When we first booked our trip to Istanbul we found out our layover to get there would have to be in Paris. Well, we couldn’t stop in Paris and not stay a few days. With that being said, we decided to extend our trip a few days and go to our favorite spots. As you drive into Paris from the airport I always get this overwhelming feeling of excitement. It’s a combination of many things – the architecture, the fashion, the cafes, the people watching and best of all, the steak frites. We may or may not have had them both nights we were there. You only live once, right?
Since this trip was incredibly quick (unlike our usual week we like to spend in Paris) we had a clear mission to hit up all of our favorite shops on Saturday since almost everything is closed on Sundays. It was a long list but with the energy and inspiration of Paris anything is possible. I wanted to share my top ten places to go.
1.) Merci – I’ve been in love with their linen bedding ever since a friend brought a pair of pillowcases back for me years ago. You must walk around this shop and then head to lunch at their restaurant – it’s one of the best lunches I’ve had in a long time. If you aren’t hungry then go sit in their library cafe for a tea.
2.) Mariage Freres – Since I’m a tea person I always love going to Mariage to find a new blend of tea to bring home. They have walls lined with beautiful teas that are divine.
3.) Musee de l’Orangerie – Probably my favorite museum to go to in Paris because it’s small and I love Monet.
4.) Saint Germain – This is the neighborhood we’ve stayed in for the past twelve years and every time we go back the neighborhood feels like home. I love the cafes, boutiques and hotels that line the streets of Saint Germain.
5.) Astier de Villatte – This store is pure heaven. Imagine rooms stacked with your favorite items – Astier is that for me. Although it’s a small shop, they have tons of items that you don’t find coming to the US. I love taking my time looking through each corner of this store.
6.) Le Marais – The Marais is the only neighborhood in Paris that is open on Sundays. Because of this we decided to spend Sunday wandering the streets getting lost in shops and restaurants. It was bustling with people and the neighborhood was filled with gems.
7.) Laduree – The perfect treat to bring home to family and friends. Don’t forget to get a few for yourself!
8.) L’Hotel – This was newly discovered this trip and I’ll definitely be going back. We popped in here after dinner for a drink. It was recommended by a friend. It was a great place to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and it was super mellow. Just watch out for the moving light bulbs on the sconces, they made us think we were on a ship.
9.) Le Relais de l’Entrecote – What can I say about this restaurant? I start craving the sauce they serve with the steak as soon as I land. The entire ambiance of the restaurant, the simplicity of only having to decide what to drink because they only serve one thing makes it such an experience like nothing we have here. I promise, it’s worth the wait in line!
10.) Tour Eiffel – Maybe it’s because I’m young at heart but every trip to Paris I make a trip to see the Eiffel Tower. It only has to be a few minutes but it makes my heart skip a beat when I see it. Remember Meg Ryan in French Kiss so excited to see it? That first time I see it peering through the buildings gives me goose bumps.
There are so many fabulous places to go in Paris but what I want you to remember while you are there, is to enjoy walking the streets. It’s the only way you can take in the beauty of the city.
Photos by Caitlin Flemming