Don’t say you’ve been to Paris if you haven’t done this—10 must-do experiences to feel real French life

Text and photos by /INSIDR PARIS

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” — Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

Paris/French lifestyle always sparks imagination and yearning. Even if you haven’t had the chance yet (because the future is uncertain) to live in Paris, visiting as a tourist is already a joyful experience. With such a wonderful opportunity to come to Paris, Insidr wants to tell you how to find the best places to immerse yourself in Parisian life, and what are the must-do activities and must-visit spots. Even a few days of experiencing daily Parisian life can give you enough motivation to power through an entire year.

# 1 Enjoy a lazy French brunch

“Casually enjoying brunch on a holiday” has become a trend in Paris in recent years. Locals love meeting friends at unique, international-style brunch spots on weekends to chat over dishes like eggs benedict, smoked salmon, bacon, and American-style scrambled eggs—all very popular among Parisians. Of course, when you have the chance to visit France, don’t forget to treat yourself to a French-style brunch and learn how the French savor a leisurely morning.

# 2 Take Paris street photos

Taking street photos in Paris is one of the must-do activities for many visitors. Aside from the brunch photos in this article, all the others were captured by our editor during their life in Paris. The corner cafés, classic French bakeries, weekend flea markets on the streets—Paris has so many sights, alleyways, cultural scenes, and shops. More importantly, the city government maintains the elegant Haussmann-style architecture, which always leaves you enchanted by the urban charm.

# 3 Say Bonjour, merci, au revoir, and give bisous (cheek kisses)
Even if you don’t speak French, a smile is the best way to express yourself. When you’re at restaurants, shops, or bakeries, don’t forget to greet the staff with: Bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), au revoir (goodbye). Cheek kisses are only for friends or people you’ve just met—don’t go planting kisses on any French person’s cheeks you see.

# 4 Visit iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame...

Every historical monument, stunning church, and museum in Paris holds its own value. Many travelers often ask, “Is 4–5 days in Paris enough?” Our answer: never enough. Because no matter how many times you visit Paris, no matter how many times you see the Musée d’Orsay or the Eiffel Tower, you’ll always want to come back again, and again, and again.

# 5 Experience French daily life; observe how locals dress

You’ll notice that on sunny weekends, Parisian daily life becomes even more vibrant. Parisians, who truly value life, love spending time outdoors on nice days—at sidewalk cafés, along the Seine, in parks—reading a good book, visiting museums, sipping coffee, going shopping, having a smoke, enjoying a drink, or riding a skateboard. Most importantly, they soak up the warm sun. Known as the capital of romance and fashion, Parisians—both men and women—take great care in their style, showcasing their individuality through their outfits. When you visit Paris, take a quiet moment to observe them at metro stations or restaurants where locals often gather.

# 6 Savor a perfect Michelin-starred French meal
In 2016, France had as many as 600 restaurants awarded one to three Michelin stars, and French cuisine is renowned for its intricate yet refined cooking techniques. For food-loving travelers, make sure to set aside an evening to indulge in the exquisite dishes of a starred Michelin restaurant in Paris, and experience the perfect harmony of ingredients and culinary artistry.

# 7 Go department store shopping and browse at drugstores

During the Christmas season, Galeries Lafayette offers tax refund benefits. When in Paris, be sure to visit flagship department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, home to many major brands. Even if you’re not shopping, you can dine at the stunning domed restaurant on Printemps’ top floor or enjoy the panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace bar at Galeries Lafayette. Additionally, Parisian drugstores are great for picking up well-known, high-quality lotions and skincare products—Parisians love hunting for treasures here too (though not quite as intensely as tourists, XD).

# 8 Taste delicate French pastries like macarons, the essential French breakfast croissant, and classic baguettes

Pastries that even the French can’t get enough of. Sweet lovers, you’ve probably already researched where to buy macarons at Ladurée or Pierre Hermé. For those wanting to try other sweets, options like apple pie, lemon tart, and mille-feuille are also hugely popular in Paris. For breakfast, head to a bakery for a croissant—it’s a French favorite. The perfect breakfast combo: croissant or chocolate-filled pain au chocolat + espresso. And then there’s the national staple: the French baguette. If you see someone carrying or tucking a long loaf under their arm, that’s it. Whenever I get a freshly baked baguette, the crispy outside, soft inside, and subtle aroma are simply irresistible.

# 9 Have a Parisian picnic