Digital Nomad Diaries: Paris Day 3
The Left Bank, the Panthéon, an Emily in Paris detour, and some of the best humans I know.
If you missed Paris Day 1 and Day 2, catch up here.
Today was all about the Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) which has a completely different energy from the more touristy right bank. Quieter, more literary, more neighborhood-y. Exactly what I needed on day three.
The Panthéon: cooler than expected in every sense
First stop was the Panthéon, and I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how excited to be. I was very wrong.
The building itself is stunning, but what really got me was the crypt underneath. This is where some of France's most important historical figures are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Louis Braille.
That last one hit differently for me. I have a family member who reads Braille, so standing in front of Louis Braille's tomb was genuinely moving in a way I didn't expect from a Friday afternoon in Paris.
Funny enough for January, it was colder inside than outside, so bring a layer even if it's warm out.
Practical info: The Panthéon is located in the 5th arrondissement, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Book tickets in advance to skip the line.
An Emily in Paris detour (obviously)
Since I was right around the corner from several filming locations, I had to make a stop. The main plaza where Emily’s apartment, her local bakery, and Gabrielle’s restaurant are all at La Place de l'Estrapade. No cast sightings, but plenty of fellow fans doing their own photo shoots, which felt completely appropriate.
One fun detail for fellow fans: Gabrielle's restaurant in the show is actually an Italian spot in real life call Terra Nera, which felt appropriate for season 5.
Lunch at Au Père Louis
I stumbled across Au Père Louis, an adorable bistro just near the Jardin du Luxembourg, and it was exactly the kind of Paris lunch experience I was looking for. Tucked away, unpretentious, delicious French onion soup. And the staff very kindly continued to speak to me in my B1 level of French, when a lot of others would’ve switched to English.
Jardin du Luxembourg: the perfect mid-afternoon reset
After lunch, I headed into the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is one of those Paris spots that earns every bit of its reputation. A few highlights from my time there:
The famous Luxembourg chairs are real and they are genuinely as satisfying as they look in photos. I sat down, rested my very tired feet, and stayed longer than planned.
There's a Statue of Liberty in the park. A smaller replica of the New York original, which as a fellow New Yorker I felt obligated to say hello to. Fun fact: there are a number of replicas of the Statue of Liberty around Paris (some say 5, some say 8, it depends on who you ask).
The Fontaine Médicis is tucked into a quieter corner of the park and is genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in Paris. Worth seeking out specifically rather than stumbling across it.
The hidden alley you need to find: Cour du Commerce Saint-André
After the park I wandered through the Latin Quarter and found Cour du Commerce Saint-André, a hidden alley that feels like it hasn't changed in 200 years. Cobblestones, old shopfronts, and only a few tourists. This is exactly the kind of find that makes slow, aimless walking the best travel strategy.
Dinner at Joséphine Chez Dumonet
The day ended with drinks and dinner at Joséphine Chez Dumonet with a group of fellow travelers and content creators, and it was a vibe in the best possible way.
This restaurant is a classic French bistro in the truest sense. Generous portions, excellent wine, zero pretension (even as the staff so kindly accommodated our group of 12). If you're looking for a proper French dinner experience that doesn't feel touristy, add this to your list.
But honestly the best part of the evening was the people. This is the most inspiring group of travelers and creators I know, and the whole reason I came to Paris in the first place. Tonight was just a preview, though. Tomorrow, we have creator events with the leader of our Creator Academy, Amanda Rollins of @americanfille, and I cannot wait.
The quick itinerary
The Panthéon and the crypt (bring a layer, it's cold inside)
Emily in Paris filming locations in the Latin Quarter
Lunch at Au Père Louis
Jardin du Luxembourg: the chairs, the Statue of Liberty, the Fontaine Médicis
Hidden alley: Cour du Commerce Saint-André
Dinner at Joséphine Chez Dumonet
