Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a city I’ve visited countless times, I lived there, I’ve run tours there. I’m one of those people who thinks it lives up to all the hype.

But, it’s also a huge, sprawling city with 20 different neighborhoods and hundreds of hotels (here’s my neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of the city).

I field a lot of questions on what area of the city to stay in (answered in the above post).

But, in this post, I want to talk about my favorite hotels. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels in Paris. Some good, some really terrible. To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Paris:

1. Hotel Bar Paris Bastille

I love the location of this hotel: it’s literally right across from the Bastille. A three-star boutique hotel, the sleek rooms have modern and minimalist décor, but they’re not super large. They are really well designed though, using the space efficiently so you won’t feel cramped. They also have excellent soundproofing, lots of natural light thanks to the large windows, as well as flatscreen TVs, AC, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while small, have great water pressure.

I think this is one of the best value places in the area. It has a bar on the ground floor that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. It also serves a delicious breakfast spread, with lots of variety (including fresh bread and croissants, pancakes, eggs, and cheese).

2. Hôtel Minerve

Located near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, this three-star hotel is housed inside a historic 1864 Haussmannian building complete with flowered balconies. The historic interior features exposed stone walls, visible wood beams, and original artwork throughout. I really like the excellent breakfast spread each morning (for an additional cost) that includes lots of cheese, meats, and fresh fruit.

The recently refurbished rooms are small but comfortable and include common perks like a flatscreen TV, desk, AC, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while also small, are pristine and have rainfall showers with excellent water pressure. The rooms are well soundproofed too, though the hotel is on a quieter street so there’s little traffic noise. I think this is the best budget choice for travelers who want something affordable but prefer not to stay in a hostel.

3. Pavillon de la Reine

Pavillon de la Reine is a five-star hotel in the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world. The hotel used to be the residence of Queen Anne of Austria. The vine-covered 17th-century building is gorgeous, with a beautiful inner courtyard garden and a spa featuring a hammam, hot tub, and fitness center.

The rooms are all uniquely and lavishly decorated, with aristocratic furnishings like elaborate chandeliers and fine art on the fabric-coated walls. All rooms are comfortable and quiet, and while they aren’t huge, they offer lots of natural light from the enormous windows. Each room has AC, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are spacious and feature elegant tiles as well as upscale bath products. Breakfast isn’t included, and while it’s not cheap it is exceptional (the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant is worth a visit if you want to splash out). Paris has some luxury places and I think this is one of the best if you’re looking to spend some dough.

4. Le Relais Montmartre

This cute four-star hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre, one of my favorite areas of the city. The rooms have a rustic charm, with exposed beams and vintage furniture. They also feature soft pastel colors and floral fabrics, creating a relaxing atmosphere for your stay. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and while it’s not included in the price, it is served in a really cozy vaulted cellar below the hotel.

Like most hotels in Paris, the rooms here aren’t huge, but they are colorful and bright. They also include free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but everything is clean and the water pressure is great. The hotel is just a three-minute walk to the Moulin Rouge too, so you really can’t beat this location. It’s also one of the most affordable hotels in the area, especially for the class of service you get.

5. Hôtel Wyld Saint Germain

This boutique three-star hotel is super stylish. Each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color, such as colorful duvets or bright murals on the walls (some rooms even have colored lights). There’s a distinct arty flair to the décor. It’s just a short walk to the Pantheon and Notre Dame, and there’s a simple continental breakfast with fresh daily croissants available (for an additional charge, although it’s a pretty good value).

Rooms feature a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. They’re not huge, but they are well-designed and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some rooms also have balconies. The bathrooms, while also small, have modern fixtures and colorful tiles. The showers have good water pressure too.

6. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

This four-star hotel sits in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. You literally can’t stay much closer than this (some rooms even have balconies looking out at the tower). The hotel is modern and minimalist, and everything is sleek and spotless. There’s a stylish restaurant on-site (where you can get breakfast in the mornings), as well as a wine bar. Both feature lots of greenery and plants that really brighten up the space. The hotel has a fitness center too (open 24/7).

Decorated in a contemporary style, rooms feature comfy beds, a desk, flatscreen TVs with Chromecast, Nespresso machines, Alexa docking stations, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are large, with roomy walk-in rain showers that have excellent water pressure. If you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, stay here.

7. Hôtel Thérèse

This four-star boutique hotel is in a restored 18th-century building in central Paris. A family-run business, the hotel is cozy and welcoming (the staff really go above and beyond). I appreciate the hotel’s attention to sustainability, the stylish decor, and the incredible breakfast. It features an awesome selection of freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses, fruit, eggs, and yogurt.

The rooms are compact (but that’s to be expected in such a central location) and feature classy décor with unique artwork curated by the owners. All rooms include a desk, Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TV with Chromecast, a minibar, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are also quite small, but they’re sparkling clean with walk-in showers and luxury bath products. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stay in the city.

8. Hotel du Louvre

This five-star hotel is also in a historic building in central Paris (it’s literally across the street from the Louvre). It’s a Hyatt property (use points if you can) and was recently renovated. The lobby is stately and grand, with marble floors and high ceilings. There’s a traditional brasserie on-site that serves an excellent breakfast in the mornings too. There’s also a chic cocktail lounge that serves botanical drinks and seasonal dishes under a beautiful glass roof. Twice a week, there’s live jazz here as well (a big plus in my book).

The rooms are stylishly decorated and bright and airy thanks to the large windows. They’re well insulated too so you don’t hear a lot of noise from the street. All rooms have a mini fridge, a minibar, flatscreen TV, electric kettle and Nespresso machine, and a desk. The bathrooms are huge with luxury bath products, robes, and slippers. This is a really nice choice for a higher-end stay in the heart of the city.

Paris is meant to be unraveled, to be explored at a leisurely pace as you meander its winding streets. But it’s also a large, sprawling city with tons of places to stay. By choosing from one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable trip in the City of Lights.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

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The post The 8 Best Hotels in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Paris. It’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire world and a city that would take a lifetime to see.

I’ve been to the city more times than I can count (I even moved there for a while) yet I’ve barely scratched its surface. I’m always finding new things to see and do here, especially as I get further and further from the center.

Understandably, planning a trip to Paris is hard. Just when you think you’ve seen everything the city has to offer, you find new attractions, new cafés, or new markets to explore (not to mention visiting Disneyland Paris). There are layers to this city, which is one of the reasons why I love it so much.

Most travelers seem to visit Paris for around three or four days. They see the highlights, snap some photos, and move on.

While that is better than nothing, I think you need more time than that. Ideally, I think you should plan on spending at least five days in Paris in order to see the bare minimum of what the City of Lights has to offer. There’s just too much to do.

To help you plan your trip to Paris and figure out what to see, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat, here’s my suggested itinerary for a five-day visit (and some other suggestions in case you decide to spend longer there):

What to See in Paris: Day 1

Spend your first day walking around Paris. There’s a lot to see, and you can spend a good half day (or whole day) wandering the cobblestone streets, parks, and neighborhoods of the city. If you want to orient yourself with a free walking tour, New Europe runs regular walking tours that cover the highlights. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end.

For paid tours, check out Take Walks. They are my go-to walking tour company when I want something more in-depth and informative. They have all kinds of walking tours (as well as museum and food tours). There’s something for every interest!

However, if you want to follow my own walking tour, here’s my suggested route for an “orientation walk” around Paris:

Start at the Champs-Élysées and see the Arc de Triomphe. There isn’t usually a line, and you’ll get sweeping views of the city to start your day. Stroll down the Champs-Élysées and through Place de la Concorde, where you will see the Luxor Obelisk, which the French stole from the Egyptians. It’s over 3,000 years old and stands 75-meters (246 feet) tall. This square was also where they guillotined people during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Walk down the Champs-Élysées through the Jardin des Tuileries, a beautiful garden that was once home to a palace that burned down in the 1800s. Stop and admire the Louvre before continuing down Rue Rivoli and crossing into the original section of the city on the Île de la Cité. This is where the Romans built their original settlement (called Lutetia, which was the basis for the modern-day city of Paris).

