Arrondissement 5

District 5 was the last of the ones I visited; now weather I saved the best for last is an opinion entirely up to you but it’s a district that I sure miss.  There are 61,531 people living in the boundaries of this district.  80% are metropolitan born citizens and 9.3% are non-European immigrants.  If you wanted to stay in this district you could stay at the Hotel des Cannettes.  It’s one of our favorite two star beauties that would cost you €86 for a double room per night.  And don’t forget that Paris has plenty of grocery stores where you can find the essentials. 

 

A Dozen Eggs: € 2,26

1 Liter of Milk: € 1,35

Steak p/kg: € 25,75

Tourist Attractions:

The Musée du Luxembourg is a visual art museum.  From the Renaissance to Modern art you will find paintings throughout history on these museum walls.  Most museums stick to a specific time period but this one is awfully diverse and an incredible place to go to cross off your bucket list. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

If you are a nerd like me then you have read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and fallen in love with the many places that the main character Robert Langdon visits.  It was so exciting to me to be in Paris with so many of those places including the beautiful church of St. Sulpice.  It is the largest church in Paris, including Notre-Dame and such an amazing piece of architecture. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

If you love Brandy Melville like I do, weather it was her singing and acting career or her new successful career as a clothing designer then Paris is a good place to find a piece of her.  Paris is the home of one of her incredibly popular stores.  If her “one size” policy and cute and comfy style attract you like it does me then you have to check out her store.  It’s a bohemian paradise. 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

Just outside the church of St. Sulpice is an antiques flea market.  I love Parisian flea markets because they are so full of unique things and interesting people.  This one was probable my favorite because of its location and product.  It was a unique beauty. 

I hope you have enjoyed your journey through Paris as much as I did.  It’s not every day that I get to see such history and beauty as I did in the beautiful city that I love.  Au revoir Paris!  I miss you already.  

Arrondissement 6

District 6 was one of the highlights of Paris.  43,143 people are residing in this lovely place.  79.6% of them are born in metropolitan France and 8.7% are non-European immigrants.  If you were looking for a two star hotel to stay in this district you might consider the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne for €99 per night in a double room.  District 6 is home to the “Latin Quarter” which is where younger people tend to hang out, which makes sense because the University of Sorbonne lies within the boundaries, so there are plenty of shops and grocery stores to get all of your basic necessities. 

 

A Dozen Eggs: €2,70

1 Liter of Milk: €1,80

Steak p/kg: €26,90

Tourist Attraction:

Jardin du Luxembourg or the Luxembourg Gardens are a frequented part of Paris and for good reason.  Although it may not compare to Versailles in size it most definitely compares in beauty.  These gardens are one of the reasons that I love France.  It rests just outside of the Museum National O Histore Naturelle but it’s a free place to read a book or take an afternoon stroll.  There are beautiful statues and ponds to sit by and plenty of shade so take a day off and enjoy!

Amazing Architectural Attraction:

If you know something about Paris then I’m sure you’ve heard of the Pantheon and know that it should be on your list of things to see if you’ve got the time.  Originally built as a church, it is now more of a mausoleum.  Some of the most beautiful and interesting things in France seem to be in honor of the dead so check it out!

Today’s Business Shout Out!

If you are a music junky like me or you simply like good sounding speakers then you will appreciate that Bose is today’s business shout out.  So you may be able to find Bose in the US but if you happened to need a store whilst you are in Paris then you could find one here in the 6^th district!

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

A statue of a naked Asian man can be found just at the front of the Pantheon.  It seemed to be an unexpected tourist attraction because despite commonly finding naked statues throughout France, people seemed to find this one particularly appealing to take photos with, maybe because he is rather tall and bronze.   

Arrondissement 11

District 11 has 152,744 residents.  74.5% of these residents are natural born citizens and 15.7% are non-European immigrants.  This district is a bit mellower than your everyday Paris but it does not skimp on beauty.  If you want to stay in this district then you could stay at the two star, Hotel International for €69 per night in a double room. Even though this isn’t the most scenic district, this is one of the cheapest hotels that I have found in Paris.  You can find it on 6, Rue Auguste Barbier.  Of course if you need to go to the grocery story you can find your local marche. 

