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Le Paris Moderne
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Le Paris Moderne

When we think of Paris, what often comes to mind is a heartwarming nostalgia- beautiful old bridges, belle-époque cafés, medieval palaces, cobblestone alleyways, and gorgeous centuries old-architecture. But did you know there’s also a modern side to Paris? Check out these neighborhoods…

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Musée du Vin
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Musée du Vin

Can you imagine an entire museum dedicated to wine? The Musée du Vin or Wine Museum in Paris is all about that. It is located in what used to be the cellars of the 14th century Abbey of Passy. Pretty cool, huh? There’s all kinds of well-preserved ancient tools and other objects that were commonly…

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Le Rubis Wine Bar (1er)
Champagne & Wine, Paris Joelle Gracia Champagne & Wine, Paris Joelle Gracia

Le Rubis Wine Bar (1er)

Situated in the heart of the 1st Arrondissement, just steps away from the Tuileries Garden and next door to Place Vendôme, Le Rubis Wine Bar is surprisingly an absolute neighborhood joint. Amidst all of the tourist-driven hustle and bustle in the area, Le Rubis still offers a taste of “authentic” Paris. The modest room is frequented mainly by locals who live or work nearby. Behind the counter are the madame and monsieur who seem to have been there a very long time, as everyone who walks through the door seems to know them…

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A Secret but Not-So-Hidden Gem
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A Secret but Not-So-Hidden Gem

For most visitors who come to Paris, on the list of places to see include the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Notre Dame. On the other hand, although the Opéra Garnier sits right in the midst of other “high-profile” attractions such as the Tuileries Gardens, Palais Royale and Galeries Lafayette, the majority of visitors…

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Jacquemart André
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Jacquemart André

LWhile the art collections inside the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay are without question some of the most impressive and grandest in the world, I find that the visit itself can at times be overwhelming. There’s a multitude of tour buses, long lines, and the massive spaces can at first glance seem impossible to navigate. So…

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Road Trip to Normandy and Brittany
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Road Trip to Normandy and Brittany

Taking road trips is a great way to explore a country. While many of these destinations can be done as day trips from Paris by train, I recommend renting a car and doing overnighters. Having a car allows for more flexibility where you can take your time, visit the small villages for picture taking or…

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Arrondissement 21
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Arrondissement 21

Did you know that Paris actually has 21 rather than 20 Arrondissements? Well, maybe not officially. But because the charming town of Honfleur is only a couple of hours away by car and is so frequented by Parisians for “les petites vacances” or weekend get aways, it has become known among locals as the 21st…

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Hanging out in the Marais
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Hanging out in the Marais

Most travelers when they come to Paris have on their list of places to visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum and Notre Dame, overlooking the charming Marais neighborhood. Located on the right bank in the 3rd and 4th Arrondisements, the Marais is rich with history, as it is one of Paris’ oldest neighborhoods, has one…

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