Enjoy the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henry IV. This stone bridge, the first in Paris, was built in 1578. Stroll to my favorite church of all time, Sainte Chapelle, with its incredible 12th-century stained glass. There’s usually a line, so book tickets in advance. You’ll skip the huge line (sometimes the wait is over an hour).

After that, head to the underground Roman ruins and then visit Notre Dame, the world’s most famous Gothic church. It was damaged in a fire in 2019 and has recently reopened and is beautifully restored!

Next, head south toward the Latin Quarter. This area is rather touristy but if you get off the main drag, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of alleys and café-lined squares that are far away from the local tourist hangouts.

Visit the Pantheon and honor France’s most famous dead citizens before heading west toward the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can relax and watch life go by. There’s great people-watching here, and it’s one of the best parks in the city.

After that, head north to see Saint Sulpice. If you’re into The Da Vinci Code, you’ll be looking for symbols and hidden meanings throughout this church. If symbols don’t interest you, just marvel at how grandiose this place is.

By this time, it should be late in the afternoon and a perfect time to stop in a café, order some wine, and relax the Parisian way.
 

What to See in Paris: Day 2

The Louvre

With over a million pieces of art, you could spend a whole month in the Louvre and still not see everything. I don’t particularly enjoy medieval art; it’s too religious for me, and I can only see so many pictures of Mary and Jesus before I get bored.

If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of impressionist period gems like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and other masters. Nevertheless, the museum is worth seeing, and I spent about five hours exploring all the masterpieces and marveling at the old royal palace. You could easily spend more time if you’re an art buff too. If you’d just like to see the highlights, expect to spend a couple of hours.

Timed skip-the-line tickets cost 17 EUR. You definitely want to get these as they often run out of tickets as, to deal with the crowds, they have started to limit the number of visitors per day.

You can also take a guided tour around the Louvre (which also skips the line) if you really want to dive into the incredible art in this museum. You’ll learn much, much more this way.

You can also skip the lines if you have a Paris Museum Pass.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay, located in close proximity to the Louvre, houses the best impressionist and post-impressionist work in Paris. It’s one of the largest museums in Europe and my favorite museum in Paris. I always go when I’m in town. The museum sees over 3 million visitors each year and is home to masterpieces by all the great artists of the world, including Degas, Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh, to name a few. I could spend hours here and never get bored.

Admission is 17 EUR (or 9 EUR after 4:30pm every day but Thursday). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month. Be sure to buy tickets in advance so you can skip the long line.

Musée de l’Orangerie
Finish off a wild museum day with this Monet showcase. The museum displays eight tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies), housed in two plain oval rooms. Monet painted these images later in his life, and each one represents a different time of day and season. There’s a bottom floor that shows other works too. It’s a beautiful museum.

Budget travel tip: Get the Paris Museum Pass. This pass covers over 50 museums and attractions in Paris. It covers all the museums above, so getting this pass and using it to see all the attractions listed in this article will save you a ton of money. A two-day pass costs 55 EUR, a four-day pass costs 70 EUR, and a six-day pass costs 85 EUR. Plus, it will let you skip all the long lines that these attractions have.

NOTE: People will say “That’s too much to do in a day! Those museums take a day each!” And they are right. These museums can actually take DAYS to see. But, since you’re short on time, you can see the highlights of each in a very long day. Or don’t and take your time in each museum. This itinerary is just a mere suggestion anyways! Do what you want!

What to See in Paris: Day 3

The Palace of Versailles

Located just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was a hunting lodge before becoming the primary residence of the Kings of France until the French Revolution. A decadent symbol of royal power, the palace sees over 10 million visitors each year.

It takes a full day to really enjoy a trip here. Spend the day exploring the château, get lost in the surrounding gardens, and soak up the extravagant lifestyle of France’s former monarchy. Make sure you see the estate of Trianon (known as Marie Antoinette’s estate) as well, which includes a fake peasant village created to provide scenic views and fresh milk and eggs for the Queen.

Versailles is massive and beautiful so don’t rush your visit. Most people see the Palace first, then the gardens, and then Marie-Antoinette’s estate. If you do everything in reverse, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Additionally, go on a weekday to avoid the worst of the crowds.

If you really want a deep dive, take a guided tour of Versailles with Walks. You’ll not only skip the line (which will save you a ton of time) but you’ll get an expert local guide who can really bring the history to life.

Here’s a video tour of the Palace of Versailles to whet your appetite:

Guided tours with GYG that skip the line cost 55 EUR. I highly recommend a guided tour because there’s not a lot of signage in the building so you don’t really get any context around what you are seeing.

The Palace can take a full day to see if you really want to go slow and explore it all. It’s a big property and I would urge you to spend your time here. If, however, you do have time at the end of the day, you could wander through the below famous cemetery as it doesn’t take long to explore:

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Finish off the day with a train ride east of the city center to visit Paris’s most famous graveyard, where you’ll see the graves of celebrities like Antonio de La Gandara, Honoré de Balzac, Sarah Bernhardt, Frédéric Chopin, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Camille Pissarro, Gertrude Stein, and Oscar Wilde.

Built in 1804, it’s named after Louis XIV’s confessor, Père François de la Chaise (1624–1709), who lived in a house near the cemetery. Initially, the locals considered the cemetery too far from the city so administrators devised a plan. They moved the remains of Jean de La Fontaine (fabulist) and Molière (playwright), two of Paris’s most famous artists, to Père Lachaise, hoping that people would want to be buried near France’s famous heroes.

It worked, and today it’s the city’s most iconic graveyard — and the most visited cemetery in the world. Just make sure you’re out before it closes at 5:30pm.

Guided tours cost 20 EUR and last three hours. I recommend taking a tour if you can. There’s not a lot of signage here so you don’t really get any information about the cemetery without a tour.

What to See in Paris: Day 4

Wander Rue Cler
Located near the Eiffel Tower, this street is filled with good Parisian eateries. You’ll find cheese, meat, bread, vegetables, and chocolate stores to explore. I never walk away from this street without a pile of food and wine.

Whenever I’m here, I eat my way through this street and then buy more for later. It’s one of my favorite streets in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most iconic monument. Built in the 1880s for the 1889 World Fair, it was actually disliked by many people when it was first built. Today, the locals love it; it’s a symbol of the city and one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Standing 324 meters (1,062 feet) tall, it offers the best views of the entire city. To beat the crowds, get here early in the morning. If you wait until the afternoon, you’ll find yourself waiting in line for hours.

Afterward, have a picnic on the grass and enjoy the sunshine and the views with all the food you bought at Rue Cler. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the city.

Admission is 18.10-28.30 EUR per person, depending on how high you go. You can also pay for direct access to an elevator that takes you to the top for 35 EUR.

Paris Sewer Museum
This tour is definitely an off-the-beaten-path attraction and isn’t too far away from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll learn about the interesting history of Paris’s sewer system.

You may be put off by the idea of a “sewer tour,” but don’t be. It doesn’t smell down there and you’ll learn how modern Paris came to be. Before there was a suitable drainage system, waste from the city just ended up in the river. It then spread disease and polluted the entire area, putting the entire city at risk. It wasn’t until the city developed a complex sewer system that it was able to overcome diseases, boost trade, and develop into the world-class city that it is today.

Les Invalides (The Tomb of Napoleon)
Also known as Hôtel National des Invalides, this enormous complex was built in 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Nowadays, it’s home to several museums and monuments, including the Musée de l’Armée (the Military Museum of the Army of France) and Napoleon’s tomb. It is one of the most comprehensive history museums I’ve ever visited, and you’ll need at least three hours to see it properly.

While military history may seem boring, this museum is really a history of France, the Revolution, and Napoleon. It is fascinating and incredible in its depth. I cannot recommend it enough.

The Museum of the Shoah (The Holocaust Museum)
Despite having an excellent exhibit on France, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust, the Museum of the Shoah never draws a lot of people. It’s a real shame, as the information and collection here is really in-depth. The museum goes into a lot of detail. I’ve been to many Holocaust museums and this is one of the best and most detailed in the world. I highly recommend it.
 

