Best memories of Paris

Wow, there are so many great things about Paris, i don't know where to start. It's a beautiful city and like being in another world. I think if I had to chose what impressed me most the first time, it would be the amazing amount of art in all the museums, the Eiffel Tower, and the cafe culture-- oh and the shopping!

When we were there this summer (also for the first time) I LOVED strolling around Notre Dame at night and along the waterside. I also ended up really enjoying going up the Eiffel Tower (I was totally resistant to doing such a touristy thing) and hanging out up there for the sunset. The views were beautiful and inspiring. Afterwards we walked over to the Trocador and spent some time there watching the Tower sparkle at night. It was so relaxing and pretty. We had a fantastic and unique dinner through eatwith.com with the chef Jean Yves. It was pricey but totally worth it. We also really enjoyed going to Giverny (we rode bikes to his gardens and picnicked by the river along the way). We also greatly enjoyed our tours with Paris Walks and Art Journeys of Paris. If I could change anything I would have skipped the Catacombs- overpriced, long wait for a very short tour, and rather dull in my opinion. I could have also skipped the canal cruise. It wasn't bad, but compared to everything else, wasn't a "must-do" for me. Have a great trip!!

Best memories/Do again every trip -- Seine boat ride; Notre Dame windows; walking along the Seine and across bridges at night
Do again (not necessarily every trip) -- Louvre (different parts); Monet waterlilies at Orangerie; Marmatton; Paris Greeters walk; free view from top of Galleries Lafayette; Versailles
On the list for next trip -- Vaux le Vicomte;

I love the Eiffel Tower but only to look at; it isn't worth going to the top.

Two or three hours in the the d'Orsay Museum viewing the works of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, Gauguin, Cézanne, Degas.

Any walking tour especially taking the funicular up to Montmartre and witnessing the service in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

I love the convenience and quality of the Marks and Spencer food stores. (Leisurely French meals don't always work with a schedule). Also there is good fast food in the Jewish quarter of the Marais district and having a crepe there is a nice cultural experience.

Many cell phone plans now work in Europe thus allowing you to use google maps. Check your provider's web site before you go.

A week sounds like a long time, but there are tons of great things to see and do in Paris, and the days will fly by. Plan carefully. I don't mean day-by-day itineraries. I go through the long list of sights and choose the ones that sound most interesting to me. Then I group them by arrondissement (the last 2 digits of their zip codes, so it's easy). That gives me a general itinerary for a day.

Paris Walks has a very good itinerary and most of the guides are excellent. Fat Tire Bikes offers bike and Segway tours that cover a lot of ground, so one of their city tours is a good way to get an overview. For a "back-door" experience, make a date with a Paris Greeter.

My favorite thing to do in Paris is walk, whether it's exploring little side streets, strolling a boulevard (avoid the Champs Elysees), walking along the Seine, especially early morning before the crowds and late evening, when the buildings, monuments and bridges are floodlit.

Avoid memory overload . . . take lots of photos, keep a detailed journal . . . and lastly remember that you'll never have time to do everything, rather to enjoy everything you do.

Sometimes it's the little things:

Last May (2016) my wife and I spent a week in Paris, running around to "all the sights" and all that.

Our favorite memory: One sunny morning we got up a little early and headed to just east of Notre Dame. We made our way down to the quays starting at Pont de la Tournelle and just took our time strolling back toward and past Notre Dame. The low morning sun on the back of Notre Dame was beautiful and it was very peaceful down below the bustling streets. Just a few joggers here and there to share the space with. We eventually made our way to Les Deux Magots and, since it was still fairly early, we pulled up a table and enjoyed some venoiserie, hot chocolate and sunshine.

We went back to Paris for a week last September and again my favorite memory is an early morning "time out" moment. We stopped in at Gerard Mulot on rue de Seine for some tasty treats, planning to enjoy them at Square Rene Viviani. But that little parked was closed so we crossed over to Notre Dame, pulled up a bench at Square Jean XXIII, and enjoyed our feast. It had rained and was still cloudy but it was so peaceful. The line at the front of the cathedral was already quite long but we had the back pretty much to ourselves. Precious.

