It’s hard not to have a love affair with Paris, you just have to let the city draw you into its romance. Cobbled streets, heart-warming sunsets, and late walks along the Seine. We spent five nights in Paris and I wouldn’t recommend any less. We filled each of those days with a different adventure, and in the evenings we would cook dinner and drink wine or venture out to see the city by moonlight. Eating out in Paris can be expensive, especially for those on a tight backpacker budget. We were very lucky to have our cozy little studio so we could buy fresh groceries at the market (or corner shop) and cook yummy food after a day of exploring.
Our incredible sunset view from our apartment. It was a deal breaker when I saw this window. Sipping red wine and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle (you could see it if you poked your head out and looked left!). For us, sometimes it works out cheaper to rent an airbnb apartment than two beds in a hostel dorm room! And it’s certainly a little more stylish. Always investigate all of your accommodation options when travelling.
Friday evening at dusk we made our way to the Louvre. A tactical decision because on Friday evenings (after 6pm I think) the Louvre is free for everyone under 26! Which is especially helpful for us Aussies, as it is always free for Europeans under 25. It’s also considerably less busy to visit the Louvre in the evenings, although don’t let that fool you… you’ll most likely still have to line up for 45minutes like we did!
There’s something really special about visiting the Museum at night, almost like you’re doing something exciting and forbidden… and the statues could come to life any moment!
My favourite part of the Museum hands down is the painted ceilings. They take my breath away. The sheer size and detail is astonishing, it’s hard to get excited about the paintings on the wall when you have a masterpiece staring down at you.
Oh and don’t forget your selfie with Mona 😉
I’m always aware of the little things. Seeing this man walking in front holding his baguettes behind him was just the perfect ‘Paris’ moment.
I’m learning on this trip to be brave (on so many levels) but maybe the most important is to do with my craft. Be brave and just take that picture. There have been countless times in my life where I’ve seen an image unfold but I’ve been too shy to capture it, forever regretting that missed moment. I’m learning to abandon my comfort zone and just be brave.
You can’t go to Paris and not see one of the Saturday morning markets. This is the Marché couvert Beauvau (marché d’Aligre), a food market filled with fresh stalls that has a small ‘flea’ type market beside it. Closest tube station is Ledru-Rollin, and it’s just a short walk until your immersed in Parisians haggling bargains with arms filled with fresh fruit. I was of course obsessed with the flea side of the market… snapping endless pictures and buying a pair of vintage levi mom jeans (for only 5 euro!)
On a recommendation from a lovely girl on Instagram we visited the busting food market, Marche Des Enfants Rouges. This atmospheric Persian food hall is filled with foods from all over the world, from cheap and cheerful takeaway food to artisanal and organic food stalls! Be prepared for big crowds if you visit this gem around lunchtime, we could barely get in the door!
Don’t miss taking a stroll in the Latin Quarter. This beautiful suburb still has a little bit of bohemian vibe if you really go searching through the crooked streets. Venture off the beaten path of rues de la Huchette for a less touristy experience (although it is good for a cheap bite to eat!). The Latin Quarter is lively, filled with students, artists, buskers, cute cafes and interesting little stores.
