Tag Archives: Paris

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.

Top 5 Pains Au Chocolat in Paris

Crisp upon crisper layers of puff. Firm, dark chocolate in every bite. Buttery flakes of pastry that melt on your tongue…but then, Stendhal famously said, “Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.” Experience the nuances of the perfect pain au chocolat on this tour of Parisian patisseries that promises an array of interpretations for your sweet tooth. French pastries are really just mouth art because from one chocolate croissant to the next, each one will bear the distinctive signature of its chef. One thing is certain: they’ll all be sublime.

 


 

1. bread & roses

62, Rue Madame | 75006 Paris | 01 42 22 06 06

Before or after a visit to the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens, enjoy one of the few organic bakeries in Paris. Situated right outside the gardens, it’s a patisserie with the kind of tearoom you can easily sit in for hours. And naturally, enough pastries to keep you busy for just as long. But, you know what you came for, so start with what many deem this the #1 pain au chocolat in the city.

 

Bread & Roses

 


 

2. Du Pain et des Idées

34, Rue Yves Toudic | 75010 Paris | 01 42 40 44 52

Those seeking the “simple yet intense happiness with something as simple as a piece of bread,” will appreciate the pastry chef’s attention to the craft of time-honored methods found here. Dating back to 1889, original interiors transport you to a Paris of a different time. Named the best French bakery in Paris by Gault & Millau gourmet magazine in 2008, it’s more than just its elegant ambience, though; it’s the pain au chocolat that locals and globetrotters avow is the best of the best.

 

Du Pain et des Idees

 


 

3. 134 r.d.t.

134, Rue de Turenne |  75003 Paris | 33 1 42 78 04 72

While the rule of thumb with most Parisian bakeries is to arrive early, this simply appointed boulangerie in fact does have the locals lined up at dawn’s break. Located in the charming medieval streets of Le Marais, the place is busy all day (including the daily flock of Parisian children who swarm the place afterschool for their French pastry treats), so be prepared to wait a bit. It’ll be worth it when you behold the exquisite feuilletage (flakiness) of the pains au chocolat here.

 

134 r.d.t.

 


 

4. Gérard Mulot

76, Rue de Seine | 75006 Paris | 33 1 43 26 85 77

One of the most celebrated patisseries in all of Paris, the bliss of this establishment begins before you even enter the front door. Have your camera ready to snap some of the most gorgeous pastry displays in all of Paris. Positively architectural confections beckon you to a veritable Shangri-La of tarts, cakes, éclairs, caramels and of course, pains au chocolat. Of all the selections on this list, this one boasts the deepest, richest dark chocolate within its flaky layers.

 

Gerard Mulot

 


 

5. Des Gâteaux et du Pain

63, Boulevard Pasteur | 75006 Paris | 33 1 43 26 85 77

Another photogenic entry, this beautiful bakery is amongst those known as a bijouterie, owing luxuriant interiors reminiscent of a luxe Parisian jewelry shop. After you absorb the visual splendor, sample the pain au chocolat that makes our list for being airy, and if it’s possible, the lightest version of this delicious classic pastry.

 

Des Gateaux et du Pain

Images courtesy of Damaneke Santiago