Paris is such a great city, with so much to see and do. And it's all great. But I'd say definitely leave time for little personal memories -- getting up early (or staying up late if that's your thing), strolling a new neighborhood, taking a time out for a leisurely meander through Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin des Plantes, savoring an outdoor table at a cafe.

We spent 2 weeks in Paris late in October 2016 and perhaps tourists were especially appreciated as tourism probably hadn't fully recovered from the awful event the previous November. I discovered so many friendly, helpful people and the myth of the disdainful Parisians was destroyed for me. I learned that attempts to use French and proper greetings seemed to establish rapport almost universally and an added smile helped even more. I imagined how I would feel working at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan and being expected to converse well in another language on demand. It's rather insulting isn't it? My favorite memories include a chef who liked my attempts to order in French and proceeded to coach me through an entire conversation. That happened with so many people....I loved hearing "here is where you say ________". Those mini-lessons really stuck with me. It helps to be a cheerful, smiling and loquacious type of guy as well. And....of course people will be frowning when they are packed like sardines in the metro at 9 A.M. Monday morning. I never smiled much on my commutes Monday mornings either. Most importantly, as an artist and an art historian , the value of my time spent at the Orsay is inestimable. I love returning and discovering a masterpiece that had been out on loan has been returned to display! I will return to see the new Bonnard, Vuillard and Nabi collections as they are added to display.

We went out really early one morning from our hotel, looking for a cafe that would be open at such an hour. There was no one around and even the three homeless guys who bedded down every night under an overhang, were still asleep. We came upon a small park near Place de la Republique and there stood a very tall black man, all alone, wearing a bright pink cowboy hat, singing his heart out, as if on a stage. A charming moment.

Thank you for starting this thread, Susan. More and more, I'm thinking I would love to go to Paris next October for a week or so during the occasion of our 25th anniversary. It would be our first time there.

LOL... I'm already planning NEXT year's trip, when we haven't even gone on THIS year's yet! Seven weeks from today we fly to Barcelona. :-)

Cheers,
Vivian

My husband and I spent a week in Paris in February to celebrate our 15 year anniversary. My favorite moment was seeing the gargoyles up close on the Notre Dame bell tower climb. I also really enjoyed climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and walking around Pere Lachaise cemetery.

Susan, note a lot of people are saying don't miss Paris at night. Pick a famous site (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, etc.) & see it lit at night. Take a nighttime Seine boat cruise. Walk the quays at night. Off the beaten path at night: rue Montorgueil (2nd arr.) is lively with more French than tourists especially if the evening is nice; the "backside" of Montmartre (behind Sacre Coeur basilica) with the steps & lamps you've seen in movies. It is why Paris is known as "the City of Lights"! Bon voyage!

There are so many opportunities for "little surprises" in Paris. One time we were walking along the Seine on the Left Bank when a parade of soldiers in dress uniforms and on horseback rode by - totally unexpected.

I love to look down side streets as I walk along. There is always something interesting to see. Each street in Paris has its own personality. Walk over another block or two and it is like being in a different village. Look up to see flowers overflowing window boxes, wall art on buildings, original street signs, and other surprises. And the doors! Some are plain, but many are works of art.

One of my favorite memories is when we bought "original" art from a woman near the Eiffel Tower. She claimed her father painted them. They were only about 40 Francs (about $10 at the time), so we each bought one of the Paris scenes. When we got back to the hotel and took a good look at them, we saw that they were prints that someone (her father?) had embellished with some white and gold paint. We got a good laugh out of it - didn't feel cheated at all. They hang in our hall where they are a memory of a wonderful trip and a reminder of "you get what you pay for".

Enjoy your first trip to Paris. Remember that you won't be able to see it all - you will come back! And, keep in mind that so much of Paris is not the big sights, but the ambience. Leave time for cafe sitting and strolling to get the most out of your Paris experience.

