Here are fun things to do in Paris. If you have been to Paris before, you’ve probably done the iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (always great!) but here are some fun things to do in Paris that you may not have tried.
This post has been completely updated with new places to eat, shop and tips for getting around.
Places to Eat
Remember to make reservations…you can do this online.
Aux Cocottes
We had a pleasant dinner outside here. Typical French food in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: 29 Rue Vineuse, 75016 You can make a reservation here. They don’t have a website.
Le Comptoir de la Traboule
This is a very intimate restaurant featuring small plates of well-priced delicious food!
1 bis Rue Augereau, 75007 Paris
Afternoon Tea At Hotel Lutetia
After a little shopping on the Left Bank, my daughter and I had a pleasant cup of tea and pastry here. The hotel has recently been remodeled and is lovely. You can order a la carte or the full spread. We loved it.
Chez Marianne’s
This is a nice place to take a break while walking around the Marais. You can order an assortment of Middle Eastern Food.
La Grande Epicerie at Bon Marche
Have a gourmet picnic with food from Bon Marché (La Grande Epicerie and it’s a fun place to shop for gifts). There is a park across the street from the main department store or take it back to your hotel or apartment (like we did this year).
Everyone can pick something that catches their eye to share.
Shopping
Le Bon Marché Department Store
This is a well-curated store with all the latest merchandise. I found a dress here on sale and was tempted to buy more!
Officine Universelle Buly a Paris
My daughter discovered this cool shop where they hand-calligraphy names on presents.
Merci Store
The displays are always changing so we like to stop in every time we visit.
Flamont
Always a fun stop for home interiors! 8 Place Furstemberg, 8 rue de l’Abbaye
75006 Paris
Monoprix
I’ve mentioned before that this is like a French Target/grocery store.
There are cute housewares, children’s clothing, and things like soaps and jams that make nice gifts. On this trip, we went to the one across the street from where we lived at 40 Bd. Malsherbes, 75008
Marin Montagut
Our friend Jane, who visits Paris often told us about this darling shop with porcelain dishes and homewares.
Porte de Vanve Flea Market
So many of the things in our home came from this place! It’s open on the weekends. Try to get there early.
Getting Around
The Google Maps app is great for getting around as it immediately helps you with walking and public transportation directions (like the bus…which is better than the Metro for seeing the sites). And it’s in real-time for traffic and schedules.
When buying public transportation tickets, we like to buy packets of 10 called Carnet. Purchasing 10 tickets allows you to save 27% on the price of buying 10 individual tickets.
Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection Museum
The Bourse de Commerce is the new exhibition space for the Pinault Collection. They have permanent and rotating contemporary exhibits. We saw Charles Ray’s sculptures while there. It’s in the refurbished ancient grain exchange building that is beautiful to see just on its own.
Glittering Tour Eiffel
Never failing to impress…the light show takes place every evening from sundown until 1 AM. On the hour, the tower glitters with hundreds of thousands of lights for five minutes.
For more fun things to do in Paris do you follow me on Pinterest? There are travel boards (like Paris, San Francisco Bay Area, London, Sydney, Buenos Aires, and lots more places that I have experienced) with all my personal favorite things!
Other stories that may interest you…Two Perfect Days In Paris (Especially If You Like Home Stores and Food) and PARIS: Stylish, Practical Tips.
Mary Ann looks like a wonderful trip and I am saving all of these idea for when I go in fall. I love the little shops and just walking all over Paris!
Looks like so much fiun!
I second you on the buses. They’re easy now thanks to apps–no more trying to trace a route on a map of multicolored squiggles. You get a view out the windows, pickpockets are rare, you don’t have to navigate steps and tunnels.
Keep your métro tickets away from your phone, or they might get de-magnetized and not work. And hang onto your used ticket until you’ve exited the public transportation–you might need to show it if there’s a control and a couple of métro stops require you to insert your ticket to get out.
Consider a cooking class. I just did this in Rome (in France, I have friends to teach me!), and it was wonderful. Not only did I get recipes and know-how, but also inside advice from locals about shops, restaurants, places to see. And the other students were fun.
You have to do a tour and guide us all!!
Ou la la … merci beaucoup! Pinning for future travel. Your tea looks magnificent and the personalized with calligraphy gift packaging … love that. The Eiffel Tower is so beautiful at night. We took a dinner cruise on the river once … it was a work trip and I thought it would be too touristy. Turns out it was lovely and seeing Paris from the vantage point of the water … at night … was amazing. Looks like your trip is off to a great start. Can’t wait to see more! xo
Merci beaucoup!I will certainly tuck this list in for my travels in just about 2 weeks. My sister has moved outside of Paris but lucky me, her BIL is still there to be my companion and we will train down to see my sister. I especially noted the restaurant in the 7th. You mention it is “intimate” so I’m not sure how comfortable I would be in that setting. I’m hoping to stay outside for most of my meals. Continued good times and bon santé (or is it bonne?).
I was lucky enough to live in Paris through 2007 and 2008 and have since returned to Paris and France 7 times. I think I was Parisian in a previous life! Mono Prix is a gem. I still have the gloves and hat I bought there one cold October day. 5 euro will buy a decent very drinkable bottle of wine. Thank you for sharing Mary Ann
I used to go to France every other year, and Paris every third trip. Since Covid, I haven’t been traveling yet. Your blog is wonderful, and your recommendations are so tempting. I can’t wait to get myself on that plane very soon. La France me manque, et je vous souhaite un merveilleux voyage.
We really enjoyed the dinner cruises along the Seinne. Our boat had delicious food and very charming singers. We liked the food so much that we booked a second night.
Thank you Marianne! or should I say Merci
guiding a tour there in September & it’s always nice to get updates from someone you trust
Debra
I need a trip to Paris! The last time I went was when I took my stepdaughter there for college graduation and she is 41 now! I would say I am due for a trip:)
in my dreams … some day, Paris !
thank you for sharing all of these lovely pictures and all the wonder information, safe travels
Thanks, Jayne!!
Thanks for sharing. I’m headed there in November and will follow your advice!
Lucky YOU, Mindy!
Thank you Maryanne! I am going to Paris this summer, my very first trip to Europe! Can’t wait, thanks for the recommendations.
My favorite thing to do in Paris in summer is to dance Argentine tango on the Quai Tino Rossi, next to the Seine. Even if you don’t dance, it’s a great spectacle.
That sounds SO fun. We took tango lessons in Buenos Aires and my husband said I had a learning disability as I kept stepping on his feet!!!
I’ve been to Paris many times in the summer and have seen the dancing but never participated% I will have to do it the next time I’m there. Hope you are doing well, miss your blog posts-