What to See in Paris: Day 5

Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are a fascinating but grim tourist attraction. They go on for miles (no one really knows how far) and the endless winding tunnels house thousands of bones. Only a small section of the tunnels is open, and there’s a ton of history and information about the growth of Paris. The Catacombs themselves are actually old stone quarries that were located far outside the edge of the city during medieval times. There’s always a long line, so book your skip-the-line tickets online beforehand and don’t wait outside. Because that line can take hours!

Check the website before you go — the Catacombs are sometimes closed without warning or explanation. Admission is 18 EUR for last-minute tickets sold on the day. The audio guide is 5 EUR. Advanced tickets are 29 EUR (including the audio guide).

Rue Mouffetard
This pedestrian street is filled with cafés and shops and has an outdoor market. It’s great to just wander down or for sitting in front of a café and watch Parisian life go by. Make sure to stop by the nearby Place de la Contrescarpe too. There are some good and inexpensive restaurants in the area, making it a nice place to stop for a while and watch life go by.

Musée de Cluny
The Cluny Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is the finest surviving example of medieval architecture in Paris. Built in the 15th century, it was the former home of the abbots of Cluny and now houses Roman and medieval art, including many architectural fragments found during excavations around the city.

The museum also contains the adjoining rooms of a Roman bath, which the abbey was built over. It is by far one of the most interesting history museums in the city and worth every euro of the admission fee!

Bibliothèque Nationale de France
One of the grandest libraries in the world, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France was founded in 1368 by Charles V. Stop in for a quick visit and be sure to take a peek at the old rotunda of the art library and the 20-foot globes in the permanent collection. The collection is massive at over 40 million items, including some 15 million books and over 5,000 manuscripts from Ancient Greece.

Montmartre

Another artistic center of Paris, this is where artists and writers like Hemingway spent their time. There’s still a lot of art, and you’ll find galleries and artists throughout the area. The streets are quiet and beautiful to wander around. Sacré-Cœur (the church here) offers a superb view of the city and is a great place to have lunch. You can also see the famous “sinking house” here (an Insta-famous house that, from the right angle, looks like it’s sinking into the hill). It’s a great area to take a food tour too.

In the evening, the stairs near the church fill up with people watching the sunset, chatting, and drinking. There are usually lots of buskers here too making it one of the best places in the city to soak up the city in the evening.

Where to Eat in Paris

I have eaten in so many places in Paris. My Google maps is just filled with saved restaurants and bars! Here’s a list of a few places to get you started:

• Café Père & Fils — A Parisian brasserie and coffee shop with outdoor seating for lunch and drinks.
• Florence Kahn — This perfect little shop makes really delicious sandwiches. Try the pastrami.
• ISTR — A seafood restaurant with an awesome oyster happy hour.
• King Falafel Place — Some of the best falafel in Paris. There’s usually a line but it moves quickly.
• La Crêperie des Artes — This tiny to-go crêperie is the best in all of Paris (in my opinion). Cheap, delicious, and large portions — you can’t go wrong here.
• Le Dit Vin — The prices are reasonable, there is a large wine selection, and the menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh. It’s one of my absolute favorite spots in the city
• Pizzeria Popolare — Some of the best pizza in Paris. Get there early. The line is LONG.
• Juveniles — An awesome bistro near the Louvre with a rotating menu.
• Robert et Louise — This place serves lots of meat and roasts from an open fire. Great wine selection too!

If you want even more places to eat and drink, get my Paris guidebook which features a complete list!

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has a lot of accommodation options. There is something for every budget and I have written extensively about the best hostels, hotels, and neighborhoods in the city. If you don’t want to read all those articles, here three spots to check out:

• The People – This hostel has a fantastic chimney lounge and a rooftop space. It’s one of my favorite hostels in town (whenever I host a meet-up in Paris, it’s usually held here).
• Oh La La! Hotel Bar Paris Bastille – Located right across from the Bastille, this quiet hotel has a bar on the ground floor that makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.
• Hôtel Minerve – On a quiet street near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, this gorgeous hotel boasts exposed stone walls, visible beams, and original artwork throughout. There’s a large central courtyard as well.

If you want more hostel suggestions, here is a list of my favorite in the city. If you prefer hotels, this post lists all my favorite hotels in Paris.

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city!

Admittedly, even with five days in Paris, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the city. It’s just too massive, nuanced, and layered. The history, the architecture, the charm — it’s unlike any other place in the world.

The above itinerary will give you an overview of all the highlights. It’s perfect for the first time visitor. But, if you’re like, I want to get away from the crowds and do more off-the-beaten-path activities, then here are some blog posts to help you out:

• Off-beat attractions
• Unique walking tours
• Day trips from the city
• More things to do

Paris is best explored slowly. It’s a city meant to be unraveled, discovered. There’s so much that just pops up that you want to be like a local and just let your day unfold unexpectedly. Meander in the gardens and parks, take a long lunch, watch that band, sit by the Seine, and linger over that bottle of wine. Live your best life in Paris.

Use this suggested itinerary as your starting point and see where your trip takes you. I promise it won’t disappoint!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post How to Spend 5 Days in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Paris is filled with famous attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The list goes on. There are so many amazing sites here that you could spend days (heck, even weeks) just seeing the main, most well-known ones.

But there’s more to Paris than the sites that attract thousands upon thousands of visitors each day.

While I was living Paris the past few months, I made it my mission to see some of the more unusual, lesser-known (but equally awesome) attractions (that didn’t come with the aggravating crowds that make so many of Paris’ attractions unbearable).

And, while some of the things on the list below might not be “super secret” attractions or activities, they do fall into the category of “overlooked attractions” so I included them.

Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path things to see and do in Paris:

1. Le Manoir de Paris

This is where macabre museum meets haunted house. Numerous rooms highlight some of the more unsettling aspects of Paris’s long and often dark past, such as the Phantom of the Opera, vampires, or the crocodiles in the sewers. Using real actors as well as animatronics, the city’s gruesome and unsettling history is brought to life in an interesting way. In addition to their museum, they also have escape rooms as well as different levels of intensity depending on how scared you get!

18 Rue de Paradis, +33 6 70 89 35 87, lemanoirdeparis.com. Open Fridays 6pm-9:30pm and weekends 3pm-6:30pm. Admission is 29 EUR for adults and 20 EUR for children 10-15. Note: temporarily closed due to covid-19.

2. Musée Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf is perhaps the most famous French singer from the 1930s to the 1960s, and know around the world for her songs La vie en rose and Non, je ne regrette rien (which appeared in the movie Inception). She lived in a little apartment in the Ménilmontant district at the start of her career, which has been turned into a tiny museum dedicated to her. You get a glimpse at her life through her gold and platinum records, photographs, clothing, letters from fans, posters, recordings, and sheet music.

5 Rue Crespin du Gast, +33 1 43 55 52 72. Open Monday-Wednesday 1pm-6pm and Thursdays 10am-12pm. Admission is free, but you’ll need to make an appointment. You’ll also want to either speak decent French or go with someone who does.

3. Musée Curie

Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize (and the only woman to win it twice) for her research into radioactivity (a word that she invented). She was the first female professor at the University of Paris as well as the first woman to be entombed in the Panthéon on her own merits. Located in the 5th arrondissement, this museum, in her old laboratory, highlights her radiological research. It’s insightful and eye-opening for anyone unfamiliar with her historic discoveries.

1 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, +33 1 56 24 55 33, musee.curie.fr. Open Wednesday-Saturday 1pm-5pm. Admission is free.
 

4. Archives Nationales

Opened in 1867, the National Archives houses thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 CE. One of six national archives in the country, the museum sheds light on France’s turbulent past, providing nuanced historical details and context through permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Built by the order of Napoleon I, the building itself (known as the Hôtel de Soubise) is absolutely stunning. It is in the late Baroque style, embracing long columns and lots of statues and sculptures. It features immaculate grounds and gardens as well. They always hold a lot of good exhibitions too.

59 Rue Guynemer, +33 1 75 47 20 02, archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/en. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Admission is 8 EUR per person.

