Why I Need To Go Back To Paris

I’ve been to Paris exactly four times. So really, I should be an expert on the city of love by now.

But the thing is, I don’t feel like I’ve done Paris “properly”. The way I like to explore new cities.

My first trip to Paris was when I was 9 and I went to Disneyland with my mum, nan and aunty. This was also the first time I ever went abroad, as well as my first plane experience. So I’m pretty fond of the mems, but y’know, it’s not really Paris is it…

Then I went back when I was 19 with my then-boyfriend. This time I did the ultimate touristy trip to Paris complete with going up the Eiffel Tower, seeing the Arc De Triomphe, wandering the Champs D’Elysee and eating croissants for breakfast.

And you know what? I didn’t actually like it. It was way too touristy, there were loads of queues for everything and it probably didn’t help that I went in February when it was bloody freezing.

So to be honest, I kind of wrote-off Paris.

Until recently.

Over the last year I’ve visited Paris twice more on business and even though I’ve been predominantly stuck in meeting rooms on these visits, I’ve still gotten to see a side of Paris I quite like. The side with people drinking wine outside cafés and charming boutique shops and those really delicious potatoes with loads of garlic on them.

Mate. I need to go back to Paris.

And by a twist of fate, this realisation coincides exactly with some new tours being launched in the city by The Paris Guy this spring, an extension of The Roman Guy who I saw Rome with last month!

I had a lot of fun on my Rome tour with a really chilled out and knowledgable local tour guide. She took us to some of the big sights as well as some I hadn’t heard of, including an incredible viewpoint at sunset. The tour seemed really flexible too and made a city that can be hard to navigate with all of the crowds, super easy. Which really, I think Paris needs if my experience is anything to go by.

The Paris Guy are launching 3 new tours, which all have the ‘skip the line’ privilege of being able to avoid the hoards of tourists. And actually I think they’ve picked some stellar attractions to kick off with.

They asked me what I wanted to do most in Paris on my next visit, and here’s what I put together in my bucketlist for this pretty city.

My Paris Bucketlist

Eat Macaroons

I really love sweet treats and desserts and a good macaroon really hits the spot for me. But I don’t feel like I’ve really ever explored the French patisserie side of Paris. So this is definitely on the list for my next visit.

GIVE ME ALL THE SUGAR.

See The Catacombs

I’m really intrigued by the Catacombs in Paris. Although it’s kind of morbid that these underground tunnels are filled with the bones of over 6 million people! It sounds spooky but I still kinda wanna see it, y’know?

One of The Paris Guy tours is all over this with a detailed tour including all of the folklore that surrounds this attraction, as well as skip the line access. I’m definitely giving it a go on my next visit.

Live My Best Café Life

Café culture really is the best, isn’t it? I think that’s the bit of Parisian life that I most want to experience and feel like I haven’t done justice in the past. I just want to sit out front of a café with a cappuccino watching the world go by. Even in the winter you see people doing this, just with patio heaters. It looks dreamy.

View From Montparnasse Tower

Everyone who writes about Paris, writes about the view from the Montparnasse Tower. Supposedly it’s the best in the city with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and everything else! I must go. I must.

Explore The Palace Of Versailles

Boy do I want to go visit the Golden Palace of Versailles. The royal château where King Louis XIV used to live looks beautiful with elaborate furnishings and a massive hall of mirrors. Plus, the gardens look really pretty. I want to go and fulfil all my Marie Antoinette dreams.

Oh and this is another one of The Paris Guy’s tours with train transport, lots of info from a local guide, some free time to explore and once again, no queues! Seems pretty decent.

Discover The Street Art

I’ve always seen Paris as quite refined and sophisticated but I keep seeing cool street art on Instagram. So I would love to see this side of the city, something a bit more rough around the edges, y’know?

The Louvre: Take 2

Yeah I’ve been to the Louvre before, but it was not fun. There were too many people, I didn’t know where to go and it’s so overwhelmingly big. So all I did was queue to see the Mona Lisa and then leave.

Luckily one of those ‘skip the line’ tours by The Paris Guy I was telling ya about is all about the Louvre. Where a nifty expert guide shows you the ropes, takes you to all the best bits inside the museum and explains the meaning behind some of the artwork. I always think that’s way better. Plus, you guessed it, no queues, pal.

Wander The Puces de Saint Ouen Flea Market

I really like visiting flea markets on my travels. Even if I don’t buy anything, I think they’re great places to grab a coffee and soak up the culture of the locals. So being the biggest one in Europe, Les Puces de Saint Ouene Flea Market is for sure on my list.

Spend All My Money On Wine & Cheese

Of course, one of the main appeals for Paris and for France in general for me, is the abundance of good wine and cheese! A glass of red, some brie and I’m in heaven, babes.

What do you think of my Paris bucketlist?

Let me know what you think in the comments below, tweet me at @HeelsInBackpack or find me over on Insta at @Heels.In.My.Backpack!

Total Blogger Transparency: This post is sponsored by The Paris Guy but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that, shorty.