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If you’re planning a trip to Paris and wondering what to see, this Paris travel guide covers the essential sights, neighborhoods, and museums. This 5-day Paris itinerary includes iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and hidden gems like the Rodin Museum and Montmartre. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these are the best things to do in Paris to experience the magic of the city.
Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world. But what should you see and do? It’s so big and there’s so much, how can you choose? This guide will cover all the essentials for what to do in Paris.
I’ll never forget my first time in Paris. It was mid-July and I was 25. I wasn’t as worried about skin cancer but I was concerned about lightening my hair and darkening my skin in the sun. I can’t tell you if Paris was hot or cold. I can’t tell you if it rained. All I know is that I loved it. I glided through the streets as if on pink roller skates, marveling at the beautiful buildings. People told me that Paris was dirty. Where? People told me that the French can be unfriendly. Who? But no one warned me that I would want to move abroad after visiting for just 5 days. That’s why I’ve put together the essential Paris travel guide. Because there are some things you MUST do when you go.
Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post. I’ve created a separate map toward the end of the post of all my favorite restaurants.
Paris is a feeling. I get chills thinking about it. You can’t NOT be romantic about Paris. I know, because I dragged Michael (and my Mom) there for my birthday in January. It was freezing, I was wearing a mini dress, it started to rain… I didn’t care. Paris just sweeps me up in it’s magical entanglements. I think it fits the bill for almost any kind of traveler (and yes, there are different kinds). Whether you want to relax, explore, learn, feast… it’s all there, waiting for you.
This is the essential Paris travel guide, but I thought it would be best to break it down into 5 days so you can get the most out of it and see what a typical itinerary might look like.
The Essential Paris Travel Guide
How to Get There
You can land at Charles de Gaulle airport and easily take public transportation. Or, if you are closer, you can take the train. There are many high-speed trains that route into Paris. Typically they come into Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, or Gare de Lyon.
Getting Around Paris
I highly recommend taking the Paris metro. This is easier (and less expensive and traffic-y) than a cab. The city is LARGE so walking, while okay in some parts, is just not as feasible if you want to see it all. There are 16 lines and it’s easy once you get the hang of it, promise. There is a Metro and bus and your ticket will be good for both. I recommend buying a pass for the number of days you’ll be there.
When to Go
I really think you can go anytime. However, winter is LOVELY because you really will avoid the crowds (See also how to avoid lines and people while traveling.) I remember waiting half an hour to go inside the Notre Dame in July, while in January there was no wait. But I will say, going in the spring and summer is lovely because flowers are blooming. Places like Monet’s Gardens and Versailles are going to be lush with flowers everywhere.
How Much Money You’ll Need
This is going to, of course, vary by where you eat and where you stay. But let me tell you, my first trip to Paris was with the dynamic cheap duo: my husband and his best friend. If you think you are thrifty, you haven’t met Michael and Josh. We ate a lot of meals from the grocery store. We had onion soup and conspicuously drank water from our camel-back that we filled up in the bathroom. We splurged one night for a fancy dinner. But oddly enough, my favorite meal was our baguette, wine, and cheese from the grocery store as we sat outside the Eiffel Tower and watched it light up. *Insert heart eye emojis* Honestly you can do it cheaply. Your cost will come in for museums and attractions, and of course, what you eat.
Hotel Icone is exquisite and has a wonderful attention to detail. This is where I stayed on my trip in the spring and it is one of the best locations. I walked everywhere. It’s so close the the Opera, walking distance to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and so much more. Highly recommend.
Mid Range
When my Mom came to visit, we stayed a little more upscale at the loveliest AirBnb in Île-de-France . It was a duplex with two bedrooms and a full kitchen. I also stayed around here with friends.
Budget
If you’re as cheap as chips, hostels are where it’s at. I never ever felt unsafe. Look for one that has good reviews and then book it!
What to Do
I’m going to plan these activities by day so I’ll lay it out in a route. You wouldn’t go from the Eiffel tower straight to the Notre Dame, they are farther apart than you think, so hopefully this will have a flow to it for when you’re planning.