5. The Vampire Museum

Paris has a long history with the esoteric, one that is brought to life in this fascinating (if not macabre) museum founded by an eccentric scholar to showcase his knowledge of the undead and esoteric. Here you’ll find vampire-killing kits, rare texts on demonology, and mysterious ancient relics. It’s a busy, eclectic, creepy museum that’s a feast for the eyes and one worthy of a visit if you’re at all interested in more obscure (and fanciful) tales. It’s a fun, kitschy museum.

14 Rue Jules David, +33 1 43 62 80 76, artclips.free.fr/musee_des_vampires/MuseeVampires1.html. You’ll need to make an appointment in advance by phone. (Don’t worry if the voicemail greeting is in French — the curator speakers perfect English). Note: temporarily closed, check their Facebook page for updates if you’d like to visit.

6. The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

Opened in 1898, this gallery is a part of the French National Museum of Natural History. Taking up the ground floor of the building, it’s home to over 1,000 animal skeletons from around the world, including complete skeletons of elephants, large cats, and even dinosaurs. It’s as interesting as it is unsettling: all the animals are facing the same way, making it look like you’re in the midst of some undead stampede!

2 Rue Buffon, +33 1 40 79 56 01, www.mnhn.fr/en/visit/lieux/galerie-paleontologie-anatomie-comparee-paleontology-and-comparative-anatomy-gallery. Open daily 10am-6pm (closed Tuesdays). Admission to the entire museum (including the gallery) is 10 EUR.

7. Petite Ceinture

In use from 1862 through 1964, the railway circling Paris was abandoned when the city expanded beyond its limits. It’s mostly hidden behind buildings and covered in wild plants and grass now, though some sections are now officially open to the public. You’ll find all sorts of flowers and street art along the tracks.

While some sections are illegal to visit, near Parc Georges Brassens you’ll find a section of the tracks known as the ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ that is both free and legal to visit. It’s located in the 15e arrondissement.

8. The Salvador Dalí Sundial

This surrealist sundial was created by world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, it’s is a mix of a human face and a scallop shell (the symbol of the Camino to Santiago, since the street is named after the saint). While the sundial doesn’t actually work, it’s nevertheless an easy way to see a piece of artwork by one of the most famous artists in the world.

27 Rue Saint-Jacques. Open 24/7 with no admission.

9. Montmartre Cemetery

While the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most popular in Paris, for a more secluded stroll, check out the Montmartre Cemetery. Plenty of people visit the top of Montmartre for Sacré-Coeur and the view, but few take the time to wander this cemetery sitting at the foot of the district. It opened in 1825 and is home to many cobwebbed mausoleums, as well as a handful of stray cats. You won’t see many people here, so you can explore in peace.

20 Avenue Rachel, +33 1 53 42 36 30, paris.fr/equipements/cimetiere-de-montmartre-5061. Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturdays 8:30am-6pm, and Sundays 9am-6pm.

10. The Museum of Counterfeiting

Opened in 1972, this museum is home to counterfeit items that have been collected by France’s customs agents and police (as well as donated items from brands and consumers alike). There are over 500 items in the museum, ranging from counterfeit art and luxury goods to more mundane items, like cleaning supplies. While some knockoffs are impressive in their duplicity, it’s also funny to see just how bad some counterfeiters were!

16 Rue de la Faisanderie, +33 1 56 26 14 03, musee-contrefacon.com. Open Monday-Friday, 2pm-5:30pm. Admission is 6 EUR per person for adults and 5 EUR for students and seniors.

11. Promenade Planteé (Coulée verte René-Dumont)

This tree-lined walkway is a greenbelt that extends almost 5km along the old Vincennes railway line. The railway line ceased functioning in 1969, with the park being inaugurated a few decades afterward. Until New York built their High Line, it was the only elevated park in the entire world. (And, honestly, this is way nicer then the NYC High Line).

You’ll find lots of trees, flowers, ponds, and places to sit along this long path that stretches from Bastille to the edge of Paris. It’s a long, easy, and beautiful walk. You won’t find many people here. Even on a nice day, it’s rather empty. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Paris and I can’t recommend coming here enough!

1 Coulée verte René-Dumont (12th arrondissement). Open daily from 8am-9:30pm. Admission is free.

12. Canal Saint-Martin

Stretching 4.5km, the Canal Saint-Martin is a man-made waterway commissioned by Napoleon. Construction finished in 1825, connecting the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine via both above ground locks and underground tunnels. While not any secret spot (on a nice day, you’ll find the canal lined with people), it’s mostly a spot for locals who want to have a picnic and relax. So, say no to the Seine, and come have your outdoor picnic along the canal. It’s more relaxing and there will be fewer people!

The canal starts at Place de Stalingrad and ends at Quai de la Râpée. Canal cruises last 2.5 hours and cost around 16 EUR per person.

13. Museé de Montmartre

Founded in 1960, this museum is located throughout two building that dates back to the 17th century. Over the years, the buildings were home to many famous writers and painters. The gardens of the museum were actually renovated to look more like the gardens in Renoir’s paintings (there is also a vineyard nearby that dates back to the Middle Ages but it makes horrible wine). The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide variety of paintings, posters, and drawings.

12 Rue Cortot, +33 1 49 25 89 39, museedemontmartre.fr/en/le-musee. Open daily from 10am-6pm (7pm in the summer). Admission is 12 EUR for adults, which includes an audio guide. Discounts are available for students, children, and persons with disabilities.

While the main sights in Paris are always worth checking out, if you want to be more than a tourist and develop a greater appreciation for the City of Light’s unique and complex history, visit these unconventional and unusual attractions in Paris.
 

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post 13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

When you travel for a living, you get asked a lot of questions as you bounce from one hostel to another. The top one: what’s your favorite country?

The second most asked question: what’s your favorite city?

I’ve spent a long time traveling the world and have been to hundreds upon hundreds of cities in the world. There are so many that I love for many different reasons – some for art, some for history, some for the food, most for the people.

But, to me, the ones that stand out the most are the ones where I feel most at home. They are places I visit and feel connected too. Their energy and my energy match. I move around them with ease, I feel at one with the culture, and tempo of the city.

I think to myself “Yeah, I could live here.” Not just visit but live.

And, when I think that, then I know I’ve found a special place.

So what are my favorite cities in the world? Where are the places I feel that way? They are here:

1. Amsterdam

I can’t say exactly how many times I’ve been to Amsterdam, but it’s in the double digits. And, for a brief time at the end of 2006, I lived there as a professional poker player (Seriously. It’s one of the more interesting random facts about me!).

The fast-paced life, friendly locals, easy access to the rest of Europe, picturesque canals, and stunning architecture keep me coming back. Plus, it being Amsterdam and all, there are tons of weird and quirky things to see and do there too!

In some ways, Amsterdam reminds me of my hometown of Boston, which might be why I love it so much. The brick buildings, fast-moving people, austere vibe. It feels like home.

Favorite activity: Boating through the canals with friends.

Visiting Amsterdam? Check out my complete budget travel guide to Amsterdam! It’s hundreds of pages long and will help you plan the best trip there!
 

2. Paris

Ever since I stepped out on the Champs Elysées, I knew Paris was it. It was everything I dreamed it would be I was in love from the first moment. Sure, Paris is large and expensive and bursting with tourists. But what big city isn’t like that?

Paris is beautiful, vibrant, and filled with tasty food and history. Being here is like being in a real-life romantic comedy. I love the city so much I even moved there for a good chunk of 2019. It really does live up to all the hype, especially when you move away from the tourist areas and into the local places more.

Favorite activity: Picking up some good food at the market and having a picnic.

Get my complete budget travel guide to Paris and plan the perfect trip! It’s hundreds of pages long and will help you plan the best trip there!
 

3. Bangkok

I hated Bangkok the first few times I traveled there. It was simply a dirty, polluted city with no redeeming qualities. It wasn’t until I moved there that I fell in love with it.

