I'm still trying to figure out how it works here (the site won't even let me load an avatar, answer comment and it works slow), but nevertheless, I want to continue..
So, Paris.
I fall into the category of those who fell in love with Paris at first sight. I didn’t expect anything from the city (thanks to everyone who said a lot of bad things before the trip). Therefore, for the first 15 minutes of walking through the streets I wanted to cry with happiness and beauty.
As mentioned in the first article, I chose a hostel to stay. And this is an ideal option when the room is needed only for sleeping and showering. I was in Paris for 3 days and 4 nights - at 9 am I already left, and did not return until midnight.
I stayed in the Montparnasse area and the first “attraction” on my way was...a cemetery. It looked as if time had stopped and it was impossible to pass by. Family crypts, tombstones as really art and, of course, elegant men in suits and with watering cans came to visit their loved ones.
Leaving this quiet place, I immediately found myself in a busy weekend market. Farmhouse cheeses, live oysters, smiling sellers who, of course, have a glass of wine behind the counter and who will be happy to tell the story of how their product was created. I was amazed by their unobtrusiveness. The French are generally very “self-sufficient” in this regard. Men won't flirt openly (unlike Italians, for example), waiters aren't that interested in pleasing you, and salespeople just enjoy the shopping atmosphere.
The next place that is included in my top Paris is the Luxembourg Gardens. I have never felt so calm anywhere. Either the influence of beauty, or people who really enjoy their lives, and not just pretend. The serenity that emanates from them is so contagious that I almost managed to relax.
A special feature of the park is that fathers play boats with their children in the local fountain on weekends. I thought it was just another myth, but no, it’s true).
My diet on the first day was quite meager. And not because of savings, I just really wanted to buy a crispy, flavorful baguette. I spent the whole day with this baguette (not counting the croissant, cheese from the market, fruit and macaroons). After three days, I was 80% croissants. And yes, they are the most delicious in Paris
I decided to finish the first day in the company of the iron lady. I once read that the Eiffel Tower was among the top “disappointing” attractions and my lowered expectations saved me again. There is no point in describing it, but my feelings amazed even me - she impressed me so much. I even decided to go upstairs on foot, although this was not my plan.
I celebrated my birthday in Paris.
The morning began with a delicious breakfast in one of the restaurants. By the way, the French really only limit themselves to coffee before lunch (well, maybe with pastries).
In this I am far from being a Parisian, so I order “American”
The tower impressed me so much that the next evening I decided to return to it via the Arc de Triomphe and with a few pancakes along the way (I highly recommend them, they are delicious everywhere). By the way, here street vendors have gone further and sell wine right next to the tower. And their business is popular with tourists (the French come with their own wine).
had a typical tourist dinner in France - snails and onion soup.
I had eaten snails before, but they were clearly different snails. These were great. I would explain this by the atmosphere around, but it didn’t help the onion soup - it wasn’t tasty).
Based on “Eat Pray Love,” I was sure that I would spend this rainy but beautiful evening alone. But thanks to the politeness of the French, who can simply wish bon appetit to the person at the next table, I found myself in the company of two wonderful people and several glasses of wine. I don’t think it’s worth saying that I will remember this day forever.
Every day I walked about 40,000 steps. If on the first day my enthusiasm saved me, then on the third I wanted to lie down as quickly as possible. It didn’t spoil my trip, but I can’t recommend this rhythm either. Next time I will choose a more relaxed holiday.
Must-see places (besides the obvious): Luxembourg Gardens, historical cemeteries, Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, Petit Palais on the Champs-Elysées, Fragonard perfume museum, flower market at Place Louis Lépine, Chartier chain eateries (be ready to stand in line, but it's worth it)
I was lucky, the city was clean, calm and welcoming to me.
The Champs Elysees and the road to Montmartre were a slight disappointment. Crowds of tourists, few locals, at some point you can forget that you are in Paris. Some French people "avoid" tourists. And yes, the waiters really pretend that they don’t speak English).
And half of it is not written here, and of course it’s great to read other people’s impressions, but I wish you to create your own.