PERFECT WEEKENDS
Our Perfect Weekend in Paris
Even though I have been to Paris countless times, its charm and splendor reels me in year after year, much like how Philadelphians rush to the Jersey shore in the summer. What's nice about returning to a city you have already been to is that you can skip all the tourist activities and head straight to all good, fun stuff. Try new restaurants. Taste an unfamiliar wine or specialty cocktail. Wander down side streets and little alleyways at the less visited neighborhoods. That is what's nice about a historic city like Paris, you will always discover something new.
If it's your first time in the city of lights, by all means go see the Eiffel Tower, visit the Arc de Triomphe, shop at the Champs Elysées. There is a reason why twenty-three million visitors flock to the central capital of France yearly to witness its beauty. Yes there is a lot to take in, just like any grand historical metropolitan city. Just make sure you find time to relax. After all you are on vacation.
As Anthony Bourdain puts it perfectly, "most of us are lucky to see Paris once in a lifetime. Please, make the most of it by doing as little as possible. Walk a little. Get lost a bit. Eat. Catch a breakfast buzz. Have a nap. Eat again. Lounge around drinking coffee. Maybe read a book. Drink some wine. Eat. Repeat. See? It's easy."
Many experts will tell you can't fully appreciate a city until you have spent a least a week there. In my perspective, all you need is a few days of good food, amazing drinks and a couple of fun activities; things that truly define the city. Our Perfect Weekend is just a mere suggestion. Our goal is to spark your curiosity...and we hope you live to tell someone your perfect weekend in Paris.
Check into your hotel or Airbnb, unpack your suitcase and then make your way to L'Avant Comptoir de la Mer. This fusion tapas-french restaurant encourages you to order small plates, munch, sip on some wine and repeat. The belon oysters and scallops taste as if they were just caught a few minutes ago. All they need is a squeeze of lemon on top. If you are unsure what to order, look at the food item cards hanging from the ceiling with convenient pictures of each plate. Or you can be a creep and peek over someone's shoulder to get an idea what locals eat.
If it's nice out, take a 15 minute walk to the historic Notre Dame in the evening when it's less crowded. Unfortunately the church is closed to the public until 2024 due to reconstruction. On April 15, 2019 a destructive fire occurred beneath the roof the cathedral. It is still worth visiting and capturing a picture in front of this magnificent icon. The are a number of cafes nearby to grab a late night cup of coffee or tea.
Not even a 5 minute walk, you can step on a boat and take a night cruise with Bateaux Parisien. This hour cruise will allow you to view all the major sites and attractions without leaving your seat. It's one thing to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre during the day but in the evening all the famous monuments illuminate to create a unique, almost magical environment that can only be experience by boat. Refer to the schedule for specific departure times.
Hop on the metro and get off the Jacques Bonsergent stop. Just down the street and around a corner is a bakery called Du Pain et Des Idées where you can find possibly the best pastries in the city. You do not want to miss the escargot pistache chocolat, a spiralled puff pastry filled with chocolate and pistachio. Their pain des amis is their signature bread that is a soft interior and crusty golden brown exterior.
Not even a five minute walk is the Canal Saint Martin where you will find all the hipsters (or bobos as the French call them) hanging out on their break. Napoleon I ordered the construction of this 2.9 mile or 4.6 km canal in the early 1800s. It was used to supply building materials and grain, and even still this day you will see barges transporting various objects and goods. Pick a spot on one of the long green low benches by the water or stand high on one of the cast iron footbridges to take in the view from above.
It's lunch time. If it is nice out, take a 30 minute stroll or hop on the metro to the 11th arrondissement, about a 17 min commute. Get off the Père Lachaise stop and make your way to Popine. We know pizza is not traditional French food but this pizzeria dishes up authentic neapolitan style pizzas that could contest with any pizza joints in Naples. Our favorites are the mortadelle e pistacchio and the classic margherita. We guarantee that it will be life changing pizza. You will thanks us later.
Go to Pierre Hermé and try some of his world renowned macarons. If you prefer chocolate, ask for the plénitude or the carrément chocolat. And if you are feeling glutenous, add the Ispahan to your box of goodies. It's basically an oversized macaron with fresh raspberries, rose petals and lychees sandwiched within. There are sixteen boutiques all over Paris. Just type Pierre Hermé in Google maps to find the nearest one.
Time for some coffee! Head to Les Deux Magots where you will be transported back to 1885. Much of the interior is well preserved from the 19th century and all the staff still wears the signature black vest and bow-ties. For non-coffee drinkers, they also serve the iconic hot cocoa or in French Le Chocolat des Deux Magots à l'ancienne. It's creamy, rich and has just the right amount of sweetness.
Just a 15 minute walk across the bridge is where you will find the famous Mona Lisa painting, the arm less statue of Venus de Milo and headless Nike of Samothrace sculptures. You are bound to find inspiration in their collection of 380,000 some art pieces through out the Louvre. Going to the museum at night means less crowds. Plus the glass pyramid looks gorgeous in the evening.
Head to the very hip Au Passage in the 11th district. Anthony Bourdain dined at this informal but relaxed restaurant in 2010. It certainly did not lose its charm all these years. The servers and owners are friendly and more than willing to provide recommendations from their all delicious tapas style menu. Order a bunch of small plates to share and don’t forger to try their natural wines.
Breakfast or brunch? Both are served at the delicious Buvette in the 9th arrondissement. Though they offer traditional classics like the croque monsieur and madame sandwiches, they also dish up contemporary favorites like the popular toast a l'avocat (avocado toast). You can't go wrong with waffles drizzled with a sweet berry reduction and topped with fresh fruit. Have a mimosa with your meal...after all you are in Paris!
Find some peace in the middle of the hectic, busy city at the Luxembourg gardens. Situated in the 6th arrondissement, this impressive park was built by Marie de' Medici in 1612. It contains charming terraces, hundreds of scattered statues, a marvelous bronze fountain and an octagonal basin where young children sail their toy boats. Join the locals and relax by the orchards with a bottle of wine and a baguette.
Walk a few streets down to Rue d'Aligre and you will see this road transformed into an outdoor food market called the Marché d'Aligre. Here you will discover some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, fishes, nuts and just about anything you need to make a splendid meal. It can get a little hectic here around 12 pm, as locals are attempting to gather all their produce before the outdoor market closes at 1 pm.
Do it like the locals and get yourself a whole roasted chicken at Au Chapon d'Aligre. Also known as Marché Beauvau or Marché Couvert Beauvau, this section of the Aligre market is covered and indoors with permanent food stalls. This is the place to purchase your fresh poultry, wild game, cheese and even craft beers.
Follow the delicious smell and your nose will lead you to the huge rotisserie oven filled with crispy, juicy chicken. You might find the size of the bird smaller than our American standards, but believe me it has all the unbelievable flavors of a good roasted chicken. The butcher will place the hot poulet rôti in a bag to retain the heat. You can eat it on the spot or take it back to your hotel/airbnb!
