In my recent collaboration with top travel site Fathom and favorite department store Le BHV Marais, I wrote an itinerary on how to spend a perfect day in the Marais, my beloved neighborhood. I thought it would make a nice gift to those of you visiting Paris, as you too can enjoy this city like a local. So… here you go! Maybe I’ll see you at one of these favorite Marais spots. For the travel buffs, more of my Fathom features, here.
Paris, the city of love, undoubtedly one of the most romantic in the world. And who better to enjoy it with than yourself? My first visit to Paris, before my life of love in the city of lights, was as a solo traveler. In a matter of moments, I was smitten! Even after eight years as a Paris local, I still take time to walk around my favorite neighborhoods, those less known to tourists, to sit at cafes and read or watch the Parisian world go by, and to take in the beauty of this enchanting city. Join me for a little walk in the snow, starting at Canal Saint Martin…
Next stop to nearby Place de la République where Marianne stands tall for Liberté, Égalité and Fraternité.
One of the most charming neighborhoods in the right bank is the Haut Marais, filled with treasures galore, one of them being chocolate shop Jacques Genin. His chocolat chaud is heavenly!
Head over to the Marché des Enfants Rouges and pick up a bouquet of the most stunning seasonal blooms.
With plenty of cafés lining the streets, stop by for a moment to read or reflect, with a side of people watching.
Take a walk around the neighborhood and become enchanted with all the nuances that are so typically Parisian, and pop into the Picasso Museum for a date with art.
Follow the cobbled paths until you reach regal square Place des Vosges, once home to the French royalty.
Are you smitten yet? Here’s my video tour through a few of my favorite romantic spots. With love from Paris!
Blog post and video sponsored by Flybe, Europe’s largest independent regional airline.
Spring has made its way to Paris! And with it comes the charm of discovering cobbled paths that lead to secret gardens, where you can sit for hours and lose yourself with a good book, or better yet, a good friend.
A favorite of these spots can be found in the Marais, of course. Where exactly? 60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois.
The Archives Nationales is the heart of Parisian history since 1808. Within two regal buildings, Hôtel de Soubise and the Hôtel de Rohan, all the pre-French Revolution archives are stored. Upon entering, you discover an enchanting space hidden within a bustling city.
Pass through the small entrance on the north side of the courtyard, and the scenery quickly changes from architectural marvels to verdant landscapes. A maze-like path weaves through fountains and rock formations. The four gardens you encounter were designed by French landscape architect Louis Benech, also known for the Tuileries Gardens. Have a seat on one of the benches surrounded by the scent of roses, and enjoy this clandestine Parisian paradise.
If you’re looking for more ways to the spend the perfect afternoon in Paris, here are a few tips in my recent collaboration with Eurostar. Though I warn you, you may never want to leave!
I first visited Picasso in Paris ten years ago, stopping to admire the 17th-century mansion known as the Hôtel Salé, on one of my many walks around the Marais. I remember thinking what a shame that so much of his personal work was in storage, as there was scant wall space to display the artwork. Little did I know I would end up living just a stone’s throw from this artist’s legacy, but with only the garden open for viewing. As anyone who is a fan of Picasso’s work knows, the Musée Picasso has been closed for the last 5 years (3 years longer than expected), undergoing extensive renovations.
On Friday morning, October 24th, one day shy of Picasso’s birthday and the official opening, I was invited inside the newly renovated museum, now three times the size and much more impressive.
I walked around the five floors in awe of the renewed space which now boasts over 400 of Picasso’s paintings, drawings and sculptures, as well as works from his personal collection.
Musée Picasso plans to host one major exhibit each year. Next year, in collaboration with New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, it will be a show revolving around Picasso’s sculpture. Until then, I plan to spend many a Paris morning with Picasso.
In the last few years, the coffee scene in Paris has really changed, or might I say improved. No longer a need to rely on muddy watered down coffee at corner bistros for that caffeine fix. Trendy little cafes and eateries are opening up all around Paris, serving up some of the best café cremes around. The latest such spot to hit the North Marais is Folks and Sparrows. I was curious to experience this newcomer, along with Mardi, friend and fellow coffee drinker.
I arrived a little early and took interest in the design and details of the space. A carefully curated gourmet épicerie and lunch spot. Curious, I began speaking with the owner, a Brad Pitt look-alike. It turns out Franck lived in Brooklyn for 10 years, well versed in NY’s food culture as a manager at a trendy restaurant. Now it was time to open his own spot, lucky for us, back on his home turf.
We spoke about New York and Paris (of course), and how the café and restaurant culture in Paris has evolved over the years, due to the French traveling more and returning home with their creative visions. Inspired by the American dream, perhaps? Yes, anything is possible.
And how was the coffee? Both Mardi and I agreed that it was delicious! Some of the best I’ve had in Paris. And in such a cozy yet uniquely chic space. Well done, Franck! I’ll soon be back for lunch.
Folks and Sparrows: 14 rue Saint Sebastien (open 10-7 daily, closed Mondays)
Little did I know how much I would grow to love my neighborhood of the North Marais. I’ve witnessed it’s evolution over the last four years, from low-key neighborhood bordering the historic Marais, to trendy hotspot frequented by Parisians and expats alike. When KLM and iFly Magazine approached me to host their segment on Paris, naturally I was honored, and it was the Haute Marais that I was eager to share with their millions of viewers. After all, they were looking for little secrets of Paris, as can only be shared by a local, and the North Marais holds many!
The crew and I spent two days shooting beneath a mix of clouds and sunshine, and what fun it was!
By the end of the filming, I felt even more like a Paris local, and proudly so. I introduced viewers to some of my favorite spots in the North Marais, we explored the largest antique market in the world, Marché aux Puces St–Ouen, stopped to admire the photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson at his Fondation… and of course enjoyed a rendezvous with my Italian. It wouldn’t be Paris without a little romance, would it?
I’m very excited to share this video with you, dear readers. Et voilà, Discover another Paris! You may also find my Paris tour on your next cross-continental flight with KLM… Or perhaps a travel show?