Ok a few things about Paris: most people speak a little English but I would strongly advise to speak a few small words of French: Bonjour (hi), Aurevoir (goodbye) and Merci (thank you) are always greatly appreciated.
MUST VISIT:
- Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. The middle age in all his magnificence. My mom is going to their midnight mass for Christmas eve.
- Musee Rodin is an old time favorite.
- Musee D'Orsay is gorgeous for all the IMPRESSIONISTS Paintings. (closed on Monday).
Musée Rodin in Paris
SHOPPING:
Well this is difficult…There is a lot of shopping to do in Paris obviously, but here are a few of my favorite shops.
- COLETTE RUE DU FAUBOURG SAINT HONORE: Lots of fun gifts and little things. I spend hours in here looking at tee shirts, beanies, sneakers, books, silly things…. Better go in the morning as it is packed!
- LE BON MARCHE: In the 6ieme arrondissement, where you find fabulous fashion and everything that goes with it. Also check out their EPICERIE (grocery store) next door. Fabulous food.
- REU CLERC MARKET is a local favorite for all your fresh fruits and veggies to cook with! (see market pics below)
RESTAURANTS:
Well this is difficult…I get the ZAGAT guide to make sure every year. Lots of little Bistros and Brasseries of course. They are everywhere.
- THOUMIEUX rue saint Dominique, by Jean-Francois Piege serve French food revisited. A delight for the palate.
- L’AVENUE in the Triangle d’Or, (the 8ieme arrondissement I believe) is fabulous for people watching and lighter food.
- LES DEUX MAGOTS cafe and restaurant in Saint Germain des Pres, for people watching and green beans is a must! No space to seat?
- Check out LE CAFE DE FLORE next door where all the writers hangout.
- JOSEPHINE restaurant rue du Cherche-midi is classic french food made by Christian the chef, with the best Steak Tartare ever!
- BENOIT bistrot by Alain Ducasse for their famous chunk of butter.
- LE COMPTOIR in the 5ieme arrondissement. (YOU MIGHT HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE BUT ITS WORTH IT), the service might be HARSH.
- Ready to splurge?? L’ARPEGE restaurant is wonderful, all organic and mostly (almost) vegetarian. The chef has his own organic garden, and was in "French Chef Tables" on Netflix.
- I loved LES BOUQUINISTES (Guy Savoy) on the Seine it was a delight and the most wonderful service (see pics below)
BEST HOT CHOCOLATE AND PASTRIES:
- Angelina. Its a meal!
- Get into the Hotel Meurice next door and check it out.
- Across the street is the Garden of the Tuilerie always beautiful even in winter.
Pastry shop in Paris. Usually goes well with the best Hot Chocolate in town at Angelina. My mom and I use to go there when I was 8 years old.
(BTW: Check out our Choconuvo on HSN to reduce your cholesterol especially after this trip).
You are close to the Louvres Museum so check out the Pei Pyramide, even if you do not want to wait in line to get in the museum.
All bundled up in front of the PEI PYRAMIDE in the Louvres (outside)
Through The Pei Pyramid (du Louvres) in Paris and we can see Le Petit Carousel!
La Pyramide de Pei au Musée du Louvres
WITH LOVE AND APPETITE, ALWAYS,
MURIEL