What we're really reviewing here are the sandy "beaches" that France's socialist mayor has been…read moreinstalling for several summers now, to even things out between those people who can afford to jet off to a beach community for the summer and those who can't afford to leave town. Paris is hardly coastal property, so tons of sand are hauled in around mid-July and retained until mid-August and those who are still in town milk the fun out of every cubic centimeter. Really, I've never seen so many "beach goers" enjoying so little space in my life. Parties, picnics, booze, pot, sex, romance, music, games, fun. From bridge to bridge for several bridges running, the walls of the Seine are lined with little sandy pockets where kids and adults, young and old, rejoice in their little slice of beach. The whole thing is free, officially open until around 11:30 p.m., and incredibly well-executed. Some "blocks" are sand only, others have food and drink, others have chairs, a playground, a petanque court (and petanque sets too, just ask). It was impossible to resist dipping my toe into the sandy "beach" of the Seine, strolling along the "coast", or kicking back in one of the chairs with a baguette and a drink. I've heard some other cities emulate this ritual but they've messed it up by charging admission. Being a huge "all beaches should be free of charge always" person I was immensely pleased to see just how right Paris got this one.

How fun! French line…read moredancing, misters, tons of ice cream, champagne, sand, loungers, Pétanque, foosball, galettes, crepes, and the Seine what else could a girl ask for? The kids are playing in the sand, moms are laid out getting the sun, men are playing petanque, and for a quick second your forget we're in the heart of a city. I subtract one star because the maps are backwards. They show the river on the opposite side that youre walking, so its a bit precarious to figure out. Silly map makers!

My husband dragged me here today and I liked it. If you…read moreare traveling to Paris with a young boy 5-25, you should take them to this musee. It was fun. When you go in, there are a few things to see but as part of your entry fee, you get to watch a 15 minute magic show. It was REALLY good. The magician told me that he is one of three French magicians that have performed at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. (that is BIG) He was amazing. Yes...it has weird hours. Yes...there isn't a lot to see. Yes...it's worth it. My hot tip would be to arrive right when they open on a Sunday at 2PM. Walk around for a bit and then watch the show. You can plan on spending one hour or so here.

Rather charming little museum; price is indeed a bit high. Probably best for kids or for people…read morepassionate about magic, especially if one is interested in automatons. There are not a lot of automaton museums; this is certainly not as good as the one in Lausanne, though it's impressive to see three rooms of them, even if not all of them work and they are poorly labeled, if at all. Several vitrines include historical pieces, some very simple (heads turn; simple 2D metal arms move). There are a couple that are small wood pieces or even a few made of what is obviously paper with instructions printed on it. A small explanatory sign discusses fairground games. I got the impression perhaps the owners got some automatons thrown in while they were assembling the collection for their true passion, magic, and decided to go with it. The magic portion of the museum is much better labeled and is a combination of more fairgrounds stuff (funhouse mirrors; animal mouths one inserts one's hand into); a shop (where you can buy and learn how to perform tricks); and lots of exhibits of Victorian magic show kits. My favorite exhibits included a window of seance trickery pieces (hooks you could hide in your sleeve to rap on the table, etc.); 3D views of multiple layers of cut paper; and a small display of Georges Melies artifacts (a cane; a small devil head and false head used in his ingenious special effect films). There was quite a lot of information on Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, about whom I knew nothing; Robert-Houdin is considered the father of modern magic and helped develop it from those fairground displays to something you could perform for the king (which he did). Houdini named himself after him, and many of Melies' early films are at the Theatre Robert-Houdin. Several displays (but not all) in both English and French; magic show is done live in French (and English if the audience needs it). Museum was obviously put together by someone who really loves magic.

My wife and I first discovered Jardin Villemin on on first morning is Pais…read more We love seeing the neighbors, the merchants, the children playing, the flowers and the ball courts & players. On our first visit, we accidentally stood on some grass for a photo, but were gently told by the park attendents that we were not supposed to. Once these graciouus ladies realized we were from outside of France, they permitted my wife stand on the grass for our first photo is Paris. What a Joy!!!

After writing 60 Yelp reviews about Paris from our recent vacation, I decided to share the most…read moremagical spot in the city. I had seen it in several movies usually when they pull the camera back to show how romantic Paris can be. It's the tip of Île de la Cité on the Seine and provides inviting views of the Louvre, the Left Bank, and the boats on the river. There are benches, but the prime spot to sit is the ledge at the very tip under the weeping willows. Although the park is nothing more than a small patch of greenery shaped like a teardrop, strolling around the perimeter will make you feel like Audrey Hepburn on a fashion shoot. RELATED - Exploring Paris? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/zgkvOwnB6r

It's a nice, quiet green space off the Pont Neuf. But people leave trash and spit on the ground and…read moregrass so beware where you sit! Carry a blanket or towel for a clean spot. It was busy when we visited so the benches were occupied. Don't miss the far end of it, it's a spot for photos of the Seine.

While missing the pomp, circumstance and crowds of Place de Vosges, Square du Temple is the perfect…read morepiece of urban green space for me. Located on Bretagne amidst shops, pretty homes and cafes, the small (!) slice of greenery offers a peaceful respite in the middle of a big city with one single, dramatic piece: a waterfall. There's a waterfall in the middle of Le Marais and it's incredible. How anyone could not get lost in the peace & quiet of the running water is beyond me. The waterfall empties into a still pool that's surrounded by vibrant flowers, a jungle gym for the little ones, a good amount of park benches, and a running trail. With powerful trees of impressive age (either the park's been here for a long time or the planners built around the trees), Square du Temple invites you in not from its opulence but with its honesty. While I walked around, sat and contemplated life, I saw a couple of handfuls of visitors. Some ran. Some walked hand in hand. A mother tended to her rambunctious boy. These were the scenes from Paris I was hopeful to take in during my visit. I had no idea they would occur in such a small setting... but I am so grateful they did. This park is worth your time, your peace and your quiet.