Short on time? I do recommend getting the Paris Passthat allow you access to museums, attractions, and more and will help you skip lines! It is a bit pricey, but worth it if your time is very limited.
I have just one rule in Paris, and while traveling in general, embrace it. Be a tourist. Take the pictures. Learn about what you’re seeing. I promise, you’ll want to cherish these memories forever. And maybe even try roast pigeon. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
DAY ONE in Paris:
Let’s start with the Eiffel Tower. It’s classic Paris and the morning is the best time to go for great views without as much of a crowd. Don’t worry, this won’t be the only time we go. We also have to go at night to watch it light up! If you want to avoid lines and crowds, the earlier that you can get up, the better.
The Trocadéro is one of the best places for seeing the Iron Lady, or you can get up close and personal with her as well. I also suggest grabbing a bottle of wine or a pastry nearby. There will be people selling them for very reasonable pricing.
You can walk here or take the subway (I recommend public transportation as we’ll be walking a lot). Once there, you can pay to go up to the tower for a spectacular view. This isn’t my favorite view of Paris, but still, you’ll get a good grasp of the city. As for pricing by elevator: 1st and 2nd levels €11; top €17. By stairs: 1st and 2nd levels only, €7. Make sure to reserve ahead of time to avoid lines
We went early in the day and grabbed some great shots of the tower for my 30th birthday… even if it was a total fail.
From here, you can head to Arc De Triomphe. A staggering arc in the center of the street. This is a great view of the Avenue des the Champs-Élysées, one of my favorite streets.
In order to get up to the Arc, take the underground passage so you can explore around it and climb up the 284 steps to the top. I think this is one of the best views in Paris.
If you’re hungry, the Champs-Élysées, is a great place to find a bite to eat. Just strolling this street is an experience in itself.
Next, head over to one of my favorite spots, the Grand Palais. To me, this is quintessential Paris. One of the loveliest buildings in the world! Just on the other side, is the Petit Palais. I feel like these two buildings aren’t mentioned enough. They are exquisite and a testament to French architecture. Sometimes the line can be quite long, but they are lovely inside. The Grand Palais is a museum and exhibition hall, often with events taking place. The Petit Palais is an art museum, worth the look inside, as the whole building is art in itself.
There are three museums near here that I think are worth the visit: Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Musée de Rodin. I think out of the three, go to the Orsay. It’s an old train station and holds some of the world’s greatest art. The art here is focused on the period of 1848-1940, while the Lourve focuses on art before that period.
Prepare to spend at least a couple hours in the museum. We did a guided tour for just 5 EUR per person additional, and I highly recommend it! You’ll find Impressionist art from Renoir, Degas, and Monet.
If you don’t have time to go to all the museums, I suggest going by Les Invalides. This is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement and it’s a beautiful museum. The Musée de l’Armée Invalides has a wonderful history on war and a great collection of military pieces. You’ll also find Napoleon’s Tomb in all it’s glory.
You can grab a hot chocolate at Angelina’s then go to Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, for a view of the ferris wheel, Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves. Even at night this will all be lit up!
Just a short walk from Les Invalides is the Rodin Museum, one of the most beautiful and peaceful museums in Paris. The museum is housed in an elegant mansion surrounded by sculpture gardens filled with Rodin’s most famous works, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Unlike larger museums like the Louvre, the Rodin Museum is quiet and intimate, making it a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy art in a serene setting. If the weather is nice, spend time wandering through the gardens where sculptures are displayed among roses and fountains.
If you’re looking for a less crowded museum in Paris, this is one of the best.
DAY 2 in PARIS:
Today we’ll start at the Notre Dame. One of the most iconic churches in the world, the twin steeples tower above all the grand buildings nearby.
Don’t forget to explore around here. There are plenty of great coffee shops and restaurants and lovely trees. Also, if there is a line, wait! It moves quick. Don’t go to Paris and NOT go into the Notre Dame. When I got here at 8am there was no line at all.
