Every time I visit a city anywhere in the world, the first place I go is to its museums. There are two reasons for this. First, it gives me a sense of place — a way to understand a city through its art and its stories. And second, especially when I’m in the United States, I often find some of my favourite French masterpieces on display!

On a recent visit to Paris, I found myself wandering through the Marais when I passed the Musée Carnavalet, a place I hadn’t stepped into for years. On impulse, I decided to go in — and was immediately reminded of its quiet magic. The experience became the spark for this article, a gentle reminder that there are still corners of Paris where beauty can be enjoyed without the crowds (and, it seems, with a lower risk of heists than the Louvre last week!)

Not long after, someone asked me about the challenge of overtourism — how travellers can still connect with a city that feels full to bursting. The truth is, most visitors want to see the icons; it’s part of the joy of travel. But once you’ve gazed at the Mona Lisa and admired the Eiffel Tower, Paris reveals another side — one of calm, curiosity, and discovery, waiting quietly just beyond the guidebook pages. At French Promise, we seek out experiences that allow you to feel the city rather than simply observe it...