An Instagram Tour of Paris

   8761    8
An Instagram Tour of Paris
Although I live in Paris, many of my favorite Instagram accounts feature the City of Light. As a Francophile and lover of pretty pictures, a stream teeming with shots of Sacré-Coeur, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Île Saint-Louis never gets old. My feed is like a modern-day diary, and scrolling through it is a glimpse into my everyday life. I’m rarely without my Nikon or iPhone, and I love to share new discoveries and old favorites. Thus, here are some of my most-loved places in Paris as pictured on my Instagram account. Place de la Concorde From the northeast corner of Place de la Concorde, walk up few steps into the edge of the Tuileries and you’ll see a massive lion statue. Climb up on the concrete edge for a fantastic vantage point of some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais and Luxor Obelisk. Foundation Louis Vuitton The newest major museum in the city comes from one of the names synonymous with the city. Foundation Louis Vuitton is located in Bois de Boulogne, next to Jardin d’Acclimatation. This architectural marvel was designed by Frank Gehry and is home to rotating exhibitions of modern art. I find the building and the views from its massive tiered terraces to be just as appealing as the artwork. Vendôme Column In the 1st arrondissement is Place Vendôme, which is home to world-renowned jewelry houses, as well as the soon-to-be-reopened Ritz Hotel. This picturesque square’s most prominent feature is the Vendôme Column. Made using cannons seized from the Austrians and Russians after France’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the column has been covered in scaffolding for nearly a year while it was being cleaned. Financed by the Ritz to a reported tune of €1.5 million, the Vendôme Column has been restored to its original glory. Palais Royal Cardinal Richelieu once called what’s now Palais Royal home, before leaving it to Louis XIII after his death. Just north of the Louvre, the gardens and palace became the stomping grounds of French royalty until upgrading to the Palace of Versailles. Now, the 17th century arcades house designer boutiques and modern striped columns by Daniel Buren. Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen By far, my favorite place to treasure hunt is Marche aux Puces in Saint-Ouen. Just north of Paris and reachable by metro, the flea market, as it’s often referred to, has over 1,500 vendors selling everything from antique crystal chandeliers to vintage Chanel jewelry. It’s only open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so you’ll need to get there early to avoid the crowds, especially on a pretty day. Passages Entrances to Paris’ many passages can easily go unnoticed. These covered shopping galleries date to the 18th and 19th centuries and are a precursor to the modern-day mall. Many of the passages can be found in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements and are a must-see, even if you’re not a shopper. The atmosphere is a step back in time. One of the prettiest is Galerie Vivienne, with its wrought iron and carved wood details, mosaic floor and plant-lined corridor. Rue de Lévis There are a few well-known food streets in Paris, and rue de Lévis is one of them. Located on the edge of the 8th and 17th arrondissements by the Villiers metro, rue de Lévis is about 150 meters of deliciousness. Multiple boulangeries, patisseries, fromageries, butchers, fruit, vegetable, and flower stands dot the street. Intermixed are specialty stores featuring merengue, chocolate, tea, cookies and coffee. Go hungry and leave satisfied. Banks of the Seine Spring is upon us, and the place to be on a warm day is definitely along the Seine. If the sun is out, so are the Parisians in droves near Pont Alexander III. The atmosphere is lively, with music coming from péniches-turned-bars such as Rosa Bonheur sur Seine. Rue Crémieux In the 12th arrondissement near Gare de Lyon is the most colorful, and possibly the cutest street in Paris. The charming rainbow hued homes are reminiscent of London’s Portobello Road. Dating to 1865, this pedestrian only street features plenty of plants, wrought iron lamps, patrolling cats and photo opportunities. The Marais The oldest quarter in Paris is the Marais. Stretching over the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, you’ll find plenty of people-watching, boutique shopping and hip restaurants. On Sundays, the area is overflowing with locals and visitors alike. Top of Printemps Give your wallet a rest on Boulevard Haussmann by heading to the top of Printemps beauty and home store. The rooftop observation area provides a pretty panoramic view of Paris. Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, L’église de la Madeleine, Sacré-Cœur and La Défense are just a few of the notable sights viewed from this vantage point. Architecture Museum While everyone else is swarming the Trocadéro, all is quiet and calm inside the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine. For less than €10, you get this picturesque view of Madame Eiffel, along with over 1,000 years of architectural history. Pont des Arts Once covered in dreadful lovelocks, Pont des Arts is back to its original glory. As the first iron bridge in Paris dating to the early 1800s, Pont des Arts is located between Pont Royal and Pont Neuf and reserved for pedestrians. Parc Monceau For my first year in Paris, Parc Monceau was my backyard. Although I’ve since moved to the Rive Gauche, it remains my favorite green space in the city. Constructed at the wishes of the Duke of Chartres in the 17th century, the park’s multiple entrances are easily identified by the ornate iron gates embellished with gold. Fitting of the chic 8th arrondissement, Parc Monceau’s statue-filled grounds are meticulous, yet visitors are actually allowed to sit on the grass. Canal Saint-Martin Created at the wishes of Napoleon I with money from wine taxation, Canal Saint-Martin links Port de l’Arsenal to La Villette canal. What was once a working class area in the 10th arrondissement is now bustling with university students and bohemian types hanging out along the canal and in the funky cafes and boutiques. On Sundays, the two streets running parallel alongside the canal are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Montmartre When asked for itinerary advice,…
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ALREADY SUBSCRIBED?

