Ahh, summertime. The freedom to jet off to a variety of locations and satisfy the wanderlust you felt while sitting in the office or pouring over school work for months. Time to spend that hard earned cash, and with one of our interns heading to Paris in just over a week, we've got the magical "City of Light" on the mind. So, we have created a personalized guide to the city including some of the happenings in the next few weeks, what to do, where to go and what to wear while there.
Musée du Louvre
OBVIOUSLY The Louvre is a classic must visit when in Paris. Yes, the lines are always crazy but holding one of the largest, most impressive art collections in the world, you really can't not go. Plan on going in the morning right when the museum opens or at night right before it closes if you want to beat the crowd, but familiarize yourself with the layout of the museum on the website first so you save the most time and are able see as much as possible.
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Sure to make any treasure hunter drool is Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest flea and antique markets in the world. There are four individual flea markets within Les Puces with a plethora of items from vintage art posters to outrageously priced antique furniture. Let yourself wander through the twisting alleys of stalls and you just may find your next favorite thing.
Paris Hip Hop Festival
Hip Hop in Paris? What could be better? Especially when it brings together nearly 400 artists to some of Paris's best concert halls. This festival features artists such as The Pharcyde performing at Le Glaz'arts summer stage, OFWGKTA at the Bataclan, Dizzee Rascal at Cabaret Sauvage and even Frank Ocean. There will also be dance shows, exhibitions, film screenings, block parties and graffiti jams. Check out the full program
here.
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect place to spend a gorgeous summer day. Pack a picnic and feel like royalty in these beautiful gardens entrenched with history. There is also an outdoor restaurant in the park which often hosts free music. Enjoy the park by strolling through and gazing at its stunning features like the Marie de' Medici fountain and outdoor modern art exhibits.
Cafés
Paris is extremely well known for its quaint little cafés and restaurants. We can see ourselves now, sipping a latte and eating a croissant while doing some hardcore people watching. However, this can get quite expensive. There are great, cheaper options though, like La Marine, an upscale yet budget friendly café located along an idyllic canal. La Marine serves delicious seasonal tarts and rustic platters that will suit anyones fancy.
Les Catacombes de Paris
For bone lovers like us, this a must see. The words "
Stop. This is the land of the dead." greet you as you arrive at the long, winding underground tunnels that are packed full of neatly stacked bones excavated from Paris cemeteries during the 18th century. Descending down a flight of 130 steps, visitors become surrounded by the bones of thousands of parisians. Sounds AWESOME.
Bars
Naturally the bar scene in Paris is great, but it has its best kept secrets. One of these is Ne Nous Fachons Pas, a tiny tiny bar on a tiny street just South of Place Pigalle. Despite it being in the Red Light District, the place is nothing like its surrounding area. The bar has a 60s mod type of vibe and plays mostly loud 60s mod rock. The bartenders are very cool and friendly and the crowd is full of some of the coolest, most beautiful people around Paris. Named after an old French film, the place is covered in old movie posters and scenes from the film. Definitely a good spot to hit up if you're in the neighborhood.
Fashion
Paris is at the heart of the fashion world. The street style is more than enviable and the shopping is to die for. Depending on what you would like to find, it is important to shop in the right district. The Faubourg Saint-Honoré neighborhood is the pulse of Paris fashion and design. Classic designers like Hermes, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent line the streets as well as trendy concept shops like
Colette. This is a perfect area to shop for designer items, quality cosmetics and chic home furnishings. If you're looking for a bit more of an eclectic vibe, head to the Marais quarter where up and coming designer boutiques are located as well as a plethora of antique stores.
The Eiffel Tower
You can't go to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. No matter where you go the top of this infamous structure is almost always visible. Picnic in front of it and gaze up at one of the greatest representations of Paris.
Now the big question is, what do you wear while walking those fashionable streets? Sarah, our social media intern on her way to Paris in a week shows us her ideas for Paris outfits.
So now that you have some ideas about the beautiful city of Paris pack your Stela 9 Isabel Weekender full and hop on the next plane!
