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When she’s not globe trotting around the world, Orbitz guest blogger and photographer Maïder Oyarzabal calls the South of France home. Follow Maïder’s journeys on her personal travel blog, Made by Maider and her instagram @madebymaider.

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so you really cannot go wrong no matter how you choose to explore. But to experience the real, soulful Paris can be a bit more challenging. More than the City of Light, Paris is above all a city that should feed your curiosity (and your stomach), surprise you and give you the opportunity to make beautiful encounters. Looking for new ideas and inspiration for your next Parisian getaway? Here are my 10 best suggestions to enjoy Paris like a Parisian!

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1. Use the Vélib andride Paris
If I have to go fast, I will take the subway, but as much as possible I will take the bus or even better the Vélib, a public bike renting service. Avoid the busy streets, but do give it a try. It will become for sure the nicest way to get around while admiring the beauty of Parisian streets. On top of that, renting a Velib is very cheap and you can find hundreds of automated “service points” throughout Paris. Enjoy the ride!

2. Take some glamorous pictures
Even if the shops do not interest you much, the Galerie Vivienne is worth seeing for its architectural splendor. It is a beautiful walkway where the time seems to have been frozen. If you want to show off a bit with your friends, mention that the decor is neoclassic Pompeian style.

RELATED: Getthat Parisian je ne sais quoi with MyHabit’s five French-y fashion essentials.

3. Share a picnic in a public park
As soon as the sun starts to heat the city, you will find all the Parisians rushing to one of the many green spaces of the capital: Monceau, Buttes-Chaumont, Palais-Royal, Ile de la Cité, etc. You have plenty of choices, but for dinner I would choose the Champ de Mars to admire the Eiffel Tower from a different perspective and see it twinkle every hour!

4. Stroll along the Canal Saint Martin
Walk along the Canal Saint Martin and look for the Pont des Récollets. This bridge epitomizes a charming, quiet, wooded and romantic Paris. It is also a fascinating place for young people who observe the locks opening to let the barges pass. A lovely stroll not to be missed!

Picnic next to Seine River in Paris

Photo Courtesy of Gideon | Flicker Creative Commons

5. Have a typical Parisian breakfast
Don’t get me wrong: Contrary to popular belief, we do NOT eat croissant and pain au chocolat everyday, but you will most certainly eat your best pastries in France. Take the time to eat a breakfast with all the butter and jam you want, and enjoy the crunchy sounds of your croissant and the smell of the fresh bread. I would recommend you do this in the Quartier Latin, the arty side of Paris with cobblestones, fountain trees and the facade of Paris Sorbonne.

6. Avoid Mona Lisa and lookfor Rodin
Beautiful hotel and garden, the Musée Rodin is one of my favorite museum in Paris. Simple and bright, the architecture showcases the sculptures and the genius of Rodin and his mistress Camille Claudel. Hang out in the garden to see the light turn on bronzes and take time to observe the beauty of the famous sculpture The Thinker.

The Thinker statue at the Musee Rodin

The Thinker at Musee Rodin.

7. Explore Belleville
Belleville is one of the most diverse corners of Paris: popular, multi-ethnic living, artistic. The Chinese shops and secret courtyards show a genuine and unusual side of Paris. Walk in the Belleville Park to see a nice panoramic view over Paris. Also, do not miss the bakery Madame Jourdain close to the church Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

8. Go to the Market
As a true (albeit temporary) Parisian, you’ll want to stroll through the market and try the best products, look for some specialties, taste new things and meet some real characters. You will understand better why food is such a thing in France and also feel in total immersion! Try, for example, Le Marché de Joinville or Le Marché des Enfants Rouges where you can even sit at the table.

9. Rent a boat at the Bois de Boulogne
You can rent a boat (10 € the first hour) just for you. Paddle valiantly and let yourself be dazzled by the banks of the lake, the birds, the lapping of the little waves. Land on one of the islands lying in the middleof Lower Lake and picnic in the shade like a Manet painting—it’s magical!

10. Get lost
No matter how many times you have been to Paris, this city will always surprise you. But the best way to stumble upon a hidden street, a small square or graffiti, discover a new bar, a bakery, a cool shop is to get lost! Head to the areas that inspires you: The Quartier Latin is the best place if you are looking for a student and intellectual atmosphere, the Invalides if you enjoy architecture, Montmartre if you love art, Belleville if you want to find the atmosphere of old Paris. Get lost is my best advice to find places that you would have never discovered otherwise!

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Tagged: Destinations, Europe

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Maider Oyarzabal

Maider Oyarzabal

Maider is a travel blogger and photographer based in the south of France. She loves to share her journeys around the world on her personal travel blog, Made by Maider. Passionate about people and outdoor, you will find her exploring and traveling always with a camera in her hand. Follow her adventures on Instagram: @madebymaider
Maider Oyarzabal

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