Bangkok, it turns out, is an easy city to live in — there’s lots to do, plenty of events, great bars, wonderful food (nothing beats Thai street food), and even more wonderful people. It’s just a bad tourist city. There’s just not a lot to do there for a tourist. It’s a city you live in.

Living in Bangkok showed me that looks can be deceiving and that there is more to a city than what you see on the surface. You just need to be willing to look a little deeper.

And, when you do, you always find something special.

Favorite activity: Live music at Brick Bar or eating noodles at a street stall.

If you’re visiting Bangkok, check out my complete budget travel guide to Bangkok! It has everything I know about the city in one easy place.
 

4. Stockholm

I have a strong affinity for all things Scandinavian, and Stockholm is no exception. I’ve been there a handful of times over the years, and I even tried to move there years ago (it didn’t work out).

I think this city is one of the most picturesque I have ever seen. The reds and greens of the buildings have an Old World charm that rivals cities like Prague, and during the fall, the changing leaves only highlight that beauty.

Stockholm is also very historic, with a high quality of life, and the Swedes in the city are super friendly and welcoming. It’s not a cheap city to visit, but it’s worth every penny!

Favorite activity: Getting lost in the maze of historic streets in Gamla Stan.

5. New York City

New York City is a place where dreams are made into reality and there is always something to do, something to see, or a new place to eat. The city is so multicultural that when I feel like I need to travel but I can’t, there’s an ethnic area of the city that will give me my fix.

I love NYC. It is the heart of the world to me. It is a non-stop place where you come to make it in the world. You can always find something to do, world-class food, people from all walks of life, and just a hustler vibe.

I spent close to five years living there and visit at least once a month (when I can).

It is the city you see in the movies.

Favorite activity: Walking the High Line and cooling off with drinks at the Grey Mare.

Since I spent so much time there, I wrote a budget travel guidebook to New York City! Pick it up for all the insider info you need!
 

6. Chicago

After NYC, Chicago is probably my favorite US city, especially in the summer time.

While the winter months here can be brutal, this lakeside city seems to come to life after it emerges from its long and cold winter. Along with its lively atmosphere, the food here is delicious and the architecture is second to none. There’s a vibrant energy during the summertime as everyone is out in the parks, cafes, rooftop bars, on the lake, and watching the Cubs.

Chicago is just awesome.

Favorite activity: Going to a Cubs game!

For more, read our destination guide to Chicago and start planning your trip today.
 

7. Vancouver

I think this must be one of the most livable cities in the world. I’d certainly live in it, which is my benchmark for whether or not I really like a place. In Vancouver, you can go from the city into the mountains in minutes. I think that is really the highlight of the city for me — the fact that I don’t have to go far to be with nature.

Not only is there incredible nature nearby but there’s a park so big in the middle of the city, I often feel like I am in the center of a forest. Add in a vibrant food and art scene, and Vancouver is definitely a world-class city. It’s not a cheap city to live in, but that’s the price for all the amazing things Vancouver has to offer!

Favorite activity: Hanging out on Granville Island or walking around Stanley Park.

Read our desintation guide to Vancouver and start planning your trip today.
 

8. Queenstown

Perched on a lake in the stunning South Island mountains of New Zealand, Queenstown is a high-energy resort town for adventurers. This isn’t your typical city, as travelers come here because they want to be outside. There’s bungy jumping, hiking, rafting, zip-lining, boating, and tons more. It’s a paradise for the outdoorsy type and the perfect city for people who don’t like big, crowded cities.

The city and surrounding area are postcard-perfect (much like the rest of the country! I would jump on a plane and head back there right now if I could.

Favorite activity: Hiking the surrounding mountains.

Read our guide to Queenstown to plan your next adventure there.
 

9. Perth

Perth, Australia, is more like a big town than a city — and I think that’s what I like about it. It’s big enough to have a lot to do but small enough to feel cozy. I love Perth because of that small-town, big-city feel and for the fact that it’s on the water and has a fun nightlife.

Not only that, but Perth is the perfect jumping-off spot to see the western Australian parks and natural sites, and it’s also close to hip Freemantle, which is home to my favorite Australian brewery: Little Creatures. I find it much more personal than other towns in Australia.

Favorite activity: Relaxing at the beach

Read our budget travel guide to Perth for more information!
 

10. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the best cities in the world for foodies. I always stop in when I’m in Asia and stuff my face with some of the best dumplings in the world. The city is busy and dense (it’s one of the most densely populated places on the planet) but it has a fun nightlife and tons of activities to keep you entertained, from markets to temples to nearby hikes outside the city.

While the city offers an interesting mix between eastern and western cultures, what really sets Hong Kong apart from other massive, dense cities is just how clean and well-organized it is. Getting around is a breeze, making it an easy and fun place to explore for a few days — or more!

Favorite activity: Eating dumplings!

11. Reykjavik

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. As a budget traveler, you’d think that would keep me away but let me tell you something: it’s absolutely worth the price.

Reykjavik has tons of cozy cafes, wild clubs, cute architecture, and friendly pubs. It’s tiny, yet you can easily spend a few days here and not get bored (especially if you’re a night owl. Icelanders love to party).

Fortunately, as the tourism industry grows, there are more and more free (or cheap) things to do in the city. And with Icelandair offering free stopovers on flights between North America and Europe, it’s never been easier to visit this charming Scandinavia capital.

Favorite activity: Cozying up in a cafe to read and people watch.

Get my comprehensive budget travel guide to Iceland here!
 

12. London

As a history nerd, I’ve always loved visiting London. Some of the best museums in the world are there — and they are all free (there are tons of other free things to see and do as well).

But it wasn’t until last year when I spent a month in the city that I really “got” it. I understood why people loved it. There was a charming sophistication to the place.

Strolling the streets of the city, enjoying the markets, taking in the history of the place, laying in the park, and having a pint outside a pub? Heaven.

Paris will always have my heart but London comes close.

Favorite activity: Visiting as many museums as I can and then drinking at a pub.

Check out our travel guide to London to plan your trip.
 

13. Oaxaca

Oaxaca, a city in the central part of the Pacific coast of Mexico, is a hub for heritage tourism, owing to its many historical attractions (including Monte Albán, a UNESCO Heritage Site; and Mitla, a Zapotec archeological site), colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and many parks.

The city has everything I like: history, Mezcal, and food. Oaxaca is one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and was the place I fell most in love with during my visit to the country. It’s safe, the people are wonderful, the buildings are beautiful, and the food…did I mention the food? It’s out of this world.

Within seconds of landing here, I knew I belonged. I could easily live here I love it so much.

Favorite activity: Visiting the mezcalerías.

Check out my post on why I loved my time in Oaxaca to learn more as well as specific tips for visiting!
 

14. Cape Town

Cape Town is one of those places I can never get enough of. Its natural beauty, climate, people, chill atmosphere, and delicious food scene always make my visits memorable. Head up Table Mountain and Lion’s Head to soak up the city’s iconic view, walk the famous boardwalk along Muizenberg Beach, and visit the Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years behind bars. Also, don’t miss the penguins at Boulder Beach. They’re super cool.

Favorite activity: Relaxing on the beach!

Check out our travel guide to Cape Town to plan your trip.

There are you have it! My favorite cities in the world. Leave a comment on this post and let me know what your favorites are – and why!
 

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The post My 14 Favorite Cities in the World appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I love visiting Paris. I’ve been going there for over nine years and have yet to tire of the history, the charm, or the food (and wine!).

Over the years, I’ve taken a million different tours of this amazing city to learn more about what makes it tick. There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris. There are A LOT of tour companies and it can be hard to make a sense of all those endless Viator and TripAdvisor listings.

Having tested all the major tour operators, I wanted to share what I think are the best walking tour companies in Paris that will help you explore this timeless city.

Best Overall Tour

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Take Walks

What makes Take Walks amazing is that they get better access than most tour companies. You get to skip the line, go before or after other tours so you have the space to yourself, and get fun guides who are knowledgeable in their field. Their tours are reasonably priced too. I think they are the best tour company in Paris. I’ve gone on five of their tours and loved them all.

