Travel | Paris, France

Our Family's Comprehensive List of Non-Touristy Must Do's When Visiting Paris Along With Heaps of Practical Advice

Ah, Paris! Our favorite city.

Cliché as it might sound, there’s a particular magic to Paris that extends well beyond the well-worn pages of outdated guidebooks (sorry Rick Steves, you’re still darling though) or glossy black and white postcards a relative brought back from the nostalgic book stalls along the Seine. Yes, there are the classics worthy of an audible oh la la: the soaring spires of the newly renovated Notre Dame, the glittering and ineffable Eiffel Tower, the sacred and hushed halls of the Louvre.

But after two decades of traveling there, I’ve come to cherish the lesser-known threads that weave together the city’s transcendent charm. It’s a city that feels both delicately familiar to me, perhaps echoing a tapestry of past lives lived there, a fantasy of mine no doubt, deeply intertwined with overwhelming newness and artistic risk that makes me feel more alive than any other place. It feels like home, and that is the highest compliment I can offer.

For Andrew and I, visiting Paris is not just about ticking off iconic landmarks or snapping Instagram-worthy scenes—although these moments are undeniably wonderful and something you should do if time allows. Paris is about something deeper, something intangible, that beckons those who visit to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly feel the city in a way that fills the lungs with sparkly air. Okay, yes, some streets do smell like pee, and some trash cans are overflowing with more consumed wine bottles than the families of rats in the attic of Mable’s rural French cottage Ratatouille, but perfection is overrated. C'est la vie.

Paris is a place that boldly encourages mindfulness in the most romantic sense of the word, which is why it’s an obvious magnet for creatives, romantics, and old souls alike. Whether you’re strolling along the glimmering Seine that is now semi-clean, or savoring a café on a terrace, Paris in all her might serenades: “Take your time. Linger. Be present. Revel in the undeniable beauty around you.”

Vintage Map by Cavallini & Co.

What is an Arrondissement?

Let’s chat about the city’s unique design, as this is important information to know prior to your trip. Arranged in the shape of a snail, Paris spirals outward in arrondissements (eme), each neighborhood offering a distinctive atmosphere, rhythm, and charm. From the opulent avenues of the 8th to the bohemian corners of the 18th, the city of light invites you to wander thoughtfully, discover hidden treasures, and connect with its unique pulse.