Paris is the City of Lights. It is also the city of delights! Like all major European cities Paris has a lot to offer. There are the top Ten Sites to visit that are standard fare: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. However, there are numerous places that will water your mouth and illumine your eyes. 

 

Here is a short walk that will lead you to some favorites that will inspire you. As a starting point arrive at the St. Michael Metro Station. The Paris Metro is safe and easy to use. This location gives you one of the best views of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in the city. Since the fire in April, 2019 the entrance to the church has been blocked off. After admiring this initial view, cross the street walking east along the the Seine River to your left. As you skirt along the river take in the stalls of books, art, and souvenirs. 

 

Walk back across the street and stop at the Shakespeare and Company Bookshop. This shop is not only historical but has an excellent selection of books of all tastes. Make sure to have your books stamped at the check out. Head out the front door and turn right and walk along the Quai de Montebello. Cross over the street and look for F Charbonnel. This is a premier print shop and now has a small gallery with exquisite art. Stop in for a look and maybe you will find an original piece of art you want to bring home! 

 

Continue along the Quai de Montebello for two short blocks and at Rue Du Bevre take a right (South) and walk down a typical quaint Parisian street. Of note is one of our favorite artists, Pierre Gogois. If you are lucky his studio will be open and you can walk inside and view his impressionist art. They are for sale too! Opposite his studio is a charming park dedicated to Danielle Mitterrand, wife of the former and complicated President of France. 

 

At the end of this long alley you will come to an intersection. To your left is the La Parisienne. Walk in and enjoy the sights and smells of this bakery. However, keep it in your backpack for  the best is yet to come!  Cross over the street to the Market adjacent. This is the fantastic Marche Maubert open market. It daily sets up shop to offer everything you would ever want to eat and all fresh. Immediately behind it are a row of fantastic food shops; cheese shop, bottle shop, Cured meats, seafood, and even a flower shop. The prize winning bakery La Maison d’Isabelle is where you want to stop in and get both their butter croissants and baguette. 

 

Now turn west along Boulevard St. Germain. Gaze up the street for a view of the towering Pantheon landmark of the world famous Sorbonne University. In a few blocks you will pass the Museum of the Middle Ages on your left. If interested purchase a ticket and discover how modern was the Medieval Ages! Soon you will come upon the Rue and back to where you started from. These final blocks are very touristy but you may find a crepe shop and enjoy this typical Parisian staple!