What To Do If It’s Your Third Time in Paris

The last time I came to Paris was two years ago to get my advanced pastry certification. Upon leaving, I knew I’d be back, because it’s Paris and because it’s me. And because I also have a tiny croissant tattooed on my wrist to remind me of this special place.

Last month, my prediction came true and I got to go back for a third time! This time to celebrate the wedding of my lovely friend Cynthia who I know through blogging—she has her own experiential food events company. I brought my other bestie Aimee in tow for a long weekend #LurdiesinParis adventure.

I’ve never visited any place a third time besides India. Instantly after landing, I took note of how the city has changed—and how I have changed.

Pont des Artes, the “Lovers Bridge,” no longer has its iconic locks; the bridge collapsed some time back from the weight and was rebuilt with glass paneling. Rogue locks abound, of course.

Cookies, juice, cold brew, and poke are also now things in Paris—admittedly American things.

But many other aspects remained intact. Bookstores everywhere. The deep pastel blue sky. Meals of baguettes, cheese, and cured meat. French rap at dimly lit wine bars. Within a few minutes, I remembered the subway system like I lived there—and I had! And my badly accented French creeped back into conversations.

Paris has changed, and so have I. But I can still love a place that evolves; and I can still take pride in my own evolution as well.

Whether it’s your first or third or whatever time, Paris remains magical. I will fight anyone to the grave who thinks otherwise; they simply aren’t doing it right. This time around, when we weren’t dancing the night way at Cynthia’s wedding, we did a mix of old and new things, walking EVERYWHERE from the city center to the outskirts! If you’ve visited before, here’s what I recommend:

Food/Drank:

Fou de Patisserie { This tiny woman-owned patisserie in the 2nd arr. is one of my favorites for its elegant desserts for takeaway. My favorite are the madeleines encrusted with candied nuts }

Du Pain et Des Idées { In 2014 when I first visited, nobody knew of this place. It’s since blown up and lines can be long, but I continue to love their pistachio croissant. }

Ma Cave Fleury { Casual champagne wine bar in the 2nd arr. The owners are super nice! }

Ob-La-Di { The tiniest, cutest coffeeshop. }

Broken Arm { Cute casual lunch spot with great sandwiches and juices. }

Dreamin’ Man { Another cute coffeeshop. }

Boot Cafe { Touristy but I still love this tiny coffeeshop. }

Clamato { The best meal I had this time around! No reservations, so come at least an hour early and put your name in. Exquisite and unique seafood dishes like cuttlefish with sesame and chili oil. And their maple tart is so delicious I polished it off completely solo. }

Do:

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower { Yes it’s touristy, but it’s truly a piece of art and worth visiting again and again. Pick up your spread from the supermarket, and buy bottles of champagne from the street vendors. Just don’t get ripped off; they’ll try to sell a 5 euro bottle for 20. }

Barry’s Bootcamp { Y’all know I’m obsessed with Barry’s and they just opened a Paris studio! Classes are in English, so you have no excuse.}

Jardin du Palais Royal { Cool spot to bop around in near the city center }

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont { Worth the trek to go to this park in north Paris. Zero tourists here, so super relaxing to walk around. They have a couple cafes inside as well where you can get HEAVY pours of rose and lunch. }

Luxembourg Garden { Never gets old! }

Sacre Coeur { It’s always clogged with people but the views are unbeatable. Come at sunset. }

Shop:

E. Dehillerin { No Paris trip is complete without a stop in this kitchen warehouse. They have everything you could ever want for your kitchen at great prices. Most of the things I own are from here! }

La Grande Epicerie { Another iconic food store with everything you could ever want. Pick up gifts and some tins of foie gras to take back. }

Nysa { Great store in the 2nd arr. to buy wine to bring back. }