Everyone, and get ready to explore a Paris you won't find on those cheesy souvenir postcards. Today, well, we're diving into the city of lights with who else? Yeah. Rick Steves, our trusty guide. We're ditching the tourist traps and uncovering the secrets that make Paris truly magical. What do you say? Absolutely. And this is like a personal invitation Mhmm. You know, to everyone listening to really experience Paris like a local. Exactly. And even if it's your first time there, first time stepping off the plane Exactly. Rick Steves is the perfect person to show us around. Absolutely. He's all about finding those hidden gems and unexpected places that, well, most tourists completely miss. Right. He doesn't just tell you where to go. He gives you the context to appreciate it all. For example, he doesn't just say go to the opera, Gagne. He paints a picture of what it's like to be there surrounded by the grandeur of 19th century Paris. Yes. I love how he does that, how he brings each neighborhood to life. Like, he describes Le Marais as this, blend of old and new Oh. Where you can stroll down cobblestone streets past trendy boutiques and centuries old buildings. It's like stepping back in time without actually leaving the present. It is. Yeah. And then there's the Latin Quarter. You know, the cafe is there. Oh, they've seen it all. From students debating philosophy to artists sketching their next masterpieces. Wow. And Rick mentions that Hemingway himself. Yeah. He found inspiration in those cafes. Can you imagine sipping your morning coffee in a place where literary history was made? It gives me chills just thinking about it. I'm already picturing myself there with a croissant in hand. Jotting down notes for our next deep dive. But before we get too caught up in Parisian daydreams, Rick also wants us to be prepared. Right? He's all about mastering the metro and navigating the city like a bro. Like a local. Yeah. He wants you to be efficient with your time so you can savor every moment, which is why he shares that little secret, that little insider tip about the museum passes. Oh, right. Tell me more about that. So instead of wasting precious sightseeing time waiting in those crazy long lines at the tourist information offices Yeah. Yeah. Rick suggests you just buy your museum passes directly at the museums themselves. That's such a simple but brilliant tip. Yeah. Okay. I'm already feeling more like a savvy traveler. Now imagine you're strolling through Paris. Everywhere you look, there's history whispering to you from the walls, the streets, the very air itself. It's like you're walking through a living museum. Exactly. Yeah. You've got Roman ruins from when Paris was called Lutetia, medieval streets that haven't changed much since the days of knights and castles, and, of course, the iconic 19th century architecture that Paris is famous for. It's like layers upon layers of history all overlapping and intertwining. Speaking of layers, you mentioned Notre Dame earlier. Right. Rick doesn't shy away from the fact that it's still under restoration after the fire, but he encourages us to see it anyway. He does. And, you know, even with the scaffolding, its grandeur is undeniable. Yeah. But then he contrast that with a visit to Sainte Chapelle, which is a completely different experience. It's on my list for sure. What makes it so special? Well, imagine stepping inside a jewel box. I'm talking walls that practically dissolve into a symphony of colors because of the stained glass windows. Woah. Rick says the light streaming through them is like nothing you've ever seen. Okay. Now I have to see that. But we can't talk about Paris without mentioning the Louvre. Right? It's home to some of the most famous works of art in the world. It's true, but it can be so overwhelming. That's why Rick suggests focusing on a few key pieces, and one that he highlights really surprised me, the Venus de Milo. The one with the missing arms? Yes. It's such a mystery. Exactly. And that's what makes it so fascinating. It really makes you think about the stories behind the art, the history, those missing pieces that were left to ponder. I love that he chose to highlight a piece that makes you think. It's so much more engaging than just listing a bunch of famous names. Absolutely. And speaking of engaging art, Rick also raves about the Orsay Museum, which is housed in a former train station. Okay. That's seriously cool. It's like they took something ordinary and turned it into this grand temple of art. Right. And the art inside is equally revolutionary. The Orsay has an incredible impressionist collection. Monet, Renoir, Degas. These artists were like the rebels of their time. Oh, I love that. They weren't content with the stuffy old way of painting. They wanted to capture the energy of life, the fleeting beauty of a single moment. Tell me more about that. Well, imagine trying to paint a sunrise. Right? You only have a few minutes to capture those ever changing colors. That fleeting moment before the light transforms everything. Yeah. That's what the impressionists were after the feeling of a single moment, the play of light and shadow. It's so much more than just pretty pictures, isn't it? It is. They were capturing the essence of life itself. They were. No wonder they were considered rebels. So where does Rick Steves take us after we've had our fill of impressionist masterpieces? Well, you know, exploring a city like Paris can really wear you out. Oh, yeah. So he throws in this surprisingly fun suggestion, hop on a public bus. Wait. Seriously. A bus tour? Not just any bus. Bus number 69. It's basically a rolling sightseeing tour for the price of a regular bus ticket. Rick even maps out the route in his guidebook. Okay. Now you've got my attention. Tell me more about this bus 69 adventure. You can hop on and off as you please, but the route itself takes you past all the major sites. Okay. