Greetings, oh, lovely humans!
It’s time for Five Nice Things, Paris.
Now, I can hear you thinking, but Elizabeth, Paris is full of too many nice things to count?! How can you choose just five? Well, friend, you’re not wrong, so don’t stop here; instead, use this as inspiration for your own list of nice things (I’d love to know what’s on your list!) the next time you’re in Paris.
Allons-y!
There are many famous chocolatiers in Paris, but Jacques Genin makes something that I’d hurt the ones I love to get my hands on: caramels. Specifically, the mango ones. Sweet Mother of God, are they ever delicious! His caramels are chewy, buttery, tangy—a flavor bomb that hits every side of your tongue and makes your mouth explode in a tsunami of tasty delight. In short, they are very good. As are all his chocolates and superb pâte des fruits (the pineapple is not to be missed).
He has two shops in nice hoods that you will likely be wandering in, so pop in for a sugar hit from the master. Nice!
Perfume—because it’s nice to smell good.
I know, I know, French chocolate and perfume: how cliche can a girl get? Well, I am that basic chica, so sue me. Shopping for perfume in Paris is fun, particularly at the few speciality perfumiers that do a great job with more niche or under-the-radar scents.
The most well-known is Nose. It’s a TikTok darling, so be prepared for the trendy vibe.
Next is Jovoy. It’s the opposite of Nose—very old-school and elegant, with a knowledgeable staff that will help you discover the perfect scent, or you can simply enjoy sniffing your way through the fantastic collection of perfumes. (Tip: the perfume’s notes are listed on the bottom of every bottle).
But my favorite is the OG queen, Printemps Beauté. You can find all the big brands on the main ground floor, but if you take the little escalator up to the first floor, you’ll discover a world of more niche brands. (Tip: Printemps is three buildings: homme (men), mode (women’s fashion), and beauté et maison (home and beauty). Walkways on the 2nd and 3rd floors connect all three buildings.)
Oh, no… oh yes! The Eiffel Tower.
Sure, you’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. What’s the big deal? Well, I’m glad you asked, friend. Starting after dusk until 11:00 PM, for five minutes at the top of the hour, there’s a magical moment when she slips out of her work clothes into her fancy party dress and sparkles. On the Trocadéro, tourists “ooh” and “ahh” and hurry to take selfies with the Paris icon twinkling in the background. Taking part in a shared moment of delight is very nice. And it’s free.
The Louvre!
It’s much more than the hordes in front of the Mona Lisa. The mostly empty galleries of the permanent collection are dotted with Rembrants and Caravaggios, but to wander the massive museum on your own risks the possibility of art fatigue.
To avoid this, book a guided visit directly from the museum or with a private guide, and let an expert take you around. If you have time, it’s worth visiting Napoleon III’s apartments to understand what the palace might have been like to call home and the man’s deep love for red and gold. (Tip: book tickets ahead; when you arrive, don’t be discouraged by the long line; it moves quickly. )
Franchement: A very nice and franchement (frankly) hilarious Substack that does a lovely job of exploring life in Paris without engaging in the European Dream Industrial Complex (EDIC).
Bouns!
also reviews the best places for a sandwich in Paris. Traditionally, the French failed to fully embrace the art form, unlike Americans, who raised the humble sandwich to exalted heights—for this guide to a killer Parisian sandwich alone, you should subscribe! Because who doesn’t enjoy a nice sandwich?
Perfume, chocolate and the Eiffel Tower at night. I’m that girl too! 🇫🇷
I've read people mocking the Eiffel Tower for the lights but I think they look fantastic.