 

A dozen Eggs: € 2,90

1 Liter of Milk: € 1,79

Steak p/kg: € 27,95

Tourist Attraction:

Cirque d'Hiver is Paris’s very own circus.  If you are like me and love circus’s, I went to one in January and loved it, then this is the place to be.  Even if you don’t want to spend the €30-40 to go then you should at least go see it because it is a beautiful and fun little building in and of itself. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

So I’ve posted about more churches and their beauty than I want to count but honestly they just cannot define the French style more perfectly.  This gothic style cathedral is no exception and should be recognized for its beauty. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

Today goes to another one of those American businesses that have lost their way and come back into our hearts, Dominos.  Domino’s Pizza has gone through a few changes over the years, from being one of the most hated pizzerias to revamping and tasting rather delicious.  However, you probably should eat some French pizza while you can because it’s even better. 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

As you may know, Paris has a few canals cutting through its streets.  I personally like these canals because I think it gives the city a little Venetian feel.  However, in district 11 there is a manmade dam that cuts off the canal and turns into street right next to it.  I guess people do it all the time, New Orleans pushes back the ocean to exist, many places create dams and reservoirs by controlling water but it was awfully blunt against the other scenery of Paris and I thought it was pretty interesting. 

I hope you enjoy the sleepy little town of district 11!  Au revoir!

Arrondissement 9

District 9 is a gem.  60,275 people are blessed to reside in this district’s boundaries.  78.3% of them are metropolitan born Parisians and 10.7% are non-European immigrants.  I might be saying that district 9 is a gem because my favorite place in the world is there but don’t take my word for it.  It could be fun for you to stay at the two star, Hotel Mansart on Rue Mansart in a double room for €90 a night.  You can head to the local supermarche if you’re in need of any groceries. 

A Dozen Eggs: € 2,49

1 Liter of Milk: € 1,49

Steak p/kg: € 24,95

 

Tourist Attractions:

You may or may not have heard of the Galleries Lafayette but it is an enormous tourist attraction.  The Galleries Lafayette is a giant shopping mall of all the designer brands you desire.  If you are visiting the 9^th arrondissement and you walk past the Galleries then you will see many tour busses lined up outside letting people out in giant groups.  If you watch the sales floor from the second or third floor you will see enormous lines of people wrapping around the bottom floor, waiting in line to buy their favorite luxury products.  It is a gorgeous building with so much to offer in terms of shopping. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

If you were wondering what my favorite place in Paris is I would tell you the Palais Garnier.  The Palais Garnier is the famous Opera house that the Phantom of the Opera was written about.  There is a natural lake beneath the Opera house just like in the musical and the author swore that the Phantom was real.  Whether you believe it or not, it is the most beautiful place I have seen in Paris and would be at the top of my list of things to do while visiting the most beautiful city in the world. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

Today I would like to give a special thought to the Hard Rock Café.  Personally I am a fan of the Hard Rock’s all over the world.  It’s a fun place where you can be loud and eat a good burger in Paris, two things that are a little bit hard to do if you don’t want to stand out.

 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

At the top of the Galleries Lafayette you will find an amazing view of Paris.  It’s nice to have a view that includes the Eiffel Tower. 

I hope you fall in love with this district like I did!  Au revoir!

Arrondissement 8

There are 40,278 people living in dear old district 8.  75.4% of them are metropolitan born Parisians and 10.6% are non-European immigrants.  This is one of the districts that has to cut down on residents to fit in the spectacle of beauty.  If you want to spend a night or more in this district you could stay in the Hotel d’Argenson at 15, Rue d’Argenson.  A night in a double room will cost you €76-136, which is a pretty good deal in my opinion.  And the grocery prices aren’t too bad either.

