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Je T’aime: A Guide For Lovers In Paris

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Je T'aime: A Guide For Lovers In Paris

The city of light, splendour, fashion and the Arts, a place where great musicians were born and of course. Paris is known as all of these things, but perhaps more famously it is referred to as the city of love. With so many things to do where exactly do you get started? Here are some of our recommendations for must-dos and must-sees if you are planning a romantic trip to Paris!

1. Enjoy a Romantic Dining Experience with Local Flavor

We all know that the best way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and Paris has so many wonderful candlelit restaurants that you will be spoilt for choice. If you feel like doing something a little different with more than a touch of luxury then you could dine in a 19th Century apartment, just steps away from the Champs Elysées with your partner. This romantic dining experience in Paris is perfect for anyone who wants to try local French cuisine while avoiding any tourist traps. 

"Do nothing, walk the streets, sit in a cafe and then do nothing again but be in the city and watch everything that unfolds before you.”

1.Canal St.Martin + Pink Flamingo 

A sight you will often witness when in Paris is Parisians perched on the side of Canal, talking to one another and occasionally sipping a glass of wine. Something about this whole scene paints a very romantic picture. Watching as the boats go by, talking to your friends, or in this case your lover, till the sun sets seems like something to look forward to. But of course, where is the food? Pink Flamingo, one of the best pizza parlours located along the Rue Bichat, will deliver pizzas to you and your lover along the canal, locating you by your pink flamingo balloon that you will have collected much earlier on. If you want recommendations, the paella pizza is to die for! 

[PARIS-PASTRIES https://www.bonappetour.com/melody/cook-the-best-french-pastries]
 

2. Bateaux Parisiens

If sailing down the river isn’t already not romantic enough, the Bateaux Parisians have managed to raise the bar. You do not have to worry about being sea sick from the boats bopping along the river or worry about flies. It is an air-conditioned, glass ceiling flat boat that you will be cruising on to take in the picturesque view of Paris. They have two different routes: one that travels near the Eiffel tower and the other near Notre dame. There is nothing more romantic than cruising along the river with the Eiffel tower in the background, marvelling at your lovers face! 

3. Watch an old film in one of Paris' old movie theatres

If you and your partner share a passion for great films, here is a fun fact: did you know that the first ever public film screening was held in the City of Light in 1895, setting the stage for a strong national love of cinema. There are many old Parisian movie theatres where you should visit and watch a few films. For starters, the Le Champo is a Parisian Film institution established in 1938. What is so unique about this theatre is that it uses a mirror-based projection to project the movie onto the big screen. This would be the best cinema to go to to really get a taste of what old cinema theatres both looked and felt like. Also, remember to book a seat at the back to the cinema 😉 

4. Capucine

Where to go, what to see, what to do may be some of the very important questions you have on your mind when coming to Paris, but what is more important when coming here on a romantic getaway would be what to eat! Cappucine is the perfect blend of romance and great food. If you ever want to create the spaghetti scene in a cobblestoned alley from Lady and the Tramp, this is the place to do it. You need to taste the mouth-watering homemade pasta made by Fabrizio, clam linguine and so much more. A nice off the beaten path cafe to sit and enjoy with your partner. 

5. A walk in the garden

Coming to Paris there are hundreds of opportunities for you to indulge in park life and this is one of them. The Buttes-Chaumont is a park often missed by weekenders who are not keen on straying too far off the typical attraction spots. This park was designed by Haussmann in the 19th century. Despite everything being man made, from meandering paths to waterfalls, temples and vertical cliffs, the green pastured hills provides a sense of space and freshness away from the overcrowded city parks. If you and your partner are looking for a quiet yet beautiful place to spend the afternoon or evening, the Buttes-Chaumont would be your place!

6. Secret Paris View of  the Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre 
By now you will have noticed that most of the to-dos and to-eats mentioned here are off the beaten path. There are countless articles on the web that mention places you can go to see amazing, panaromic views of Paris – at the top of the Eiffel Tower, the steps of the Sacre Coeur and views from Buttes Chaumont. However, there aren’t many views that you can appreciate in the privacy and comfort of your lover's arms. But there is one that exists! 
Here are the directions to the secret location: 
First up, at the base of the butte Bergeyre in the 19th Arrondissement, minutes away from the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, climb up the stairs. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will be able to see Montmartre in all its beauty with the sun setting right above it. 
*hint: a good proposal location* 

So, the above recommendations are great to bring your loved ones when visiting Paris. If you have other places that are also great romantic spots to eat and do stuff, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear about it!

Image credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

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Travelling in Paris With Kids? Do More – Here’s how

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Travelling in Paris With Kids? Do More - Here's how

Paris is known for being a city of romance, culture, literature, but not always as a child-friendly one. However, after some research, we have found a few places that your kids will love! Have a hassle-free trip and let the attractions be the nanny for the day!

1. Teach your kids important life skills: Cooking!

Take your kids alongs to a french cooking class in Paris. It's an off-the-beath-path experience for all the family where you get to enjoy fresh, local French delicacies made by your own hands! And who knows, perhaps your little ones will open their own michelin star restaurants one day! 

