So, I just got back from Paris, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind. You know, when you picture a trip and it's supposed to be this romantic adventure filled with pastries, art, and all those dreamy streets? I thought I had it all mapped out, the best things to do in Paris neatly scribbled in my travel journal. But… of course, life had other ideas.
This spot? Total surprise.
On my second day, I found myself wandering the streets of Montmartre, which was one of my must-see areas, thanks to all those Instagram posts I'd scrolled through. So, there I was, trying to soak in the charm of the cobblestone roads and quirky shops when I suddenly got sidetracked by a little alley. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. You know how those quaint side streets always feel a bit similar? But this one? I stumbled right into this tiny café called Le Consulat, and it felt like time had stopped.
I ordered a café au lait, and the barista, this sprightly old man, just looked at me and gave a nod like he knew my soul. You ever have one of those moments where you know you're in the right place at the right time? The coffee was strong and smooth, and for some reason—maybe it was the sunlight streaming in—the vibe there felt electric. I ended up chatting with this artist named Pierre who was sketching in the corner. We talked about everything from the best pastry spots (his suggestion: try a canelé) to how he had been living in Montmartre for over two decades.
Most days would have had me ticking things off a list, but sitting there, sipping my coffee, watching passerby couples kiss, and listening to the distant strumming of an acoustic guitar felt like what I really needed.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
That afternoon morphed my entire mood. I was supposed to visit the Louvre, but instead, I spent two hours just people-watching in the square around Sacré-Cœur. There was this inexplicable energy in the air, a sense of belonging. I mean, I felt like I could have just plopped down on that step and stayed forever, even with the usual hair-raising amount of tourists. One couple was fully doing a TikTok dance right in front of me. Noticing how ludicrous they looked made me laugh—a real belly laugh that hadn't escaped my lips in days.
I mean, don't get me wrong; I love art and history, but sometimes it's just those spontaneous moments that mess up your itinerary but enrich your soul. I considered skipping the Louvre entirely but imagined all those masterpieces whispering in my ear, and I figured, you know what? Let's not miss that.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Later, as I ventured toward the Louvre, I almost missed it. You wouldn't believe how awful I am with directions. I followed Google Maps into a random side street, thinking I was walking toward the grand entrance, but I ended up staring at this bizarre statue in a tiny courtyard instead. At first, I was annoyed. “Are you kidding me? The Louvre, and I'm lost?” But then I took a moment and looked around.
It's funny how serendipity works. This nondescript little place had a tree that was blooming with these gorgeous pink flowers. Out of nowhere, a young woman came up to me and asked if I could take a picture of her with it. We struck up a conversation, and it turned out she was from Atlanta on a solo trip, too.
We just clicked. I mean, not like we were gonna be lifelong friends, but in that fleeting moment, it felt as if we were both explorers in the same chaotic adventure. We exchanged tips about what to see, her recommending a little bakery near the Luxembourg Gardens that I hadn't yet discovered. It suddenly made me aware of how interconnected our journeys can be, even with a simple smile or a shared experience.
That meal I keep thinking about
Ah, and then there was that unforgettable meal at the tiny restaurant, Le Petit Gars. I hadn't planned on eating there—another one of those happy accidents, I guess. My feet were sore, and I would've settled for another microwaved croissant, but I wandered in on a whim.
The place looked like something out of a movie—small, with checkered tablecloths and a genuinely warm vibe. I ordered the coq au vin, right? Now, I thought I knew what to expect. But when the waiter brought it out—the aroma nearly knocked me off my seat. It was rich and flavorful, and the chicken was basically melting off the bone. And somehow, between the cozy ambiance and my wonderful wine pairing, it was like every bite was a mini hug from Paris itself.
I remember thinking about how everyone always raves about Michelin-starred places, but sometimes, it's the tiny, unassuming spots that truly blow your mind. I definitely savored that more than I might have a fancy dish somewhere else.
The missed metro and the unexpected little moments
Oh, and how could I forget the metro? I mean, I've taken trains before, but nothing prepared me for the Parisian experience. I hopped on the wrong line for the umpteenth time and ended up somewhere unfamiliar, but that little misguided adventure led to a moment I'll cherish. I found myself in this local neighborhood with stunning street art. I wandered for a bit, catching glimpses of a world that most tourists probably miss.
I saw this huge mural of a lion that was so vivid it made me feel like I was on an entirely different planet. I stopped to snap a few photos, grinning like a giddy schoolgirl. A local artist was nearby, mixing paint on the sidewalk. We started chatting about art, life, and the beauty of getting lost. He told me stories of the neighborhood, and it felt like I was actually part of something rather than just a passerby in a scene.
By the time I finally found my way back to the right metro, I was exhilarated. Who knew getting lost could be so fulfilling? I think that's a lot of what travel is about, right? Just the messy journey of unplanned moments and wandering thoughts, and letting life unfold in front of you.
So now, sitting here sipping this overly strong coffee, I'm just processing everything. Paris wasn't just about the sights; it was the unexpected connections, delicious bites, and missed paths that shaped my experience. Honestly, it's hard to tell what the “best things to do in Paris” are because sometimes the best things are the ones you didn't plan at all.
