How to Enjoy Paris at a Slower Pace

Visiting Paris can feel overwhelming, especially on your first visit. On my first visit, I actually hated it. To be fair, I was 20 years old and a complete stereotypical American, so it would’ve been hard for me to like it. As I’ve matured, my travel culture has evolved, and I have re-evaluated my expectations. As a result, I’ve learned how to enjoy Paris greatly. In fact, I try to go there once per year now because I heave grown to love it so much. I’ve checked several of the big items off my list, and I get to see it from a more relaxed perspective. Here are my favorite things to do in Paris, particularly for those who want to take it at a slower pace. This list will make your experience there so much more pleasant.

Stroll Around with No Purpose

Be a Flâneur

The word “flâneur” is not well translated into English. And I do believe that to envelop this word, you must be in Paris! It might be the most Parisian thing you can do in your time there. If you can embrace it, you will see how to enjoy Paris like a local. You will basically be strolling or sitting around without much of a purpose behind it. Letting Paris take you in and you doing the same to her is the name of the flâneur game. It might take a few trips to catch on, but when you do, there is no better activity.

Embrace Cafe Culture

As this article lays out, eating in Paris is a favorite pastime for all, and the cafe culture is strong. There is no rushing or taking food or drink to go. When you’re looking to maximize your experience and seeing how to enjoy Paris the most, sit yourself down at a cafe and just be. Order yourself a coffee or wine, and watch the world of Paris go by. Savor a delicious onion soup or a dessert. No one is going to rush you out of there. It’s one of the most stark contrasts I can identify coming from the United States, and I am here for it.

Beautiful Rue Montegrueil

Stroll Down Market Streets

The market streets in Paris, such as Rue Cler or Rue Montegrueil are some of my favorites. There are so many options in terms of food, boutiques, wine bars, and boulangeries. I’m absolutely smitten by these few blocks along certain streets in Paris, and frequent them while I’m there. It’s defining one great way of how to enjoy Paris and see how locals actually shop and live. Choose your favorite one and be a regular when you visit. You’ll feel right at home.

Do Some Shopping

You can shop all over Paris; there is no shortage. It all depends on what you want to purchase. Keeping an open mind could be good because you may run across something you didn’t know you needed. Perhaps you’d like a piece of French cookware, or a dress from Sézane. Maybe something from the quirky store Fleux. Or my new favorite, Messy Nessy’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Stroll the streets, particularly in the Marais neighborhood, and see what it is you can find for yourself. Just enjoy the moments, and the shop attendants or owners. It’s definitely one of my favorite ways of how to enjoy Paris.

Inside Mariage Frères

Tea Time

Tea is a drink that I have nearly ever afternoon. I use it as somewhat of a transition to my day, and often have a small snack while reading a book. It’s a great way to wind down, or if you have tea with caffeine, get a bit of a last burst of energy to complete the rest of your day. My very favorite is Earl Grey, and I absolutely love buying it from Mariage Frères. Elevating your time in Paris, I highly recommend hitting this shop. It will show you how to enjoy Paris even more, and you’ll have something to take back home with you.

Wine, Cheese, and Bread from Archibon

Drink Wine and Eat Cheese

Last time I was in Paris, I found the best wine and cheese shop in the 2nd arrondissement. The shop is called Archibon, and there I found out how to enjoy Paris even more than I thought I could. Most times while dining in Paris, the cheese is served after dinner. Since I’m used to eating it as more of an appetizer, this place was perfect for me. I could drink my wine and have a cheese board and call it a night. Another option is going to a Fromagerie and grabbing a bottle of wine and sitting by the Seine. Pick your poison, and enjoy Paris!

You Never Know What You'll Find

Get Lost

One of my favorite things to do is to get lost in the streets of Paris. My personal feeling of safety is pretty high, even when walking alone, so I don’t mind wandering for hours. Many times I have forgotten to eat because I get so caught up in the awe I feel. It’s definitely a big way of how to enjoy Paris, and I would schedule some time to just get lost. If you see a street that looks beautiful, go down it. Don’t be afraid to wander. It’s always worth the extra time spent.

Photos with a Pro!

Have Professional Photos Taken

I love having my photos taken in Paris! Is there any more beautiful background than Paris to get your pictures taken? The first time I did this, I asked Krystal with Miss Paris Photo. She made me feel so comfortable, and the photos came out absolutely gorgeous, if I do say so myself. I’ve used them countless times for professional purposes and social media. Most times I go, I like to do this, and you’ll remember how to enjoy Paris each time you look at them.

Concert at Saint Eustache

See a Church Concert

Church concerts are a quintessential way of how to enjoy Paris. There are churches sprinkled throughout the city, and several of them have beautiful concerts to enjoy. Most of them are at night, some later or earlier than others, but you can find some in the afternoons. Saint Chapelle is one of the most classic ones to see a concert in, so that may be a good starting point if you haven’t done one. I highly recommend this as a relaxing and enjoyable activity in Paris.

Musée Rodin

Visit Smaller and Lesser Known Museums

The larger museums are just not my thing. The first (and only) time I went to the Louvre, I thought I was going to have a panic attack. It was just not my style. However, I discovered just how many museums there are in Paris, many of which are free, and learned how to enjoy Paris from a smaller museum scale. From Picasso to the National Archives to Rodin to Musée Carnavalet, you will not have a shortage of museums from which to choose. Purchase 111 Museums in Paris That You Shouldn’t Miss to get a better feel for what you’d like to see and start small!

Montmartre Cemetery

Stroll Through a Cemetery

Call me a creep or a weirdo, but I love cemeteries. I come from New Orleans, where our cemeteries are absolutely epic. They are cities of the dead, and the tombs are above ground. Paris cemeteries are similar in look, and they bring comfort to me. I know, maybe it’s just me, but I do know how to enjoy Paris from a good cemetery visit. Give it a whirl if you haven’t done it, and go with an open mind! Two epic ones are the Montmartre Cemetery and Père-Lachaise Cemetery. Both stunning!

A Handful of Options

This list is just a handful of options of how to enjoy Paris. There are so many things to do, from climbing the Eiffel Tower to taking selfies on Pont Neuf. But seeing how to enjoy Paris at a slower pace can give you a much more satisfactory visit, especially since the city can be quite overwhelming or intimidating if you’ve never been. No one is checking your boxes of things you complete or see there, so try your best to enjoy each moment. Trust me, after multiple visits to my favorite city, doing things like these will make you want to visit again and again. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

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