Paris Off the Beaten Track
I am finally glad to say: I am back to travel! These last 2 years, Covid-19 changed the life of many, and I can only be thankful that I wasn't impacted by the worst of Covid. No one in my close circle of family and friends contracted the virus, of course we know people who did in the extended family, but thankfully they all recovered.
As a frequent traveller, Covid has surely caused the cancellation of many plans and dreams I had in the last 2 years. Add to that the disastrous situation in Lebanon, so I really needed to take a break away. After a lot of hesitations, I finally decided to do it. After all, I had my vaccine done, and was still taking my precautions, so it was time to adapt travelling to the Covid life: Traveling with a mask, avoiding crowded restaurants, constant cleanup of hands especially after using public transportation, and the list goes on...
I had my first post-covid trip in September to Istanbul, the easiest choice for any Lebanese: close, low-budget, familiar place and it went well overall. It gave me the energy I have been needing since some time, and the confidence that I can still enjoy travel even when I have a mask.
Then came my second trip, the awaited Paris, where I was happy to reunite with family and friends for 2 whole weeks.
Paris is like no other city, I have always had mixed feelings for it. I love it, but wouldn't live in it. It is too big, but I never get tired of walking there. It has the dirtiest metro, you could cross a rat in its streets, but somehow still considered as the most romantic city. One thing away of all Paris paradoxes is that it has, without any doubt, the best bakeries and pastry shops worldwide.
This wasn't my first trip to Paris. I have been there several times before and have visited the most famous landmarks: The Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees, the Notre-Dame, the Sacre-Coeur, the Quartier Latin... I already had a cruise on the Seine river, took a picture from the Trocadero square with with the Eiffel tower in the background, ate Steak and Frites and Duck Confit , and also visited took a trip to Versailles and Fontainebleau castles.
So this time, I wanted to visit Paris differently, find some new spots, try some new desserts, build some new experiences. I wanted a different perception of Paris, which might not be new for locals, but probably new for tourists visiting again. Of course you can't go to Paris without a stop for a picture with the Eiffel tower. And it goes without saying that a sunny Sunday has to pass by the Montmartre, but here are some other ideas to add to your list when you visit Paris again. I hope you will find them as pleasant and enjoyable as I did.
Go to an Exhibition at l'Atelier des Lumieres
Located in a former foundry in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the Atelier des Lumières hosts visual and sound exhibitions in a surface of 3,300 m2 using over 100 video projectors and a spatialised sound system.
Expositions themes change regularly and they are currently hosting one for Dali's work.
More details on https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/
Visit a Local Market: Le Marché des Sablons
Wherever you are staying in Paris, there is most probably a local market in your neighborhood: Farmers, Cheesemongers, Bakers... The all gather in their stalls with a wide offering of products. I was staying in Neuilly-Sur-Seine during my last visit and I enjoyed visiting Le Marché des Sablons that opens every Friday and Sunday. It was nice shopping like a local for a day.
More details can be found on your local municipality website.
Grab a Babka, Brioche or Croissant from Chez Meunier...
Everything tastes awesome there. Knowing that Meunier is on the top 10 list of best croissants in France is not surprising. I tried few things from Chez Meunier and my favorites were the bicolore chocolate croissant filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread, and the brioche with a trio of chocolate chips: white, milk and dark. Oh and you should definitely try their Mille-feuilles, and their chocolate cakes!
... And a Merveilleux from Fred
The Merveilleux is a traditional dessert originating from the North of France and Flanders and composed of layers or meringue and whipped cream. Aux Merveilleux de Fred have different flavors, I tried the original chocolate one and the hazelnut which in my opinion even better.
Check them here: https://auxmerveilleux.com/en/6-merveilleux
Go Shopping in Rue de Rivoli and Le Marais, but don't skip Lafayette
If you prefer walking in a street of boutiques over stopping by shopping malls, the choice is yours between Rivoli, Le Marais, Passy or even Saint-Germain, pick what you like. Otherwise, Galeries Lafayette is always attractive especially with their Christmas decorations this time of the year. I think my new favorite is now Le Marais area with its local shops from Veja shoes to Jimmy Firly glasses. But I'll always have a weak spot for Galeries Lafayette. Isn't their ceiling gorgeous?
Walking in Paris will help you lose those calories, so treat yourself to some chocolate. You can get a bar, a selection of chocolate pieces or some of the confectionery items. I recommend trying "A La Mère de Famille", the oldest artisanal chocolate maker in Paris. They have a number of stores across the city, and they now have the coolest advent calendar designed by the famous comic designer Penelope Bagieu.
Sip your Coffee and Read a Book at the Jardin des Tuileries
Pick a sunny day, grab a cup of coffee, and head to one of the most beautiful parks of Paris. The garden that spans from the Place de la Concorde till the Louvre is the most central park in Paris. It has fountains, ducks, sculptures, cafes, and is full of nice and quiet spots. You can go there alone, read a book, or to meet with family and friends.
Have a French Dinner at Bistro 31
No need to present the French Cuisine, it speaks for itself. Bistro 31 is a cozy bistro in the 16th arrondissement neighborhood that my friends introduced me to. With their delicious cuisine, you can never go wrong. But if you're hesitant ask their friendly staff, they will be happy to recommend the dishes that best fit your preferences.
Or a Friends Gathering at Les Commères
I have been wanting to visit Les Commères since my last trip to Paris before Covid. They are the first "Bar à Patisserie" (Dessert Bar) in Paris. They prepare their desserts live on the counter, and they also have a selection of tapas, if you want to start with some savory food before indulging with their sweets. With a menu that changes every season, they also pair their desserts with cocktails. What else can you wish for? For my evening with friends at Les Commères, we tried almost every item on the menu, and here is a peak on what we had.
A Sunny Sunday at the Montmarte
You could argue that this article is supposed to be about the places you haven't visited in your first Paris trip, but who can say No to Montmartre on a sunny Sunday morning? With the stunning views of Paris from the hill, you're guaranteed to have a good time. Make sure to get a crepe on your way down.
If you are travelling accompanied by kids, I am sure they will enjoy:
Located in the Trocadero gardens, the Aquarium of Paris includes a shark tunnel, 2 theaters and a multitude of fish species that your kids will love watching. My nephew was so thrilled seeing the sea rays and watching the sharks.
Le Jardin d'Acclimatation
Another cool destination for family trips is Le Jardin d'Acclimatation, an amusement park just on the side of the Bois de Boulogne. It has rides, play areas, farm animals, all at a very accessible fee. My nephews and niece surely enjoyed their day there.
The list can certainly keep going, as I will make sure to check different places every time I visit Paris. I am just hoping we are not going back to lockdown life. Travel safe!
