As we near the end of February, I thought a visit to the original City of Love was not only appropriate but also necessary. The history of love in Paris goes back to at least the 19th century where prostitutes and wives coexisted openly in the lives of French men. Love and lust was a daily practice in the city. Apparently before it was titled the City of Love, it was known as the brothel of Europe. Then came art and movies, crowning this luminous and romantic city the best city for lovers.
As we all know, love can take many forms. From romantic love towards a partner, to the love you have for your best friends. Today, I will dive into the places I love in Paris. We will visit many neighborhoods so buckle up and let's take a tour of all the spots TOM suggests to have the perfect day in Paris.
Breakfast at Carette
4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016
Breakfast in Paris is not complete without a side of people-watching. Carette is right on Place du Trocadéro, making it the perfect place to observe both local Parisians and tourists. So you sit at your classic bistro-style table, the weather is lovely, you’re happy, what’s next? Food of course. TOM’s go-to menu is as follows;
- Black coffee
- Canapes Maison, or finger sandwiches. I suggest you order the poulet, jambon de paris and thon.
- Definitely order their chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) with a heap of whipped cream. It is a sight both for your eyes and delight for your taste buds.
A walk to the Eiffel Tower
Once you are done with breakfast, it is time for a mini digestive walk. Through Jardins du Trocadéro you will get to Pont d'Iéna. Cross this scenic bridge to get to one of Paris’ gems; the Eiffel Tower. Admire it, sit on the grass or lay down a little bit. Paris is the city of love, sure, but it is also the city of simple pleasures. And here at TOM, we appreciate the act of relaxation any time, anywhere.
En Route to Orangerie
Jardin des Tuileries, 75001
The Musée de l'Orangerie is one of our favorite museums in Paris. It holds eight compositions of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies as well as other beautiful pieces of art. If you have limited time in Paris and do not want to allocate a whole day to the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay, Orangerie is the best option to get your art-fix while not spending your whole day indoors. You are in Paris! You must discover the city.
Lunch time: Les enfants du marché
Marché des, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003
By the time you are done with the museum, you will probably begin to feel peckish. A 20-minute ride away is Les enfants du marché, an amazing French “comptoir bistronomique” inside the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
Sit at one of the barstools and order yourself a glass (or bottle) of natural wine. Check the specials board for some gastronomic adventures. I usually play it relatively safe and order a cheese plate along with some garlicy, herby escargot. Although, last time I was there, I got a whiff of their French onion soup which looked (and smelled) absolutely divine.
Nothing beats lunchtime wine, so allow the market’s energy to encapsulate you as you wine and dine.
Along the Marais: Check out some shops
After a light and boozy lunch, you can take a walk around the Marais. Some personal favorites for shops include; Drôle de Monsieur right next door at 28 Rue de Poitou, Merci at 111 Bd Beaumarchais and OFR Bookshop at 20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars.
A mid-day croissant: Du Pain et des İdées
34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, Fransa
A mere 12-minute walk away from the shops, make your way to Du Pain et des İdées. This boulangerie has won the award for the best croissant in Paris, and rightfully so. Get their croissant au beurre — this is important. Get the butter croissant, not the plain one — and refuel yourself. You can also get a cup of coffee from their tiny little coffee window. Sit at their small table on the street, take a breather and enjoy a croissant ( or choose from their selection of other pastries). They are open until 19:30, although I would not wait that long to go there.
Pre-drinks before dinner and drinks at Septime La Cave
When in Paris, you eat. So our perfect day includes a lot of cheese and wine. Septime La Cave has a great selection of natural wine and a couple of delicious cheese and charcuterie options. Stop by for a glass or two in this very cozy bar before heading to dinner.
Dinner at Brasserie Lipp
151 Bd Saint-Germain
Head to Saint Germain for a classic French dinner. At Brasserie Lipp, you can get a variety of delicious dishes that the restaurant page summarizes as “bourgeois and traditional cuisine.” Order the duck, the pork, the escargot, do whatever you like! But sit inside to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. I suggest you make a reservation.
Another hop to end the night? Le Comptoir Général
84 Quai de Jemmapes
I told you this day would be packed and spread throughout the city. Le Comptoir Général is one of TOM’s favourite bars. Amazing interiors, bustling energy and creative cocktails summarize this place but you honestly need to see it for yourself. After a drink or perhaps dancing the night away, you can walk along the canal before you go back to your hotel for a well-deserved night of sleep.
Enjoy the city of love,
Bisous,
TOM.