Oh my -- I woke up this morning to such wonderful posts! We are staying in the 14th Arr in an apartment - very close to Rue Daguerre market street. Thank you for sharing your memories. Keep them coming !!

We have been to Paris three times for 9 days, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks and we have had experiences similar to Carolyn's. On our first visit to Paris we were near the Eiffel Tower at night. I knew the lights flickered on and off every half hour but had forgotten. Then we heard a young woman scream and looked at her fearing the worst. But she was pointing up at the tower as the lights flickered, making the evening perfect for my husband and myself. On a February day we were walking between sights when we heard Brazilian music (my husband is from Brazil). It was a carnaval parade! Our plans immediately changed and we followed the music for a few blocks, dancing a bit, before picking up with our plans. Another day we were resting behind Notre Dame when we saw people running towards the street. We saw what looked like hats bobbing up and down so, of course, we ran there too (as fast as we early 70s can run). It was the Republican Guard Cavalry in full regalia on their horses, parading by as they practiced for a future ceremony. Another time we were at the Arc de Triomphe in the evening when we saw people, some in uniform, gathering. We were not aware that each evening there is a ceremony rekindling the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans from the war, and yes they were very old, as well as civilians representing veterans organizations from different towns laid a wreath at the Tomb and rekindled the eternal flame. During the ceremony they sang the Marseillaise. A touching reminder of how some countries honor their veterans. It was really a special experience, especially since my father served in the US Army and was in at the end of the war.

On a lighter note, several times we have looked through gates into beautiful courtyards or the backs of churches only to have a resident returning home or back to work invite us in to see them up close.

It seems that 'best memories' often come unexpectedly and that you can't force them to happen; you just have to be open to them.

The last day of my last trip, I had planned on visiting Vieux-le-Vicomte (sic). I could not sort out which train to take, and had my first and only experience with the stereotypical rude, unhelpful Parisians. Giving up that idea, I pondered my options over a lovely croissant and coffe. Then decided to Vélib' bike to Pere LaChaise, where I found an outdoor antiques market. I spent a good hour going through all of the fascinating knock-knacks, and walked away with an oversize book of Chanel photo prints. That's Paris to me, so many things to see and do.

A nice surprise was discovering the view from across the river from the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadéro Gardens.

I remember my first trip walking to a bridge over the seine and seeing Norte Dame in the distance. It hit me I was really in Paris . I am heading back for my third trip this Christmas

My wedding, 10 years ago this September!! First the civil ceremony in the mairie of the 4th arrondissement (where the arrondissement's mayor made some not-very-successful allusions to my husband's Italian wine knowledge -- he worked at an Italian wine bar in the 4th where she was a regular client -- I kept waiting for her to make these comments into some kind of allegory about love or marriage, but nope, that's all there was), then in the late afternoon, the religious ceremony at an Italian church in the 8th (in the part of the 8th near the Seine), and then the reception and dinner in an hotel particulier further in the 8th -- building with a beautiful, expansive garden and exceptional interiors. It had been rainy and cool, a real bummer of a summer, but that mid-September day was glorious, sunny and perfect. My husband worked with the chef to create the menu and do the wine pairings. Being with our family and friends who came from the States, the UK, and Italy but also a couple of them who came all the way from Afghanistan and Sudan, and sharing that beautiful day!!

Thank you for this thread. We are going to be in Paris for the first time in just under a month, and we'll be there for 6 days, and so looking forward to the adventure.

It was mid September 2008. One of those wonderful sunny Fall days. My husband and I were out for a stroll. We stopped by a restaurant across from the Luxembourg Gardens. We secured an outdoor table . For the next 2 hours,in the filtered sunlight, we ate a leisurely lunch, drank a bottle of wine, and toasted the wonderfulness of the day, and of Paris. The scene was so lovely, students, couples, old & young, dogs, tourists, locals. We talked and laughed and made up stories about the people we observed. It was magical.

