Did you know that Paris is known as the City of Lights? Paris lit up at night is pure magic. There are few things in the world that fill me with as much pure bliss— the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, the lit pyramids of the Louvre, the moody romantic streets, the candlit outdoor bars filled with stylish lovers and friends. When I lived in Paris, I walked along the Seine River almost nightly just to soak it in, and I would frequently stop to look around and pinch myself. You must, must, must stay awake late enough to experience it for yourself, even if that means taking a daytime nap during your travels. Below are my top 5 things to do in Paris at night to appreciate the City of Lights, besides of course finding the most delicious restaurants and bars to tuck into (that should be a given!).
1. Take a private boat ride on the Seine
My husband and I did this the last time we were in Paris, and it is something I will now want to do every single time I visit the city! We used the company called Green River Cruises, but there are many fancier companies with wooden boats you can use too (the fancier boats would be probably better value if you go with a group of friends!). We brought a picnic of baguettes from Del Montel (my favorite bakery), cheeses (from Rue des Martyrs), chocolates (from Mochoca, only the best chocolate shop in the world) and macarons—in other words, my ideal diet. And we sipped on crisp champagne while passing thousands of people relaxing on the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, my favorite bridge (Pont Alexandre III!), and then arrived at the Eiffel Tower on the hour when it started to sparkle. FRIENDS COULD ANYTHING BE BETTER?
2. Picnic on the Seine
One of my favorite ways to spend a day in Paris is to go to some of the special food markets, find the most incredible picnic, and enjoy it for dinner along the Seine. Usually my picnics involve the specialty items I mentioned above, the INCREDIBLE épicerie at Bon Marché (think the best grocery store in the world), and almost always it involves the Rose and Raspberry Lychée macaron pastrie from Pierre Hermé. Can’t they ship it overseas? Yes, I have looked into that numerous times, and no, they can’t ship my pastry overseas… My favorite picnic spot after a LOT of VERY SERIOUS research and trials is below Place de la Concorde (see map!). You go down the ramp on that bridge. It’s quiet, you can see my favorite bridge Pont Alexandre III, and you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Then afterwards you can stroll through the Tuileries Garden to the Louvre!
3. Private Car
When my grandmother visited me when I lived in Paris, we hired a driver to take us all around the city at night. We saw the gorgeous highlights—Notre Dame, the Louvre, Moulin Rouge, and hundreds of café scenes. It was phenomenal! And super fun that we could tell the driver anytime that we wanted to pause for a photo op. A few years later when my now husband traveled to Paris with me, we hired a driver again. With champagne in hand, we sang along as “Oh Champs-Élysées” blasted and we were driven down the Champs-Élysées. We even got a photo in front of the Eiffel tower in the rain! Highly, highly recommend, particularly if you are in Paris for the first time ever—you will really get a sense for the MAGNIFICENT city you are in!
4. Opera Garnier
The Opera Garnier is my favorite architectural masterpieces in the world. If you have a chance to spend an evening there for a ballet or opera, jump at the chance. Be sure to arrive at least 1 hour early! They sell champagne and you can stroll the building while enjoying it. The gold room is to die for, and you can even relax on the balcony (as you can see my husband doing!) to soak in the views. And then, just before the performance starts, grab another glass of bubbly and tuck inside to appreciate the Chagall ceiling within the opera house… IT IS ALL SO BEAUTIFUL.
5. Caveau de la Huchette
Paris has a lively night scene at the bars, always, every night of the week. But there’s also a hopping music scene! My favorite jazz club is Caveau de la Huchette because you can go any night of the week and happiness is everywhere. Think—crowded swing dancing, good vibes, incredible acoustics in a romantic stone-lined cave. It’s super cheap and you get incredible scenery and entertainment to make a special memory. Tourists do know about this place, but I just embrace that fact– so many people from various places and cultures come together for a night of dancing and music JOY at this special spot in the world
Do you have other favorite ways to spend an evening in the City of Lights? Do share! xx
