Springtime In Paris With Rebecca Plotnick
Introducing our latest artist and photographer, Rebecca Plotnick, founder of Everyday Parisian - a blog that celebrates the beauty of Paris and all things French. Since 2009, Rebecca has been capturing the essence of the City of Light through her lens, inspired by her passion for the French language and culture.
Rebecca's work is unparalleled in its dreamy, romantic quality, showcasing her unique talent for turning everyday moments in Paris into stunning works of art. Her photographs exude a sense of nostalgia, bathed in soft light and pastel colors that transport viewers to the heart of Paris.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Rebecca, who is based in Chicago, to get her insider tips for making the most of a trip to Paris in the spring. Her recommendations are invaluable for anyone looking to experience the true magic of this enchanting city. And while you're at it, don't forget to check out her stunning Parisian photography, available for purchase now.
Photo of Rebecca by Katie Donnelly Photography
Experience Paris in Bloom: 15 Tips from Photographer Rebecca Plotnick
Photo of Rebecca by Katie Donnelly Photography
Make The Most Of A Rainy Day
“There will always be a few rainy days in Paris, especially during the spring. This is a perfect time to explore the Paris passages. A majority of them run from the 9th arrondissement to the center of Paris which will lead you to Palais Royal through Galerie Vivienne.
There are also plenty of opportunities for rain showers so make sure to plan activities indoors as well. Museums tend to book up quickly as soon as there is rain in the forecast so plan and buy tickets. One of my favorite ways to escape the rain is to duck under a café terrace and people-watch. Bookshops are also a great spot to escape for an afternoon. Merci bookshop is a great spot in the Marais. For other ideas on what to do in Paris when it rains, you can check out this post.”
2. Enjoy a glass of rosé on a terrace
“Rosé season begins just as the Paris weather starts to warm up. Order a glass of rosé at just about any café in Paris. I recommend choosing one that has an active terrace or street to watch the world go by. This is a great afternoon activity in Paris to let your feet rest after a day of walking or sightseeing. Not a rosé fan, do not worry you can order a coke or one of my favorites citron pressé which is fresh lemonade. The waiter will bring over a small glass of fresh lemon juice, a carafe of water, and some sugar. Pour and mix to your desired taste.
Pro tip: you will have the terrace table for as long as you would like once you find the perfect place for a drink. Once you order something from the waiter, it will be up to you to ask for the bill. It isn’t like in the US where they will rush you off to turn your table. Simply ask for “l’addition, s’il vous plaît?” To pay by card they will bring a small portable machine over to tap to pay or insert your chip. Cash is also accepted. If the service was good, you will want to leave a few euros for your waiter.”
3. Stroll Through Jardin des Tuileries
“The Tuileries garden is just in front of the Louvre museum. If there are some people in your group that want to enjoy the Louvre, you can enjoy the garden in the center of Paris. Currently, part of the garden is under construction as I noticed during my visit in January. Hopefully, it will be up and running towards the end of spring for you to enjoy it during your visit. It is a beautiful place to kick up your feet at the fountain and sit in the green chairs.”
4. Have A Picnic on the River Seine
“Grab a bottle of wine, a baguette, and your favorite cheeses, and picnic on the Seine river. You can ask a wine shop to uncork a bottle for you and some will even have plastic cups for you to use. If you are staying at an apartment, you can borrow the wine opener and glasses. (just make sure to return them) Watch the sunset from the banks of the Seine and people watch. You won’t be the only one along the Seine, you may make friends with locals or other travelers. Make sure to watch your belongings as those unattended can get picked up while you aren’t looking.”
5. Read a book in Luxembourg Gardens
“Luxembourg Gardens is a favorite Paris garden on the Left Bank of Paris. For those with kids, you can push boats around in the pond for a small fee which will entertain them for a bit. Grab an empty green chair and stay a while, read a book, or pack a picnic. There will be plenty of people watching to keep you entertained. Don’t forget the sunscreen!”
6. Soak up the Marais on a Sunday
“The best time to visit the Marais is on a Sunday, the area is full of energy, musicians, and cafés. Some of my favorite places to visit in the Marais include Place des Vosges which is a little park in the center, great for little ones to play for a bit or for a picnic on the grass. The Bastille Market is nearby which is a great place to pick up picnic essentials. Rue de Rosiers has the famous falafel restaurant L’As du Fallafel which is a great cheap eat but comes with long lines. I personally love Miznon just across the street for Israeli street food. My guide to the Marais is here for more ideas.”
