Paris France The Eiffel Tower

DAY 2

The day starts off with freezing rain and snow. Not very encouraging, but you can’t come to Paris just to stay locked in your hotel room. We wandered outside in the shower, being optimistic about the rain had to stop at some point. Paris is still a beautiful sight in the rain. We headed towards the Marais and Quartier Latin an area I’m not familiar with in Paris. Along place Monge, Jussieu, Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes.

For lunch, we opted for the typical crêperie. What is a crêperie, then? Imagine a crêperie as a Pizza place, but instead of serving pizza, they do buckwheat galette with various toping like ham, eggs and cheese. For dessert, you can opt for sweet dough pancakes with toppings like cinnamon and apples, banana chocolate or chestnut purée. If you want to have a cheap and cheerful lunch, the crêperie is the perfect option. We had lunch at the crêperie Little Breizh rue Grégoire de Tours in the 6th. It’s a small restaurant, and the galettes and crêpes were delicious.

We headed off towards the Jardin des Plantes the botanical gardens in the afternoon. To walk, we continued our way along the Seine River via Isle Saint Louis. A walk along the river is one of the best ways to discover Paris. So stroll along and take great photos.

You can’t stay in Paris and not treat yourself to a patisserie. While I usually try to head to Angelina at least once during my stay, this time, I decided to try something new. We headed off to “Fou de Patisserie” rue de la Seine in the 6th arrondissement. You will find a few of these boutiques across Paris. They offer what I would call a “Haute couture” Patisserie designed by the best patissiers in France. Each pièce is a delight for the eyes and taste buds, and your task will be to choose the ones that appeal to you the most. I tried the Baba au Rhum designed by Mathieu Mandard pour Les Artizans served with blue Jasmin tea. Do not even try to be on a diet in Paris!

In the evening we had chosen another restaurants in the rue Surcouf and had dinner at the Petite Tonneau walking from our hotel along Boulevard St Germain, Rue de l’Université, rue de Grenelle to arrive rue Surcouf . The petit Tonneau has been around for more than 80 years. It does have more of a restaurant feel than a bistro and the food presentation was more sophisticated than what you would usually find in a typical bistro. You will be able to select from the traditional soupe à l’oignon, blanquette de veau, fish and of course the Tarte Tatin. We had a wonderful time at the Petit Tonneau.

Before booking at the Petit Tonneau we tried to book at Chez Marcel. One piece of advice you have to book well in advance to eat Chez Marcel this is a very small Bistrot with red and white checked table cloths. Experience the true French vibes with dishes from traditional French cuisine. Try the mouthwatering duck, pies and quenelle with your friends.

After dinner, we wandered close to the Eiffel tower. Head towards rue de l‘Université for a close-up view of the tower. Walk back via the Trocadero for an unmissable view of the lit Eiffel Towe

Paris Eiffel Tower by Night

Paris Isle Saint Louis

DAY 3

This was our last day in Paris, we headed off to La Maison d’Isabelle for one of the best croissant in Paris. This is only a take away bakery but you can easily buy a croissant and walk the streets of Paris while eating it. For lunch we choose a bistro between Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord called the Café des Deux Gares, they offer a daily menu and a small plates à la carte. There is also an hotel of the same name near by. (see the directory below for more details)

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I am sure you will love it. You can roam around Paris at your own pace but if you do like to treat yourself visit some of the finest restaurants in Paris just ensure you book in advance. Paris is a great city for foodies, so have a fabulous time wherever you eat, remember to slow down and enjoy

Paris on a River Seine Stroll

DIRECTORY

PLACES TO STAY

ON A BUDGET

Hotel du Nord a quirky and small hotel close to the Gare du Nord. Book via their website as you will not find them on any booking website. Rooms from €78 euros

Mama Shelter hotels for the Wes Anderson experience. The hotel brand “Mama Shelter” represent this cool and young atmosphere, room from €135.They have a few hotels across Paris

Hôtel des Deux Gares close to Gare du Nord a very british and querky boutique hotel – rooms from €120

HIGHER UP

Hotel Jardins de Cluny in the 6th a small feel hotel designed with taste, room from €235

ON A SPLASH

The shangri-la rooms from €1490

Hotel de Crillon rooms from €1800

PLACES TO EAT FOR LUNCH

Creperie Little Breizh rue Gregoire de Tours, 75006 Paris

Bistro des 2 Gares close to the gare du Nord 1 Rue des Deux Gares, 75010 Paris

WHERE TO EAT A PATISSERIE

Fou de Patisserie to try Haute Couture Patisserie by the best in France. They have a few boutique across town

Angelina close to the Louvre, for the ultimate hot Chocolate and Mont-Blanc queues can be quite long and it’s advisable to book.

PLACES TO EAT FOR DINNER – ITS ADVISABLE TO BOOK

Bistrot France Rue de Surcouf 7th

Au petit Tonneau Rue de Surcouf 7th

Chez Marcel 7 Rue Stanislas, 75006 Paris

WHERE TO EAT A CROISSANT?

La Maison d’Isabelle 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris

GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

Maison Plume : 3rd district (Fille de Calvaire)

La Belle vie sans gluten : 7th district (Ecole Militaire)

MUSEUMS IT’S ADVISABLE TO BOOK WELL AHEAD

Le Louvre

Musée d’Orsay

Musée Rodin

Musée du Grand Pala