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Dreaming of a quick getaway to Paris? Let the city of love, music, coffee and croissants melt away your worries, and warm your heart. By day, immerse yourself in one of the many museums or galleries Paris has to offer or simply take a stroll down anyone of its enchanting streets to fall in love with Paris. As night falls, indulge in typical Parisian fare at one of its ubiquitous bistros with steak and frites. Rest your weary legs in the most comfortable bed, and repeat it all again the next day for the perfect weekend in Paris.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
Start your morning off like most Parisians, with a coffee and a croissant. No matter which arrondissement you are staying in, you will most likely find a boulangerie where you can buy a mouth-watering buttery, flakey croissant and coffee. Or, start your morning with a crusty baguette and butter. Be generous with the butter, french butter is excellent – so creamy and so good! And if you’re feeling a bit hungrier, order a soft boiled egg and dunk your crusty baguette into the yolk – one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had! Grab one of the most delicious croissants in Paris at Terroirs d’Avenir on 3 rue de Nil for only €1. They make fantastic baguettes, seasonal breads and a variety of delicious pastries.
Lunch
After a morning of sight-seeing enjoy a traditional crêpe bretonne with ham, cheese and an egg. Or a baguette on the go with ham and cheese. The infamous tuna niçoise or quiche at most bistros would be perfect lunch options too.
Goûter
The french have a very special time in the day called le goûter. It is similar to British high tea and is that time where you eat a little something after lunch and before dinner. Goûter is the perfect time for a crispy, buttery pastry from one of the many boulangerie in Paris. Try some of the classics, like Millefeuille, Tarte Citron, Eclair Chocolat, or Paris-Brest. If it’s rainy and a bit chilly, try a Parisian hot chocolate to warm you up. The best can be found at Angelina’s. Laudarée has been around for many many years and still makes the best tasting, perfect macarons. Pierre Hermes is an institution and his impeccable pastries and macarons that should not be missed. Equally, Lenôtre makes elegantly, beautiful macarons with delicious, innovative flavours.
Dinner
As dusk falls, indulge in a glass of champagne and aperitif by the Seine or the Eiffel Tower and watch as the twinkling lights sparkle on the Iron Lady. For added romance, book a river cruise on the Seine. After, pop into a little bistro for dinner, order a steak and frites and indulge in a cheese platter or a plate of profiteroles oozing with chocolate sauce for dessert. L’Entrecôte famously only serves one dish, steak and frites with the most delectable sauce. Don’t miss it! It’s the perfect weekend in Paris.
Where to Visit
Architecture – While strolling the enchanting streets of Paris, don’t forget to look up and marvel at the intricate architecture of the Parisian buildings. Uniquely Haussmann architecture, with elaborate wrought iron balconies, mansard roofs and magnificently decorated doors are what makes Paris so charming.
Nature – Take a stroll in the picturesque Jardin des Tuileries, coffee or hot chocolate in hand, and take in all of Paris. Relax in the sunshine on the iconic green benches dotted around the park. Stop by the pond to watch the toy boats depart on their voyage.
Culture – Then stop for some artistic appreciation in the Louvre. One of the largest curated galleries in the world, housed in a former palace. Not only does it have the most famous painting in the world, the Mona-Lisa, but it has a plethora of valuable works of arts from all over the world. Opéra Garnier, Musee D’Orsay and La Tour Eiffel are fantastic museums in their own right.
Sweet – À l’Etoile d’Or is a niche sweet and chocolate specialist shop that you definitely can’t miss. Run by Denise Acabo it has a wide range of sweets and chocolates from all over France. Bernachon, the delectable bean-to-bar chocolate from Lyon, can be found in A l’Étoile d’Or and is the only place outside of Lyon that sells it. Don’t miss the deliciously creamy and sweet, individually wrapped caramels either.
Where to Stay
On a Budget
Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
Located in the 18th arrondissement Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is a beautiful hotel. Montmartre is a charming hilltop neighbourhood with a village atmosphere. It has quaint cobbled streets and equally charming bistros. If you want to visit the famous white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur or see the cancan dancers in the Moulin Rouge, this is the place to be. This place gets booked up really quickly, so be fast. Rooms starting at around $180USD per night.
Hôtel Victoire & Germain
Hôtel Victoire & Germain is located in the 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain des Prés. It’s a great neighbourhood for old-world glamour and history. Stroll amongst the leafy streets and dine in some of the finest restaurants. Take in some art at the Musee du Luxembourg and the have lunch at the literary favourite Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Rooms start at €209. Be quick, because of the prime location and high rating, this is popular.
On a Splurge
Hôtel de Crillon
Fulfill your Marie-Antoinette dreams and book a room in the luxurious Hôtel de Crillon. It opened in 1909 in a historic brick building situated at the perfectly central located Place de la Concorde. Hôtel de Crillon is in a privileged club of hotels that are classified as “palace hotels”. This prestigious honour (a class higher than 5-star) means that Hôtel de Crillon has exceptional service, design, facilities, and important architectural heritage. Deluxe Rooms start at €1,500.
Paris Perfect Rentals
If you’re looking for a place that feels more like a home, look no further than Paris Perfect Rentals. They have a variety of apartments in various arrondissements in Paris. If you want to wake up to a view of the Eiffel Tower from your room, they have the perfect selection of apartments to choose from to make you feel like a true Parisian. Apartment Champagne rentals start at around $750-$1000USD per night.
Cover Image: Instagram | @wonguy974
