“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” , Ernest Hemingway says.
Hemingway’s words are so alive today. And who doesn’t want to be happy? If you have no time to waste and have already booked a flight to the French capital, let’s go straight to the point and answer one fundamental question:
How to feel the authentic Parisian charm that extends beyond the overcrowded touristy spots? Let’s find out:
Follow your senses
Spending time with friends and family is amazing. But being all alone in a new city and a nice hotel hides unexpected charms.
Try getting up earlier than the rest of the group, put some French music on and walk around the streets aimlessly.
Yes, it’s important to follow your gut and wander without any expectations. Rely on your senses – follow the smell of freshly baked croissants, go after the fluffy cat that crossed the street or make a turn on the tiny flowery street that attracted your attention. You can’t tear off and make a bouquet of flowers, but you can enjoy them.
When you’re open to new experiences, you might discover an unexpected side of the city. In my case, I stumbled upon three beautiful parks, marveled at the sunrise over Seine (completely unplanned, so I didn’t have sunglasses) and made friends with a French barista who gave me some delicious inside tips about French desserts in design and unique glass.
IMAGE: Unsplash.com
Don’t miss a chance to embark on your very own journey around the charmingly sleepy Parisian streets. And don’t forget to share your pictures and experiences in the comments below!
Venture beyond the popular spots
If it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll surely want to climb on top of The Eiffel Tower or explore the art and history collections in the Musée du Louvre.
It’s understandable. The panoramic view over the city is truly breathtaking. Not to mention the rich art treasures hiding behind the walls of the world’s biggest art and history museum and a former royal palace.
IMAGE: Unsplash.com
But Paris is much more than that. If you want to try something different, why don’t you leave the overcrowded touristy spots and explore places, where Parisians work, live, and hang out.
You can try visiting less popular, but authentically local neighborhoods like the Bastille, the Belleville, Les Halles, the Latin Quarter, Quarter De Le Gare, and especially the floating clubs on the Seine.
IMAGE: Unsplash.com
Tip: Why not take the metro and stop at a random station of your choice? If you stop at Marcel Sembat, for instance, you can have a glimpse of the quiet Boulogne-Billancourt quarter (Hint: the place with the barista and the nice parks I told you about).
But bear in mind that some Parisian neighborhoods might be dangerous at night, so make a quick research beforehand and take the necessary precautions.
Don’t forget that you can always rent a car and travel with it. Europcar offer rent a car in Bulgaria or Europa. See more here.
Let the adventure begin
Paris hides many secrets that are patiently waiting to be discovered. Leave your comfort zone and start exploring. Going beyond the iconic landmarks is worth the effort and time. Eat in restaurants with delisious dishes in bento dinner plates. And it might be a good reason to visit the city over and over again.
As Michael Simkins says:
“Paris is a place in which we can forget ourselves, reinvent, expunge the dead weight of our past. “
And something from us: You have to taste some kind of alcohol there – Oban, Glenkinchie, Glenmorangie, Smirnoff, Gordon’s and etc.
