A First-Timer's Impressions of París! (Or, "reviewing" the City of Lights as a Newbie)

Bonjour!

 

(Passport stamp from Charles de Gaulle)

I’ve been back home from my first ever trip to Paris for a few days, but already, a little part of me wonders if it was all just a dream. 

Was I really, truly there? Did I see those historic places, see those works of art, eat those foods?

 

[To be fair, the brutal head cold that sunk its viral little claws into me whilst across the Big Pond is probably to blame for any brain fog...]

 

Anyway, my photos (and American Express card) prove that I really, truly was there, and I have thoughts...

 

 

(Notre Dame- refurbs in progress)

First, Paris is a city of beige. 

 

[Yes, I know, that doesn't sound great. 😅 Stay with me, here!]

 

It’s a city full of tall, old, beige buildings... a great many of which are decorated with beautiful wrought-iron balconies (some merely decorative, others usable) or stained glass, and often jazzed up with greenery and flowers.

 

So in this case, “beige” isn’t bad (bland, boring, or vanilla); rather, it’s a perfect background that allows the colorful ironwork and plants to shine, and which the sunlight dapples and brings to impressionistic life. 

 

(Because you can't have a Paris post without this shot!)

Paris is also a city of cobblestones... so many cobblestones. (How very many there are actually surprised me.) Love that. 

Luckily, I read up on Paris beforehand, so I knew what to expect.

High heels are a rarity in Paris... partly because it's a "walking city", where you can easily walk miles on any given day,  but also because of all those cobblestones. Lower shoes--make that, comfy lower shoes--are de rigeur.

(Cobblestone street outside my hotel)

 
[Pro tip: Make sure your hotel room isn’t directly over a cobblestoned street, because unless you’re blessed with the ability to sleep the sleep of the dead, the sound of vehicles jolting over those rough stones all night WILL KEEP YOU UP ALL NIGHT.]

 

(Beautiful solo dinner at 9:30pm)

And then there are the people. While I never bought into the whole “French people are so rude” message we've had drilled into us [thanks to all those TV shows and movies, over the years], I was delighted to experience how very inaccurate it really is. 

 

I found the French people much as people everywhere else I’ve been—if you’re friendly, leading with politeness, respect, and kindness—the French will unfailingly meet you with the very same. I received genuine smiles and warmth wherever I went. People were lovely to me.

 

[Pro tip: Please don't lead with a brash, “important-American-in-a-hurry” sort of vibe—not trying to fit in or follow appropriate etiquette. Such attitude will get you nowhere... nor should it.]

(Even bridges are works of art, in Paris)

Paris is FULL of art... everywhere, not just in its fabulous museums. Paintings, sculptures, street art, you name it. Art feels like a part of everyday life there... and I can't imagine a better way to live.

(One of my fave pieces of street art... see the reading girl? 💖) 

Oh, and speaking of books? Paris is FULL of bookstores! Around each corner, down every little side street, in stalls on walkways. Rows upon rows of beautiful books. (It really made me wish I spoke/could read French. Goals, n'est ce pas?) 

(Jardin du Luxembourg is stunning)

The city is also blessed with an abundance of gorgeous green spaces. You can find tree-lined streets in most of the arrondissements, and parks of all sizes, everywhere. Nature, like art, is simply a fact of life there.

 

Another thing I'm going to say is a "must"--certainly, for anyone who loves live music!--is to visit one of the city's many jazz clubs. The one I wound up going to--in an underground cavern--was packed [so much so that I'm absolutely positive no "maximum occupancy" building codes were being enforced!], and the vibe was happy, excited, and friendly. 

(Jazz club in an underground cavern!)

Also--in a very "small world" kind of way--two of the musicians that night were actually from the States (one from Ohio, and the other from Tennessee), and I talked to a couple from Indiana. It all felt serendipitous... as does so much of the traveling I've done. 

(Gorgeous patisseries are everywhere!)

There are so many things I’d love to explore in (and around) Paris. Things I didn’t get to do, because you can only cram so many things into one trip. (Same, if much of your limited time there also involves taking the plans or tastes of others—friends, family—into account.)

 

My biggest takeaways? There is so much magic to be found in Paris... and no doubt, all over France. For a first visit, I think it's best to try and get a broad overview—learning the culture, enjoying the pace, soaking in the history and personality of this sparkling city—while making mental special note of other things you really want to see and do, in future.

 

(Delighted by art at the Musee d'Orsay)

Because Paris? Definitely isn't a “one-and-done” kind of place.

 

Au revoir for now, París. Until I see you again...

 

~GlamKitty (or "Chaton Glamour", oui? 😽)