Aside from the regular tourist attractions and shopping adventures, there are a few stops that have really made my times in Paris special.  Here are 5 of my favorites:

MAISON LADURÉE

The famous almond and sugar based treat, macarons, are shown at their very best at Ladurée Paris.  Yes, you can find macarons in any patisserie in the city but it is believed that Ladurée was the originator.  A stop into one of their shops/cafes is like stepping into one of Marie Antoinette’s precious jewel boxes.  Stick to ordering the traditional flavors and don’t fret about walking out with stacks of their ornately designed boxes of treats.  You can pick these up fresh at one of their shops within CDG airport before you take-off to return home.  I keep the boxes and stash paper clips, stamps, and other tiny things at my desk.

TUILERIES GARDEN and THE PYRAMID OF THE LOUVRE

The Tuileries Garden will always hold a special place in my heart.  This was my first stop in Paris.  I had just arrived and my friends Milissa and Elizabeth, who were already in Paris, took me there first thing.  This public garden is one of the center points in the city, in between The Louvre and Place de la Concorde.  You will find expansive lawns, historic statues, fountains, tourists, and locals walking through and enjoying the scenery.  It is the oldest park in the city and as I walk from The Tuileries and over to the Pyramid of The Louvre, I can’t help but think of all the history that surrounds this space.

LOCAL STREET MARKETS AROUND PARIS

I used to have this romantic idea that every morning Parisians descend upon their local street markets and buy fresh groceries before their walk to work.  Truth is  some do, and they are mainly the elderly, but many go to the grocery store just like Americans.  On weekends though, Parisians love to go to the local street market as we do to Farmer’s markets.  What I loved seeing is how le marché in Paris takes so much pride in quality ingredients.  Here you find the best cheese, meat, fruit, and vegetables.  One of my favorites is in St Germain where a vendor roasts whole chicken.  This plus the fresh loaves of bread and highly pungent cheeses filled the air with the most delicious scents.

SHOPPING IN LE MARAIS and ENDING AT PLACE DE VOSGES

Shopping in Le Marais is one of my favorite things to do, not just in Paris, but in my life.  Too bold of a statement?  Probably, but it’s true.  The Marais is a lot like New York’s West Village in the sense that is full of chic boutiques, cafes, bars, and did I mention my favorite places to go shopping? A few of my favorite things include scouring the sale rack at Comptoir des Cotonniers, stocking up on tea (especially Marco Polo green tea) at Mariage Frères, eating a falafel at L’As du Fallafel, and seeing the silicone food molds at MUJI, so I can indulge my inner molecular gastronomy chef.  But my absolute FAVORITE stop is on the edge of The Marias at the Merci concept store.  Think of it as Anthropologies’ edgier, more fashion-forward, sophisticated sister that moved to Paris and then donated all of the profits to charity.  In this multi-level warehouse space you’ll find everything from unique housewares, custom furniture, stationary, fragrances, clothing, a bookshop, and a cafe.  My photos do not do it justice, so please check out the great pictures on the Decor8Blog.  After all that shopping, I like to end my time in The Marias sitting in Paris’ most beautiful square, Place de Vosges.

ENDING THE NIGHT at THE EIFFEL TOWER

Paris is a city full of great nightclubs and bars, but for me, there is nothing better than having dinner and finishing the night watching the lights at the Eiffel Tower.  Once the sun sets, the lights go on and create a sparkling light show during the first 10 minutes of every hour.  Some locals may find it grotesque and over the top, but I feel like a child again every time the lights go on.  I grab a mint tea or gelato and head to the Trocadero to sit and watch the show.  I can’t think of a more perfect way to end a night in Paris.