Best Free Tour

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New Europe Tours

New Europe is one of the most popular free walking tour companies in all of Europe. Their main free tour takes you around the center of Paris and gives you a historical overview of the city. They also run a good (but paid) tour of Montmartre, and they have a really fun pub crawl as well if you’re looking to hit the bars with other travelers.

While those may be the best free and paid tours in the city, Paris has a lot more to offer — no matter your interests. Here are 10 other insightful and educational tours in the city!
 

1. Devour Food Tours

Devour Food Tours is my go-to food tour company in Europe. They always have incredible guides and unique tours that showcase each destination’s best eats. In Paris, they offer a handful of tours including a Montmartre neighborhood food tour, and evening food and wine tour, and a filling 3.5-hour tour that covers the city’s best dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, they also have a tasty chocolate and pastry tour too.

2. Simply France

This small-group bike tour covers a lot of ground, showcasing some of the city’s most interesting districts, such as the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain, where you’ll learn about Paris’ past and present from an expert local guide. The pace is leisurely, and while you will see some of the main sights, the tour explores a lot of local areas that other tours don’t visit.

3. Meeting the French

For a niche, insider tour about Paris’s art scene, check out this two-hour street art tour. This tour explores the Belleville neighborhood, one of the most vibrant areas of the city, where street art and graffiti is common (and ever-changing). You’ll get to see works by locals as well as art from international artists (you might even see people making new art during your tour!).

4. City Free Tour

This free-tour company, like New Europe, offers a couple of great general tours to help you get familiar with the City of Light, led by a local expert who can answer your questions. They also offer a few specialized tours so you can really focus on different neighborhoods. For example, the Montmartre tour does a great job of showing you just what life is like in this famous bohemian neighborhood, while the Latin Quarter tour highlights some of the most famous landmarks in town.

5. Discover Walks

Discover Walks offers free walking tours, as well as paid tours if you’re looking for something more focused and in-depth. With almost 60 tours on offer in Paris, chances are you’ll be able to find something to pique your interest. They have a great free tour of the Latin Quarter. For something more unique, try the photography workshop.

6. Paris Bar Crawl

If you’re looking for a more rambunctious way to spend an evening, head out on a pub crawl. Paris Bar Crawl is one of the most popular ones (it tends to be just for tourists and visiting students though). You’ll meet a bunch of new people while seeing what nightlife in Paris is all about. The tour visits three bars and one club.

7. Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide is a massive online platform for finding all kinds of fun activities, including walking tours, bike tours, and food tours. Whenever I visit Paris (or any city) I always check their app to see what new activities I can find. There is really something for every interest and budget, and booking is a breeze. I can’t recommend them enough!

Walking tours are a great way to get below the surface of Paris. Every time I visit, I always make sure to try a new one. Having an expert guide to answer your questions while providing in-depth, local knowledge is the best way to deepen your experience as a traveler.

These walking tour companies are the best in Paris and will be able to provide you with the insight and information you need to really make the most out of your next visit to this incredible city. If you can only do one, start with Take Walks (but try to do a couple)!
 

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post The Best Walking Tours in Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The end is here. After four months in Europe, I head home tomorrow.

When I came to Paris earlier this year, everyone asked if it was forever.

And, when I said I wasn’t sure, people would reply, “Oh, so you aren’t really moving there, huh?” — as if to say that only a forever and ever move is a real move.

But I did move here. This is where my stuff is. This is my home (even if it might only be temporary).

In my world, there’s no such thing as a forever and ever move.

I have no job that keeps me anywhere in particular. No boss to call me into the office and say, “Matt, we’re transferring you to the Paris office. Pack your bags. We got your visa. You’re there for the next five years.”

No. I get to taste the milk before I buy the cow.

My time here was always an experiment: could I live in a city I loved so much? Would daily life in Paris be as magical as travel in Paris?

No matter the answer to those questions, I always had to leave for the summer. Books and conferences don’t launch themselves!

So will I come back? Did I love Paris so much that I’m ready to make this the spot where I put down my roots?

While walking through the Luxembourg Gardens recently, I realized two things:

First, I don’t miss New York City. I haven’t thought about NYC in a long, long time. I really am over living there.

While I miss my friends and local haunts, I don’t miss the noise, crowds, or fast-paced lifestyle.

I’ll always have a place for NYC in my heart.

And I will visit often.

But my time living there has truly come to an end.

As I’ve alluded to many times, I want to settle down. I’ve been a leaf blowing in the wind long enough, and it’s time to plant roots.

Today is my birthday.

I’m thirty-eight years old.

My next move is the move. One that has to last longer than a few months. I don’t want to restart my life anymore.

So, is Paris that place? Do I really want to settle down and try to live here? Sign a lease? Get residency visas and a bank account? Start paying taxes here?

Paris has become my little respite from the world. A city that comes alive at night when the cafes overflow with people, the traffic disappears, and the orange glow of the streetlights makes the city seem mystical.

I loved living here. This city inspired me. I’ve slept more, eaten better, wrote more, read more, and relaxed in ways that I haven’t in years.

I’ve gotten into a nice routine here, made a few friends, and frequented my boulangerie so much I don’t even need to order any more. They know it by heart.

I’m sadder than I thought I’d be about leaving. These last few days have made me melancholy. I’m really going to miss it!

But, as much as I love – and will miss – Paris, this is not my forever and ever city.

It doesn’t feel like home the way other places have.

It was what I needed when I needed it.

But it is not my home.

Instead, my mind goes constantly goes back to one place: Austin.

It calls to me.

Over and over again.

There I can get space, nature, nice weather, and land. It’s my Goldilocks city.

So I’m moving back to Austin.

I haven’t second-guessed that decision once.

Which, being a Gemini and all, means it’s probably the right one.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world for many reasons. Heck, I love it so much that I even lived there for a while!

This city has it all — and it would take a lifetime to really see. Even after a decade of visiting and months of living here, I’m still finding new things to see and do!

And, while the city itself has a million and one sights to visit, there are also some fantastic day trips from Paris that can help you escape the city – and see what else this incredible country has to offer.

From historic vineyards to medieval castles to cheesy tourist sites like Disneyland Paris, there’s a lot within a short distance from the city. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance to avoid the lines!

Here are some of the best day trips from Paris (at least in my opinion):

1. The Palace of Versailles

From its exquisite gardens to its lavish interiors, the Palace of Versailles is truly a sight to be seen. Located just 20 kilometers (around 12 miles) from Paris, it was the primary residence of the kings of France for over 100 years, until the French Revolution.

Once just a tiny hunting lodge, it was initially transformed into a proper château by Louis XIII, who bought up the surrounding land to extend his park and gardens. Eventually, Louis XIV (aka the Sun King) turned this into lavish country estate as a way to escape Paris and diminish the grip of the French nobility. A massive and decadent symbol of royal power, Versailles offers an incredible insight into French history, highlighting the ostentatious lives of the former monarchs.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most-visited attractions in the vicinity of Paris, with over 10 million people swarming the grounds each year. To avoid the worst crowds, try to visit during the week.

If you decide to go the guided-tour route, check out this tour by Get Your Guide offers skip-the-line entry, a 90 minute guided tour (you can opt for an additional 45 minute tour of the gardens), and the ability to explore on your own after the tour.

To get there, take the RER Line C to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche station or the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers.

Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.chateauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm (6:30pm in high season; closed Mondays). “The Passport” ticket grants admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions; it costs 27 EUR in high season and 24 EUR in low season. It’s highly recommended to get tickets online in advance.

For more information, you can read my complete guide to visiting Versailles here.

2. Château de Fontainebleau

Located about 75 kilometers (about 46 miles) from Paris, this is one of the largest royal estates in the country. Built in the 12th century, it was inhabited continuously for over seven centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a national museum. The origins of the palace also date back to a hunting lodge used by the kings of France, with additions being built throughout the years, the most elaborate of which are from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Much like Versailles, there are lavish rooms and apartments here, including a grandiose and ornate ballroom, as well as the throne of Napoleon. The château was also used as a NATO base of operations after World War II until 1966, when it was restored, gaining UNESCO status in 1981.

