Come with me to Paris!
Paris as they say is the city of love and as someone who has been going for years, I will have to agree. I’ve heard people call Paris overrated and I can’t disagree more. There’s something so magical about this city. The food is incredible and the people are a lot more friendly than they get credit for. Or at least that’s been my experience. Here is a list of some of my favorites in the area that I always go to whenever I visit!
Paris, the city of love.
Where to Eat:
Allard
Probably my most favorite restaurant in Paris. I can’t visit the city without visiting Allard. You have to get the whole roasted chicken or the whole roasted duck. The wine selection is superb and the service is exceptional.
Le Severo
My husband’s favorite restaurant in Paris. Specializing in beef. The call the owner “The King of Beef.” And it really shows. The best steak frites and steak tartare you’ll ever eat. Small place but intimate and cozy and perfect.
Aux Crus de Bourgogne
A romantic French bistro. The sidewalk seating is a dream and the food is extraordinary. The beef bourguignon and the steak tartare is so good, I still dream about it. Get yourself a St. Germaine or Hugo spritz before dinner!
Cafe blanc
One of the first little cafe’s we ever went to on our very first trip to Paris so while it isn’t mind-blowingly amazing, it’s perfect for what it is. A cute little bistro where you can people watch, enjoy a drink and get some food!
Anahi
When you’re tired of Parisian fare, this Argentinian steak “house” is great. It’s small but the inside is incredible and the food is delicious. The steak, of course, is a top pick, but the octopus and the empanadas are awesome!
Le Babylone
Another one of my favorite spots to people watch. The service isn’t always the best but that’s okay because you’re in Paris. The omelette and club sandwich are some stand outs but get a St. Germaine spritz while you’re there!
Where to Drink:
Candelaria
A speakeasy behind a taco spot (with great tacos btw). It’s dim, it’s romantic and it’s bustling. The cocktails are incredible and the ambiance can’t be beat. Can’t recommend this place enough it’s incredible!
Bar Hemingway
An American tourist spot but honestly worth it either way. Always a line, the place is small but the martinis are infamous. Note that they have a strict dress code of no shorts. Light bar snacks as well. It’s worth the visit!
Le Petit Varenne
Stumbled upon this place on a rainy day after a visit to the Rodin museum. A great lunch spot but also perfect for getting a spritz or sharing a bottle of wine. Great spot to people watch or escape the rain. It’s perfection!
Le Syndicat
Another hidden speakeasy known for it’s cocktails using French spirits. It’s dimly lit, super cool and a fun spot to visit. The vibes are even better than the cocktails. The music is a dream. It’s impossible to not have a good time here.
Experimental Cocktail Club
A great bar with an underground feel to it. The cocktails are innovative and an experience in it of themselves. It’s a relaxed laid back atmosphere that never feels like too much!
Moonshiner
Yet another speakeasy (do we sense a theme?) behind a pizza joint that offers cocktails and beer in a dimly lit venue with a bygone vintage vibe. It’s sultry with a retro jazz ambiance that I can’t get enough of. Such a Paris spot!
What to Do:
La grande épicerie
A foodie lovers paradise. It’s like an indoor food market/grocery store that spans multiple floors in a beautiful building. There’s literally anything you could possible want. Great wine. Great meats. Great cheeses. Great breads. Grab stuff here for an Eiffel tower picnic.
Musée Rodin
Such a fun and romantic museum. Nothing better than to spend an afternoon here walking around admiring the art. Admiring the scenery. Admiring the sights. It’s never super crowded which I love. They also filmed an episode of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel here if you’re into that kind of thing.
Secret wine door
A fun and very informative wine tasting experience. I’ve done it a couple of times and each time I’ve learned a lot about French wine. There’s also a cheese pairing that goes with the wine and it’s also a great way to meet people and drink some great great French wine.
saint-Chapelle
This sort of seems like it doesn’t need any explanation but it’s a sight to behold for yourself in person. Words can’t even describe the beauty of this place. It’s breathtaking. A royal chapel in the Gothic style with the most beautiful stained glass windows from the 14th century.
Musée d’Orsay
If you want to see some great art, especially expressionism, but want to avoid the major crowds at the louvre, then the d’Orsay is for you. It’s housed in a former train station so that in it of itself is worth to see. Make sure you get your tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines at the ticket booths.
Chateau De Versailles
Worth the trek to get here ( a metro and bus ride) but the beauty and awe of it is amazing! Of course the palace is incredible but the grounds are my favorite part. I love to grab a row boat on the lake and spend the late afternoon relaxing and lazying down the river enjoying the views. It’s a fun experience!
