Paris, the city of romance and art, offers both iconic landmarks and countless hidden corners waiting to be discovered. Here’s my guide for an unforgettable experience, whether it’s your first time or you’re rediscovering old favorites.
Arrival and Tips on Getting Around
Upon landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have a couple of good options for getting into the city. If you prefer taking a taxi, skip any “special offers” and head straight to the official taxi line where clear signage will guide you. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can take the RER train directly to Gare du Nord and transfer to the Metro from there to reach your destination. Tickets can be bought just like Metro tickets at the machines on site, making this a convenient and budget-friendly choice.
First Stop: The Flea Market at Saint-Ouen
Our adventure began on a Sunday in November at Paris’ famous flea market, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, specifically the Vernaison section. For anyone who loves hunting for treasures, this sprawling market in northern Paris is a must. Wander through its vibrant stalls, pause for a coffee on the main street, and soak in the eclectic atmosphere. And don’t miss the nearby jazz pub, La Chope des Puces—a cozy spot where we enjoyed live music inspired by the sounds of Django Reinhardt in a intermate setting. It was a magical introduction to the city.
Stay in Northern Montmartre
After the market, we found our Airbnb in northern Montmartre—my favorite area to stay in Paris. This district has it all: cozy cafes, local boulangeries, and a genuine, less touristy charm. Here, you’ll feel like a local, with easy access to everything from morning coffee spots to evening bistros.
Exploring Montmartre
We dedicated our second day to wandering through Montmartre. Although Sacré-Cœur is worth a visit, the crowds around the basilica can be overwhelming. My advice? Head east through Montmartre, past the vineyards, and down into the quieter streets of northern Montmartre. Stop for a warm bowl of onion soup with cheesy bread at Café Restaurant Suzanne—perfect for a chilly November day.
The best way to experience Montmartre? Put away your phone, ignore Google Maps, and get lost. Climb its winding staircases, pass by the Moulin Rouge at night, and let the neighborhood’s character reveal itself.
Favorite Breakfast Spots in Northern Montmartre
Boulangeries
Central Paris: Museums, Literary Corners, and Truffle Delights
On our third day, we took the metro to explore the central areas. Paris’ metro system is easy to navigate without an app, and tickets can be bought at every station. I suggest walking as much as possible, with the metro as your backup.
Close to Notre-Dame, we visited Shakespeare and Company, a famed independent bookstore. With its cozy reading nooks and a vast selection of English books, it’s an unmissable spot for any book lover. Next, we headed to Artisan de la Truffe for an indulgent truffle pasta, paired with fresh bread and truffle oil. And for dessert? A crème brûlée that left us floating on air. This lunch kept us satisfied as we walked off our meal through the historic Pantheon neighborhood.
While in the area, we also stopped by the charming record shop La Dame Blanche. Here, I discovered a cassette by Django Reinhardt—an unexpected find that brought our trip full circle, connecting back to the jazz-inspired atmosphere from our first evening at the flea market.
A Gem Not to Be Missed: Musée de l’Orangerie
One of my top recommendations for anyone in Paris is the Musée de l’Orangerie. Known for Monet’s Water Lilies, this museum is often overlooked by tourists heading to the Louvre, yet it offers a unique and intimate experience. The atmosphere is calm, and you can truly absorb the beauty of the art without the overwhelming crowds. Unfortunately, due to a power outage, we missed it on this trip, but it’s at the top of my list for my next visit—after all, masterpieces like these will always be there, waiting.
A Panoramic Parisian View from the Arc de Triomphe
Our last full day took us up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. After climbing its hundreds of stairs, we were rewarded with the best panoramic view in Paris. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, you’re not too high up, so you can capture iconic landmarks from a more intimate perspective. In autumn, the avenues were lined with brilliant reds and yellows, adding even more magic to the scenery.
On our way back, we warmed up with a quick crêpe at La Crêperie Française and a macaron from Café Paul.
Ending with a Sparkle: The Eiffel Tower at Sunset
As the sun began to set, we took a scenic walk along the Seine toward the Eiffel Tower. For a perfect view with fewer crowds, head to Passerelle Debilly. We arrived just in time to watch the sky turn pink behind the tower and caught its sparkling lights at 7 PM—a five-minute glitter show every hour after sunset. It was the ideal way to end our time in Paris, capturing the city’s beauty from one of its most enchanting viewpoints.
Paris, until we meet again.
For more inspiration, check out my 35mm film project where I captured the capital of france on 35 mm film in autumn.
Travel through my camera 