L'Itinéraire

Okay, let's work backwards and talk about the second half of our trip. Vacation planning can be a total chore for some people. For me, it falls somewhere between finding the last dress in your size (on super sale), and taking the first sip of your wine after a really long day. In short: pure, unadulterated euphoria.

Here's the interesting and incredibly challenging part of figuring out the itinerary: we need to balance introducing Paris—and France, and Europe, really—to the boyfriend WHILE allowing a total Paris slut like me to go nuts vis-à-vis shopping and museum visiting.

On the list

Example standard first time visit to Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Marais.

My last trip to Paris before the end of study abroad: Canal Saint-Martin, Ile Saint-Louis, weird Montmartre gallery displaying Pete Doherty's blood-stained, needle-littered artwork.

Is that a good way to show off Paris? Sure. But that ain't no picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, is what I'm saying.

Hence throwing myself into some pre-vacation planning.

Louvre for a first timer

Louvre for an insider

First up: cutting my list of "museum MUST visits—absolutely have TO DO" from about 12 to 3. THREE. I took a modern art history class in Paris, people, and that made me incredibly annoying about these places. I could spend DAYS expounding Dadaism and pointillism—not very well, but I sure would try; hurrying stunned guests through the Louvre in 20 minutes ("The Mona who?"); and lying through my teeth ("Je suis étudiante en l'histoire de l'art") to gain free entry to all and sundry.

So here's the map of all the best things. I won't show you the actual, edited itinerary because it's bound to change. Also, it's terrifying. Hopefully we can spend time in just a few arrondissements everyday—and while we're there, use the map to find nearby museums, stores and cafés.


View Pareeee in a larger map

What am I missing? What have you always wanted to do in Paris? Have I completely run you into the ground on this subject? Why do I have such a penchant for run-on sentences when I write about exciting things?

(Earlier: my map for the Loire Valley and some Paris inspiration)