A great spot to take in the scenery is Au Vieux Paris. One of the cutest spots, especially in the spring, with wisteria all around.
It’s time to Church hop. Next on the list is my all time favorite, Sainte-Chapelle. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly uninspiring exterior (in Paris at least). The inside is one of the most awe-inspiring stained glass masterpieces of all time.
I love this area of Paris because it’s the island. So it feels a bit separated from everything else and you are surrounded by water. The Ile de la Cité as it’s named, feels separate from everything else.
Next, we’ll cross the bridge, Pont Saint-Michel to head down for some more sites of Paris.
Walk south and past the Sorbonne to the Latin Quarter. The Latin Quarter of Paris and it’s known for student life and architecture. Lots of pretty cafe-lined streets and a great place to just wander around.
Keep walking and you’ll find the Panthéon, a building originally intended as a church to hold St. Genevieve’s relics, now a state burial site for France’s heroes like Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. I have yet to go inside, but if you’re short on time, I’d just look at the building on the outside.
From here, it’s a quick walk over to the Luxemborg Garden. Lots of green space, this is the perfect place to relax after all that walking. This arrondissement (area) of Paris is Saint-Germain-des-Prés and is such a peaceful spot.
When facing the fountain you can get a great view of the residence of Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV.
Next, loop back up north and stop in at Église Saint-Sulpice. A lovely church along rue Bonaparte. This is the second largest in Paris (after the Notre Dame) and you might recognize it from the “The Da Vinci Code.”
Tired of walking? Take a break at Pont Des Arts (another pretty bridge) and grab a view of the Seine and the buildings around you.
Next up is one of the best museums in the world: the Louvre. Please, pretty please, buy tickets ahead of time. Be prepared to wait in line if you don’t! Don’t forget that close to opening or closing is the best time to get in and avoid crowds. Don’t forget that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
DAY 3 in PARIS:
Monmarte is one of the most interesting parts of Paris. I highly recommend doing a free walking tour (we did the Discovery Walks Tour). It’s a fun and interactive tour and you just need to tip at the end. This is one of the best ways to truly get a feeling for a place, and learn some gems about the city and it’s people.
Monmarte is full of charm and really sets itself apart from main-street Paris. In the late 1800s and early 1900s artists flocked here as it was cheaper to live and work. The walking tour will take a couple of hours and you’ll see a different side of Paris.
On our tour, we started with the Moulin Rouge, then headed up to Le Mur Des Je t’aime where you’ll see “I love you” written out in 300 languages. You can also pass by famous cafes, like the one from the movie “Amélie”.
Meander over to the beautiful restaurant Le Moulin de la galette, also the spot where Renoir painted one of his most famous paintings.
Walk up past the infamous pink building, La Maison Rose.
Then head up to the gem of Monmarte, the Sacre Couer. In reality, most Parisians are not a fan because it was built with their own money after the war by the French National Government as a reminder to the people.
Step inside the church for more lovely architecture and paintings.
Don’t forget to take in the view. You can really see how dense Paris is from here. The white domes of the basilica are the highest point in the city, so climb up to the top for a spectacular view.
Find your way back down on Rue de Martyrs and pick a spot for lunch. This is a great area for funky shops and coffee.
Keep going down and head to The Galeries Lafayette for some of the most renowned shopping in the world. This is all high end shopping (not in my budget) but it’s worth it to head to the terrace for a great view. There are lots of cool shops for every kind of buyer- from clothing, shoes, accessories, foodies, and more. It particularly pretty at night as it’s all lit up.
If you’re still ready for more, head to Père Lachaise Cemetery. You might find it odd to go to a cemetery but it has many famous graves and is the largest in Paris.
A good place to get away from the busy streets and see some fascinating memorials. Some famous tombs are Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. The tradition is to kiss the now glass encased tomb.