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame. It's a great way to get your bearings and see a lot of the city without wearing out your shoes. And I bet it's a great way to experience Paris like a local. Absolutely. Since you're riding alongside actual Parisians going about their day. Exactly. And if you really wanna feel like you've uncovered a hidden gem, Rick suggests hopping off near the army museum and paying a visit to Napoleon's tomb. He says it's awe inspiring. Oh, I can only imagine. Speaking of awe inspiring, I can't wait to hear about the Rodin Museum. I know we talked about Rodin briefly earlier, but I feel like there's so much more to uncover with his work. You're right. Rick goes beyond just the iconic thinker statue, which, let's be honest, everyone expects to see. Right. He talks about how Rodin's sculptures capture pure emotion in stone. He mentions The Kiss, a piece so sensual it caused a scandal back in the day. Wow. That's powerful. It makes you think about how art can challenge societal norm and spark important conversations. Exactly. And, you know, Rick also encourages us to discover our own personal favorites among Rodin's sculptures. He gives just enough information to pique your interest, then lets you explore and connect with the art on your own terms. I love that. It's like he's giving you the keys to unlock your own Parisian adventure. Precisely. And sometimes that adventure means embracing the unexpected. Remember how we were talking about layers of history? Well, Rick suggests a visit to a place where history literally rests, Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Now I know what you're thinking. A cemetery. Great. Really. But this isn't your typical graveyard. Not at all. Rick describes it as a serene oasis right in the heart of the city. Plus, it's the final resting place for some seriously big names, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and my personal favorite, Edith Piaf. Edith Piaf, the iconic French singer. Yes. Rick talks about how her music captures the soul of Paris, especially her songs from the World War 2 era. Oh, wow. To experience her music in that context, in a place like Pere Lachaise, it would be incredibly moving. I think so too. Rick has a way of finding those connections, those unexpected places where history and emotion intersect. He does, and he doesn't forget about those practical details that make a trip run smoothly. Like, for example, I read that most shops in Paris are closed on Sundays. That's right. But don't worry. Rick's got us covered. He suggests hitting up the big department stores, like Galleries Lafayette, which are open on Sundays. He also mentions that vibrant Jewish quarter in Le Moray, where you can find unique shops open 7 days a week. Now that's what I call insider information. Okay. We've explored neighborhoods, museums, even a cemetery, but we haven't even touched on the food yet. And what would a trip to Paris be without indulging in all the deliciousness it has to offer? I'm already craving a croissant just thinking about it. Rick has a whole section dedicated to food. He covers everything from deciphering menus to those charming little bistros that Parisians love. And, of course, those bakeries with their tempting displays of pastries. Oh, absolutely. Yeah. But there's one suggestion that he throws in that truly surprised me. He actually recommends venturing down a little street called Pig Alley. Pig Alley? That doesn't sound very glamorous. Which is not for the faint of heart. That's for sure. Let's just say it's a side of Paris that most tourists never see. Okay. A bit risque, a bit edgy, but a reminder that every city has its secrets. Wow. Okay. I am intrigued. So from the elegance of the Orsay Museum to the grit of Pig Alley Rick really does cover it all. What else does he have up his sleeve? Well, he knows that sometimes you need a change of pace. Yeah. A break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Right. He suggests a few day trips. And one that stood out to me was a visit to Chartres. Chartres? Tell me more. To town famous for its magnificent cathedral, which Rick says is even more impressive than Notre Dame. Wow. He provides a deep dive into its history, its symbolism. It's like taking a crash course in gothic architecture. I love that he does that gives you those historical and cultural insights that add so much depth to the experience. Me too. But you know what really makes Rick's