Why I'll Never Get Tired of Paris

After hearing the question “Why are you going back to Paris?” multiple times over the years, I am here today to share why I’ll never get tired of Paris! Just the name, Paris evokes a series of emotions in me. This city has charmed millions of people for hundreds of years.

Paris has tons of history and to put it simply, it is just timeless. In my opinion, Paris isn’t just a destination; it’s an amazing city which I have developed a love affair with! As cheesy or cliche as that sounds, it is true. Paris is an amazing place! In this blog post, I want to take you on a journey through why I’ll never tire of this city.

Why I'll Never Get Tired of Paris - Astonished Abroad — The Eiffel Tower photographed from Place du Trocadéro

Iconic Landmarks

While Paris is synonymous with sophistication and beauty, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum are not the only thing this city has to offer. Despite that, they embody the city’s cultural richness. No matter how many times I’ve caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower whether on a morning run along the Seine or headed to dinner, I can’t help but look over in amazement. Speaking of iconic, did you know that the banks of The Seine were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Another must-see while in Paris is Notre Dame Cathedral, a true display of Gothic architecture. Notre Dame has welcomed visitors for centuries. Despite the tragic fire in 2019, the cathedral still exemplifies such charm. With restoration efforts underway, the cathedral is scheduled to reopen in 2024. The restoration symbolizes resilience for sure. If you visit before the reopening, check out the temporary walls surrounding the church. Photographers have done a beautiful job of highlighting the artists and builders who are helping with the rebuild.

More Iconic Landmarks

No exploration of Paris’s landmarks would be complete without mentioning the Louvre Museum. This iconic museum houses an incredibly large collection of art and history. Home of the Mona Lisa, among thousands of other priceless works, the Louvre would take weeks to explore in its entirety.

Outside of the Louvre, the alluring glass pyramid at its entrance invites visitors in. The pyramid serves as a modern contrast to the museum’s historic nature. With 673 glass panes, the pyramid by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei symbolizes a marriage of old and new world art.

Finally, The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of The Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It honors France’s military victories and those who fought for their country. Climb to the top of its rooftop and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Paris.

I recently returned to Paris for my fifth visit and while I did explore several of the above landmarks, I am always able to experience something new during my time in Paris. This past time, I visited with my mom and was able to witness her experience the city for the first time and it was amazing. While we did visit several iconic spots, we also had unforgettable experiences that were new to me despite my previous visits to the city.

A few of the new experiences for me this trip: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Wilde’s Lounge inside the famous L’Hotel, Angelina’s, baking baguettes at La Cuisine Paris, the Christmas markets, Musée de l’Orangerie, and visiting Shakespeare and Company. These are just a few of the new-to-me experiences from this last trip not to mention all of the new coffee and food spots we discovered! So as you can see, the city truly never gets old. Just a few reasons why I’ll never get tired of Paris!

Beautiful in Every Season

Historically, I’ve visited Paris in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. This past trip took place in December and we were able to experience Christmas markets galore!

During springtime, flowers bloom and bring a burst of color to the city’s gardens and avenues. The tree-lined parks and boulevards are gorgeous. Just be sure to pack your allergy medicine if you suffer from seasonal allergies as I do! Summer extends daylight making way for picnics and warm summer nights. The streets are bustling during this time of year. During the Fall season, the city is complete with a warm palette of colors. The leaves are turning and the air begins to get crisp. Finally, winter brings cool air, chocolat chaud, and festive markets. Each season offers a unique Parisian experience, I simply can’t pick which I like most. Having visited the city during different times of the year, I think there are benefits to visiting year-round.

Parisian Cuisine

Let’s not forget the food! Paris is a foodie paradise. From delicious croissants and macarons to savory French cuisine, every meal here feels like a celebration. Don’t be mistaken, Paris offers more than just French cuisine. Be sure to explore the street markets, consider a food tour, and be sure to dine in a random quaint bistro. I’ve created a list of some of my favorite places to eat while in Paris. Let me know in the comments what places I am missing!

Discovering Parisian cuisine through the many markets is one of my favorite ways to master healthy eating on the go. If you are new here, our mission at Astonished Abroad is to share our best travel & wellness tips with travelers like you! Be sure to check our healthy travel section for our tips to stay healthy while traveling.

Endless Exploration & Hidden Gems

While the iconic landmarks are amazing, Paris also thrives in its lesser-known corners. Whether you are planning your first trip or your fifth, it is a guarantee that you will experience something new. Hidden gardens, lesser-known museums, and quaint neighborhoods offer a different view of Paris. Activities such as boat cruises along the Seine, the most iconic (in my opinion) view of Paris from Montmartre, and getting lost amongst the old streets are all great ways to see Paris in a new light.

No matter how many times I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, seeing it from a new view is truly a new experience every time. The streets, bridges, and parks here are even amazing. Parisian life offers vibrant nightlife, cultural celebrations, and an artistic vibe that creates an unforgettable atmosphere.