The Eiffel Tower is typically the first thing to come to mind when one thinks of Paris. To me though, it’s all about the romance of Paris. Allow me the honor of taking you in to the heart of the city.

Beyond the Tourists Sights of Paris

The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triumph, Palais Royal, Pont Alexander III, these are all a must see when in Paris. But in order to truly experience the romance of Paris, you have to go beyond the tourists sights and explore.

Paris is not for running through, it’s for contemplative strolling.

Take your time, slow down, dare to be fully present with what you are seeing, feeling, smelling, tasting and hearing. There is a reason we have all of these senses! Meal time and afternoon apéritifs last for hours if done right. I always enjoy being with people, but this is also a time I have come to find I love enjoying alone too. And either way, at the end of it you will most likely have a new acquaintance or two as you leave the cafe.

I always walk in Paris, no need for taxi or Uber. It is a large city, don’t get me wrong, but a two mile walk feels no longer than a stroll down a few blocks. This is also the times you will find the best antique shops, fruit markets, umbrella canopied sidewalks tucked away down a side street you would never otherwise see.

The Tastes

Mornings is for espresso and chocolat chaud. Expert tip – sip half of your espresso then pout the rest in to mix with the chocolat chaud and you have the best mocha ever. Afternoon is for cafes or shopping the market for a picnic in one of the many parks with the company of a good book. Followed of course by gelato and a stroll. Evening is for an apéritif, and nighttime is for dinner and late night conversations.

The Romance of Rodin

One spot I am always willing to fight the crowd at is the Musee Rodin. It hosts an amazing range of art to discover, and the building itself is a work of art in its own right.

Enjoy the romance of Paris’ architecture, see the must sees, but above all, get lost in the experience that is Paris.

All photos taken on my Canon AE-1 and Contax 645

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