77300 Fontainebleau, +33 1 60 71 50 75, chateaudefontainebleau.fr/en. The château itself is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:30am-5pm (to 6pm in the summer). The parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are free to enter. Admission is 14 EUR per person, with discounts available. EU residents under 25, as well as any visitors under 18, can take the Grand Apartments tour free of charge. A guided day trip from Paris with Walks (my favorite tour operator in all of Europe) is around 100 EUR.

3. Château de Chantilly

This historic château is located just 60 minutes from Paris by car. It was built in 1560 by the Montmorency family, one of France’s noble families. It is surrounded by some 8,000 hectares of forest and has seen numerous additions over the years, including a major restoration after part of it was destroyed in the French Revolution. When the last owner of the château died with no sons, it became a public historic site.

There are waterfalls and canals around the property, as well as some fountains, flower gardens, and Chinese-style gardens. You’ll also find lots of sculptures outside, making it a great place to relax and go for a stroll.

The château is also home to the Musée Condé, which opened in 1898. It boasts over 1,000 paintings, 1,500 manuscripts, 2,500 drawings, and 30,000 books in the library!

60500 Chantilly, +33 3 44 27 31 80, chateaudechantilly.fr. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission is 9 EUR for just the park and 18 EUR for the park, château, and stables. By car, the journey is just over an hour via the A1 or A3.

4. Reims

This small city is located just 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Paris and has played a significant role in French history. Reims grew to prominence during the Roman Empire, and when the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral) was completed in the 15th century, it became the place where every king of France was crowned (with a few exceptions). Much like Notre-Dame in Paris, this Gothic cathedral boasts two large towers. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. (Admission with a guided tour is just 9 EUR.)

While in town, don’t miss seeing the city’s fortifications; a number of them, including Fort de la Pompelle, saw combat in World War I.

Today though, Reims is perhaps best known as a main center of champagne production. There are many ways to sample the best the of the best champagne here, but my picks are either on ane-bike tour of the vineyards or on a small group tour.

If you want to visit Reims independently, you can reach Reims by car via the A4. The journey takes just under two hours. There is also a train from Gare de l’Est run by SNCF that takes 50-90 minutes. Tickets cost around 13-18 EUR per person if you get them in advance; last minute they can be as much as 40-50 EUR.

5. The D-Day Beaches

On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces invaded Normandy, in what is known as Operation Overlord. Almost 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel that day. Today, you can visit some of the remaining fortifications and bunkers, as well as several cemeteries and museums.

The beaches are located just under three hours from Paris by car, which is the best way to explore the region, as you’ll have more freedom and flexibility with your schedule. If you’d rather not drive, you can book an organized tour that will take you to the main sites over the course of the day (245 EUR per person).

6. Giverny

This picturesque village is 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Paris and is famous for being the home of renowned painter Claude Monet, the founder of the impressionist movement. On a stroll through the famous gardens, you’ll recognize scenes from some of his most famous works. It’s like walking through art history itself. Be sure to visit Monet’s home as well as the art museum!

Many other impressionist artists also moved to Giverny, making it a great day trip for anyone interested in art or art history.

The journey to Giverny takes around 90 minutes by car via the A15 or A13. Alternatively, a tour that includes a local guide, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation from Paris is just 71 EUR.

84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, +33 2 32 51 28 21, claudemonetgiverny.fr/en. Open from April 1st to November 1st, 9:30am-6pm, last admission at 5.30pm. Adult admission is 12 EUR.

7. Champagne

The Champagne region is known for — you guessed it — producing champagne. Only wines that come from this region are technically allowed to be called “Champagne,” which makes this the epicenter of all things champagne. Though a long day trip from Paris, it’s possible to tour vineyards and sample the region’s wines in a day.

The Champagne region is located east of Paris. You can get there in just over two hours with a car via the A4. The trip can take around where between 2-4 hours via train; expect to pay 25-60 EUR for a train ticket.

If you’d rather have everything organized from start to finish, you can take a full-day tour from Paris with eight tastings and lunch included.

8. Rouen

Like Reims, Rouen has its own gorgeous cathedral. Built in the 11th century, it towers over most of the city (much like Notre-Dame in Paris). Rouen itself is most noteworthy as the place where Joan of Arc was martyred in 1431, and you can visit her memorial, not to mention other historic sites (such as Château Bouvreuil). Be sure to take a walking tour of the historic center to make the most out of your visit

Rouen can be reached by car in just under two hours. Direct trains take around two hours and cost around 30 EUR.

9. Orléans

This gorgeous city is located on the Loire River about two hours from Paris. You’ll find gorgeous medieval half-timber houses that really give Orléans a traditional European feel. There are tons of medieval buildings still in use, many dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. There are some incredible museums here too, including the sobering Musée Mémorial des enfants du Vel d’Hiv, which highlights the deportation of Jews and Roma to concentration camps during World War II and the Joan of Arc museum.

Orléans can be reached by car in around two hours via the A10 or N20. A direct train will take around the same amount of time and cost around 20 EUR.

10. Disneyland

Sure, this isn’t the most adventurous of travel experiences, but it’s definitely a fun one! Disneyland Paris (45 kilometers/28 miles east of the city) gives you a look at an American experience from a French perspective. Lose yourself in a world that’s not quite American and not quite French — but all parts that over-the-top Disney goodness that you love.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you just want to just relax and have a touristy good time, Disney offers a great escape from day-to-day Parisian life. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks show over the Sleeping Beauty Castle too — it’s pretty epic!

Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, +33 825 30 05 00, disneylandparis.com. Open daily, year-round, though opening hours vary by season. A single-day adult pass for one park starts at 51 EUR per person, while multi-day tickets start at 134 EUR.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape, a lesson in history, or a touristy getaway, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for on a day trip from Paris. With so many scenic towns, historic cathedrals, and stunning landscapes to choose from, you’ll be able to have an amazing experience that will round out your time in one of my favorite cities.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

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The post The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

It feels like only days ago I came to Paris — and now it’s the middle of May.

And, with more time behind me than ahead of me (I leave June 19), as I look back on my time here, I can’t say I’ve seen as much of Paris as I intended.

I haven’t visited one new attraction. Or taken one day trip out of the city. Or gone to another region of the country. Or even the outlying neighborhoods of the city, really. Nothing.

I have taken five walking tours (so I did something).

But that’s it.

That’s the extent of my explorations of Paris.

But, as I mull that over, I realize I don’t really care about that stat.

Because I’ve done what I came to Paris to do: create a quiet life.

My time here so far has been characterized more by writing, sleeping, and, overall, just generally “chilling.”

I’ve made a few friends — and, thanks to said new friends, exponentially increased the number of favorite restaurants and bars on my Google map. (So, I guess, if I have done a lot of anything, it’s eating and drinking.)

Every place, every moment has a lesson in it. Every place is perfect for certain times in your life. Thailand was the place I need to explore my independent self. New York City was what I needed when I transitioned from nomad to non-nomad. They were the perfect bridges to a new phase of life.

Paris is my bridge to a quieter life.

But, more than that, Paris has taught me something about myself I didn’t fully realize until now:

I’m the most motivated when I feel I have limited time.

I came to Paris guns blazing, with a grand vision that I’d have all this time to explore. I was going to do so much.

But three-hour lunches take up a lot of your day. So does work. So does dinner with friends. So do a plethora of visits from other friends.

When you live somewhere (instead of just visiting), there’s always tomorrow. When I feel like there’s a tomorrow, I’m less inclined to leave my comfort zone. I work, read, sleep, and eat.

So I always put everything off. I wanted to work anyways. I was in no rush.

But eventually, you run out of tomorrows.

Suddenly, you wake up and months have passed and you marvel at how quickly time went by.

Now, the clock is ticking down rapidly and I’m ready to kick things into high gear.

With only about six weeks in Europe left (and only half of them in Paris), I’ve begun to book more walking tours, museum visits, and cooking classes, plus trips to Bordeaux and Normandy. (Booking all this in advance ensures I won’t find a work reason to skip it!)