DAY 4 in Versailles:
I know that there is so much to see and do in Paris but you MUST take a day to half-day trip to Versailles. Truly, one of the most opulent and incredible places in the world. It even landed on the 25 best castles in the world list.
Go as early as you can to beat the crowds. PRO TIP: The main palace is closed on Mondays! And can be super crowded on the weekends.
I absolutely adore Versailles and believe it can take up almost your whole day, so plan accordingly. You’ll see the palace, the gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate. All are a bit of a walk and I suggest packing a lunch!
Gaze up at the overwhelmingly stunning Hall of Mirrors. I can remember my first time seeing this and I couldn’t contain my excitement. You dream of palaces and can’t truly imagine what they are like until you’re inside. This one is straight out of a story book.
Not only is it architecturally beautiful, there are rooms that are still furnished in every color imaginable and art that stands the test of time.
The gardens are trimmed and cropped to perfection, with fountains that light up at night. So if you’re interested in staying the entire day, it will make sense. Don’t forget to head to Marie Antoinette’s pink marble abode.
After spending the day in arguably one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, head to something dramatically different: the Catacombs. These underground tombs hold the remains of more than 6 million people! This is back in Paris, so if you didn’t spend the whole day in Versailles, this is a good option.
DAY 5 in PARIS:
Start bright and early with the Tuileries Garden and eat at a food stand. You can also pick up a bushel of fresh flowers from a shop nearby.
From here, walk down to the Rue de Rivioli for some of the best shopping you can find. This grand street is flanked with shops, restaurants and cafes.
Next up, venture to one of my favorite sites in Paris, the Opera Garnier. This building is just magnificent, both inside and out. There is a pricey ticket for touring the inside, but it’s so opulent it’s worth a visit.
Of course, one of my favorite things to do is just to walk around and see the city. It’s so romantic and tells a story with each step.
Cap off your 5 days with seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night. There is absolutely nothing in the world like it. This is where I fell deeply in love with Europe.
Still have some extra time? Go to Monet’s Gardens. This is a half day trip and only 45 minutes from Paris. Check out a museums: Orsay, Lourve, Organerie, Picasso, and many more!
Where to Eat
Below you can find a map of all the restaurants discussed below:
It’s necessary to grab a Café au Lait and a croissant and just walk around the city, taking in the sights. Paris is just so fun to walk around and get lost.
One of my favorite quotes from a Parisian I recently met was, “you really can’t go wrong in Paris.” Meaning, all the food and drinks are going to be good. It’s a country that is known for it’s cuisine, so you can’t go wrong! But here are some of my top picks:
Le Train Bleu- One of the prettiest restaurants in the world and it’s located in a train station!
Maison Bergeron – a great bakery near the Eiffel tower! They have my favorite pastry: kouigyn amman.
Angelina’s – Known for delicious hot chocolate. I was told it’s made with three different chocolate from Africa. If there’s a super long line just get it to go.
Ladurée – I have to say.. I’m not a big fan of macarons but this is the place to go if you want some of the best.
Cafe Kitsuné – Arguably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. The coffee is tasty and pretty.
Comptoir de La Gastronomie – one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The Foie Gras Ravioli was out of this world.
La Stube – This is the perfect lunch spot for a savory tart or Salmon Strudel. Also try their cakes, divine!
Le Grenier à Pain – for great baked goods. They won best bread in Paris. Try a “tradi” for a traditional baguette.
Grand Amour Hotel – Brunch with the best in this classic hotel filled with delicious food and even more beautiful scenery.
Aux Lyonnais – This is traditional food that comes from Lyon and it’s delicious. A great big bowl of hot food.
Cafe Callou – I LOVED this! Great classic French cuisine and great people watching – just like a Parisienne!
Le Consulat – a perfect little cafe to people watch and have onion soup.
Le Refuge des Fondus– Wine out of baby bottles. Need I say more? It’s hilarious and they also have great fondue.
Café de Flore – on a terrace in St Germain this is a great place for brunch, breakfast, or lunch.
