It can be daunting. That trip is Paris is coming and there is plenty on your mind. What is new? Where should I go to eat? What is happening close to where I am staying? What exhibitions are wowing the locals? And….and…. where do I start?.
You open up a browser, begin to search and are quickly overwhelmed. Lost in search engines driven by advertisers and steered to suspicious websites that you can not rely upon.
Yes, things have changed, and while we have a lot more choice, it may not be for the better. In the past we looked to single sources of physical media such as travel guides and the weekly magazine Pariscope (which stopped publishing a few years ago as we found out on a recent trip). Now we search first and maybe maybe bring a guide map along on walks. And this search world is not easy to navigate.
As a rule I shy away from high ranking and overtly commercial sites such Trip Advisor, Yelp, Fodor’s and the like. Just too many reviews written by first time travelers that can’t tell a crepe from a galette who don’t stray 50 yards from tourist sights and lack in vision and creativity.
Simply put there is too much information. What to do? Let me try to help. Here is a smorgasbord of sources to try as well as some newsletters you can subscribe to that will keep you up date on just what is going on. I listed them alphabetically and tried as best possible to label them. This should help you navigate those waters.
Bonjour Paris. https://bonjourparis.com
Website and email newsletters. English.
Decent overall guide of things to do broken up conveniently by district. Restaurant reviews are periodic and random. Would not rely upon it as a primary source.
David Liebovitz https://www.davidlebovitz.com
Blog. English.
Very food oriented and somewhat eclectic website of travel writer and blogger David Liebovitz. David has a great eye for what is going on in the food scene in Paris. As an aside, his book on ice cream is a must. Also has a good guide to Paris pastry shops.
Eater. https://www.eater.com/paris
Website. English.
Eater, as it does in most major cities, stays on top of the local food scene. What I like about Eater is the mapping option, allowing you to organize your culinary journeys geographically. It also has an excellent food guide to each district although it is dated October 2016. Hmmm.
Gilles Pudlowski. http://www.gillespudlowski.com/recherche/0/0/France/Paris/
Website. French.
Reviews of over 1900 restaurants in Paris, that says it all. The man eats.. Can’t find a review of where you are going? Go here.
Hip Paris. https://hipparis.com
Website and Email newsletters.
The guide to the Paris ‘Lifestyle’ and that means the bobo world of the 11th, 19th and 20th Androissements. Can you say Buttes Chaumont? It’s about the clubs, the parties, the fetes, the natural wine and the hipsters. And the hipsters.
L’Officiel Des Spectacle. https://www.offi.fr
Website and magazine. French only.
What exhibits are open? Interested in the theatre? Museums? Here is your answer in the definitive calendar guide to what is going on during your week in Paris. Just the facts.
Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris
Website. English.
The best guidebook has made the transition into the best on-line guide to the city for first time travelers.
Paris By Mouth. https://parisbymouth.com
Website. English.
Once my go to, the timeliness of their articles have been passed by other sites referenced in this article as they focus too much on their food tour biz. Still, worth a look for current restaurant and bakery recommendations.
Paris Update. https://www.parisupdate.com
Newsmagazine on the web. English with weekly newsletters.
Excellent guide to what is happening with a more modern edge than L’Officiel Des Spectacle without being painfully hip.
Time Out Paris. https://www.timeout.com/paris/en
What was one a weekly print magazine has transformed itself into the go to guide to visiting Paris, if you only use one source use this. Easy to navigate and lots to read.
Yellow Flat Paris. https://yellowflat.wordpress.com
Blog. English.
OK you got me, that is our site…lol.
I hope this helps with your preparation for that next trip.. Have a great time as always in this one and only place….
Yellow Flat Paris. 
Thanks for continuing to write to me, the wife and I are planning a trip to France next year but likely will stay in the south this trip and then move on to Sicily. I always enjoy reading your analysis of Paris and France in general. I hope you don’t mind but I always forward your notes to my travel companions.
Ken
I am saddened to let you know Joe has passed away. I am still interested in your posts. Please change the email from joeleturgezs@aol.com to linda.leturgez@aol.com .
We’ve enjoyed two stays at the Yellow Flat and I have wonderful memories – many thanks.
~Linda
Hi LInda,
Yes I recall you and Joe and that he truly enjoyed our apartment and your stays in Paris and I am saddened by this news. Life is just too short. I will change your email address and please accept my condolences on your loss. Kind regards, Jules