Park it in Paris: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

May 23, 2014 Simply Sara

In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.

I'm just going to come out and say it. My favorite park in Paris is undoubtedly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

I know that I really love this place because of the obstacles I've endured to picnic there. This park is perched up in the northeast corner of Paris in the 19th arrondissement, which is a hike to get to from my apartment. Even when I've faced transportation hitches to get there (like the bus by my house suddenly not running its normal route), I know in the end I will be happy that I withstand the hassle. And I always am thankful.

Canal St. Martin

February 26, 2014 Simply Sara

When the weather breaks in the winter with some sunshine, I grab my coat and walk. And walk and walk. (I'm not kidding - this walk ended up being close to three hours long by the time I was done.)

This past Sunday was one such day. I decided to switch it up and instead of walking near the Seine through the center of the city, I opted to walk up the often overlooked Canal St. Martin.