Paris Travel Tips: How To Take It Easy in Paris
Traveling to Paris can feel busy and fast-paced. There is so much to see, eat, and buy in a short amount of time that you can end up exhausted.
Good news, you don’t have to rush! This is your trip so you get to decide how much time you spend at each spot. We recommend setting aside two to three hours for each activity you want to do, so you can soak it all in without feeling rushed.
In this post, you learn about four slow-paced alternatives that will make your Paris travel more enjoyable and allow you to appreciate the city of lights at your own pace.
Things to Know Before Heading into Paris’ Parks
Three of the four suggestions are visits to Parks. Before you head to a park, you should know the following important restrictions in Paris.
The law in Paris prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in any park or square between 4 pm and 7 am. If you want to consume alcohol between these hours you need to visit a bar or legal establishment to do so.
Also important, the use of glass is not allowed at any time in the parks, squares, quays/canals of Paris. That includes non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, juices, etcetera. Make sure your beverages are in suitable, read non-glass, containers before heading out to your preferred space.
If you want to have a Picnic in the park make sure to visit a local supermarket. You can find everything you need in one stop—bread, cheese, fruit, charcuterie, sweets, and drinks.
As an alternative, you can shop at specialty shops like a boulangerie for different types of breads, a fromagerie for cheese, and a charcuterie for cold cuts. You can take advantage and buy some edible souvenirs if you shop this way.
Suggestions To Enjoy Paris At A Slower Pace
1. Champs Du Mars
Commonly known as the park across from the Eiffel Tower, this green space in Paris runs from the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire (Military College).
This green space was developed during the 18th century as a space for military exercises. Its name refers to the Roman god of war Mars.
Today it is a place for walking, playing, and relaxing and a perfect place to go for a picnic with a view.
Although the sun wasn’t shining on the day we went for our picnic, the temperature was perfect for lying around and people-watching while enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower.
Your visit can include having a picnic, taking a nap, or having a photoshoot with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
2. Jardin de Tuileries
Another great place to slow down and relax in Paris is to visit the Jardin de Tuileries. You will find this garden between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. On a pretty day, the garden will be filled with tourists and locals enjoying the weather.
Unlike the Champs Du Mars, this area has many benches and paths to walk around in. It also has a fair share of cafes and snack carts.
As the name implies, the Jardin de Tuileries was designed as a formal garden with fountains, sculptures, and come spring a bounty of beautiful flowers.
In summer it is a good place to cool down with an ice cream. At other times, indulging in a sweet from a patisserie or macaroons from Laduree while sitting on a bench is pure joy.
There is some walking involved in this visit but you can do so at your own pace. It is a perfect way to experience the local vibe during your travel to Paris.
3. Spend the Day at Versailles
Yes, that Versailles. Did you know that in addition to the palace with the famous Hall of Mirrors, Versailles has beautiful gardens and a park? And from November to March the entrance is free.
You can visit Versailles without going into the castle. Between April and October, there are certain days when the palace puts on Fountain Shows and Musical Garden for which there is a fee to enter. To verify show dates and if tickets are required you can visit the Chateaux Versailles website.
In any case, the park is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. There are bicycle rentals to explore the many paths. There are also boat rentals for rowing on the Grand Canal.
If you want to have a look at the gardens but don’t want to take a long walk, you can buy a ticket for the petit-train. The train circles the park, the gardens, and the palace. Minimum walking is required.
If you get hungry there are cafes, snack carts, and even a sit-down restaurant in the park premises. This is another relaxed option for taking in the grandeur of Versailles.
Versailles is just outside of Paris but it is a short car drive, bus or train ride away and a perfect way to spend a day.
4. River Cruise on the Seine
If you need a couple of hours of rest you can see the sights from a different angle; at a slow pace by taking a boat trip down the Seine.
This Parisian classic will take you by many of the highlights of Paris like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral while you sit leisurely on a boat. The views of the city and its buildings from the river are a special and unique experience.
Another thing you’ll see from the boat are friends and families walking along the riverbank and, in some instances, having picnics or simply enjoying the day.
These tours can be taken at night which allows you to see Paris illuminated. Imagine the city of lights as seen from the river. Beautiful.
Beware that if it has been raining and the river is very high the route will be adjusted or shortened as the boat will be unable to pass under certain bridges. So we recommend you check before buying your tickets.
Other Paris Slow-paced Alternatives
There are other options you might want to explore if you are looking to discover other areas of Paris at a slower pace:
Luxembourg Gardens – in the 6th arrondissement is filled with formal gardens, sculptures, and vast lawns for picnics
Parc de Buttes–Chaumont – this park in the 19th Arrondissement near Canal St. Martin has an artificial lake with waterfalls and caves.
Parc Monceau – situated in the 8th arrondissement, this park dates back to the 18th century and has several Greek-inspired structures with well-kept gardens.
We hope these recommendations inspire you to seek out some time to travel to Paris at a more relaxed pace.