My husband has since passed away, but I will always treasure that day in Paris.

3 years ago I was in Paris for my first time, middle of October. Stayed at a nice hotel in the Latin Quarter just around the corner from Saint Michel fountain, I wanted to be centrally located near sites & transportation & St. Michel Metro/RER stop was the perfect spot for me. I enjoyed the city very much that I knew I would be back in 2 years and I was. For my trip last year, May/June, I wanted to stay in an apartment for my 8 nights, which I did through Cobblestone Paris Rentals, on Ile. Saint-Louis. I also wanted to get out of the city for a night & did that as well, Colmar. Next year, April or October, I plan on spending another 8 or 9 nights in Paris, apartment rental again, and focusing on some of the smaller museums, parks & gardens, as well as heading out of Paris and visiting some of the smaller towns, such as Moret Sur Loing. I really enjoy the vibe & atmosphere of being in Paris & plan on continuing to return every few years.

Enjoy your trip.

Apart from the obvious (the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower), we enjoyed relaxing in Luxembourg Gardens on a warm afternoon in early July. Watching the children with the sailboats was great fun as was observing boule. We also enjoyed the Pantheon; the architecture was amazing as were the murals inside.

I visited for the first time last May with all the usual expectations (of course, they were well-met and far exceeded) but despite having glimpsed the Eiffel tower from the viewing platform of the Pompidou the day before, I will never forget the sense of awe and flood of emotions--literally tears filled my eyes--when I came around the corner from the metro exit and there it was, looming over me, such an icon of Paris and so wonderfully, intricately wrought to just leave me awestruck.

Not in Paris per se, but the time I spent in the Hamlet area of Versailles was very satisfying; it had been a dreary, rainy day and by the time I got out there to see the Trianons there was just a handful of other people and I truly felt a distinct connection to how it must have been in MA's time.

I left plenty of things to see and do for return trips, but the one definite thing I will do every visit will be the flea markets, particularly the medium-sized one at Porte des Vanves.

I had a great first date there with a French woman I met. We met up in front of Notre Dame, walked a couple blocks for a glass of wine, then walked a few more blocks to a small restaurant, took a taxi to a Jazz concert, afterward Salsa dancing. I haven't had that many first dates, I'm pretty sure this one was the best.

Great topic! The first full day in Paris I woke up very early due to jet lag. I had an apartment in the lower 5th arrondissement and headed out the door just after 7 am, very early for me. I roamed towards the Seine and was at the door of the Notre Dame Cathedral as the door was being unlocked just before 8 am. The vacuum cleaner inside was not yet put away. There were a few devout locals going to a service held in a small space behind the main pulpit area so I could hear it which was special. Another couple of tourists arrived a bit later but I had the space almost to myself. It was not sunny so the windows were not well lit but the quiet was incomparable to any other experience. As I was alone I was quiet and did not speak to anyone being respectful to those who were attending a service. It was a wow moment.

Last year I was roaming around the 15th arrondissement where I was staying and stopped into a church as it was raining. Now I cannot remember the name but it had spectacular modern art coloured windows and artwork well explained with information available. There were just a few locals working in the church and coming into the small prayer chapel with more marvellous windows. So beautiful.

What I love about Paris is the fact that no matter how many times you go, you can discover a totally different place. Last Christmas I went to Paris for perhaps the 11th or 12th time and decided I was going to visit the Gustave Moreau museum. It was not at all far from where I was staying in the 9th, so I decided to walk. (and man, I hate how hot it is when they turn on the chauffage in Paris!). On my walk there I found myself in a Paris I'd never seen before...I'd never taken the time to go to that area. I was enchanted and I loved the museum with all of my heart. Especially the top level. Wow.

The best part, however, was when I lost my way on the walk back and ended up right in front of the Eglise de la Trinité. It was beautiful and I had never heard of it before. I sat there soaking up the feeling of that beautiful sunny day. Unfortunately I didn't have long, as I was set to meet a friend for lunch in the Japanese district near the Comédie francaise (another district I'd never seen...and so close to places I always go to). I love Paris with all of my heart. It may very well be my soulmate.

