PARIS FALL GUIDE
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” – Thomas Jefferson
WHERE TO STAY:
In my opinion, the best option for accommodations in Paris is renting an apartment (check out One Fine Stay) and pretending to be a Parisian for the week. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, the question of what area to stay in Paris will be one of your most important ones. All things to consider: great shopping streets, close proximity to good eats and accessibility – each neighborhood is unique. Here's a breakdown of my favorite areas to stay in.
Le Marais: Is easily the best neighborhood to stay on your trip in Paris. It's central, has a couple of attractions but not overly crowded with tourists. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants, cafes and bars. I think the Marais is the best shopping neighborhood in the city — there are tons of independently owned boutiques as well as luxury shops.
St Germain: If you’re looking for Left Bank Paris, the neighborhood of Hemingway and Sartre, St. Germain has become one of my favorite neighborhoods. While it definitely has its share of tourists, you’ll find wonderful (and longtime famous) cafes, interesting little shops to big designer names and streets full of life.
1st and 2nd Arrondissement: The ultimate Paris must-see; you’ve got the Tuileries, Pont des Art, Place de Vendome, Rue de Rivoli, and a view of the Eiffel Tower overlooking the river Seine at Place de la Concorde. Essentially the Paris you see in Chanel ads. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, dreams don't come cheap and this area has some of the best/most expensive hotels and apartments in the city. You can still live the dream while not breaking the bank (save that for the shopping) by staying at this centrally located and newly renovated boutique hotel, Hotel Square Louvois. Another favorite and well priced hotel of mine in the area is: Le Roch, which has the ultimate Parisian bar.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE:
Paris overwhelms me like no other place. There’s just so much to see in Paris that its impossible to do it all in a single trip. A lot of our activities revolve around whatever neighborhood we decided to spend the most time in for that day. To make your Paris experience less stressful, don't feel you need to see it all and spend some time walking around the city. Paris is a place, just walking down the street I've never been down feels like a dream. You’ll never know what you might find!
Some touristy but worth seeing places: Musee D'Orsay, Le Palais Royal, Place des Vosges, and the Musee du Lourve (the courtyard of this place is worth the visit). Eiffel Tower, ok ok, its really touristy but you literally can't not see in while in Paris. Since you visually can't avoid it, here are my favorite spots to view the Eiffel Tower: Trocadero, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and of course, Avenue de Camoens.
While Jardin des Tuileries is pretty in its own right with beautiful tree lined walkways and stunning views, Jardin du Luxembourg is my favorite garden in the city. It's less touristy and you can find locals enjoying their afternoon running, playing chess, reading a good book or catching up with friends. Spend your late afternoon taking in life at Jardin du Luxembourg, you can almost trick yourself into thinking you're Parisian.
Montmartre: Has some of the best views of Paris, gorgeous stairs and alleyways, winding streets up and down the hills of the neighborhood which reminds me a lot of San Francisco. Beware, since there are a lot of tourists here, need to be cautious for pickpocketing.
Shopping on Rue Saint Honoré or Avenue Montaigne is a true luxurious experience. Most of my favorite designers are French so I always prepare a "hit list" before my trip, it just makes it easier for me. If you're more into small boutiques, spend your day getting delightfully lost in Le Marais or St Germain. If weather permits, grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and hang out along the Seine.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
Paris is bustling with new restaurants by talented young chefs from all over the world, plus inventive and diverse options of casual dining. Some may say, its the food capital of Europe. Unfortunately, you really can't eat it all but one can try! Here's my list of some favorite and memorable spots over the years.
Le Chateaubriand: Often ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, Le Chateaubriand has been imitated but never recreated by other bistros. The modern cuisine is playful and surprising, and always delicious.
Breizh Cafe: A sit-down creperie offers fresh meats, seafood, and produce in its savory buckwheat crepes, while dessert crepes feature seasonal sweets. No matter which you choose, expect some bordier butter (some of the best in France) to find its way onto the plate.
Cafe de Flore: Oldest coffee house in Paris with classic French food. If you're in the mood for something sweet, get the hot chocolate (fresh melted chocolate, not syrup). This cafe was a popular hub for famous writers and philosophers like Picasso, Denos, Queneau and I can see why. Grab a seat outside and let life walk by you.
L'As du Falafel: Oh My God. Two words: SPECIAL FALAFEL. The line here is ridiculous so go during off times (after 3pm). And if your stomach or patience can't handle the wait, Mi Va Mi does the trick too.
Pierre Herme: Sorry, not sorry Laduree lovers, Pierre Herme hands down has the best macaroons. Everything else there is just as good.
More restaurants not to miss out: Abri (katsu sandwich), Le Bon Georges, A Noste, Huitrerie Regis (oysters), James Bun, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (Streak Frites), Septime (plan WAY ahead), Josephine chez Dumonet (best beef bourguignon).
Sherry Butt: Rather hidden on a quiet street off the main area of the Marais neighborhood. Delicious and refined cocktails at a homey spot that feels like you're having drinks in a friends apartment.
Le Closerie des Lilas: A place where unforgettable literature was conceived from legends such as Zola and Fitzgerald. This was opened way back in 1847, will transport you to another era. Unfortunately I didn't transform into a novelist, I however, did get a good buzz from the drinks. So perhaps, in another blurry night.
Danico: Hidden behind the Italian restaurant Daroco, is this chic craft cocktail den. On the menu: 12 cocktails made with 12 different spirits, illustrated with icons of the glass in which it will be served, so you know exactly what to expect.
Other great spots for drinks: Hotel Costes, Le Perchoir, Mabel and Little Red Door.
Send me a message or leave a comment below if you have any questions or new recommendations for me!