My trip to Paris wasn’t filled with black turtle necks, mimes, and people saying “oui oui, haw haw.” Sad, right? You almost want to stop reading here. I suppose this is the American perception of the most romantic city in the world. If this is what you’re looking for, perhaps any other season besides winter may be a better time to visit. Despite not seeing the postcard version of the city of light, I was able to soak in the sights and sounds of Paris at its off season. Businesspeople passing by on the way to work, moms and dads walking their kids to school, a lone woman eating a baguette and butter with coffee inside a cafe — all bundled up in their winter coats and weather-proof boots. Everyday Parisians sitting amongst an endless sea of tourists from around the world. Actually, mostly Asians from what I could tell. Despite frigid temps, stinging rain, light snowfall, and not seeing people carrying baguettes around like it’s a thing, Paris — if not romantic — is truly unforgettable.
Much like Italy, breakfast seemed to be a less popular thing among folks. It was rare to find a cafe open before 9a.m., and for the most part people were in and out of cafes via quick counter-service coffee and croissant. Sipping on that Earl Grey tea on our first cold morning was a little bit of heaven.
Did you know: The croissant actually has origins in Austria rather than France! We had an amazing almond croissant at a small cafe/bakery. Baked goods are what I’ll miss the most about French cuisine. One of my favorite memories is going to the bakery across the street from our hotel and buying a baguette and eating it in our room with a stick of butter. I warmed that butter with my own body heat! Don’t ask. Also, steak pomme frites: never again.
Paris is a huge city and it’d take a special breed to call this place a walkable city. However, I will say it’s great to get off at a stop and walk a couple of miles in any direction. Though we made the most of our metro tickets to get to far-out landmarks, we broke in our boots real good. Watch out for that slippery ice, though!
Did you know: You should hold onto your validated metro ticket, and also be sure that you’re paying for the correct amount of zones if traveling far distances. There is no signage for this anywhere, and is an unwritten rule that if disobeyed leads to hefty fines! Lesson learned.
Did you know: Just days before our trip, the Eiffel tower had been closed due to snow, and the river Seine was nearly overflowing from heavy rain fall. From what I heard, it hadn’t snowed in Paris in four years!
Did you know: At the top of every hour in the evening, the Eiffel tower puts on a light show! Also, if you’d like a great view of the tower, don’t go to the tower itself. Instead, get off at Trocadéro where you’ll have an elevated, onobstructed view of the tower and the city beneath.
Macaroons, macaroons, macaroons. Ladurée has shops here in California, but of course we had to get it from Paris. Lots of interesting flavors—our favorite being the caramel—and other types of pastries as well. If you’ve not tried these, you must!
Did you know: There is no hunchback in Notre Dame ringing the bells. Another childhood dream ruined.
Angelina boasts a world-famous hot chocolate. They also had french onion soup. Both were amazing. End of statement.
Inside the Louvre, your art history books come alive—you know, the ones you never opened because you slept through that class all semester? So many renowned sculptures, paintings, and art from around the world. Check out this room that holds some royal artifacts from France. Talk about family jewels. 
Sorry, you just have to. Also, beware, the room holding the Mona Lisa has so much body heat that it smells and gets very hot real quick. Uncomfortable really.
Did you know: The Arc de Triomphe holds the tomb of the unknown soldier, similar to D.C. Stuff at night just always seems prettier, don’t you agree?
Last but certainly not least, a trip to Disneyland Paris of course. So used to having fake bubble snow be sprinkled down from overhead machines that I couldn’t tell if this was another Disney effect or if it was really happening. It was real, it was magical, and it also had us running for the train station.
Merci Beaucoup, Paris! Arevo- Arevwau- Ar-…. bye.
