15 Exciting Things We Did on Our 7th Trip to Paris
Planning a trip to Paris? This week, Lisa shares 15 unique things to do in Paris, including hidden gems, incredible food experiences, Seine River cruises, Montmartre adventures, and the best chocolate mousse in the city. From iconic Paris attractions to lesser-known local favorites, you'll discover plenty of inspiration for your next Paris itinerary.
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Paris is one of those cities that keeps pulling me back! After seven visits, you'd think I would have checked everything off my list by now. Instead, every trip seems to uncover new restaurants, neighborhoods, experiences, and hidden gems that make me fall in love with the city all over again.
If you're planning your first trip to Paris, you'll find a few classics here. But if you've already been and are looking for something new, these are some of my favorite discoveries from our latest visit.
Start with a Google Map of Saved Places
One thing that made this trip especially fun was having a custom Google Map filled with places I'd saved over the years.
Whenever we found ourselves with a free afternoon, I could open the map and see what was nearby.
Why this worked so well:
No rigid itinerary
Easy to discover places near us
Perfect for spontaneous adventures
Helped us make the most of every neighborhood
Sometimes the best Paris days happen when you don't have a plan.
1. Visit the Air and Space Museum
One of the highlights of our trip was attending a music festival at the Air and Space Museum outside Paris. Even without the festival, the museum itself looks worth visiting.
Highlights include:
A Concorde jet on display
Aviation exhibits
Unique experience outside the city center
Great option for return visitors
If you've already visited Paris's major museums, this is a fun alternative.
2. Wander Through Le Marais
If someone asked me to describe the Paris of my dreams, it would probably look like Le Marais.
This neighborhood is packed with:
Charming cafés
Boutique shops
Historic architecture
Beautiful side streets
It's the perfect area to spend an afternoon with no agenda.
3. Explore the Picasso Museum
While wandering Le Marais, we stumbled upon the Picasso Museum and decided to go in on a whim. It ended up being one of my favorite museum experiences in Paris.
Why I loved it:
Manageable size
Easy to explore in about an hour
Includes paintings, sculptures, and collages
Features works that were part of Picasso's personal collection
If the Louvre feels overwhelming, this is a wonderful alternative.
4. Take a Seine River Cruise
I still can't believe it took seven trips to Paris before we finally did a Seine River cruise. We bought tickets on the spot and spent an hour floating past some of the city's most iconic landmarks.
What you'll see:
Notre-Dame
Musée d'Orsay
Eiffel Tower
Beautiful riverside architecture
For around €20 per person, it's one of the best values in Paris.
5. Get a Vintage-Style Photo by the Eiffel Tower
Near Pont de l'Alma, we found photographers using antique-looking cameras to create vintage-inspired portraits. They print the photos on newspaper-style paper that feels timeless and uniquely Parisian.
A few things to know:
They usually work for tips
They're not always there
The photos make a fun souvenir
It was one of those unexpected experiences that made the trip memorable.
6. Take a Helicopter Tour of the French Countryside
As part of our festival package, we chose a helicopter tour over a spa experience. While it isn't something I'd prioritize on a first trip, it was an incredible experience for a return visit.
Highlights:
Beautiful countryside views
French châteaux from above
Approximately 20 minutes of flight time
Easy morning adventure outside the city
It gave us a completely different perspective on France.
7. Join Chef PJ's Montmartre Food Tour
This experience was so good it deserved its own podcast episode. Chef PJ guided us through Montmartre while sharing stories about Paris, food culture, and local traditions.
The experience included:
Food tastings throughout the neighborhood
Insight into French food culture
A multi-course meal
Escargot, cheeses, desserts, and beef bourguignon
If you're a foodie, don't miss this one!
8. Write a Letter to Your Future Self at Café Pli
This was one of the most unique experiences we had in Paris. At Café Pli, guests write letters that are mailed to their future selves.
Here's how it works:
Reserve a spot ahead of time
Write your letter
Decorate it with stickers and stationery
Seal it with wax
Choose when you want it delivered
We selected the one-year option and spent nearly an hour writing. It was surprisingly meaningful.
9. Explore Paris by Lime E-Bike
One of the fastest ways to get around Paris is by bike. We rented Lime e-bikes several times and loved it.
Why we recommend it:
Often faster than Uber
Excellent bike infrastructure
Scenic rides along the Seine
Easy way to cover more ground
Just make sure you're comfortable riding in city traffic.
10. Enjoy Breakfast at Plaza Athénée
We've stayed at Plaza Athénée before, but this was our first time experiencing breakfast there. It was absolutely unforgettable.
Favorites included:
Rich Parisian hot chocolate
Fresh pastries
Beautiful dining room
Iconic courtyard with red awnings
Even if you're not staying at the hotel, breakfast is worth booking.
The Best Food Discoveries in Paris
Some of our favorite experiences revolved around food, and these spots were standouts.
11. Lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges
This historic food market quickly became one of our favorite places in Paris.
Why we loved it:
Multiple food vendors
Casual atmosphere
Great lunch stop
Located in charming Le Marais
We visited twice and still didn't have time to try everything.
Lulu Crêperie
Order both:
A savory galette
A sweet crêpe
The crispy cheese on the galettes was incredible.
Chez Jean Phi
Perfect if you're craving something fresh and healthy.
Favorites included:
Colorful salads
Grilled chicken
Stuffed pitas
Fresh ingredients and house-made sauces
13. Drink Hot Chocolate at Carette
The hot chocolate debate in Paris is serious.
Many travelers compare Carette and Angelina, and after trying both, I can see why.
What makes Carette special:
Rich hot chocolate
Fresh whipped cream
Beautiful café atmosphere
Excellent food menu
It's absolutely worth a stop.
14. Try Chocolate Mousse at Chapon
If I could only recommend one dessert from this entire trip, it would be Chapon.
The concept is simple:
Several chocolate mousse varieties
Different chocolate origins
Different cacao percentages
After tasting multiple options, we both chose the 75% chocolate mousse.
I still think about it.
15. Experience the Famous Steak Frites at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte
This viral Paris restaurant is known for one thing: steak frites.
The menu is incredibly simple.
You get:
A salad
Bread
Steak with signature sauce
French fries
A second serving of steak and fries
The only downside is to expect a long line. We waited about an hour.
Would I do it every trip? Probably not. Am I glad I tried it? Absolutely!!
Final Thoughts
After seven visits, Paris still surprises me!
What I love most is that there is always something new to discover. A hidden café, a neighborhood you've never wandered, a museum you've somehow missed, or a restaurant that becomes an instant favorite.
Whether it's your first trip or your seventh, I hope this list helps you discover a side of Paris you haven't experienced before.
And if you're building your own Paris bucket list, don't be afraid to leave room for spontaneity. Some of our favorite memories came from simply wandering and seeing where the day took us.
Message me on Instagram if you have any questions! @thistraveltribe