An Introvert's Guide to Paris
The dynamic and vibrant city of Paris, characterized by crowded clusters of tourists by day and lively happenings by night, can be seen as problematic for introverts that thrive in their own company. Susan Cain, writer and introvert enthusiast stated, "Introverts feel at their most alive and their most switched on and their most capable when they are in quieter, more low-key environments." Fortunately, Paris is also notorious for its collection of tranquil treasures, perfect for retreat and relaxation for when the city becomes too much. Here are a collection of a few places to discover on your introspective travels through Paris.
Retreat and reconnect with nature amongst the luscious conserved lawns and picturesque plants at the Jardin du Luxembourg
Image credit: Stephanie Russell
The Luxembourg Gardens make for the perfect solitary afternoon of relaxing amidst the charming greenery and strikingly unique trees. With autumn upon us in Paris, the gardens are less frequently inundated by disruptive gatherings of tourists, making for a more tranquil setting to take sanctuary in. The beautiful arrays of pink and purple flowers are picturesque muses for watercolor painting, whilst the luscious green grasses lure you into their restful blades for you to get lost into a book and delve deep into your imagination.
Indulge in nutritional wellness and nourish your soul at the serene "Wild and the Moon Cafe"
Image credit: Stephanie Russell
Located on the edge of Le Marais is the plant-based gem of a cafe, "Wild and the Moon." It looks and feels as if you are in a wellness sanctuary, with its copious amounts of fresh green plants, hanging from the ceiling and perched on the wooden decor. Its fridges are filled with a vibrant variety of juice and smoothies, vivacious vegetable filled meals and sweet treats intended to delight your taste buds whilst simultaneously nourishing your body. Great for when you feel like you need a healthy boost of revitalizing energy, accompanied by a display of healing oxygen exerting plants and a tranquil atmosphere to sit with yourself and nurture your mind, body and soul.
Inspire your eyes with various merging arrangements of colours on canvas at the Musée de l'Orangerie
Image credit: Stephanie Russell
The most renowned museums of Paris are otherwise known as swarming spaces with endless masses of art admirers, which resultantly pose as potentially problematic for those that thrive in calmer environments. The Musée de l'Orangerie, on the other hand, situated on the west corner of the Tuileries Gardens, is a smaller, more peaceful home of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, such as Monet's expansively softly hued water lily paintings, as well as artworks by Matisse and Cezanne. Perfect for a morning of artistic admiration, without the unease of congested confinement, to inspire you to look at your day differently through impressionistic eyes.
Escape into the stores that inhabit the abundant array of paperbacks kept sheltered in "Shakespeare and Company"
Image credit: Stephanie Russell
Across the River Seine from the famous cathedral Notre-Dam, lives the English independent bookstore "Shakespeare and Company." Filled with new and second hand books, one cannot help but get lost inside the novels that inhabit their infinite shelves. On the second story of their bookshop, you are able to sit in their quaint reading library and escape from reality into your own introverted literary enthused world whilst occasionally accompanied by enchanting piano melodies.
Disconnect from technological external distractions and tune into your internal world at “Seymour”
Image credit: TheTravellingLight Blog/ Katie McKnoulty
Seymour is a space dedicated to escaping the daily distractions of technology and exploring your own intimate human consciousness. Reflect and reconnect in curious rooms designed to evoke the awakening of your inner world through the mediums of writing, drawing and meditation. You will delve deep into areas of your mind that may have been suppressed through the overshadowing stimulation of technology, as well as the exhaustion of ones introverted self through overflowing human interactions, often serving as situational distractions. At Seymour, you can be with yourself entirely, discover the hidden corridors of your mind and feel awakened to listen to your innermost symphonies of thought.
Luxuriate among the lingering sunbeams in the secret sunset gazing space in Belleville
Image credit: TheTravellingLight Blog/ Katie McKnoulty
For the end of what can sometimes feel like an unbearably over-stimulating day for many introverts, one can vacate to a secret sundowner spot in the Parc de Belleville in the tenth arrondissement. Buy yourself some delicious delicacies from the nearby street bakeries, and find a spot to look out over beautiful Paris. Ease into the beauty of nature’s daily conclusion, and disappear into a daydream as the world around you falls asleep and the night awakens.
