What I Do When I Need a Break from Paris

I love living in Paris, but it does get overwhelming at times. The city is always bustling, and the tourists never stop coming, even when it's no longer the peak season. Paris is undoubtedly a beautiful destination with lots to see and do, but having lived here for over a decade, there are times when I need a break. I'm sure many of you who live or plan to live in Paris will need it too. So let me help you by sharing what I do when I need a break from the city. I do practically everything, from booking a spa day for some much-needed pampering to going on day trips.

Find The Quiet Arrondissements

First things first, I should point out that taking a break from Paris doesn't have to mean you leave Paris. The city is big, yes, not all of it is as bustling as the popular districts. Some districts are peaceful enough that you'll eventually forget that you're still in Paris after spending considerable time there. The 2nd arrondissement is a primary example since it's the quietest part of the city. Not only is it bereft of famous landmarks and other tourist attractions, it's also a largely residential neighborhood that feels more like a suburb than a city district. Paris’s other quiet arrondissements include the 15th, the 16th, and the 20th.

Enjoy a Spa Day

When stress gets to me and the hustle and bustle of Paris makes it even more overwhelming, my go-to self-care medicine is a spa day. I don't just mean a massage in the middle of the afternoon or just an hour-long facial. I mean a full-on pamper day with mud baths, sitting in saunas, mimosas by the pool, and all that jazz. And you know that Paris has five-star spas that will take such good care of you, you'll feel like a totally different person afterward. As for where to have your spa day in Paris, I suggest Le Sense at the Hôtel de Crillon, the Spa Nolinski by La Colline, or Spa Charme d'Orient.

Sneak into a Speakeasy

Sometimes, a drink is all you need to take a break from Paris. Hence, I always go to my favorite speakeasy after a stressful day at work. My go-to spot is Moonshiner on Rue Sedaine in the 11th arrondissement, hidden behind the equally popular Da Vito pizzeria. I love going to speakeasies for a drink, a date, and to forget about my other troubles. Not only are the drinks always good, but the secretive part of the gimmick makes me feel like I was whisked away to a secret club where the rest of the city won't get me.

Explore the Quiet Alleyways

I know this sounds random, probably even a little bit sketchy, but hear me out! As I mentioned earlier, Paris is big enough that there are many areas where you can still take a break from the rest of the city. I included the dark alleys here because some feature hidden gems where you can have a good time without contending with on-the-go locals and excited tourists. Sometimes, a meal or a cup of coffee in a dark alley is enough to improve my mood after a bad day.

Escape to The Underrated Parks

It's hard to believe that anything about Paris would ever be considered “underrated,” but it exists. There’s more to the city than its most famous landmarks and hotspots, and oftentimes, the least famous of them end up becoming the best of the bunch. Take the underrated parks in Paris, for example. What green spaces like Jardin Catherine-Labouré on Rue de Babylone or Jardin de la Nouvelle France right by Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt may lack in fame, they more than make up for in serenity, natural beauty, and botanical bliss.

Visit the Paris Suburbs

Now, let's talk about actually leaving Paris for a break. This is what you've been waiting for, isn't it? While I don't always leave the city when I need a break, I understand if other people do. I've done it myself, and it is so cathartic to experience and engross myself in a place that's not the French capital. Even if the place itself is technically still part of the big city! The Paris Suburbs may be a bit far from the central neighborhoods, but they're still city districts in their own right. Places like Neuilly-sur-Seine, Orsay, Boulogne-Billancourt, Levallois-Perret, and more also have cafes, big buildings, and the like, but they're also much more peaceful than the main arrondissements.

Go on a Day Trip

Yes, I take day trips when I almost reach the edge. Look, I love Paris and I love living here, but it's not for the faint of heart. As this list proves, even I, as a full-fledged Parisian, need a break from the city now and then. And I mean actually leaving the city this time, not the other things I mentioned before. Going on day trips will be one of the best things you'll ever do for yourself when the hassle of Paris gets too much. Normandy is not too far, and it has some of the best beaches in the country. Giverny is another popular option since it's so idyllic—just ask Monet!

Travel to The French Countryside

Concerning what I just said about going on day trips from Paris, escaping to the French countryside is another great option. That's what going on vacation is for, right? It's a much-needed break from a big city, so traveling to the most rural parts is the most ideal. It also helps that the French countryside has some of the most beautiful towns and nature on the planet! Fourcés, for example, is a Medieval town in Midi-Pyrénées that looks straight out of a Tolkien novel. There's also St-Guilhem-le-Désert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the stunning Languedoc region. The place is so quiet, it's as if you're taking a break from the rest of the world, not just Paris!

Go on Scenic Train Rides

Have you ever gone on those scenic train rides that you've likely seen on TikTok or Instagram? I have, and they never fail to cheer me up when I need a break from Paris. While many of my friends go to the French Riviera or the Greek Islands on their vacations, I go on these train rides and have the time of my life. They're just as beautiful as what you see on social media, so much so that I'd argue that they deserve the hype! I hope that if/when you do get to go on these train rides, they haven't become too touristy yet.

Stay at Home

When all else fails, I just stay at home, lock the doors, close the windows, turn on my Netflix or Hulu, and just watch and eat to my heart's content. I'm lucky enough to afford to live solo and rent a luxury apartment in Paris that's all to myself. This has allowed me to shut the rest of the world, and enjoy my own space. I'm a bit of a homebody, too, and I have no trouble enjoying my own company. It's truly one of the most relaxing and most cathartic things I do when I need a break from Paris but don't have enough time to take a vacation.



Like many other Parisians, I occasionally need a break from Paris. Fortunately, there’s lots to do in and near the city where anyone can still escape all the hustle and bustle without going too far.