Beauty around every corner
You might come to Paris to admire its iconic sights, but it’s the myriad of magical moments that will make you want to stay. Nena Ryder and Bailey Lizik recently visited for the first time; here, they share their first impressions and special memories
“PARIS, YOU HAVE MY HEART”
In 2003 I watched my first French film. In the whimsical world of Amélie, Paris takes on a character of its own, an enchanting backdrop that adds magic to the story of a shy, imaginative young woman on a quest to spread happiness. I was fascinated by the characters’ quirkiness, captivated by the artistic allure, and entertained by the serendipitous encounters. The euphonic language enamored me, but it was the cinematic dreamscape of charming streets, cafés, hidden nooks, and cobblestones that whispered to me.
Arriving in Paris in September 2023 was like entering a dreamworld. It was almost surreal seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, driving by one iconic building after another. Strolling along the River Seine, I was transported through centuries of architectural history, from the grandeur of the Notre-Dame cathedral’s Gothic spires to the neoclassical splendor of the Panthéon.
We walked around the vibrant Marais neighborhood with our bellies full of Korean BBQ and the best meringue from Aux Merveilleux de Fred. As the sun started to drop, we stopped for drinks along the banks of the Seine at Péniche Marcounet with new friends. It was a delightful escape from the bustling streets into a realm of picturesque quays. It felt like a secret haven.
Oh, we must not forget about the cafés. Just across from our hotel, as I stepped inside Café Carrousel during a sudden cloudburst, I was immediately drawn to the café’s elegant décor. Seated near the large windows overlooking the picturesque Rue de Rivoli, while sipping my café au lait, I couldn’t help but observe the effortless elegance and the impeccable style of passersby. Even a woman on her bike making her way through the sea of cars, drenched from the downpour, was ever so chic. The gentle hum of chatter in multiple languages and the
clinking of porcelain created an experience that captured the essence of Paris itself — a blend of elegance, creativity, and the pursuit of pleasure.
When traveling with a two-year-old, a playground was a must. Wandering through the meticulously manicured greenery of Jardin des Tuileries was like stepping into a living canvas. As we heard children’s laughter from afar, my son darted toward the carousel. And soon after, he made his way toward the playground and immersed himself with local kids. Their laughter and enthusiasm seemed to capture the spirit of the garden, an oasis of joy in the heart of the city.
Overall, it was the leisurely strolls embracing the extraordinary in the ordinary that I loved best. My trip to Paris taught me to slow down, find beauty in simplicity, embrace the art of living well, and to not deprive myself of simple pleasures. Paris, I am forever changed.
Overall, it was the leisurely strolls embracing the extraordinary in the ordinary that I loved best
“AROUND THE ARRONDISSEMENTS”
The seven days I recently spent in Paris were some of the most wonderful of my life. I explored the city on foot, by car, by train, and by bike — and each arrondissement offered an experience of its own.
My trip began in the 1st arrondissement. I had a peaceful breakfast in the hotel courtyard, finished with freshly cooked madeleines brought by the pastry chef. After breakfast I walked along Rue Saint-Honoré past many beautiful buildings — I caught sight of Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Versace, and the Place Vendôme. We visited the Louvre and picked up macarons at Ladurée — my personal favorites were flavored with Marie-Antoinette Tea (Earl Grey) and pistachio.
Bikes came in handy riding from our hotel across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. The ride was a short 10 minutes and we arrived right on time for our night river tour to Notre-Dame. Young people were having picnics along the river, children were playing, and people of all ages were coming together to dance. By the time the tour was over, it was a short wait to the top of the hour to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the lawn where we sat below and heard a trumpeter playing “La Vie en Rose.”
The next few days, I explored the 8th arrondissement: shopping on the Champs-Élysées, walking to the Arc de Triomphe, and climbing its 284 steps to spectacular views of the city. I enjoyed coffee at Café Joyeux and dinner in Le Sens Unique, where my husband and I were lucky to get in without a reservation. We enjoyed a delicious meal of duck, finishing with homemade crème brûlée.
I explored the 4th and 5th arrondissements together. Right across the street from the
Place des Vosges, I enjoyed the famous hot chocolate with whipped cream at a branch of the famous Carette patisserie and then walked for 20 minutes to Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame cathedral, enjoying views of the 4th arrondissement on the way. Across the river is where the 5th arrondissement, which includes the Latin Quarter, begins. We took a
break from the heat under the shade of the trees surrounding the Square René Viviani.
The Latin Quarter extends into the 6th arrondissement, where we enjoyed a visit to the newly opened Hotel Dame des Arts — known for its rooftop with stylish outdoor furniture, awesome drinks, and phenomenal views of the city. I then found my way into the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens, where children were playing and people were relaxing with their pets — you could tell it was a center for the local community.
The 18th arrondissement houses the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre. There is a tram you can take up to the top of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, but we chose to walk up the steps, all the way into the top dome of the cathedral via a narrow spiral staircase. From here, you can sit and enjoy views of the city through beautiful, crafted columns before you descend via another spiral staircase. After lunch, we walked the unique streets of Montmartre, full of old brick buildings, windmills, and cobblestone roads, stopping at the Wall of Love and the Moulin Rouge on the way back to the hotel.
Our trip ended by exploring the 3rd arrondissement. I made sure to visit Officine Universelle Buly 1803, a beautiful perfume and toiletry store selling traditionally made products, where the interior and staff uniforms all take you back into the past. Uniquely customizable lip balms were a charming souvenir to bring home. Afterward, I chose the long way back along the river, enjoying the street vendors and all the sights of the Seine.
Paris was an experience I’ll never forget.
From the food to the culture to the sights, there is so much to enjoy. I cannot wait to go back.
From the food to the culture to the sights, there is so much to enjoy