Rediscovering Paris one arrondissement at a time

Aug 30, 2026

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 10 years since our last trip to Europe (when we visited Rome and Molise). And 14 years since we last visited Paris (we first visited together in 2006 then again in 2012).

Keith and Matt at Château de Versailles in 2006

Matt and Keith at Château de Fère near Paris in 2012

So we’re going to Paris for a month!

Now that we’re “retired” and living in a quiet Caribbean island paradise, we’re looking forward to returning to the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis. (But mostly croissants and wine!)

With a month to re-explore the city, we’re looking forward to spending most of our time well off the beaten path. Sipping coffees at bar counters, enjoying baguette and wine. Lots of wine.

We’ll definitely revisit some favourite spots, as well as test out some new attractions in the name of research.

We’re looking forward to spending a full, leisurely day at the Louvre. We’ll also venture up the Eiffel Tower, something we’ve avoided in our past visits. We may even brave the hordes at Angelina to see if their famous hot chocolate is worth the fuss.

To give ourselves a bit of a challenge (and some much-needed focus), we’re going to explore Paris one arrondissement at a time. Paris is split into 20 administrative districts called arrondissements. They start in the middle of the city, and spiral outwards.