A Stroll Through Paris
Paris is by no means an unknown spot to vacation, so there is not much I can tell you about Paris that you haven't likely heard. What I can tell you though is why I love it there so much and what my favourite things to do are. I'll forewarn you this post is VERY picture heavy because in my opinion Paris speaks for itself.
First off I must mention the markets! They are virtually everywhere you turn on any day of the week. If you've missed the market in your immediate area you can be rest assured if you walk a few blocks you'll stumble on another market. A Paris market is ripe with all the colours, flavours and smells that you can imagine. It's filled with lively characters that are so passionate about what they are selling you can't help but get wrapped up in all the excitement.
You can browse for books, flea market finds, fashion, jewelry and of course my favourite the food. Oh the food...it's like nothing you've ever seen or tasted before. There are varieties you'll never find in a regular grocery store, the fruits are ripe and juicy just bursting with flavour, cheeses you couldn't come up with in your wildest dreams and vegetables that look almost to pretty to eat! The vendors are more than happy to offer you a sample because unlike the perfect looking flavourless food we are used to in North America, the food here is bursting with flavours that will most definitely entice you to buy.
There are both covered markets which are permanently open and open-air markets that operate only two or three mornings a week. Most markets are open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but there are a few markets for late risers that are open in the afternoon. For a list of markets complete with addresses just click here.
Now that I've had my fill of the markets and I've stocked up on all my Parisian delicacies what better thing to do on a sunny Paris afternoon than go for a picnic? There are a million places to have a picnic in this wonderfully romantic city. You'll find tourists and locals alike enjoying a glass of wine and a bite to eat along the Seine, under the Eiffel Tower or in any one of the many neighbourhood parks.
Another one of my favourite things to do in Paris is to wander the streets looking for interesting little stores and of course I LOVE to people watch lol. Everywhere you turn there is something or someone beautiful to look at. The history and the attention to even the tiniest detail is worth paying attention to.
Le Comptoir de Mathilde is a must for me when I visit Paris! Everything is so beautifully displayed...I love this place so much, I've even considered opening a franchise here in Vancouver lol.
Here are a few of my other favourite stores...
This store is HUGE it's 3 floors of "quirky, cheeky items, guides, out-of-the ordinary books, notepads, postcards and the like to give people a glimpse of the Paris they don't usually notice, never find or would never guess was there." Give yourself a bit of time in this store there are interesting things in every corner...they even have a little cafe and a restaurant if all the shopping has you feeling a little parched.
This is like no other grocery store you have ever seen! It feels more like a high end boutique than a grocery store with its beautifully backlit shelving and elaborate displays. This is a definite must see for any foodie!!!!
I hope you've enjoyed a stroll through Paris with me. What are your favourite things to do and see in Paris? I'd love to take a stroll with you too. Leave your comments below xox