A dozen eggs: €1,42

1 liter of milk: €1,66

Steak p/kg: €24,00

Tourist Attractions:

Le Petit Palais is Paris’s museum of fine arts.  It is just another reason to fall in love with how beautiful Paris really is and how much art has been inspired here.  It is across the street from the Grand Palais which is used as both a museum and an exhibition center. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

Place de la Concorde is a central square in Paris.  It marks the end of the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs Elysees and in the center lays the Obelisk of Luxor.  The Obelisk was placed there as a symbol of peace because Concorde once was a site for beheadings by guillotine.  According to Wikipedia, “the Obelisk was a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt as also referred to as Cleopatra's needle.”  It’s a gorgeous site to see and a lines up perfectly with the Arc de Triomphe and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

It would be wrong not to include the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysees.  Not only is this store massive but they usually have a huge line of shoppers waiting outside for their chance to buy one or two of Louis’s precious bags.  There is a rule that you can’t buy more than two bags there and only a certain amount of people are allowed in at a time.  If Louis is your love then you should check it out. 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

I must must must write about the famous macaron shop Laduree!  If you like macarons at all or are trying one for the first time then you should go to Laduree.  There are two locations in district 8; on the Champs Elysees and one just north of Place de la Concorde.  The one North of Concorde is my favorite and slightly less crowded.  They simply make the best macarons you can find and they aren’t the most expensive I’ve found, plus it’s an adorable shop with packaging you’ll want to keep as a souvenir. 

District 8 is a hot spot that I know you’ll love!  Au revoir!

Arrondissement 10

95,911 people live in district 10.  70.4% of them were born in metropolitan France and 19.8% are non-European immigrants.  If you would like to stay in district 10 in a two star hotel you could stay at Republique Hotel for €107 for a double room per night.  There is a nice fanprix in the middle of the district if you are looking for a place to buy groceries.

 

A Dozen Eggs: € 2,30

1 liter of Milk: € 1,82

Steak p/kg: € 19,90

Tourist Attractions:

District 10 is one of those special districts where you can find a canal running through it.  It may not be as touristy as the sine but there are some cute shops along the way and interesting bridges. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

The Monument a la Republique is a gorgeous statue that you can’t miss.  Just take the metro to Republique and step outside and it will hit you in the face, figuratively.  It marks the meeting point of the 3^rd, 10^th and 11^th districts.  If it wasn’t already obvious, the images of the statue represent the republic of France and district 10’s government building stands directly behind it.

Today’s Business Shout Out!

If you’ve been missing America, like American clothing and want to buy something made in the good old USA then you can at American Apparel! This store is like a piece of sunshine on a cloudy day and everything is made in the United States, it even says so on the front window. 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t find district 10 all that interesting.  It had some beautiful places and the gorgeous Monument a la Republique but other than that I wasn’t in love.  So, the most interesting thing that I probably found was a school playground next to the canal.  The playground was not only interesting because it was merely a cement area with a graffiti wall and a strange looking tree in the middle but it was also interesting because of how many 10-13 year old kids were smoking.  But that’s just Paris I suppose. 

I hope you get a chance to see some of the beautiful things that lie in district 10!  Au revoir!

Arrondissement 13

182,032 people live in district 13.  78.4% of this district’s residents are metropolitan born Parisians and 11.5% non-European immigrants.  If you want to stay in this district in a nice two star hotel then you could choose Hotel les Gobelins at 9, Rue des Gobelins.  You can stay in a double room for €139 per night.  And as per usual there is a market not too far if you are wanting to buy some groceries.

A dozen Eggs: € 2,52

1 liter of Milk: € 1,32

Steak p/kg: € 15,95

Tourist Attractions:

I know I post a lot about museums but the Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins is yet another awesome option for your tour of Paris.  It is the royal museum of tapestries.  Tapestries used to be a significant decoration in castles and for royals and you can see some amazing works of tapestry art here.  And it is more than just a museum; there are skilled artists that still work there creating tapestries. 

Amazing Architectural Attractions:

There is a law in Paris that buildings cannot be built above nine stories without a special permit and it is really difficult to get one which is why there are so few skyscrapers.  However in this district I found four buildings above the nine story limit all in a row which is unusual. 

Today’s Business Shout Out!

This goes out to the UGC Gobelins Movie Theatre!  The movie theatres in Paris are really fun because you can go to one in English with French subtitles.  You can’t do that for every movie but you can find a decent amount of movies to see if you are up for that.  Hey it’s kind of fun to say you saw a movie in Paris. 

The Most Interesting Thing I Found:

There was an artist event going on when I was down in dear old district 13 where artists were painting pianos!  I don’t know about you but I have always wanted to paint a piano!

I hope you find some joy in district 13!  Au revior!