Sunny Day in Paris - Travel Titbits

My Favourite Things to Do on a Sunny Day in Paris

As the most-visited city on the planet, Paris offers visitors so many things to do that a quick visit is never enough to see it all. Of course the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame deserve the honours they’ve earned as the top spots to visit, but there is so much more to Paris than that and so many fantastic things to see and do that are off the beaten path. The best part about these ideas – fewer tourists, which usually means a more authentic experience overall. Here are a few of my favourite things to do on a sunny day.

Boulevard President Wilson outdoor market

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, farmers, fish mongers and florists set up shop along the median of the Boulevard President Wilson in Paris’ 16th arrondissement. This is the best outdoor market (marché) that I’ve visited in Paris and tends to have a lot more selection than the more popular marchés in the city. Stroll the length of the market and pick up some fresh fruit or stop at the butcher for some amazing cuts of meat. Buy some cheese, fruit and bread and enjoy an outdoor lunch near Trocadero, with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower.

Canal Saint Martin

Though gaining popularity in recent years, the Canal Saint Martin is a great place for a walk or dinner and drinks. Grab a bottle of wine at one of the canal-side markets and order from Pink Flamingo Pizza (67 rue Bichat, 75010). They’ll deliver your uniquely flavored pie to you on the canal-side. The canal is a picturesque place for people-watching and observing locals.

Picnic by the Seine

While Paris is considered to be the culinary capital of Europe, sometimes the best meals can be the simplest. With no shortage of tantalizing offerings in the windows of the boulangeries, one of my favourite things to do is head to the banks of the Seine for an impromptu picnic. For amazing bread and sweet treats, the bakery Maison Kayser (8 rue Monge, 75005) in the heart of the Latin Quarter is my go-to place. Any of the banks of the Seine are nice for a picnic, but I especially love the tips of both the Ile-Saint-Louis and Ile-de-la-Cité as my picnic spots.

Whatever you decide to do, Paris is lovely in the sunshine and there is no shortage of fantastic things to do and see.