Six days in the city of lights!

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I have just visited one of my favorite cities in the world, one that I also call my second home: Paris. Following my stay I drew up a day by day journal with my favorite hotspots and itineraries. Maybe there are spots you’ve already visited or maybe these are all new to you. Compare my list to yours and enjoy!!

Day 1: Delicious Crepes at La Galette

France’s or in this case Paris’ own version of pancakes are called “Crepes”, a paper thin pancake most widely eaten with Nutella. At Galette Café on the “rive gauche” you will also find a selection of buckwheat savory versions called Galettes. I had a buckwheat galette with a sunny side up egg and emmental cheese (I had the impression I was eating something healthy) and as dessert a crepe with stewed apples and salted-butter caramel sauce. To walk it off I took a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries and it’s annual funfair.

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Day 2: We picked up breakfast at Monoprix (supermarket chain) and headed out to Versailles to visit its chateau.IMG_5217

The castle and gardens are impressive in size and beauty. Make sure you buy your entrance tickets in advance to avoid long queuing times as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Paris area. The castle has very crowded passage ways, but the enormous gardens are very peaceful and quiet. We had lunch at a local brasserie before heading back to Paris. On the way out of the metro I made a quick visit at Talc (charming children’s clothing store where each item is designed by the shop owner) and a quick look at Gap kids.

Dinner at La Recyclerie, an old railwaystation turned into a laid back boho chic restaurant serving a different menu every week and child friendly. Easy to reach with the line 4 metro train which stops right in front of the door.

Day 3: Euro Disney!!! Choosing to go on a weekday instead of the weekend saved us long queues. For the popular rides you can get a fast pass that allows you to reserve a ride for a certain time and skip the line. We didn’t really have to do that as it wasn’t that crowded most rides took us no longer than 20 minutes to get in.IMG_5284

We saw Elsa and Anna from kid’s favorite Frozen who have their own parade which for my daughter was a dream come true. Snacks and drinks are very expensive so you would be better of bringing your own with you.

Day 4: Brunch at La Duree, a French chain of luxury bakeries dated back to 1862, known worldwide for their macaroons. They also serve a delicious brunch and my all time favorite is their French toast.IMG_5321

I promise you it’s the best you’ve ever had! Don’t forget to pick up some delicious macaroons on your way out.IMG_5326

When brunch was over we strolled around the city and picked up some snacks at Le Bon Marche, a luxury department store (first in the world!) that has besides a beautiful store, one of the city’s leading food stores in the adjacent La Grande Epicerie selling over 30,000 gourmet products.

Dinner was at Waley Fay, an elegant yet simple setting with mood lighting, serving West African and West Indies dishes with a twist. It has the Feel of a family run restaurant and the food reminds me of something my mother would cook.

Day 5: Breakfast from Eric Kayser one of the many delicious bakeries of Paris. Their croissants are the finest.

Shopping in Le Marais a very Parisian, central, village-like neighborhood full of trendy restaurants, traditional cafes, art galleries and tons of trendy boutiques (also open on sundays).IMG_4949

Snacks from the Marche Des Enfants Rouge, every single time I am in Paris I keep coming back to this cozy hidden market (oldest covered market of Paris) with a great vibe and offering different types of kitchens (Moroccan, Japanese, Lebanese, Caribbean food etc.)

Lunch at PNY, if you like burgers this is the place to be (also vegetarian burgers). Decorated like a 50s New york diner with its pastel colors but with a modern French twist and feel.

Drinks at Le Comptoir General, a hidden living museum of France’s colonial past housing a Bar, Restaurant, Nightclub and vintage shopping. See 5 reasons for a night out in LeMarais http://maureenpowel.com/maureenpowel.com/?p=773IMG_5362

Dinner at Favela Chic, a Brazilian-themed bar/restaurant with an international crowd which also turns to a club at night. There are decent DJs, Brazilian food and drinks.

Day 6: Brunch chez Ralph, Ralph Lauren’s Paris restaurant. The cozy typical but tasteful Ralph Lauren style interior gives you a perfect peek into what it must have been to be a privileged American who lives in the Hamptons.IMG_5385

I decided to go for their pancakes (which is served with fresh red fruits and homemade whipped cream) and Eggs Benedict which were very flavorful and cooked  perfectly. Ralph’s is more about ambience and style and translates that in their price of food which is above average. Let that not hold you from treating yourself and go Hampton-style!IMG_5383

A visit to Musee du quai Branly, which features the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. It’s located close to the Eiffel tower so great to combine and visit both or for just that picture moment. Like every Museum they also have temporary exhibits, check their website for updates. Until October 18th they have an exhibit tracing the history of tattoos called “Tattoo and Tattooed”. Very informative but occasionally freaky,real human dried skin was displayed with tattoos.IMG_5390

We finished the day and the week with dinner at La Petite Chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris! The menu features perfect examples of French classics: foie gras, escargots, French onion soup and salads of boudin noir. For main course I had the veal in a creamy cheese sauce. The food tasted just as good as it looks. For dessert I strongly recommend the crème brulee, creamy and delicious.

Back home and already thinking about the next time I will be back in Paris,

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Love,

Maureen

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