Looking back, I don’t think I’d change a thing, though. I needed some R&R. Not only from travel but from life. I needed time to get my head right again. To wind down projects, relax, and get some motivation back. I needed to take a step back and hit the reset button.

I’m heading to Normandy next week. After that, I’m off to Italy. Then it’s my birthday.

Then it’s home.

For now, at least.

After that, who knows?

If Paris reminded me of anything, it’s that I need to stop planning and accept that when I do make plans, I’m likely to just do the opposite.

I just need to see where the day takes me.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

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The post Life in Paris, Part 2: Only One Month Left appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

It’s been exactly one month since I moved to Paris.

During that time, it’s been nonstop wine, cheese, brasseries, influencer meetups, fashionable social events, writer salons, museums, picnics, and late-night jazz concerts.

It’s been a whirlwind of adventure and romance.

Just I imagined it would be.

Actually…

It hasn’t been that way at all.

I just made that up.

Life here has been the exact opposite of that (though that kind of fabulous lifestyle does sound like fun).

I arrived after a much-delayed flight, plopping my jetlagged self into bed and not waking up until the following day. From there, I met my one Parisian friend and her friends for some wine and cheese. That little outing to a park turned into a late-night wine fueled bar crawl that ended at some ’50s-style American sock hop. (Seriously. I couldn’t believe it. Here I am, in a bar in Paris, and people are dressed up and dancing like it’s 1953. It was kind of incredible.)

But, after that wild night, life slowed to a crawl.

I spent my first week here settling in: I got a SIM card, saw a plethora of apartments (and finally picked one), signed up for French classes, and tried to catch up on work. (I thought about joining a gym but, in paperwork-loving France, you need a doctor’s note saying you’re fit enough to join. I’m told most people don’t follow that rule but, for now, I can’t be bothered.)

After that first week, I moved into my new apartment, went to some meetups in hopes of making friends, and flew to Berlin for ITB, the largest travel conference in the world.

Upon returning to Paris, I came down with a terrible cold and spent the last week inside my apartment trying to recover. Just when I had hoped to hit the ground running, life had other ideas.

Now, as I hit my first full month here, I’m finally feeling better (and thanks to spending so long inside, I’m fairly caught up on work).

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The weather is getting warmer and sunnier again. Over the next few weeks, I start hosting a plethora of visitors, which will finally get me out of my apartment and exploring the city more. (I’ve lined up a lot of activities, which are basically the museums, tours, and shows I’ve yet to see, so my friends are going to get a very off-the-beaten-path look at Paris.)

Life here is very different than what I imagined it to be.

In my head, I imagined hitting the ground running. I imagined perfectly scheduled days balanced with work and play, including regular French classes, meetups, sightseeing, food tours, and nights out. I imagined myself like Owen Wilson’s character from Midnight in Paris where I just wander around town and stumble into this action-packed life.

But, instead, my time here has been similar to when I moved Bangkok where I spent much of my early weeks there alone playing video games, discouraged that life just didn’t “happen” to me.

It took a long time to find my groove in that city.

But living in Bangkok taught me two things:

First, life just doesn’t happen. Sitting at my kitchen table doing work isn’t going to show me life in Paris. Neither is going to the same co-working space.

This first month has gone by in the blink of an eye, and, with only three more left to go, I know I have to make the most of every single day.

I need to go out and make things happen. I need to be more proactive in doing things.

But, when I think of some of my motivations for coming here — to escape the fast pace of New York City, to write more, to relax, to sleep, to be healthier — I realize that, by those metrics, my first month has been a success.

I’ve done all those things.

Yeah, it would be nice to live this life I imagine in my head. But what I really want is exactly what I’ve been doing.

Now I feel settled in and ready to take on the city.

So, though, I’m 25% of the way through my time in Paris, I still have plenty of time left to accomplish the other things I want to do.

I didn’t come here in hopes of establishing a new life.

I came here for a fresh start and to try out what it’s like to take a really extended holiday to one of my favorites cities in the world. To no longer be just passing through but rather to peel back some of the layers of the onion that is Paris.

No move to a new place is ever going to be easy.

Because the second thing living Bangkok taught me? If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.

Bangkok showed me that I could be self-reliant and independent. It showed me that I could adapt to anything.

I’ve done this before.

And I can do it again.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my time here, so here are some answers to for anyone wondering:

1. How did I find an apartment so quickly?
I got lucky. Someone on Twitter connected me with someone who rented out apartments. And having a decent budget allowed me to find a place quicker. I was going through some agencies and looking at Facebook groups and Le Bon Coin (French Craigslist), but that personal connection made it a lot easier.

Finding an apartment here in Paris is hard even for the French. It’s a long process filled with a lot of paperwork. The way New Yorkers talk about the price of an apartment is the way people here talk about finding an apartment. It’s the first topic of discussion, as a way to bond with strangers.

2. Are you studying French? If so, where?
I was taking French classes at Alliance Française but, disliking the classroom teaching style, dropped out and hired a private tutor. I’m also learning via podcasts and Duolingo.

3. How are you meeting people and making friends as an expat?
There’s a bunch of expat meetup groups I’ve joined, and I started hosting my own meetups. I am also reaching out to influencers based in France. But if you know of any cool Parisian locals, let me know!

4. I heard you’re running walking tours. Is that true?
Yep! I started running my own historical walking tours. You can sign up here. I have put up the schedule through the end of May. I do them once a week and they’re free. Come join! If a date is full, join the waitlist. A few people always end up canceling!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post Life in Paris: One Month Down appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Ever since I first set eyes upon it, I’ve wanted to move to Paris. It was everything I’ve imagined it to be. A city that oozed sophistication and history from its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, cafes, restaurants, and Parisians strolling down the street.

I loved the lights, the food, the music, the people, that special je ne sais quoi.

I know I idealize Paris.

I know living somewhere is a lot different than dropping in for a few weeks at a time.

But I’ve always wanted to be the clichéd American travel writer who wakes up, has his coffee, and writes on his balcony or in some café while lingering over wine for hours.

I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in Paris. To learn the language and everything one could possibly know about the city.

And so, since there is no time like the present, it’s time to finally do it.

I’m moving to Paris!

Not forever. Just until June.

Maybe “moving” is a strong word. Maybe an “extended stay” might be a better term.

I don’t care.

I feel that is long enough to say I’m (temporarily) “moving” to Paris.

It will be my base of operations. My sole domicile. My home.

Next month, I’ll return from Colombia, pack my things, and by the end of the month, be ensconced in the City of Lights.

I know my time there will fly by. I remember the summer I spent in Stockholm and how quickly that came to an end. Right as I started meeting people, it was time to go.

Luckily, Americans get to stay six months in France, so I’ll have a longer time to play with.

I have a lot of plans for that time:

I am going to write — a lot!

I’m going to find a ’20s swing dance group.

I’m going to seek out all the best jazz the city has to offer.

I’m going to visit every tourist attraction in town. Just because.

I plan to learn French.

My 2019 mantra is “do less but better.” I plan to cut down the number of things I do — but go deeper into them.

I’m going to focus on living. I plan to work in the mornings, sightsee in the afternoon, check in with the team, and have long dinners.

Paris is the first step in making that happen.

I’m not over New York. Just over living there.

New York City will always be a part of me, and I’m glad I was here so much this year, but I don’t have good habits in the city: I’m out too often and too late, and I don’t find myself sleeping a lot. I don’t have a productive workspace or a kitchen. Many of my friends have started to move away or are planning to have kids.

The life I want to lead is not found there any longer.

My time there has come to an end.

And I’m OK with it. Since I decided to do this, I haven’t had one moment of regret.

So before June brings TravelCon, July brings my next book and a giant book tour (more on that later), and the fall brings my permanent to Austin, I feel like this is the perfect window to live out all my Paris writer dreams.

It’s only a few months in Paris but at least it’s something.

Opportunity is knocking.

If you don’t answer the door, it will move on to the next person.

So I’m doing it.

I’m finally going to live in Paris!

And I’m pretty damn excited about it!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Get your guides here!

The post Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.