↑
  • Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Travel Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Disclosures
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Easy Peasy Meals

Easy Recipes, Slow Cooker Meals, Meal Planning & Meal Prep

  • About
  • Contact
  • Start Here
  • Disclosures
    • Privacy + Ad Policy
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Nav Widget Area

  • Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Dessert
  • Method
    • Air fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Skillet
    • Sheet Pan
    • Slow Cooker
    • Grill / Smoker
  • Holiday
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • NYE
  • Protein
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Turkey
    • Pork
    • Fish
    • Vegetarian
  • Low-Carb
Home » Travel » Europe » Wandering the Streets of Paris
This post may contain affiliate links. See my Full Disclosure for further details.

Wandering the Streets of Paris

By Rachael | Updated on August 3, 2020

534 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

What I learned wandering the streets of Paris, the beautiful City of Lights, on my first ever solo travel adventure. Why I skipped the museums and other tourist attractions, and what I gained by doing so.

Wandering the Streets of Paris

I recently had the opportunity to visit Paris by myself for a few days. I had visited a little over a year earlier with my children and we did all the expected things, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, and even the underground catacombs. It was a wonderful visit, and made me love the City of Lights, and helped me see why it is a favorite destination of so many.

However, on this visit, I wanted to soak in the city. I wanted to walk the streets, interact with the people, enjoy the food, and take lots of photos. Especially take lots of photos, because it can be so hard to take decent photos when you are juggling kids.

I skipped the regular tourist agenda, and didn’t actually pay admission to a single thing. Instead I observed. I walked to the bridges that cross the Seine, and saw lovers clip on locks and throw in their keys.

Lovers locks on the streets of Paris

I attended a beautiful mass at Notre Dame, and watched as people took the sacrament and showed their devotion to God.

The beautiful building of Notre Dame

I sipped a Chocolat Chaud in the market of Rue Cler, and watched the wealthy, fashionable Parisians shop for their daily breads, meats, and cheeses.

Rue cler in Paris

I walked past the fire department and glimpsed the firemen running drills, and sliding down their fire pole (true story).

I sat in the back of a bike taxi and observed the craziness of Paris traffic, and the magnificent buildings whir by.

Bike taxis in Paris

I visited the Eiffel tower, and enjoyed seeing tourist’s eyes light up when they arrived to see it, and watched children ride the carousel.

The carousel at the Eiffel Tower in paris

I ate foods that I will dream about for years to come.

I slept in my little Parisian room, and rode my little Parisian lift, and chatted with beautiful people.

I saw people fall in love, and celebrate their love.

I made the most of having some time to myself to think, to reflect, and to appreciate the many many blessings I have, and the things I want from my life, and for the lives of my children.

Street artists peddaling their wares

It was a magical couple of days filled with “nothing much” and a little bit of everything.

And I have no regrets.

When I first booked my trip, I thought I would take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, and Musee de Orsy, as they last time I went, we didn’t make it more than an hour or two in either because the kids were not interested. But when I arrived at the pyramid of the Louvre that first day, something else called to me. It was one of those soul deep yearnings to just see it all. To take in humanity. To laugh at the street performers, and taste the roasted chestnuts, and walk these age old streets.

The Louvre in Paris

And so I did. And this isn’t meant to be profound, or awesome, or anything else. I just wanted to share some of the beauty I saw, and preserve my thoughts about this little moment to myself. It was my first time traveling alone.

I travel with my kids, my husband, my friends, my work colleagues. But never alone. And when you travel alone you learn so much about yourself.

One night, I had received some food recommendations from a friend, and so I walked to the Jewish Quarter to try the magical crepes he spoke of, and the “world’s best cheesecake”. And you guys, they only took cash. And I had only 4 Euros on me, and the total was 5. I could have died of embarrassment. And add a language barrier, and it is just pure torture.

I asked for an ATM, and the gracious man took my 4 Euros and told me not to worry about the rest. But I was determined to pay the full price. At least I thought I was. But after 10 minutes of searching for an ATM I gave up, and slinked back to my hotel.

But what a kind man. He did not shame me. He did not follow me to an ATM or demand full price. He smiled, he patted me on the back and tried to comfort me in my mortification of not having enough money. And that was it. He just showed me a kindness.

