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Wandering Through Paris Like Ina Garten: The Simple Art of Exploring the City on Foot

February 2, 2026 at 02:44 PM UTC

Wandering Through Paris Like Ina Garten: The Simple Art of Exploring the City on Foot

There's a reason Ina Garten has called Paris home for over two decades - and it has nothing to do with luxury or pretension. The Barefoot Contessa's most valuable advice for experiencing the City of Light is deceptively simple: put on comfortable walking shoes, grab a fresh baguette, and let yourself get delightfully lost in the winding streets. This philosophy of slow, intentional exploration has become the cornerstone of how she experiences Paris, and it's a lesson that transforms how visitors approach one of the world's most romantic cities.

Why Ina Garten's Approach to Paris Stands Apart

Ina's relationship with Paris began over 50 years ago during an unconventional camping trip with her husband Jeffrey.[2] "We bought a car in Paris and spent four months camping in a Day-Glo orange tent that you couldn't stand up in," she recalled.[10] That humble beginning - driving through the French countryside in a tent barely tall enough to sit in - led to a profound appreciation for authentic French living that she's carried ever since.

Unlike typical tourist guides focused on famous landmarks, Ina's recommendation prioritizes wandering and discovery.[7] She emphasizes that her approach isn't about checking boxes or photographing iconic monuments. Instead, it's about embracing the French way of life: sitting at sidewalk cafés, strolling along the Seine, and allowing serendipity to guide your path.[5]

The Walking Tour Philosophy: Neighborhoods Over Monuments

When Ina explores Paris, she moves through neighborhoods like the charming 6th arrondissement - where she and Jeffrey have maintained an apartment for 25 years.[5] This area has become the heart of her Parisian experience, filled with flower shops, specialty food stores, pâtisseries, and markets that reveal the city's soul rather than its postcards.[1]

A complete walking tour of Ina's favorite spots takes a full morning and into the afternoon,[1] but there's no rigid itinerary required. The magic lies in the spontaneous encounters along the way. The goal isn't efficiency; it's immersion.

The Markets: Where Parisian Life Happens

Central to Ina's Paris is Marché Raspail, the organic market in the 6th arrondissement that literally changed her life.[5] Open only Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, this market has been operated by vendors for over 100 years.[5] Ina describes the first thing you smell upon arrival: potato pancakes - a sensory gateway to the market's treasures.[1]

She's so devoted to Marché Raspail that she took the entire Today Show cast there, handing them branded baskets and guiding them through the stalls.[5] The market offers far more than fresh produce picked that morning - it's a living classroom in French culinary culture. Vendors selling Fleur de Sel and Moroccan vanilla beans sit alongside fish counters that will clean and fillet your catch on the spot.[1]

Several of Ina's published recipes, including her Olive Tapenade and Lemon Chicken with Croutons, were directly inspired by ingredients discovered at Marché Raspail.[4]

Specialized Shops: The Art of Intentional Shopping

Beyond the market, Ina's walking route includes stops at carefully chosen specialty shops. Adriane M., her favorite flower shop, serves as an essential first stop because "Paris isn't Paris without a bouquet of flowers," according to the television star.[3]

For bread, Ina gravitates toward Poilâne, the legendary bakery known for crusty sourdough loaves.[4] For cheese, she's dubbed Barthélémy her "favorite cheese shop anywhere on the planet."[2] For pastries and fresh baguettes, she frequents Secco, a boulangerie (bakery) where she sources supplies for elaborate dinner parties.[2]

Even ice cream takes on significance in her Paris routine. At Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis, she was so inspired by a mango sorbet that she created her own version for her cookbook "Barefoot in Paris."[4]

Cafés: Where Time Slows Down

Ina's walking explorations include leisurely stops at iconic Parisian cafés. Café de Flore, a legendary 19th-century institution, is where she and Jeffrey enjoy simple pleasures: rosé, chips, and lemon pressés.[3] Café Varenne in the 7th arrondissement is where she orders her "lunch of champions" - a green salad with warm goat cheese and a side of fries.[3]

These aren't quick stops; they're essential pauses where Ina embraces the French appreciation for savoring life's moments.[5] She sits, observes, and allows herself to be present in a way that feels increasingly rare in modern travel.

The Real-World Impact: A Different Way to Travel

Ina's approach challenges the conventional tourism model. Instead of rushing through major attractions, her method encourages visitors to slow down and engage with local commerce and culture. When you stop for potato pancakes at a 100-year-old market vendor, chat with a florist about seasonal blooms, and sit at a café for an unhurried lunch, you're participating in Parisian life rather than observing it from the outside.

This philosophy has resonated widely. Her Instagram posts documenting Parisian discoveries attract followers seeking authentic experiences, and her recommendation to simply "wander around the city on foot" has influenced how countless visitors approach travel planning.[7]

Key Takeaways

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