2. Palais de la Decouverte 
Palais de la Decouverte is a science museum that opens daily, except Monday. Established in 1937 during an international exhibition, and since then the French government has expanded it into a 25,000 square metre museum, containing exhibits for mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology, featuring experiments with commentaries by lecturers. There are countless of interactive instalments that will amaze both you and your kids. From colour paint splattering on a spherical wall to neon shadows, it's an opportunity for fun learning that has to be seized! 

2. Disneyland Paris 
Now what would this list be worth if we didn't mention Disneyland? This is a destination that does not require any form of persuasion. A dream wonderland for all children, and even some teenagers…

3. Fat Tire Paris 
This is an activity that I will highly recommend for you and your family.
Started out in 1999, Fat Tire Paris has reinvented ways to tour the city. Fun, easy and stress-free. It allows you to stop worrying about how to get from one attraction to the other. Fat Tire Paris offers fascinating stories, countless photo opportunities and much more. 

4. Paris by mouth food tours 
Paris by mouth is a ‘definitive blog on the city's food and wine scene’ (Huffington post). Tours are lead by English-speaking food & wine professionals who have a strong passion for food in Paris. Paris by mouth focuses on personalization, hence tours are handled in small groups so that it is also easy for you to manage your children and not get easily lost. 

5. Natural History Museum 
The Natural History Museum, one that is similar to the one seen in Night in the museum. With huge exoskeletons of dinosaurs, blue whales and other wonders from noah’s ark, it will be a great day to immerse yourself in history and go crazy with the instalments. 

6. Pompidou centre
The Pompidou centre is a building that was designed with modern architecture, seemingly promoting a very fun environment through the use of rack-like levels and a long travelator connecting one level to another on the outside, shaped like a tube. Housing the Public Information library,  also known as the Bibliotheque publique d’information, the Musée National d’Art Moderne is also the largest museum of modern art in Europe. With the countless amounts of opportunities available for you to experience, you and your family will never be bored! 
 

7. Shakespeare & Company bookstore
The Shakespeare and Company bookstore is a boutique bookstore where you can bring your family to visit, pick out some books to buy and just bask in the genuinity of the store and how they pay so much attention to the little details. There are storytelling sessions available for your children as well as customization of books where you can add a spray of scent, a poem, a picture and lots more. Spend your time here after your lunch or dinner to slowly sieve through the books and find some hidden gems. 

8. Jardin du Luxembourg 
The Jardin du Luxembourg is known to many as a beautiful park with a great playground for children, a fountain pond for sailing boats, a marionette theater with puppet shows where your children can sit around and have a good laugh and an old fashioned carousel that even you as adults can sit on and enjoy. This is a garden where you can discover what it feels like to be a child growing up in Paris 

9.Parc de la Villette 
Another thing Paris is known for is its large parks, where you will often witness locals with their colourful picnic mats and sun hats. Parc de la Villette is the third-largest park in Paris whose design was picked out of 450 proposals and made in such a way as to to cultivate a wandering heart and sense of adventure to discover all the different sites at the park. Some features include the largest science museum in Europe, IMAX theatre, a concert arena, an outdoor cinema theatre where annual film festivals are held and much more! Go explore for yourself to find out more 😉

10. The Jardin d'Acclimatation
A 20-hectare children’s amusement park with museums for you to explore! An attraction not to miss out on with your family. 

 

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On A Budget? Here Are 10 Free Things to Do in Paris

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On A Budget? Here Are 10 Free Things to Do in Paris

Did you know that Paris was initially called the City of light, as it was one of the first cities in Europe to adopt gas street lighting during the Age of Enlightenment? Walking down the river Seine soon became a romantic affair amongst the Parisian population and slowly people from all walks of life came to Paris, hence the arrival of Paris' other nickname: the City of Love!

Aside from the main attraction of Paris, to add extra french flair to your Parisian adventure, plan your trip to coincide with one of these occasional festival freebies:

La Fete de La Musique 

La Fete de La Musique, also commonly known as Make Music Day or World Music Day, is an annual music celebration that takes place on the 21st of June. Originating from the streets of Paris in 1982, it has since then become a worldwide phenomenon. 

This free festival features concerts taking place in theatres, bars, on street corners, in parks and even serenading folks whilst balancing on the edge of their apartment window. Join the throng and by a stroke of serendipity let it lead you to a show. 

Galeries Lafayette 

Paris being one of the major cities for fashion, fashion shows are something that happens very often. However not everyone gets a chance as tickets are almost impossible to obtain for those of us who are not part of the fashion industry or press world. 

But, here is your chance! Galeries Lafayette, an upmarket French departmental store, organises a free fashion show every week on a Friday. However, seating is limited and advanced reservations and confirmations are required in order for you to secure a seat! 

