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In her second blog post, Sophia dives into how she spends her downtime. From museums to green spaces and indulgent treats, here’s how Sophia fills her days off in Paname.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Musée d’Orsay
One of my favorite museums in Paris, the Musée d’Orsay, is a treasure trove of art and culture. While the Impressionist collection is world-famous, my personal highlight is the Art Nouveau section. Recently, I attended one of their free nocturne events - an evening of vibrant performances, including a drag king show followed by a live band, which my friend captured on her digicam. It was incredible to see the museum transformed into a dynamic cultural hub, yet you could still wander through many of its iconic exhibits after hours.
Musée Gustave Moreau
This lesser-known gem is dedicated to the works of Gustave Moreau, a Symbolist painter whose art feels like stepping into a surreal, mythical world. The museum itself is Moreau's former home and studio, with its walls adorned by his paintings and sketches. The spiral staircase alone is worth the visit - it feels like something out of a fairy tale.
GREEN SPACES
Paris might not have as many or as expansive green spaces as London, but it certainly has much prettier ones.
Jardin du Luxembourg
I feel incredibly lucky to have this stunning garden so close to the Sorbonne. Its manicured gardens and iconic fountains make it the perfect spot to unwind. Between classes, I sometimes grab a banh mi from Himalaya Momo and enjoy it by the fountain.
Jardin des Tuileries
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is like a gateway to Parisian history. With its perfectly trimmed hedges, statues, and tranquil ponds, it’s a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll or simply sit with a book.
SPENDING MONEY…
Flea markets
Paris is famous for its flea markets, and I’ve made it my mission to explore them. Though I’ve been tempted, I haven’t bought anything yet, but my self-control is wavering! The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the most famous, but there are plenty of smaller ones, like the ones listed on Brocabrac. Below is one in Jussieu near one of the Sorbonne campuses. It had so many cool carpets and mirrors - if I ever move permanently to Paris I know where to pick up pieces to decorate my home!
Sweet treats
Paris (and France) is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly its sweet treats which could have its own blog post. When I’m near Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement, and craving something simple, I head to Maison d’Isabelle boulangerie for a pain au chocolat or croissant. Be prepared to queue - their many awards draw in eager crowds!
For something a little more decadent, my latest discovery is Michalak, a patisserie that feels like a playground for dessert lovers. The pastries here are as beautiful as they are delicious.