7. Visit A Rooftop Bar
“There are so many rooftop bars popping up in Paris. You can visit a rooftop at Galleries Lafayette and Printemps for a great view of the center of the city and the Eiffel Tower. My hotel at Kimpton Paris St Honore had a great rooftop with a view of the city. Hotel Madame Rêve also has a beautiful rooftop right in central Paris with a great view and fun drinks. It is a scene. For other spots visit Le Perchoir on the top of BHV which overlooks Hôtel de Ville. Also, nearby is Cheval Blanc which offers a great view of Paris over Pont Neuf to the Eiffel Tower.”
8. Get Berthillon Ice Cream
“There are a few spots to get Berthillon ice cream with the original location is located on Ile st Louis. On a weekend, the lines will be long so I highly recommend trying to go on an off time or weekday. I love the chocolate noir and the fruit flavors. Chocolate noir and framboise (raspberry) are my top choices. île St Louis is located in the heart of the city and is worth the visit to walk around the island. Check out Noir coffee, order a street crêpe, or enjoy the terrace at Café St Regis.”
9. Take a Seine River Cruise
“This is a great activity to do with kids to spend an hour off their feet and has a different perspective of Paris. For those of you who are short on time or have already been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, this is a great way to see the city of light. For Seine River cruise options, take the Batobus which is a hop-on hop-off experience and will run you around 20 euros for adults and gives you access to different drop-off points at different Paris monuments for 24 hours.
Bateaux-Mouches are larger boats and run every 45 minutes and the total cruise time run is 1 hour and 10 minutes. The price is 15 euros for adults and 6 euros for kids. My vote would be for a cruise at sunset if you are looking for something romantic.”
10. Visit a Brocante (Flea Market) in Paris
“A Brocante is a flea market. In Paris, they have them every weekend in a different arrondissement. I wish I could bring everything home with me. Dishes, glassware, and the most amazing gold mirrors. Even if you can’t bring it all home, it’s fun to look at. You will find this post helpful if you are looking to discover a Brocante in Paris. There are also designated areas in Paris towards the north of the city that have flea markets every weekend. This is a great place to browse antiques and small collectibles. I have fallen in love with large mirrors, frames, and leather chairs, they will be happy to help you bring it all home for an extra cost to ship it.”
11. Shop a Paris Food Market
“Discover a food market in Paris for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. You don’t have to have a kitchen to enjoy a food market in Paris. Pick up meats, cheeses, and a baguette and make a picnic out of it. This is also a great way to experience French culture and how the Parisians live and shop.”
12. Explore the Neighborhood of Montmartre
“Montmartre will always have a special place in my heart because that is where I had my first apartment many years ago. The neighborhood has a lot of memories as my Paris story took shape. It is a destination but worth making a trip out of it. SoPi or south of Pigalle has become a favorite place to hang out in Paris. The location is close to Montmartre and the area is just booming with restaurants and shops. Le Bon Georges is close by for lunch or dinner which is a great French bistro.
You can check out this post for more details on where to eat, drink, and explore.”
13. Soak up Cherry Blossom Season
“First comes the magnolia trees, then cherry blossoms, and then chestnut blossoms. It’s a magical time in Paris to see everything in bloom. The parks and hidden spots all around Paris have their series of blooms. Go off the beaten path and discover something new. Jardin des Plantes puts on a show come spring and is one of the best spots in Paris to see the city in bloom. There are some of the largest cherry trees in blossom you will see right in the heart of Jardin des Plantes and the garden is a free activity. For those of you with children, it is a good idea to break up the day and visit the carousel inside the garden or stop by the Natural History Museum or Zoo.”
14. Visit The Musée Rodin
“Musée Rodin is a perfect spot to escape the rain or enjoy the gardens on a warm sunny day. To visit the garden, the fee is a few euros, and worth checking out. Inside the garden, there are sculptures and in the summer, the garden is filled with roses. Stop by Café Varenne before or after for lunch or a glass of wine.”
15. Visit Canal St-Martin
“Canal Saint-Martin is a bit off the beaten path when it comes to the famous landmarks you would normally visit in Paris. It is worth a visit once you have knocked some of the other spots off your list. This photograph was captured in the fall but it gives you an idea of what the canals look like. Take a boat ride down the canals, picnic, or just stroll along. Restaurants and shops line the canals and are a great way to fill an afternoon in Paris.”
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