The Perfect View
Now that the dollar is gaining some strength against the Euro, you may be thinking about finally planning that dream trip to Paris. Paris is a city for lovers, but also for lovers of art, food, wine, music, and architecture. In fact, it’s easy to fall in love with Paris. But with so many choices of places to see and things to do, it can feel overwhelming. Sure the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe are on everyone’s list, but there is more to see and experience beyond the travel guide highlights. Here are my 5 favorite places that truly shine in the city of lights.
1. The Trocadero. Why? It has the most amazing view of the Tour Eiffel. Standing in line on a hot summer day to ride up to the second or third level (closed temporarily due to restoration) of the Gustave-built icon can be quite frustrating. While the views of the city of Paris are magnificent from above, it’s hard to get the full view of the tower itself.
Across La Seine River and perched high on a hill, the Trocadero platform will provide the perfect view from which to capture that memorable picture of you and the Eiffel Tower.
Tip: Across the street from the Trocadero at the cross-section of Place Saint Augustine, you’ll find Le Carré. A sprawling café and restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating that is a well-known place to stop for a café la crème and croissant as you watch the passersby.
2. Ladurée on the Champs Elysées for lunch. Why? It has the most magnificent macarons and pastries in the city and is perfect for people watching. Sure the Champs is full of crowds and touristy cafes, fast food stops, and low end stores, but Ladurée which dates back to 1862, is a gem in the ruff on this strip. You’ll hear more French than English spoken amongst the patrons here. Whether you choose to sit outside under the pale mint-colored awning, or inside the bustling Parisian tearoom surrounded with windows for people watching, you will be enticed by the magnificent offerings on the menu.
Entrance to Ladurée
Start with one of les grandes salades and a coupe de Champagne Ladurée. But save room for some sweets, their claim to fame. Order a pot of the fragrant thé malange special Ladurée or thé Marie-Antoinette to sip and a few different flavors of the mini macarons to sample. Not to be confused with the heavy, shredded coconut confection, the American macaroon; these small, round, light sandwich-like cookies that come in many flavors, are airy, delicate and delicious.
My favorites are pistachio, salted caramel, raspberry and the seasonal flavor out now, Mimosa. Be sure to order one of the colorful boxes to-go, filled with a variety of macaron flavors to bring home as a souvenir. Actually make that an order of two boxes, just in case you eat the first one on the plane; it is easy to do.
3. Le Marais in the 3 Arr. and 4 Arr.. Why? Strolling around this enchanting neighborhood makes for the best walking tour in Paris. The small, narrow streets and pre-revolution architecture provide the perfect backdrop for the numerous bars, boutiques and cafes that have recently blossomed in this area.
This is an excellent place to find well made but inexpensive wearable items. On the rue Vieille du Temple and the rue des Francs Bourgeois you’ll find both cutting edge designs and truly French inspired clothes in the adorable little boutiques that run along these two streets.
When shopping has gotten the best of your appetite, head to the Jewish Quarter for a taste of the one of the best falafel in the world at Chez Hanna. The line out the door for takeout falafel sandwiches will let you know you’re in the right place. Grab a table and order the falafel platter with a side of hot sauce and a cold glass of Israeli rosé.
To walk off the lingering scent of hummus and tahini, make a visit to the Musée Picasso. 200 paintings, roughly 3000 drawings and more than 100 ceramic works are on display. And while it doesn’t house Picasso’s most famous works of art, you will still find plenty to please the eye.
Don’t miss: The Kiss, and Picasso’s own collection of Cezanne, Matisse, and Degas paintings also on display here.
4. Take a Day Trip to Chateau de Versailles. Why? A short 20 minute ride from Paris on the RER train, and you’ll find yourself standing at the grand chateau that was once France’s political capital and the seat of the royal court from 1682-1789. It is the most opulent structure ever built in French history, and the vast gardens
Fountain in the Gardens of Chateau de Versailles
with their famed singing fountains are romantically impressive enough to spend an entire day wondering through them. King Louis XIV known as the ‘Sun King’ was also known for his pursuit of magnificence. Gander at all of the magnificently gaudy glory that was built in the name of France under his rule.
Tip: During high tourist season, buy your tickets ahead of time for the chateau and gardens from one of the tourist offices that line the street across from the train station. Although they take a commission fee, you’ll be happy to have paid the little extra money not to have to stand in a long line in the sun on a hot summer day.
The Bar at L'Atelier
5. Dine at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Why? Joel Robuchon is a world-renowned chef and holds many titled awards such as ‘Chef of the Century’ and ‘Frances Best Craftsmen’, and while he operates a dozen restaurants world wide, and holds a total of 25 Michelin stars, L’Atelier Paris was the first of his eponymous empire. There are no tables to dine at here, only bar seating atop 40 lipstick-red bar stools. The dinner tasting menu is a must (8 courses plus l’amuse-bouche, 150 Euro) to truly get a feel for the chef’s creative artful presentations and ingredient focused, fully French cuisine. You’ll have total street cred with gourmands around the world when you tell them you dined at this Parisian landmark. Yes, it’s a splurge, but in Paris one must always set aside time and money for an elaborate evening out.
Tip: Reservations are only taken for lunch, and for the 6:30pm time slot, otherwise it’s first come first serve. And dogs are allowed of course.
FIND IT
Le Carre 12, Place Saint Augustin www.restaurantlecarre.com
Ladurée Champs Elysées 75, avenue des Champs Elysées Tel : 01.40.75.08.75 www.laduree.fr
Chez Hanna 54 rue des Rosiers, 4th Arr.
Musee Picasso 5 rue de Thorigny www.musee-picasso.fr
Chateau de Versailles Place d’Armes 78000 Versailles
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon 5 rue de Montalembert www.joel-robuchon.com
*Arr. is short for arrondissement. There are 20 arrondissements (municipal administrative districts) in Paris. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrondissements_of_Paris
