Visiting Napoléon’s Tomb in Paris – Les Invalides The final burial site of Napoléon is nothing short of spectacular. Louis Visconti created an open, two-level crypt below the Dome of Les Invalides, which is surrounded by murals, sculptures, gold, and other impressive artworks. To get a close-up view of the crypt, you need to take […]

Planning the holidays in Paris can be magical — but only if you have reliable information. Opening hours shift, events appear and disappear, and most online lists are incomplete or outdated. Each year I compile a comprehensive, independently researched Paris Holiday Guide for Secrets of Paris Community Members, updated weekly through January 1st. To give […]

by Allexa Dunn Published: August 22nd, 2025 One of the greatest joys of spending time in Paris is immersing yourself in the rhythm of everyday life. Morning walks to the boulangerie, afternoons exploring museums, evenings lingering at neighborhood cafés and, of course, the chance to truly savor the music of the French language. Whether you’re […]

Paris je t’aime I fell in love with Paris in March 2007. It was as the French say, le coup de foudre : love at first sight. As a result of that trip, my photography took another direction. Since that time I have pursued a career of sorts in photography and dreamed of returning to […]

Whether you are planning a trip to Paris, you’re learning the French language, or you want a cheap vacation without having to do as much as get up from your chair – what else but a couple of French songs to transport you to the faraway city of Paris? This list of French songs has […]

When it comes to planning a memorable city break in France, Paris often takes center stage. However, if you’re looking for an alternative that combines rich history, Mediterranean charm, and a vibrant cultural scene, look no further than Marseille. Introduction to Marseille This enchanting port city on the southern coast of France offers a unique […]

October in Paris means crisp air, golden leaves, and nonstop festivals. From grape harvest parades in Montmartre to spooky nights at Disneyland and fountain shows at Versailles, there’s something new every week. Use the list below to find quick one-day events or longer festivals, then grab a scarf, hop on the Métro, and enjoy Paris […]

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, not that love needs an occasion, I’m sharing a few favorite images from a recent photoshoot by the talented photographer Anastasia Abramova-Guendel. While it may have been a rainy evening in Paris, these images very well depict so much that I love about my adopted home and my amore. […]

Free museums in Paris — sounds too good to be true, right? But it’s real. Paris has a surprising number of museums that are completely free to visit year-round, plus many more that open their doors for free once a month. And no, this isn’t clickbait — you can genuinely see some of the world’s […]

Ile Aux Cygnes Ile aux Cygnes is Paris’s man-made island, located near the Eiffel Tower. Named the “Island of Swans,” it was created in 1827 and is famous for hosting one of the seven replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, located at the island’s western end. Located in the 16th Arrondissement, this Paris […]