The Best Way to See Paris and France: A River Cruise
Paris is incredible on its own, but one of the best ways to experience Paris and more of France is by taking a river cruise.
Instead of unpacking and repacking your suitcase while traveling between cities, a river cruise allows you to wake up somewhere new each morning while your floating hotel moves you effortlessly through the countryside. It’s a relaxed way to see multiple destinations without the stress of trains, airports, or constantly changing hotels.
On a Seine River cruise, you can begin in Paris and sail through Normandy, stopping in historic towns, visiting places like Rouen, Honfleur, and the D-Day landing beaches. It’s one of the most beautiful routes in France and a wonderful way to see both the capital and the countryside.
If you want to explore southern France, a Rhône River cruise takes you through Provence and Burgundy, with stops in places like Avignon, Arles, and Lyon. Think vineyards, medieval villages, lavender fields, and incredible food and wine.
What I personally love about river cruising is how immersive it feels. You’re not just visiting a place for a few hours — you’re slowly traveling through the heart of a region and experiencing the landscapes along the way.
That’s exactly why I host my own “Cruise in Between” river cruises each year. They combine some of the most beautiful European destinations with curated excursions, local experiences, and a wonderful group of travelers who love exploring as much as I do.
If Paris is on your list, I highly recommend pairing it with a river cruise to see even more of France.
What is the best way to plan a first trip to Paris and see all the major sights?
If it’s your first trip to Paris, the best approach is to plan your days by neighborhood so you’re not zig-zagging across the city. Paris is larger than it seems, but many of the most famous attractions are clustered together. For example, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées in one day, then explore Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter on another. I recommend spending at least four to five days in Paris so you have time to visit museums like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay while also wandering the neighborhoods, sitting at cafés, and enjoying the city at a slower pace.
Is 5 days enough time to see the main attractions in Paris?
Yes, five days in Paris is the perfect amount of time for a first visit. In five days you can comfortably see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and the Palace of Versailles without feeling rushed. You’ll also have time to explore quieter spots like the Luxembourg Gardens or the Rodin Museum, which are some of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the city. Paris is a city meant to be experienced slowly, so leaving room to wander, enjoy long meals, and simply take in the atmosphere is just as important as checking off the big sights.
What are some must-see museums in Paris besides the Louvre?
While the Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, Paris is filled with incredible museums that are often quieter and just as memorable. Musée d’Orsay is one of my favorites because it’s housed in a former train station and features masterpieces from artists like Monet, Degas, and Renoir. The Musée de l’Orangerie is famous for Monet’s Water Lilies paintings, displayed in stunning oval rooms designed specifically for the artwork. Another hidden gem is the Rodin Museum, where sculptures like The Thinker are displayed throughout beautiful gardens, making it one of the most peaceful museum experiences in Paris.
What are the most beautiful places in Paris to walk around?
One of the best ways to experience Paris is simply by walking. Some of the most beautiful places to stroll include the Seine riverbanks, the charming streets of Montmartre, the elegant gardens of Luxembourg Gardens, and the historic island of Île de la Cité near Notre Dame. Walking through neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés or along bridges like Pont Alexandre III gives you a real feel for the city and often leads to unexpected discoveries like small cafés, bakeries, and hidden courtyards.
There is so much to see and do, you really can’t go wrong. But having a plan beforehand is always a good idea. I know this was a lengthy guide, but I wanted to give you the very best guide to Paris ever.
If you liked this guide, pin it so you don’t forget it.
Do you have a favorite place in Paris? Tell me below!
It’s hard to tell what I’ve done more: traveled to Paris, or watched the film, “Midnight in Paris.” Woody Allen’s flick is one of my favorite movies of all time to capture the essence of Paris and is a good understanding of why I myself moved abroad. From the opening scene playing “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere” showcasing various scenes of Paris, to the old school Parisian bars and restaurants of the 1920s, Midnight in Paris makes you want to hop on a plane and go.