guidebook special? What's that? It's his passion. You can tell he genuinely loves Paris. Yeah. And it rubs off on you. By the time you finish his book, you're not just planning a trip. You're itching to unlock all those secrets for yourself. Absolutely. He turns travel into a treasure hunt with hidden gems around every corner. And speaking of treasures, I'd be remiss if we didn't talk about the shopping in Paris. Oh, la la. Yes. Paris is a shopper's paradise. It is. From those grand department stores to tiny boutiques where you'll find one of a kind pieces. Let's start with the grandeam herself, Galleries Lafayette. Yes. Rick calls it a feast for the eyes, and, honestly, that feels like an understatement. It's true. I actually gasped the first time I walked in. That stained glass dome is absolutely breathtaking. But beyond the beauty of it all, it's incredible how much they pack into that building. Designer fashion, home goods, gourmet food halls. You could easily spend a whole day there and still not see everything. It sounds like an experience in itself even if you don't buy a single thing. Oh, definitely. But Rick has a little insider tip for those in the know. Do tell. Head up to the rooftop terrace at Galleries Lafayette. Most tourists miss it, but the views of Paris from up there are just incredible, especially of the Eiffel Tower. Okay. You've sold me. But what about those of us who prefer to wander off the beaten path and discover those hidden boutiques? Rick's got us covered. He suggests exploring the side streets of Le Marais, which is known for its independent shops. Think vintage clothing, artisanal crafts, quirky bookshops. It's a gold mine for unique finds. I love that. Finding something truly special that you won't see anywhere else. Right. And, you know, even Rick can't resist a bit of Parisian kitsch. He admits to buying a miniature Eiffel Tower or 2. Hey. I'm not judging. Who doesn't love a classic souvenir? Speaking of classic Parisian experiences, we can't forget about the flea markets. Absolutely. Rick dedicates a whole section to these treasure troves. He says, the largest one, is like stepping into a time capsule. That's the one with all the antique furniture and vintage finds. Right? Exactly. But Rick also warns us to hold on tight to our wallets because those markets can be a haven for pickpockets. That's a good reminder. It's always important to stay aware of your surroundings no matter where you are. But as long as you're careful, the flea markets sound like an amazing adventure. They are. And after a long day of exploring and shopping, you're gonna work up an appetite. You read my mind. Let's talk about the food. What are some of Rick's must try Parisian experiences? He's a big advocate for those charming bistros you find tucked away on side streets. Mhmm. You know, the ones with the red checkered cable clogs and handwritten menus? Oh, yeah. He says that's where you'll find the true heart of Parisian cuisine. So much better than those tourist traps. Exactly. And he gives great tips on deciphering those menus too because even for someone who considers themselves a bit of a foodie, French cuisine can be a little intimidating. I can only imagine trying to order escargot for the first time, but Rick's got our backs. And, of course, no trip to Paris is complete without indulging in those pastries. Oh, yeah. Croissants, the pain au chocolat. Don't forget the macarons. Oh, right. Those little bites of colorful heaven are a must. But Paris isn't just about delicious food and charming cafes. It's a city that truly comes alive at night. What does Rick suggest for experiencing the city after dark? Everything from classic cabarets to hidden jazz clubs. He's a big fan of the Moulin Rouge, of course. That iconic windmill is hard to resist. It's on my list for sure. But those jazz clubs sound incredibly romantic, especially the ones in the Latin Quarter that he recommends. Imagine sipping wine and listening to live music in a dimly lit bar tucked away on a cobblestone street. It sounds like a scene straight out of a movie. It does, doesn't it? And that's the magic of Rick Steves' guidebook. He doesn't just give you a list of places to see and things to do. He paints these vivid pictures, these sensory experiences that make you feel like you're already there. He does. He captures the essence of Paris, the energy, the romance, the history, and even the grit. By the time you finish reading, you don't just wanna visit Paris. You wanna get to know it, to explore its secrets, to make it your own. So true. And, you know, that's what this whole deep dive has been about, inspiring you to create your own Parisian story. Whether it's standing in awe beneath the stained glass windows of Saint Chapelle, strolling hand in hand through Luxembourg Gardens, or uncovering a vintage treasure at a flea market, Paris has something for everyone. It really does. And with Rick Steves as your guide, you know you're in for an unforgettable adventure. Absolutely. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Rick Steves' Paris and start planning your Parisian escape. Who knows what hidden gems you'll uncover? Happy travels. Until next time.