It's been a year since I returned from a magical trip to Paris, France with a friend, back in January 2023. Now, you might think, “That’s a strange time of year to visit Paris. Isn’t it too cold? Is there anything to do there in January?”
Absolutely! Yes, it was a little cold, but it was not bad. We did have a day or two of rain, but I think that’s when Paris really shines. As Audrey Hepburn said in the movie “Sabrina,” “Paris is always a good idea.” There’s just something about it that makes it worth visiting year round.
When it is your first time in a new city, I am a proponent of making sure to see the famous sites, but also exploring everyday Parisian life holds its own unique charm. Exploring off-the-beaten-track sites will give you the best taste of the local culture.
We did a lot of the usual stops like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and they both lived up to our expectations. However, some of my favorite things that we did were going to a jazz club, visiting local grocery stores, and just hanging out and people watching at local cafes. This approach is the best way to be introduced to life in Paris and get a feel for what Paris is really about.
The Louvre
If you are interested in visiting the Louvre, here are some tips to avoid the long lines. First, it’s important to book your tickets online in advance and try to choose the earliest time slot.
Also, you might think the best and only entrance is by the pyramids, but it is not. You will encounter the longest lines there. Instead, if you walk through the square, you will find the “secret” entrance. It is the underground Carousel entrance.
Go down the stairs and through a hallway to the line for patrons with pre-purchased tickets. When I visited the Louvre with my friend, the line seemed to go back nearly to that entrance. I was a little nervous at first when we got in the line, however, within a few minutes, the line seemed to move quickly and we were inside in no time.
Another important thing to note is that you will not be able to see every exhibit. The Louvre contains so many collections and it would take the average person several months to a year, if not longer, to see everything. I would suggest searching online for a list of their collections, decide which ones are your must-see exhibits, and focus on them. The two pieces of art we were most interested in seeing were the “Mona Lisa” and the “Winged Victory of Samothrace.”
Speaking of the “Mona Lisa,” I have a pro tip for seeing this famous painting — don’t wait in the long queue in the middle of the room. Instead, walk to the side of the room to the left of the painting and make your way towards the door in the back. As you go by, there is a small gap where you can see it and catch a quick photograph on your way out.
If you are a music lover and enjoy dancing, you're in for a real treat! Later in the week, we went to a jazz club called Caveau de la Huchette. It’s located in the Latin Quarter of the 5th Arrondissement, and boasts that it has been the “Temple of Swing since 1946.” It was a weeknight, but it felt like a Friday or Saturday. The music and the dancing really transports you back in time to the Jazz Age or WWII era and you get a small taste of what it must have felt like to experience a club back then.
I have not had the chance to swing dance in many years, and that night, I had the rare opportunity to do so, and it was magical. I only got out there and danced twice, but in those moments, it took me right back to the days when I would swing dance in college with my friends.
The music was upbeat and fun and we had such a great time. However, if you decide to check it out, I would recommend arriving not too long after it opens or you might not be able to find a place to sit down.
One of my favorite neighborhoods to explore was Montmartre. I’ll take a deeper dive into its artistic soul, vintage treasures, and quirky corners that inspired the movie “Amélie” in a future blog post, but let’s just say, I think if I lived in Paris, that is the neighborhood where I would love to live.
Throughout the week, we also visited different cafes and tried not only the amazing food, but their hot chocolates as well. I don’t know how they prepare them in Paris, but they were the best I’ve ever tasted. My top two were from Aéro Passy and Angelina Paris.
Aéro Passy
Located in the Passy area of the 16th Arrondissement, a neighborhood across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, Aéro Passy's hot chocolate was the heaviest, very rich and delicious. I also recommend their croissants and the omelets which come with a small side salad. Our Airbnb was not far from Aéro, so we walked there a couple times during our trip. It’s the perfect neighborhood cafe.
Angelina Paris
Opened in 1903, Angelina Paris is located across the street from the Tuileries Gardens, a perfect place to stop and relax after visiting the Louvre. If you go to Angelina, I would go around 1-2pm on a weekday. The line seemed smaller around that time and it was just before tea time, which was at 3pm. We tried their famous hot chocolate while we waited. It was very good. It was the lightest hot chocolate and came with whipped cream on the side.
When it was tea time, I ordered a white hot chocolate to try and my friend ordered tea. Our order also came with various sweet treats and small sandwiches. I enjoyed them all. My favorite was definitely the macaroon.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Angelina is a little pricey, so I would suggest ordering one thing for the table. Definitely stop by the bakery in the front on your way out to at least marvel at the artistry of the beautiful desserts and be sure to pick up some macaroons and their signature hot chocolate. If you only have time to visit the bakery, that is ok. You can just go in and not have to wait in the main line.
Paris has something for everyone — from the history buff, to the music lover, and the romantic in all of us. Consider a trip to Paris. It is truly the place to be any time of the year. You won’t regret it.
Sites Mentioned in this Post
Aéro Passy - https://aero-paris-passy.fr/fr
Angelina Paris - https://www.angelina-paris.fr/
Eiffel Tower - https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr
Jardin des Tuileries aka Tuileries Garden - https://parisjetaime.com/culture/jardin-des-tuileries-p3545
Le Caveau de la Huchette - http://www.caveaudelahuchette.fr/
The Louvre - https://www.louvre.fr/en
Unpacking Your Wanderlust: Coaching Questions for Deeper Travel Experiences
What seemingly small or unplanned moments during your travels have brought you the most unexpected joy? How can you embrace the potential for such moments on future trips?
Think about a time you've chosen comfort over curiosity on a trip, perhaps sticking to familiar meals or tourist hotspots. In hindsight, what opportunities for exploration and stepping outside your comfort zone did you miss? How can you make a conscious effort to embrace these types of experiences on future journeys?
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in your ideal travel destination. What sights, sounds, and emotions fill your senses? What is one small step can you take today to make this dream a reality?
Comments