On my recent trip to Paris I knew I had to seek out some of the iconic scenes and shooting locations from Midnight in Paris as well as some of my favorite quotes from the movie.
There are a lot of great quotes about Paris. It’s a city that inspires romanticism, drama, and art. But Midnight in Paris has some of my favorite quotes about the city. I’m sharing those right along with the film locations so you can step back in time and enjoy the epic scenery that draws you into the city.
The movie is about Gil, a writer who’s obsessed with the past and dreams about Paris’ golden age in the 1920s. He’s visiting Paris with his bratty fiance and her snobby parents. Gil and Ines (his fiance) shop for over-priced antique chairs, drink fancy wine at swanky rooftop bars, and run in to a couple who they travel and spend time with around Paris.
After all, who wouldn’t want to time travel back o the 1920s to sip brandy with the Fitzgeralds, fight with Hemingway, see Picasso’s newest work, or get surreal with Dalí? The best part? This movie is mostly historically accurate and these iconic writers and artists lived in Paris at the time.
Walking the streets of Paris at Midnight, the strangest thing happens to our protagonist, Gil: an old Peugeot car rolls down the street and Gil enters the past, quite literally. He’s transported to the 1920s where he falls in love even more with the city and starts to realize his true dreams.
“Can you picture how drop-dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? Imaging this town in the ’20s. Paris in the ’20s in the rain; the artists and writers.”
I’ve created a map with all the shooting locations below:
WARNING: There are some spoilers if you haven’t watched this movie!
“There’s no city like this in the world. There never was!” Gil and Inez are in Monet’s Garden in the opening scene, standing on the bridge and admiring where Monet got inspiration for much of his work. Monet’s gardens are an easy day trip from Paris at only about a an hour train or car ride away. Claude Monet’s Water Garden, Giverny, Eure, France. It’s located across the road from Monet’s house at 84 Rue Claude Monet.
They stay at Hotel Bristol and many scenes from the movie are shot in the dining room, rooms, and outside. It has a fanciful facade and exudes Parisian charm. You can find it here: Hotel Le Bristol, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
“I’m not a big Francophile,” says Inez’s Dad. Le Grand Véfour is where Inez, Gil, and her parents have lunch. The restaurants is absolutely stunning and is worth a walk around. Find it at 17 Rue du Beaujolais.
“You know, nostalgia is denial. Denial of the painful present.” – Paul talking about how silly Gil’s book sounds. Versailles is another must for a day-trip outside of Paris. The historic palace was also the scene for Gil, Inez, and their couple friends to stroll the gardens and argue about Gil’s book. The Palace of Versailles is located in Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France.
“Ah sex and alcohol, it fuels the desire but kills the performance” – Paul, as they drink wine on the rooftop bar overlooking the city with the glittering Eiffel Tower in the background. You can find the bar at Hotel Le Meurice, called La Belle Étoile, located at 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France. This is also a lovely street for shopping and strolling.
I also recommend The Peninsula Paris for great rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower. Find it at 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France.
“I’m really finding these midnight walks good for my creativity!” Gil explains to Inez why he keeps traipsing around at night. I agree, the best way to experience Paris is to take a stroll around. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles, the buildings are lit up, and the city seems to come to life. Gil gets lost and as the clock strikes midnight he finds a car from the 1920s that he hops inside. This spot can be found at Rue Mouffetard at Rue Édouard Quenu, Paris, France.
The steps themselves are located just around from the Panthéon at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, Place de L’Abbé Basset, Paris, France.
“I believe that love is real and true and creates a respite from death.” – Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway’s character in the movie is spot on. Gil meets Hemingway at The Polidor. This remains a very popular restaurant in Paris’s Left Bank. The restaurant looks very similar to how it looked in the 1920s and was visited by many famous people in the 20s. You can find The Polidor at 41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, Paris, France.
“Cheap is cheap.” Inez’s mother tells Gil after he’s shocked to hear about the *18,000 price tag of some antique chairs. You can find the shop at 112 Boulevard de Courcelles, Paris, France.
