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A Foodie’s Guide to a Week in Paris

Name a city you’d rather be whisked away to than Paris. Go on, think about it – I’ll wait. Whether you’ve never been to the City of Light or you’re there so often it’s practically your second home, Paris never fails to disappoint. There is always something new to discover and (likely fall in love with) hidden among the city’s rambling streets, gardens, and bustling cafes.

Lucky you (and me), there’s also never a bad time to go to the city. Paris is magical no matter the season—if you’ve never been you might want to avoid going in August when the city basically empties, although there’s something to be said about feeling like you have the whole city to yourself—especially for foodies who will find culinary delights at every turn. The next time you find yourself in Paris let your stomach guide you around. Think of this foodie guide to a week in Paris as your rough itinerary; after all, one of the best things about the city is the unexpected surprises you’ll find.

 

Getting there + where to stay

It’s so easy to get to Paris it’s almost as if the city is inviting you to come. You’ll find flights from all major cities (from NYC, it’s possible to find nonstop roundtrip flights for less than $500). Once there, between the public transportation, taxis, and your feet, getting around is a snap, but depending on how familiar you are with the city and what you want to do, I’d stay in either the  2nd Arrondissement (full of cafes and shops and the charming Hotel des Grands Boulevards), the 1st Arrondissement (full of attractions), or the 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower).

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What to do in Paris (that isn’t necessarily about food)

Throw your Paris game plan out the window. The city is all about wandering. Here are a few places to start:

The 3rd Arrondissement: This historic district is a must-visit for trendsetters. You’ll find everything from fancy boutiques selling high-end designer clothes to musty antique shops.

Take in the Eiffel Tower at Dark: OK – it’s super touristy but no matter how many times I’ve been, I always make a point of stopping and appreciating the Eiffel Tower at dark.

Buy a book at Shakespeare and Company: Just do it. The English language bookshop is straight out of a fairy-tale.

Walk Along the Seine: Get a little lost strolling by The Seine. Explore the bridges, walk around the Tuileries Garden, and take in Monet’s “Water Lilies” at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

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A foodie’s guide to Paris

From Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall creperies to melt in your mouth croissants, Paris was made for foodies. Here’s where to eat and drink:

Les Vignerons Parisiens: You can’t go to France and not spend some time learning about and tasting wine. This urban winery makes its wine on site (most of the grapes are from France’s Rhone Valley).

Café Oberkampf: Don’t be fooled by the exterior, this unfussy coffee shop has one of the best brunches in all of Paris. Anything you order off the small menu will be incredible.

Take a Cooking Class: There’s no better way to take Paris home with you than by learning how to cook like a Parisian chef. Try La Cuisine Paris for an éclairs class or learn how to cook from ingredients picked up at a Paris market with this Market Visit and Cooking Class with a Parisian Chef class.

Pierre Hermé: Buy macarons for all your friends at home (it’s ok if you accidentally eat them all).

Marché Bastille: Give yourself plenty of time to explore Marché Bastille. One of the biggest markets in Paris, you’ll want to visit on Sunday morning if you can. You’ll find the largest and  freshest selection of freshly picked fruit such as strawberries, tons of baked goods, pungent cheeses, and so much more.

La Fontaine de Mars or Chez l’Ami Jean: Make sure you have at least one old-school French bistro meal while in Paris. Go on and order the escargot.

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Bonhomie: Settling into the blue leather stool at this welcoming cocktail bar you’ll feel like a 1940s movie star.

Le Mary Celeste: For a mid-day or late-night snack this fairly new restaurant is great for sharing small plates over a bottle of wine or cocktails.

La Crêperie Bretonne: Bet you can’t order just one crepe from this neighborhood spot that has been dishing up some of Paris’ best crepes since the 1930s.