along the Seine you see a reflection of the city in the water. Paris by night soothes the soul.
Try it all!! Be adventurous! I stuck to the staples before moving to France. Eating things like duck, coque, fois gras, rabbit and stinky cheese NEVER crossed my mind. But food here is fresh and usually local from France, especially the meats. France is a lush country. Every region has it's specialty. Paris being the capital has access to all these treats. Even the Italian food is worth trying! If you get a chance to get out of Paris, go to the Normandy area and eat the freshest seafood with some calvados. Or head to the Alps for delicious saucisson and fromage. If your not into meats and cheese, then eat as many pastries and desserts as you can! Head to the markets and stores if you can't afford the restaurants and try your hand at french cooking. Food is like an art here and often as good as it looks. So what if you put on a couple of kilos! Trust me, it will be worth it.
9. Picnic in St. Cloud: 
7. Check out Paris Parks and Gardens:
Try it all!! Be adventurous! I stuck to the staples before moving to France. Eating things like duck, coque, fois gras, rabbit and stinky cheese NEVER crossed my mind. But food here is fresh and usually local from France, especially the meats. France is a lush country. Every region has it's specialty. Paris being the capital has access to all these treats. Even the Italian food is worth trying! If you get a chance to get out of Paris, go to the Normandy area and eat the freshest seafood with some calvados. Or head to the Alps for delicious saucisson and fromage. If your not into meats and cheese, then eat as many pastries and desserts as you can! Head to the markets and stores if you can't afford the restaurants and try your hand at french cooking. Food is like an art here and often as good as it looks. So what if you put on a couple of kilos! Trust me, it will be worth it.