I have been so busy, and so stressed for the last year while we made the transition to my husband’s new job, and to me being the primary financial provider for our family, that I have become very selfish. I have become less tolerant of others and their flaws, of which we all have. I have only thought about how it impacts me, and what I want to have happen. And honestly, I haven’t been a very kind or happy person. And I have made lots of excuses for it. This man had every reason to be short or unkind with me, and chose to show compassion. And so, if I learned anything wandering the streets of Paris, it is to be a kinder, more compassionate human being. We will see how long it lasts, but I did appreciate the reminder. It was much needed.

If you get the chance to wander the streets of Paris, especially in Spring, when the trees are blooming and the flowers are peaking out, I hope you will take advantage of it!

And don’t worry, I realize this post wasn’t all that helpful, but I will be sharing some posts about where to stay, what to do, and of course…what to EAT in Paris soon!

Related

534 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Related categories:
Europe International TravelParis Paris is Beautiful Paris ramblings Wandering Paris

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara Hicks says

    March 30, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    I love this post! Paris is on my high priority, must see, list and what you described is exactly my kind of jam. Thank you Rachael, for showing me the world. I really appreciate it so much.

    Reply
  2. Courtenay says

    March 31, 2017 at 7:31 am

    Au contraire, your post is very helpful and informative and we all need reminders to be “kinder and more compassionate human beings. Thanks for posting it.

    Reply
  3. Genevie says

    March 31, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I will be traveling to Paris soon and can’t wait to hear more. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Vanessa Mayer says

    March 31, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    My husband & I went for only several days, and mostly walked and zipped around on the open-air tour buses. Oh, and we ate a lot as well – the escargot was so yummy, and their bread, cheese and coffee were to our liking! Our “embarrassing moment” was in the cheese (fromage) store, where we found out that we weren’t supposed to “handle,” or pick out our own cheese! Who knew that their “fromagier” was there to do it for us! Haha- now I know! Thank-you, I enjoyed your article!

    Reply
  5. Margie Mac says

    April 13, 2017 at 5:51 am

    This touched my heart! My joy in Paris (and other great European cities) was to avoid the tourist stops and just be part of the people. Sitting in outdoor cafes in the Latin Quarter and people-watching, walking through gardens, buying street food. I had hoped to return but health issues now make that impossible. Posts like yours really take me back. Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Rachael from Eazy Peazy Mealz

Welcome, I'm Rachael!

I’m a mom of 4 great kids that keep me super busy.

My philosophy is cooking has to be easy, tasty, kid approved, and fit between homework, piano practice, soccer, and the MOUNTAINS of laundry in my life! Read More Work With Me
Take the Hassle Out of Meal Time!
FREE EMAIL COURSE + Printable Recipe Binder!
 
Easy, quick prep meals your family will want to eat sent straight to your inbox!
Thank you for subscribing!

Crock Pot Meals

Creamy, comforting, and packed with sweet corn, this hearty corn chowder is the perfect cozy meal. Easy to make and full of flavor—great for weeknights or entertaining.

Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

White Chicken Chili, a delicious slow cooker chili with white beans, and tons of flavor.

Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over bowtie noodles.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock pot loaded baked potato soup topped with crispy bacon, chives, and cheese

Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup

20 Minute Meals

Easy to make Chicken Salad recipe, loaded with fresh ingredients and crunch.
Fresh spring rolls with a peanut dipping sauce
lemon garlic parmesan shrimp bowl with rice
Pop hearts, homemade pop tarts, flakey pie crust stuffed with raspberry jam and baked to golden perfection.

Free Kitchen Binder eBook

Let's Do This!

browse allRecipes By Method

slow cook

Sheet Pan

Air Fryer

Instant Pot

Grill/Smoke

One Pot

Skillet

Let's Work Together

Hi, I'm Rachael, and I am obsessed with sharing quality products and solid recipes. I can work with you to develop, test and create original recipes and content using YOUR products, and share it across Eazy Peazy Mealz blog and social channels, reaching thousands of dedicated readers.

Let's Do This

Footer

Eazy Peazy Meals
  • About
  • Contact
  • Start Here
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright ©2025, Easy Peasy Meals. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly