This Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I decided to collaborate on one of our favorite cities, Paris. There are so many things to love about the City of Light, so it is hard to know where to begin, so I felt it best to put together a Best of List. Now, some of you may disagree, but keep in mind, it is my best, not the best.
Best of Paris
Best Museum. I have been to many, not all, but many. So far, my favorite has been the Rodin. The building itself is exquisite, the wrought iron banister leading to the second floor is to-die-for, his works are amazing. Though the mansion is large, the small rooms allow it to remain intimate. His larger works, like The Thinker, are nestled among the gardens out back. You can even grab a nosh in the cafe.
Best Patisserie. Hands down, it is Ladurée. Each location is decorated a little differently, but they all exude that French style. The window displays are perfectly delicious, as well as the signature Ladurée pastel packaging. But the thing that keeps me coming back are the macaroons. Rose, violet, pistachio, lime and cafe are just a few of the inventive flavors.
Best Wine Bar. Though I have a handful of favorites, the Taverne Henri IV, located between the Pont Neuf and the Place Dauphine, will always top my list. The cozy atmosphere, the delicious homemade food that changes daily, and the wonderful selection of inexpensive wines make this a favorite of many locals and tourists alike. The location and the amicable owners are the real reason it holds a special place in my heart.
Best Spot For Sunset. Located at the tip of the I'le de la Cité is a small park, called Square du Vert-Galant. A lovely, serene spot to grab a park bench and relax, or smooch, like the locals do. Walk out a bit further at sunset though and enjoy the stunning array of jewel-toned colors light up the sky as the glow from the setting sun slowly transforms the bridges and buildings from cold grey to warm amber.
Best For a Stroll. Far away from the crowds and the center of the city is an area made famous by the movie Amelie. The Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10th arrondissement, is lined with trees, bridges, and locks along the canal. It makes for a lovely, quiet, picturesque and shady walk. There are several new boutiques and cafes in the area worth a visit, including the Hotel du Nord.
Best Quintessential Paris. Day or night, the I'le Saint Louis, exudes charm. With its tiny cobbled streets, romantic quays, boutiques, bridges and stunning views of both the right and left bank of Paris, it showcases a bit of everything Paris has to offer, all in the tiniest of spaces. And Berthillon, Paris's best ice cream, is located right in the center of it all!
Best Neighborhood. The Marais is a lively section on the right bank and a perfect spot to spend a whole day. Wander the streets, pop in and out of the funky boutiques, spend some time on the Place des Vosges or one of the many museums located here. Locals flock here on Sundays, as it is one of the only places where shops are open. If you like Greenwich Village in NYC, than you will love the Marais!
Best Off the Beaten Path. Wander away from the touristy Place du Tertre, behind Sacré Coeur, and you will find the backstreets of the Buttes Montmartre. It's a neighborhood lined with gorgeous examples of Haussmann architecture, large apartment buildings complete with French windows and iron balustrades, tiny streets with little French houses, quaint parks and passageways, a cemetery and a small vineyard on Rue St. Vincent. I love getting lost there.
So many more, so little time. So, tell me what is on your Best of Paris list?
Don't forget,
Cherrye has her favorites for Paris too! Make sure you check it out!
September 30th, 2008
What a great list, Robin. I love your best stroll locale and Berthillon *is* great ice cream. It is worth the wait, for sure.
September 30th, 2008
I just wish I had this handy before I went a few years ago – makes me want to go back!
September 30th, 2008
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Paris…very traditional French rustic decor and food!! It’s our go to restaurant when we’re there.
At the corner of Le Regrattier and St Louis en l’Ile, A 17° Century shop, now a restaurant : Aux Anyseniers du Roy (King’s Anise Sellers).
61, rue Saint-Louis en L’Ile, Paris 75004, France
Tel: 015624845
September 30th, 2008
Lately I have been writing down as many tips as possible from blogs like yours regarding the “best of” for many different European cities. By getting tips from people who have visited cities that you haven’t, you are saving money and you’re getting “more bang for your buck” because these are the must-see parts of every city. These are definitely some great ideas for my first trip to Paris, whenever that may be. Thanks!
September 30th, 2008
Hey Robin! You’ve been doing a wonderful job on these traveling tips!
September 30th, 2008
Cherrye: Hmmm, still doesn’t come close to gelato though
Transiettravels: Ah, right ‘em down anyway- you WILL go back!!
Angie: Probably walked past it more than a few times. Thanks for the tip!!
Jeff: You are most welcome!! That’s what I am here for
Maryann: Aaaaw, you are so sweet
October 3rd, 2008
I love the Marais! Every night we eat dinner using some old hotel silver I bought in a little shop there. Back in those innocent pre-9/11 days, I packed 6 knives, forks and spoons in my carry-on:/
Great post, Robin, keep the travel tips coming!
Mary
October 3rd, 2008
Mary: The Marais does have it’s own special charm doesn’t it? As long as I have readers like you…I’ll keep those tips coming for ya
January 30th, 2009
I just found your blog. This is great. I will going back to Paris in August. One of my favorite places is the Latin Quarter. I really enjoyed the readings at the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore on Monday evenings. I will be shooting portraits for Americans over there. Check out my website
http://www.internationalfamilyportraits.com
January 30th, 2009
Thank you so much Tricia!!! How nice for you to be going back to Paris this year!! Shakespeare is a *great* bookstore, in an even better location!! To bad I wasn’t going to be one of the Americans that you were shooting in Paris
Come back and visit me on the blog, anytime!!