Susan at Palais Royal inner courtyard, with the Colonnes de Buren (Buren Columns) by French artist Daniel Buren just beyond the colonnade - Photo by Mattia Baldi
In this photo, I'm walking through Palais Royal's inner courtyard and heading to the garden in the back; you can see some of the famous black and white striped Colonnes de Buren (Buren Columns) by French artist Daniel Buren just beyond the colonnade - Photo by Mattia Baldi

Bonjour, and welcome to Paris Discovery Guide! 

I'm Susan Vik, the creator and publisher of parisdiscoveryguide.com, a website devoted to helping first-time and return visitors to Paris discover the best things to see, do, and experience in this beautiful and fascinating city.

I've been spending time in Paris ever since I arrived on an unusually cold December morning for what I thought would be a 4-week stay.  I was a 20-year old student with a minimalist budget and approval from my university for doing an "independent study" to get final four credits needed for graduation. 

I didn't have a plan beyond visiting a few art galleries nor did I know how to speak French aside from a few basic phrases such as bonjour and ou est la toillette?  And, this was my first-ever trip as a solo traveler. 

Despite the cold winter weather and all the other obvious reasons (starting with no plan) why the trip might have been, let's just say, less than a success, I fell in love with Paris and its seemingly endless variety of things to see and do.  I became a master at budget travel and stretched my month-long visit to almost two months, until my money finally ran out. 

As soon as I got home, I immediately started saving up for my next trip - and I've been coming back ever since. 

The rest of this article is about Paris Discovery Guide, and how it came to be.  Here's what you'll find in it:

Top photo: Notre Dame Cathedral, photographed during a boat ride down the Seine River, (c) Paris Discovery Guide®

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Why I Love Spending So Much Time in Paris - and Why You Will Too

Jardin du Palais Royal, the almost hidden garden beyond the Colonnes de Buren
If I had to choose just one top favorite out of all of Paris's wonderful parks and public gardens, my pick would be Jardin du Palais Royal, the almost-hidden oasis beyond the Colonnes de Buren that you can see in the photo near the top of this page

Since that first visit, I've been back many times and have spent so much time in this fascinating city that I now think of it as my second home. 

But I will always remember the absolute magic of being here for the first time and exploring the city on my own.  In fact, I feel that same thrill every time I arrive.

Over the years, I've explored every part of the city, including all the neighborhoods, all the arrondissements (districts), and many of the surrounding suburbs.  Sometimes I think I've walked along every street in Paris, although I'm sure that's not quite true. 

Paris is best known for its famous attractions and monuments - Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and a short distance outside of the city, the Palace of Versailles and Monet's home and gardens in Giverny.  I've visited all of them dozens of times, and still return to them almost every time I'm here.   

I've probably taken every Seine River cruise that's offered (and my favorites more than once).  I join tours and take classes every time I'm here because I always learn so much from the guides who share their passions for history, architecture, art, fashion, food, vintage shopping, baking, wine, music, and so much more.

But I also love exploring all of Paris's lesser-known museums and galleries, market streets, beautiful parks and gardens, historical churches, flea markets large and small, the glass-covered passages and arcades where 19th century Parisians once shopped, and the glittering large department stores and charming boutiques of today.

Jardin du Palais Royal, the almost hidden garden beyond the Colonnes de Buren
Passage de l'Ancre, a small almost-hidden passage dating back to the 1600s in Paris's 3rd arrondissement

At night, you'll find me enjoying music and concerts in the city's old churches, newer concert halls, and trendier modern venues - or savoring a leisurely dinner or wine bar, catching a show at a cabaret, taking advantage of late-closing nights at museums and galleries, or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from a dinner cruise or (as a splurge) my hotel balcony).

I especially enjoy just walking around the city and exploring the tiny lanes and passages lined with centuries' old buildings, browsing at the city's many street markets, and stopping for a refreshing drink or meal at one of the always-busy neighborhood cafes or brasseries.

And then there are the ongoing should-not-miss events and seasonal delights - gorgeous pink cherry blossoms from February into April, Bastille Day fireworks in July, Paris plages (beaches) along the Seine every summer, festive Christmas markets, and the gigantic New Year's Eve celebration and fireworks on Champs Elysees at the Arc de Triomphe to welcome the New Year.

At this point, I probably know Paris better than Boston, my home city in the U.S.

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Why I Started Publishing Paris Discovery Guide

I started Paris Discovery Guide more than a dozen years ago as a way to share travel tips with family and friends who wanted to plan their own trips to Paris. 

After visiting Paris as a solo traveler, with my husband, and with our daughters starting when our older one was still in a stroller, I've experienced the city from a lot of different perspectives. 

The Paris website started with just a few articles plus lists of fun things to do each month, and then became the travel resource that it is today. 

I also publish a website about Boston, and until about a decade ago, I also worked full time as a software engineer. 

But as both websites grew, they needed my full-time attention - so I basically had two full-time jobs.  That meant I never had as much time as I wanted with my husband and daughters and friends, or for other things I enjoy such as working in my garden, improving my photography skills, and traveling.  And last but definitely not least, I needed more sleep!

As much as I enjoyed my tech career, I love creating and publishing travel websites even more.  In the end, the decision was easy: I chose the websites.  So I now divide my time between Paris and Boston, experiencing everything I write about - and having a more balanced life.

How Paris Discovery Guide Will Help You Plan Your Own Fantastic Trip to the City of Light

The Louvre Museum in early evening
The Louvre Museum in early evening - the "blue" hour after sunset

My goal for Paris Discovery Guide is to share with you all the information you need for planning your trip to Paris, having a fantastic time throughout your visit, and creating wonderful memories, whether you're coming for the first time or know the city well.

PDG includes my best Paris travel advice and insider tips about the best things to see and do, whether you're here for your first visit and want to visit the Eiffel Tower, hop on a Seine River cruise, feel awed by Notre Dame Cathedral, see Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and enjoy a show at Moulin Rouge - or whether you're a return visitor who wants to explore Paris's lesser-known attractions and hidden gems.

To get you started, here are 10 of the most popular articles from Paris Discovery Guide: 

  • Why Visit Paris? - Need inspiration for planning your trip?  You'll find it here!
  • Top Paris Attractions - Planning your first trip?  Start with these famous attractions and destinations
  • Best Places to Stay in Paris - Not sure where to stay in Paris?  Find the best neighborhoods and hotel suggestions for your visit based on what you want to do and see
  • A Quick Guide to Paris's Arrondissements - Find out how the city is laid out and top attractions for each of its 20 districts
  • Eiffel Tower Tickets - Want to avoid wasting hours standing in line?  Here's how to do it
  • Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum - Find the best ways to visit the Louvre, whether you just want to see Da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa painting, or see more of the most famous art
  • Palace of Versailles - Find the best ways to get there from Paris
  • Monet's Giverny - If you're a fan of Monet's incredible Impressionist paintings, don't miss the chance to see his home, gardens, and water lily pond in person
  • Christmas in Paris - It's the most magical time of the year!
  • Your First Day in Paris - How to make the most of your first day in Paris despite feeling jet lagged and tired from travel

You can also:

Thank you for visiting Paris Discovery Guide - and have a fantastic time in Paris!

Susan's signature



Publisher, Paris Discovery Guide®

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The view from my hotel room balcony at La Comtesse Hotel during a recent stay
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