My Paris Bucket List

First time visitors to Paris obviously must see the most famous tourist sites. The Louvre. The Champs Elysees. The Tuileries Garden. These places are famous for a reason—because they are beautiful and interesting and awesome.

On my first visit to Paris—five days with my oldest daughter when she turned 16—we did what we thought was “it all.” We climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. We trekked out to Versailles (ahhhhh!). We even took a bicycle tour around the city . . . in the rain! We ate amazing food and had an absolute blast.

On subsequent visits, I’ve repeated some of the things Kate and I did on our first trip, adding some new points of interest each time.

Paris is growing on me; it wasn’t love-at-first-sight like my experience with London. But I’m learning that there are many wonderful things about Paris, so I’m already keeping a bucket list for my next visit, whenever that may be.

1. Seine River Cruise

I’m a big fan of river cruises—especially the architectural river cruise in Chicago. They help me get the lay of the land when I’m in a city, so it’s surprising that I haven’t done a river cruise down the Seine, which cuts through the heart of Paris. I’ll fix that next time I’m there.

2. Climb the towers of Notre Dame

Notre Dame cathedral is such a beautiful and special place, so it was heartbreaking to see that devastating fire engulf this important landmark in 2019. I regret that I never climbed to the top of the towers there, so, hopefully, once the cathedral is repaired, I’ll still have the strength (and the knees) to be able to do it. I hear the views are amazing.

3. Grocery Stores

Every time I travel I try to visit some of the local grocery stores, and while I’ve been to a couple in Paris, I’d like to spend more time perusing the shelves for some interesting tidbits. La Grande Epicerie looks right up my alley.

4. Take a croissant making class

I love to bake; I’ve even tried making croissants at home with limited success. But to take a class . . . in Paris . . . from a master baker would be a dream. Obviously, there are several options to choose from, but I think this one looks nice.

But as long as we have options, why not learn the art of French patisserie at the Ritz? Sounds fun, no?

Photo credit: Kate Hamilton

5. Circus Bakery for breakfast/Buvette for dinner

OK, I wanted to keep my list to five things, but this might technically make it six. Circus Bakery used to have an amazing Instagram page, but for some reason they took it down during Covid. To be honest, I think they got a little TOO popular with their Flying Circus delivery bicycles. Two of my girls visited this iconic place when they were in Paris in 2019, and the confirmed that this is a must-see (or maybe a must-eat?).

*Edited to add: Sadly, Circus Bakery is permanently closed.*

I’ve eaten at Buvette in NYC and loved it, but there’s one in Paris (and also in London, but who’s keeping track? *wink*) that I’d love to visit. The concept is just darling—small plates and wine. Exactly what I love to eat and drink. Definitely want to visit them all.

*Edited to add: I finally had a chance to eat at Buvette in Paris and it was every bit as good as I imagined.*

BONUS: One thing I won’t do in Paris again.

As I said, on our first visit, my daughter and I made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower. As someone who is really and truly, despairingly afraid of heights, it was a horrifying experience. Sure, the views were great, but that flimsy piece of metal seemed to be swaying as I stood on top, and I couldn’t wait to get down to terra firma again. I absolutely will not be repeating that experience. Ever.