Women in Paris | June 22-29, 2025
Local Activities
Your afternoons and evenings in Paris are yours to do what you like and at your own pace.
We have curated this list of recommended places to see and things to do, followed by some suggestions of places to eat or get a drink. Some are relevant to the themes of the course, and you may want to incorporate them into your Self-Guided Study. Others are just for fun. You can also ask your Facilitator and Instructor for specific suggestions related to your personal interests.
All of these and more will be included in a Google Maps link that will be shared with you when you get to your Elective.
Bâteaux Mouches
A boat ride on the Seine offers a stunning perspective on Paris. Bateaux Mouches cruises take you past iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Evening cruises are especially beautiful as the city lights reflect on the water. It’s a popular activity, so consider booking in advance, especially if you want a sunset or dinner cruise.
Canal St. Martin
This charming, tree-lined canal in the 10th arrondissement offers a slower-paced, local vibe. It’s a great place for a stroll, with iron footbridges, independent shops, and cafés lining the water. Popular with Parisians, especially on weekends, Canal Saint-Martin is perfect for an afternoon walk, picnic, or apéro by the water. The area is also known for its creative, youthful energy.
Markets
Parisian markets are a feast for the senses. The Marché Bastille is a local favorite for fresh produce, cheese, and flowers, while the lively Marché d’Aligre, near your hotel, offers everything from oysters and olives to antiques. Wander through food stalls, chat with vendors, and enjoy a casual lunch or snack on the go. Markets are generally busiest on weekends, especially Sunday mornings.
Notre Dame
After five years of meticulous restoration following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral recently reopened to the public. Visitors can once again admire its restored Gothic architecture, including the rebuilt spire and cleaned interior. Located on Île de la Cité, the cathedral remains a symbol of Paris's resilience and a must-visit landmark. While tickets are not necessary, plan to wait on line for 15-20 minutes, or longer on Sundays.
Promenade Plantée
A hidden gem, the Promenade Plantée (also called the Coulée Verte) is a 4.7-kilometer elevated park built on an old railway line—and the original inspiration for New York City’s High Line. It stretches from Opéra Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, offering a peaceful, tree-lined escape above the city. It’s not far from the hotel—perfect if you’re craving greenery and a quiet walk.
Le Marais
This historic neighborhood blends old-world charm with modern energy. Known for its cobblestone streets, Jewish heritage, and stylish boutiques, Le Marais is perfect for exploring on foot. Highlights include the Musée Picasso, Place des Vosges, and a vibrant food scene. It’s one of the few areas where shops stay open on Sundays, making it ideal for weekend wandering.
Museums
Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums, from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to smaller gems like the Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée Carnavalet. Many are located in historic buildings and offer world-class collections of art, design, and cultural history. Be sure to check for late evening hours and reserve tickets in advance when possible.
Montmartre
Once home to artists like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, Montmartre retains its bohemian charm. Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur for sweeping views of Paris, then wander the cobbled streets, visit local ateliers, or enjoy a glass of wine at a sidewalk café. While parts of the neighborhood can be touristy, there are still quiet corners that feel like old-world Paris.
Restaurants & Bars
Eating in Paris tends to be structured and meal times are not very flexible at sit-down restaurants: lunch is between 12:30 and 2:00pm, while dinner usually starts at 7:30 and the latest reservation would be at 9 or 9:30. If there are two seatings, the restaurant will let you know what time they need to turn over the table; otherwise it’s yours for the evening, and you are under no pressure to go even after you’ve finished eating.
Some casual cafés and brasseries are open throughout the day, but may have limited menus during off hours. The best place for a mid-afternoon snack is a boulangerie (bakery), but beware of lines around 4pm when kids are getting out of school and stopping in for their goûter (snack).
Reservations are always recommended for dinner, and even at lunch for popular spots. Most “wine bars” are not bars at all, but restaurants (often serving shared small plates) with a focus on the wine list, and will often not allow you to drink without ordering food (their liquor license doesn’t allow it). Reservations are recommended in these places as well.
Many restaurants have one or two closing days each week—usually Sunday and/or Monday.
Check with your Facilitator if you have questions or would like help booking a table.
The selections below are all within walking distance of your hotel.
L’Ebauchoir - elevated but not fancy with large terrace (closed Sunday)
Jones - contemporary wine bar (closed Tuesday, Wednesday)
Le Square Trousseau - classic French with terrace (every day)
Lily of Charonne - modern café with terrace (closed Monday)
Godaille - elevated (closed Sunday, Monday)
Le Chat Bossu - classic bistrot with terrace (every day)
Aux Bons Crus - classic bistrot, open every day (every day)
Breizh Café - high-end crèpes & galettes with terrace (every day)
Restaurants & Wine Bars
Cafés & Boulangeries
Nomade - modern coffee shop
Pure Café - classic café (seen in many movies)
Tapisserie - excellent pastries (no seats)
Cyril Lignac - high-end pastries (no seats)
Café Singuliers - modern coffee shop, pastry, lunch/dinner (closed Sunday, Monday)
Passager - modern coffee shop, breakfast/lunch (closed Monday)
Rose Thé - tea salon (every day)
Blé surcré - boulangerie with excellent pastries (closed Monday; no seats)