A nice surprise that we loved was walking around to the back and sides of Notre Dame on our second trip to Paris. While there on our first trip with my native French mother and grandmother, neither one mentioned the beautiful architecture of it and thus we only saw the front and inside at that time.

Well, we are back from our fabulous holiday. As many of you have stated, there are so many wonderful memories. Cafes for sure- had so many wonderful meals. The people - everyone was so wonderful. The art -- ah yes, the art. Everywhere. The music -- in the metro there were lots of amazing buskers, along the Seine there were a number of locations with jazz ensembles or an area where folks were dancing the tango. Very captivating to watch. Shall have to go back to find new memories.

I’m so glad you had a good time!

Walking up the big hill though Montmarte and then sitting on the steps of Sacre Coeur watching street performers do crazy things (Hearing 'Happy' instantly takes me back to summer 2014 because it was the soundtrack for what seemed to be every street performer in Europe on that trip) followed by sunset over the city.

Glad you had a good trip, Susan! I'm sure you're looking forward to returning -- Paris is addictive.

One of our fondest memories is sitting somewhere (a café perhaps) at the Place de la Bastille watching the traffic ballet for about 20 minutes. Hundreds of cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bikes speeding in all directions, but in perfect harmony (from our vantage point anyway). A highlight was the tall, dignified older lady in a black dress, riding her bicycle with head high through the intersection, knowing exactly where she was going and what she was doing, seemingly indifferent to the traffic around her. Probably her thousandth trip through Bastille.....

Just got back from our europe trip. While in paris staying in the 7th district, went to la source restaurant on our first night sitting outside. Ordered escargot, one dropped below table, and our waiter Sebastian saw it. Made funny comment, went to back and brought a hot one to table, feed it to me and gave me a kiss on my forehead! Love Paris
Another great memory, arrived at apartment off rue saint dominique late afternoon from venice. Sitting on balcony to relax with a glass of wine and walking down below on street is a man playing his saxphone, just like 2 years ago on rue cler. It was a deja vu moment for me and my friend traveling together this time. Got some euros and threw down to him. That moment meant I was due back to Paris this time and we had a fabulous time with 2 others that had never been to Paris. Another love paris moment.
Thanks Princess Pupule

I visit Paris each year and ache to return before heading to CDG for departure back to Canada. Each day is magical and different as are the people and places! My very favorite memory is rising very early on our first morning in Paris and walking the streets of the 5th with my 19 year old daughter as the street cleaners swept the freshly rinsed cobblestones and, as the lights started to come on in the local cafes. We had been smelling bread baking since about 0600 and were ravenous by the time the first bakery opened - sitting there was magical for both of us! This same daughter is now 32 and we plan to revisit together next May, bringing her nine year old daughter for her first visit to Paris. The start of another love affair with Paris I hope!

More recently I stumbled cross two very skilled opera singers performing in a small courtyard near Deux Magots - hat on the ground for donations. I sat for a while, consumed by their music and passion and felt it was a goodbye gift as I had to depart the next morning. Paris is a city of never ending delights and surprises!

No one mentions the Pere Lachaise cemetery. I actually remember how beautiful it was and how we didn't walk in the main entrance, but entered from the side off the metro. Where else can you hang out with Chopin, Piaf, or Jim Morrison. Nobody mentions Caveau de la Hutchette, where a jazz band plays and people dance. It was mentioned in the movie 'La La Land.' I have to go there again. Climbing to the second level of the Eiffel tower.

Though the beauty of the trip was arriving in Paris, and as my plane descended, we were accompanied by several beautiful cumulus clouds, and below I could see lush, green farmland and I knew I was in for a delight. Now to schedule my second trip with a rick steves tour.

ooo, so many recommendation, I can not wait for my trip to Paris! Thanks a lot everyone!