Why Paris?

Lifestyle

Jun 7

When I would tell people that my husband and I bought an apartment in Paris,
they would inevitably ask me “ Why PARIS?”.

Our Parisian apartment in the 17th arrondissement.

Paris is one of those cities that has it all; history, culture, fashion and beauty. It is the kind of city where even if you know all the off-the-beaten-path places to visit, you can still find a hidden gem right around the corner. It is an endless exploration. It continuously reveals itself to you the more time you linger and enjoy just being in the city. Paris is a city that focuses on just being or as the French say, the “être”.. Parisians exist in the present while drawing from their deep and interesting past. It has that “je ne sais quoi” factor that cannot be explained. Like a dream, the magic is in the experience.

Paris is a city that has my heart, and so I have compiled the following 5 reasons why you need to experience this amazing city too.

I. The French Art de Vivre or “way of living”.

The French are masters at being in the moment and living and experiencing life like no other. The French lifestyle is all about enjoying the best moments in life, whether it’s through socializing and enjoying café culture, French cuisine, the arts, or the numerous parks, it’s all about living in the present.
Paris is the perfect city to slow down and to just “be”. The French lifestyle lies in the “être”, meaning living in the present moment and finding contentment in the simplicity and the small moments of life. This attitude definitely inspires and encourages you to focus on what is around you.

How to enjoy Paris like a Parisienne:

Be a Flâneur and walk everywhere
Take long leisurely lunches
Sit and enjoy one of the many parks
Slow down and enjoy the small things
Take a picnic on the banks of the Seine

II. You are surrounded by beauty

There are not many cities in the world as beautiful as Paris. From the monuments to the museums and the details on the buildings themselves, Paris is beautiful. The breathtaking architecture of the classical Haussmannian buildings sets a backdrop like no other the city. Walking through Paris is a feast for the eyes. Even the store owners take time to create a visual experience for their customers. The colorful doors of Paris, historical buildings and the gilded bridges over the Seine make this city one of a kind to experience.

See more photos of Paris

III. Historical Landmarks

Paris is a city **full of historical landmarks** and the French work hard at maintaining them so they can be enjoyed for years to come.
Paris is **full of things to se**e and do, and no curious traveler will run out of hidden gems to discover.
Everyone knows to visit the **Eiffel Tower** and the **Louvre**, but branch out and experience some of the many other cultural experiences Paris has to offer.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I. Palais Garnier

Also known as L' Opéra, and home to the Paris ballet, this building itself has one of the most beautiful interiors in Paris. It is gilded in gold, hosts a grand winding staircase, and features an incredible dome ceiling painted by Chagall. You can book tours to see the interior, or better yet, see a performance by the Paris Ballet or Opéra. Often last minute tickets can be purchased at the box office on the day of a performance.

II. The Petit Palais

This free museum is not to be missed. It is a small museum and easy to cover in a couple of hours, it has an amazing range of art, and the interiors themselves are worth stopping in for. Don't forget to go to the stunning garden courtyard and have a bite to eat at the tea room.

III. Hôtel de la Marine

Located on the Place de Concorde, the newly opened Hôtel de la Marine is a must see while visiting Paris.

This building was built in the mid-18th century and until 1778, the palace housed the royal department that managed the royal furnishings. Under Napoleon’s rule it became the Navy Ministry’s headquarters until 2015 when it underwent a major restoration to bring it back to its original state. The building’s interior now rivals parts of Versailles. Gilded in gold, with amazing views of Place de Concorde and the Eiffel Tower, this part of Parisian history is definitely worth experiencing.

Book tickets online

For more historical landmarks I recommend check out
The Essential Guide to Seeing Paris like a Parisienne

IV. Paris has the best shopping

For centuries people have flocked to Paris to shop the **newest fashion trends and luxury items.** Paris today is no different. It is **globally renowned for its fashion culture and shopping experiences.** From **luxury goods to vintage finds** at the ***Brocante***, Paris is a shopping experience like no other.
You can stroll along the ***Champs Elysées*** for every major international brand you may want to find. But meander off to the ***Bon Marché***, ***Printemps Haussmann***, ***Samarataine*** or ***Le BHV*** for a traditional French department store experience.
The ***Marais*** is one of the **best shopping districts in the city**. Wander the **labyrinthine streets**, dotted with **medieval buildings** and you will find a **mix of luxury brands, cutting edge local designers and vintage shops**. Make sure to stop in at *Sezane, Diptyque, Nose* and *Merci* while you are there.
Find time to explore **Avenue Montaigne, Rue Montorgueil,** and **Rue St Honoré** as well. Each has a different **mix of stores and hidden gems to discover.**

V. French Cuisine

Probably the number one reason to visit Paris is the food. French cuisine has earned itself a place on the list of the best cuisines of the world. They have even invented the prestigious Michelin star rating system that rates restaurants all over the world. The French pride themselves on the quality of their food production and they even teach their children “gastronomy” in schools with a lunch menu that rivals most restaurants. Good food and the experience of enjoying a meal is paramount to their culture.

You do not have to eat at a Michelin star restaurant to experience the quality of French cuisine. Most restaurants in the city will offer the French classics. Make sure to try Steak frites, Le Burger (not your normal hamburger), Bouillabaisse, a fish and seafood stew, Boeuf bourguignon, a duck or lamb dish cooked to perfection with pommes dauphine (cheesy potatoes). Délicieux!
Of course you can’t miss out on the boulangeries with their fresh pastries and baguettes, the wine “cave” in every neighborhood offering top French wines, and of course the French’s love of decadent desserts! The list of good food choices is endless.

Paris is also home to cultures from all around the world and has some fantastic “non-French” food as well. There is no shortage of places to eat well in Paris!

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants:

Fan Fan
A not too pricey Michelin star restaurant hidden in the 17th.
fanfanlarome.com
On the Bab
Korean street food with the best Bao Buns and Korean fried chicken
onthebab.com
Les Gourmet des Ternes
Classic French food with all the ambience of an old style Parisian restaurant. Make sure to have the “Pièce de Boeuf”.
lesgourmetsdesternes.com
Brasserie des Prés
Set away from the busyness of St.Germain in a quiet alleyway, this cute café offers traditional French cuisine in an adorable setting. Make sure to check out the top floor cocktail bar for a funky vibe and great drinks.
brasserie-des-pres