More in Instagram

Previous Article How to Get to Paris from the Airport
Next Article Paris in the Movies: A Timeless Film Set


Leah Walker a luxury travel and food writer who has as many stories as she does shoes. Along with her website, LeahTravels.com, Leah freelances and has contributor/editor roles with The Daily Meal, The Daily Basics, Luxe Beat Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, and is a travel ambassador for Atout France USA. Leah's thrilled to call Paris home after being awarded the coveted three-year Compétences & Talents visa from France, though her talents don't extend to speaking French. Yet.

Comments

  • Priscilla Stuart
    2017-03-24 15:40:42
    Priscilla Stuart
    love your pictures, Paris is my second favorite city in the world, after my home town San Francisco. Have spend many times wandering its streets with my husband who is from Paris. Love the market streets.. looking forward to visiting again in May of 2018.

    REPLY

  • Dan A
    2016-09-20 18:24:55
    Dan A
    Fantastic photos. I'm really looking forward to passing through Paris again this month. Seems like some time since I got to enjoy the city. These pictures really capture something special about the city.

    REPLY

  • kathy Rowe
    2016-04-08 05:59:23
    kathy Rowe
    wow, leah, these are just wonderful photos. i'm not surprised. your photos tell wonderful stories and we all want to see more....for ourselves. you know this, i've said it before. see you soon...

    REPLY

  • Patou Schneider
    2016-03-28 19:57:37
    Patou Schneider
    I spend several weeks each year in my rental apt. in Paris, and am a committed Francophile who hopes to spend at least 4 months a year there one day (I live in NYC, so won't ever give that up totally). Your photos bring to mind many of my beloved places in Paris, and I'm homesick-can't wait for my next visit in early Novembre! Congrats on the Competences and Talents three year visa!

    REPLY

  • Geri Spaeth
    2016-03-28 17:14:53
    Geri Spaeth
    Leah, Thanks for sharing. I am in love with Paris and try to return annually. Only someone like yourself can understand that when my feet touch the ground I am in a totally different world...often feeling like I lived here before! As Hemingway said " The US is my country but Paris is my home". (Close enough )

    REPLY

  • Tom
    2016-03-25 00:39:41
    Tom
    Great photos! I was reminded of my wanderings around Paris experiencing the city's ambience and beauty and must admit that the thought of yet another visit has been sparked by your pics.

    REPLY

  • Elena Paperny
    2016-03-24 21:36:52
    Elena Paperny
    Gorgeous photos! My dream is to visit Paris someday when I can, and then go to the Provençal and Giverny, to see la Maison de Monet. I have been temporarily transported! Merci, Leah!

    REPLY

  • Linda
    2016-03-24 19:52:17
    Linda
    Leah, am so glad you're a contributor to Bonjour Paris! Of course you'd guess I subscribe and was so happy for you, and me, and the rest of the readers that you're articles, photos and insight can be seen here! Vive la france!

    REPLY