“I love it. I’m hooked.” This is Adriana’s response after hearing the opening of Gil’s book.
“The pedantic one.” Paul, the friend of Inez, ends up arguing with the tour guide while they visit Rodin’s museum, an easy walk in Paris to explore more of the artist, Rodin Museum, 79 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.
The museum has beautiful grounds and is a great place to stroll. And find inspiration from the film.
“I’d like to think I’m a member of Linda and Cole’s inner circle.” Gil says this to a young woman, Gabrielle, working in a flea market selling old vinyl records and memorabilia. This happens to be the largest antique market in the world! You can find the flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, at Le Marché Paul Bert, 96-110 Rue des Rosiers, Saint-Ouen, France.
“He’s distracted by the fact she was just an absolute volcano in the sack.” Gil argues with Paul about Picasso paintings at the beautiful Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, France.
After dancing at an outdoor fete, Adriana and Gil decide to stroll the city at night. “I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night.” – Adriana
“No, you can’t, you couldn’t pick one. I mean I can give you a checkmate argument for each side. You know, I sometimes think, how is anyone ever gonna come up with a book, or a painting, or a symphony, or a sculpture that can compete with a great city. You can’t. Because you look around and every street, every boulevard, is its own special art form and when you think that in the cold, violent, meaningless universe that Paris exists, these lights, I mean come on, there’s nothing happening on Jupiter or Neptune, but from way out in space you can see these lights, the cafés, people drinking and singing. For all we know, Paris is the hottest spot in the universe.” – Gil
Here, they are walking in Île de la Cite near Restaurant Paul, specifically 17 Place Dauphine, Paris, France. Next, the backdrop of Monmarte surrounds them. Monmarte was a hangout for many artists in Paris in the 1920s. They also are seen walking down the steps at Rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre, Paris, France. Here you can see the Sacre Couer.
Gertrude Stein was an American living in Paris and edited Hemingway and others work. Stein edits Gil’s book and remarks, “The artist’s job is not to succumb to despair but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.” Gil picks up a book along the Seine river where today many stalls sell old books, art, and collectibles. Find this street at Quai de Montebello.
“Too rich for me.” Inez’s dad says while eating the food at a hotel. Next, he’s seen at Duluc detective agency, one that is still there to this day.
“Gil, your tumor is acting up again!” – Inez says when Gil accuses Inez of cheating on him with Paul.
“You’ve got a glazed look in your eyes. Stunned. Stupefied. Anesthetized. Lobotomized.” – Zelda Fitzgerald when talking to Gil as he realizes he’s time traveled to the 1920s in Paris. Zelda is later seen distraught, attempting to jump into the Seine river. Behind her is the bridge Pont Neuf. The address is Pont Neuf, Quai des Orfèvres, Paris, France.
Here’s a look at Pont Neuf during the day.
Gil asks the tour guide to translate a passage in a book and they are seen sitting on benches just behind the Notre Dame. You can find this at Square Jean-XXIII
Gil and Adriana hop on a horse and carriage and head to the turn of the century in Paris. They go to Maxim’s, a restaurant still here to this day. You can find it here: Maxim’s, 3 Rue Royale, Paris, France
“You always take the side of the help! That’s why Daddy says you’re a communist” – Inez. Gil is seen perusing the famous Shakespeare and Company book shop located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, Paris, France. This is very near the Notre Dame and also now has a fun coffee shop.
“That’s what the present is, it’s a little unsatisfying, because life’s a little unsatisfying.” – Gil. There are many coffee shops and corners in Paris that are reminiscent of the movie. In fact, Le Precope, opened in 1686, is the world’s first coffeehouse. For centuries, it’s welcomed writers and artists and made St-Germain-des-Prés a regular place for artists. Le Nemours is near the Lourve and is one of the oldest in the area as well.
“Actually, I think Paris is the most beautiful in the rain.” The last scene is one of my favorites, taken in one of my favorite places. Gil is walking the Pont Alexandre III and runs into the young woman from the thrift shop in the rain. Cue ending! You can find the bridge here: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France.
