Fruitful Travels: Paris

paris

I’m super excited about this week on the blog because…

(drumroll please)

It’s France Week!

This week, all week, I’m taking over the normal recipe feed and whisking you away to the beloved country of France. My husband and I have two magnificent trips to France over the past three years, so we always love to share about our French and Paris adventures.

So, grab a baguette and Nutella crepe because it’s going to be a fun and delicious ride!

creperie

First Stop: Paris

I always says about Paris that I totally drink the Kool-Aid, as in I think Paris is as cool or cooler than everyone says. It’s beautiful, alive and full of color and growth, and yet it has some of the most beautiful old landmarks. The people are happy to be walking, alive and in love…and it makes you want to join in on the fun, too. And we haven’t even covered the food and drink, yet!

paris

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Muguet– 7th Arrondissement

This hotel is our go-to for a quiet, safe and pleasant stay! The location next to Invalides is also great with a walk to the river or the Eiffel Tower and many other spots.

The hotel was quite cozy but nice, and I thought the prices were reasonable (about 150 Euros per night). The best part about staying there was the location. We had beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower from our room, and we were super close to Invalides, Musee Rodin and a 10-minute walk from the Seine.

MUSEUMS

I’m a huge museum fan and since my husband is an illustrator, he is too, so we relish all of the art stops in Paris.

L’Orangerie

l'orangerie paris

  • Rooms of Monet’s most famous works
  • Lots of impressionist artwork
  • Smaller and less crowded

Musee d’Orsay

musee d'orsay paris

  • A nice range of artwork
  • So much impressionist pieces (Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, etc.)
  • Beautiful and spacious

Musee Rodin

musee rodin paris

  • Incredible sculpture pieces placed in nature
  • Beautiful, cozy indoor space and art in the rose gardens outside
  • Great location (if you’re in the 6th or 7th arrondissement)

musee rodin paris

WHAT ELSE IS FUN TO SEE

There were a few stops and sights that may be touristy but nonetheless absolutely worth the time and money to get a feel for Paris’ history and culture.

Bateaux Mouches River Tour

paris river tour

  • Very touristy but beautiful views of the city from a boat on the Seine
  • Fairly inexpensive for a 1.5-hour tour (13 Euros)

Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

sacre coeur paris

  • One of my favorite cathedrals in Paris (I prefer it to Notre Dame)
  • Fun part of Paris where you have an incredible, top view of the city
  • Unique architecture

Sainte-Chapelle

sainte chapelle

  • Breathtaking painting and stained glass
  • Short but beautiful self-tour for 10 Euros (but worth it in my opinion)

Jardin du Luxembourg

luxemburg gardens paris

  • Relaxing park with wonderful views
  • A nice place to relax, read or nap alongside French people

Square d’Ajaccio

  • Cute little park near Musee Rodin
  • Fun picnic or family spot

WHERE TO EAT

nutella almond crepe

From the old favorite restaurants to the new hip spots, there is so much to eat and experience in France. I sure do love those Nutella almond crepes, but I also got to eat some amazing seafood in preparations that I’ve never had before. There certainly is something for every type of eater in Paris…as long as your down with amazing wine, bread and cheese.

Coutume Cafe

coutume cafe paris

  • Known for their coffee, served in a modern coffeeshop
  • Delicious breakfast and brunch dishes (along with tasty espresso and hot chocolate)

Creperie Josselin

creperie josselin

  • The best, butteriest crepes and cider (ham & cheese is my fave)
  • Old-school feel with lots of dark wood and tight spaces

Clamato

clamato paris

  • Fun, hip seafood restaurant (in the 11th arrondissement)
  • We’re pretty sure we saw Hillary Swank there!
  • Creative small plates like cuttlefish ceviche with pomegranate seeds and corn nuts

L’Avant Comptoir

  • The cutest little wine and tapas bar with standing room only and menus hanging from the ceiling
  • Nice wine selection and fun yet refined finger foods like white asparagus and fish croquettes

Au Trappiste

au-trappiste-mussels

  • Great Belgian beer and food in Les Halles
  • Buckets of fries!
  • Mussels in curry sauceau trappiste paris

L’As du Fallafel

  • The BEST falafel this side of the Middle East (IMO)
  • Long line but it moves fast, so it’s so worth it
  • In Marais, which is the Jewish part of Paris and a great spot for food, shopping and walking

L’Eclair on Rue Cler

brioche toast at l'eclair paris

  • Cute outdoor/indoor cafe on Rue Cler
  • Incredible brioche toast and jam and tea special for breakfast (7 Euros)

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

le bistrot paul bert paris

  • Traditional French bistro fare
  • Big portions
  • Floating island for dessert (see below) floating island at bistrot paul bert

Les Parisiennes

les-parisiennes-paris

  • Restaurant right down from Hotel Muguet in the 7th
  • Delicious creative and accessible food (or wine or snacks)

WHERE TO BUY BAKED GOODS

You really can’t go wrong with bakeries in Paris. Across the board, they’re home to incredible baguettes, other loaves, croissants galore and full pastry cases. These were just a few of our favorites.

Gosselin

gosselin paris

  • Classic assortment of French pastries
  • Pain aux raisins was outstanding

Les Champs de Delices

  • Near Eiffel Tower in 6th arrondissement
  • Wonderful tarts and croissants

Bakery Le Moulin De la Vierge Excelsior

  • The fluffiest chocolate croissant you’ll ever eat
  • Delicious quiche, sandwiches, bread and desserts, too
  • Right across from the above bakery in the 6th

Eric Kayser

erik kayser paris

  • Locations across Paris
  • Beautiful bread and deli foods
  • Jambon et fromage sandwich with pickles is where it’s at (see above)

WHERE TO SHOP

One reason why I love our hotel location in the 7th is that it’s minutes away from an amazing market street (Rue Cler), where we love to buy goodies to eat and to take home as gifts.

Mariage Freres

mariage freres paris

  • Opulent tea shop with tea room
  • Amazing blends and flavors of tea
  • Several locations throughout Paris (including on Rue Cler)

Rue Cler

rue cler paris

cheese shop on rue cler

  • Amazing market street in the 7th arrondissement (close to our hotel)
  • Fresh fruits, meats, cheese, seafood, cafes, chocolates

La Grande Epicerie Paris

la chambre aux confitures

  • The food hall/market part of Le Bon Marche
  • Spice shop, restaurants, wine shops, amazing jam shop (La Chambre Aux Confitures) and macarons (Pierre Herme)
  • Lots to shop for, see, eat and smell

A La Mere de Famille

a la mere de famille paris

  • Great local chocolate shop
  • Buy treats to take home with you or to send to loved ones (chocolate coins!)
  • On Rue Cler

Minelli

  • Cute and fashion-forward women’s shoe shop
  • I scored a pair of these fun green sandals that I love from here

Come back later in the week for more about our French travels!