7 Reasons to Love Paris: A Photo Essay

There are so many reasons to love Paris.

Yes, I know there are folks who don’t love Paris.

That’s fine.

Paris is one of those destinations that people seem to either love or dislike — strongly.

I know the first time I traveled to the City of Light, my then boyfriend’s mom said to me, “You’ll either love it or hate it.”

In all honesty, I was prepared to find it overrated at the least.

But I fell in love with Paris— everything about it.

And I’m NOT a city person. 

So here are the 7 reasons to love Paris — with more photos than words.

The Museums (and the art)

Paris definitely has some world class and well-known museums.

The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are the most famous with incredible works of art.

Add in some smaller museums such as the Rodin, the Musée de l’Orangerie (hello Monet!), the Picasso and so many more and art lovers are in heaven.

Personally, I love the Orsay and the Orangerie.

In fact, on my recent trip to Paris in January 2020, the first place I went was to the Musée d’Orsay.

I love the Impressionists!

For those who love art — paintings, sculptures, photography, drawing, mixed media and more — Paris is the place.

Yes all those reasons to love Paris!

The Parks

Paris has some lovely parks.

I might say London has some nicer parks, but there are still some wonderful spots to enjoy some flowers, trees and get out for a walk or a run.

Jardin des Tuileries, Le Jardin du Luxembourg and Place des Vosges are some of the more frequented and well-known parks in Paris.

While the parks are no substitute for oh say, the French Alps, these gardens are a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

And these places are wonderful for having a picnic lunch or dinner with some tasty French food and wine.

The Food and Wine

One of the reasons to love Paris is definitely the food and wine.

Of course, this is reason to love France in general.

Now I’m not as big of a fan of some of the French food, especially Parisian food simply because I tend to not eat meat.

I do, however, love the cheese and the wine.

And I kind of like all those baked goods — as long as I am careful of my gluten sensitive tummy.

There are fabulous very well known restaurants in Paris with some amazing food.

But you can find delicious food at small cafes and take away places.

And the markets, such as Rue Mouffetard and Enfants Rouges, are wonderful places to shop for some good food.

Heck go into any bakery or cheese shop or patisserie or other specialty shop and get something to take away and have a picnic in one of the parks or along the River Seine.

You can find wine at some of the supermarkets or at specialty stores.

French wine can be confusing since it is named by its region and not by the grape.

If you are unsure, just ask.

But really, French wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.

So don’t feel as though you have to spend a lot.

Although I like a lot of French red wine, I’m a huge fan of French white wines and rosé wines.

The River Seine

One of the best things to do in Paris is simply to walk along the River Seine.

Or maybe take a run!

The river is essential to Paris.

It divides the city into North and South — Right Bank and Left Bank.

And it provides a backdrop to some of the fantastic architecture.

On my first trip to Paris back in 2008 I took a walk along the River Seine after being up in the Eiffel Tower.

It had been very busy and I was tired of the crowds.

So I made a beeline for the river, enjoying the peace and quiet of walking by the water.

The River Seine is one of my favorite reasons to love Paris.

The Architecture

The first time I visited Paris I fell head over heels in love with the architecture.

I just love the looks of the buildings in this city.

The shape of the rooftops.

The wrought iron balconies.

You all know I’m a fan of architecture and the Parisian architecture captured my imagination.

It is definitely one of the best reasons to love Paris.

It’s The Perfect City to Wander Around

Paris is an amazing city to wander about and even get a little lost in.

There are narrow lanes where you can get away from the hustle and bustle.

You’ll stumble upon beautiful buildings, a small park, a charming cafe, an old bookstore or a trendy boutique.

As a photographer, I never seem to tire of wandering about this beautiful city.

Definitely of the main reasons to love Paris!

Because It’s Paris

Okay.

I know reason 7 may not be a real reason.

Or maybe it is.

You see, there is a feeling to Paris that is hard to describe to those who haven’t traveled to this magnificent city.

That feeling is probably the number one reason to love Paris.

It’s a feeling of energy, history, culture, enjoying life and relishing the fine things in life such as masterful works of art and great wine.

And while this sounds paradoxical, it’s a feeling of busy and hustle and bustle, yet slowing down to savor — food, wine, art, music, history, conversation, friends, family … life.

I guess it’s simply the joie de vivre!

More Reasons to Love Paris?

I know there are more.

So feel free to let me know why you love Paris.

And if you don’t care for this city, why?

I’d love to hear those reasons too.

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