The best way to experience the city and get the true feelings from the movie is just to walk around- rain or shine, night or day.
Like every good novel, this movie showcases epic scenery, tells a beautiful story, and leaves you with a feeling of happiness. It’s one I watch again and again, kind of like coming to Paris- I can never get sick of it.
If you’re interested to learn more about all of these incredible writers and artists that lived in Paris at this time I suggest reading “A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway. It gives a great depiction of Paris at the time and also is spot on with the movie!
Midnight in Paris is a story for dreamers, lovers, and those that just can’t get enough of Paris. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and I hope these shooting locations and quotes inspire your next trip!
Reuse or Recycle the trash you can’t put in your curbside bin.
Recycling is not easy. It takes time, money, and more knowledge than I certainly had before learning about Ridwell. Recycling is expensive, and many towns and municipalities are not able achieve optimum recycling practices due to the cost and lack of facilities. Comingling of recycled items (one bin fits all) is easier on households, and less expensive for towns, but makes it more difficult to clean, prepare and reuse or recycle the items. That means that for many Americans, home recycling efforts go to waste, and much of what they recycle ends up in landfills anyway.
A Landfill
I learned about Ridwell from ASE reader Susan W. and was impressed by what I read. The founder, to clean out his basement and teach his children about caring for their environment, came up with a project where each week he would choose an item from his basement to reuse or recycle to keep it out of the landfills. The items, like batteries, lightbulbs, used prescription bottles, and Styrofoam, would not be eligible for traditional curbside pickups. They would search for solutions as far away as necessary and send the items off to be reused or recycled. In Portland, for example, the curbside program doesn’t accept plastic clamshell packaging, and there’s nowhere else to take it. Ridwell found a partner in Texas that would take the boxes. On the flip side, if a municipality changes their requirements and begins accepting house paint or batteries, Ridwell will stop taking those items. Ridwell’s mission is to fill the gaps between local recycling and what customers want to keep out of their trash cans. This will reduce the volume of trash that goes to landfills.
Ridwell’s founders began to pick up their neighbors’ items and soon they had 4,000 Seattle households participating, and Ridwell was launched. It passed the 100,000-subscriber level long ago and is growing rapidly. They now have over 250 people working to keep millions of pounds of out of landfills.
Ridwell is a popular subscription-based recycling service with two options for receiving subscribers’ items – bi-weekly curbside pickups in select U.S. cities, which costs approximately $14–$20/month or mail-in bags which start at $30 for the starter kit, and then $9.00 a bag after that.
Do you know about multi-layered plastic? All the items in the above photos are housed in multi-layered plastic which are not allowed by local recycling systems. These bags and wrappers are made from multiple layers of different materials. Ridwell partners with innovative specialty recyclers to turn them into new products like leach-free storm water drainage material.
Plastic film
Another item not allowed in usual recycling is plastic film. Plastic film includes zip top baggies, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags, FedEx and Amazon plastic packaging, the cling wrap that your roast chicken is wrapped in, and much more. Ridwell sends it all to be shredded, washed, and melted into pellets. It then is used to make other products like new packaging, composite decking material, and trash can liners.
How much really gets recycled with Ridwell.
Ridwell is not alone in their quest to recycle or reuse hard-to recycle items. Trashie is a similar recycling intermediary. They bring efficiency and convenience into your recycling efforts with well-researched solutions – for a fee, well-earned if you ask me. There is also TerraCycle, which is smaller and just added mail-in bags to its services, Retold which focuses on fabric recycling, and Pact which specializes in beauty product wrapping and packaging, just to name a few.
We applaud innovative ideas like Ridwell’s and other companies like it, that see a need and try to fill it. Recycling is complex and many of us have guiltily put items in our trash that should not be there and could be repurposed into something useful for lack of an alternative. For the cause, and the convenience, I hope these companies are successful, and are able to slow the flow of trash to the landfills.