La Nuit Blanche

Paris – City of love, fashion, literature and last but not least a music treasure trove. Inspired by St Pertersburg’s ‘White Nights’ where night is almost indistinguishable from day, La Nuit Blanche is a free dusk ‘till dawn carnival. Where the city blossoms on a autumn night into a comely harvest of art, music and theatrical events.

Parc de la Villette

Another thing Paris is known for is its large parks where you will often witness locals with their colourful picnic mats and sun hats. Parc de la Villette is the third largest park in Paris whose design was picked out of 450 proposals. I has been made in a way to cultivate a wandering heart and sense of adventure to discover all the different sites at the park. Some features include the largest science museum in Europe, IMAX theatre, a concert arena, an outdoor cinema theatre where annual film festivals are held and much more! Go explore for yourself to find out more 😉

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg is no typical park. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the gardens cover over 25 hectares and is split into French and English gardens. In between the gardens lie a geometric forest and large pond where you can have a picnic! The Jardin du Luxembourg is not only an attraction but educational, where there is an apiary for you to learn about bee-keeping. A garden with over 106 statues, activities and facilities for children such as puppet shows, rides and slides and for the adults there is chess, tennis, bridge as well as remote control boats you can sail into the large pond. Definitely a fun and non-costly way of spending your afternoon in Paris.

Musee l’art Moderne de la ville de paris 

Musee l’art Moderne de la ville de paris is one of my personal favourites. With over 10000 contemporary and modern art works, it presents us with a wealth of artistic creation as well as monographic and thematic exhibitions of trends in today’s art. Never a dull moment in this exhibition, for most of the art work is spilling with colour and acts as a faucet of inspiration. 

Parc des buttes – chaumont 

A plethora of opportunities to indulge in park life is something Paris offers from Jardin du Luxembourg to Parc de la Vlilette. This next park is often missed by weekenders who are not keen on straying too far off the typical attraction spots. Parc des butteschaumont is definitely something off the beaten path and worth taking a stroll around on an afternoon in Paris. From meandering paths, waterfalls, temples, vertical cliffs and last but not least a hangout place after your stroll that is open till midnight and gives you a stunning view of the city below. 

Place des Vosges 

A graceful and charming square garden, with beautiful symmetrical fountains placed at all four corners of the square and a serene green oasis surrounded by rows and rows of red brick houses that feeds the aesthetic appeal. Place des Vosges is also a place of great historical value as it is the same place as where the medieval royal palace used to stand. An absolute pleasure to visit and an ideal place to sit back, relax and sip some wine. 

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris 

If you have watched the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this is the place you should visit to see the famous frightening gargoyles as well as spectacular view of Paris. The Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most visited sites in Paris, recording over 14 million visitors in one year alone. This Cathedral is known for its subtle balance of architecture and design. Like how asymmetrical elements are being introduced in order to avoid monotony and in line with the standard Gothic style. Notre Dame being very much in the heart of Paris, it is a very easy and cost free attraction to visit. 

Musee de la Vie Romantique

Paris is given the name as the City of Love for a reason. In Paris, Romanticism was an artistic movement and fed inspiration to countless of artists and writers from Europe. In the early 1830s, Dutch painter Ary Scheffer transformed his beautiful home, Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, into a salon. Which was later visited by many artists such as George Sand, Frederic Chopin, Eugène Delacroix, Franz Liszt whose artwork is hung up in the museum.
The museum actually organises temporary exhibitions, concerts, book readings and children activities. And for those of you who are planning your trip from March through October, the museum opens up its tearoom in the garden’s greenhouse. A beautiful sight indeed, sipping tea and crunching on local snacks on a patio with friends both old and new. Definitely something to look forward to. 

Know of any other attractions and places you can go to for free? Comment in the section below. I would love to hear about them!

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 

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14 Best Must-Visit Cafes All Around Paris

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14 Best Cafes All Around Paris.

With a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, street markets and food trucks in Paris, it is sometimes hard to narrow down to the few restaurants that you should without a doubt taste and see while in the City of Light.

So..where are you heading to? Let’s check out the following neighbourhoods. 😉

Bastille

Bastille, formally known as Bastille Saint-Antoine, a neighbourhood that played an undeniable role in the history of France. It has been used, for most of its existence, as a prison by the King of France. Though the original prison is now long gone, it still serves as a historical landmark, imbued with political symbolism for Parisians. Despite its dark past, Bastille has evolved into a neighbourhood lined with small private galleries for art lovers, grungy record stores for music lovers, and mouthwatering restaurants for foodies! Here are a few you have to try:

la-fee-verte

La Fée Verte

La Fée Verte (which means the Green Fairy) is a fascinating absinthe bar and café near the Bastille. In the day, it is a great place for a cup of coffee and lunch (think: burgers and beef bourguignon), at night it is the place to hang out and unwind with a drink. They have a great range of absinthe and it is still served in the traditional way, with a special absinthe spoon and cubes of sugar. Definitely a place to add to your list of must-visits.

This photo of Merci is courtesy of TripAdvisor

La Cantine Merci

La Cantine Merci, located in the trendy fairtrade concept store Merci, is all about healthy, balanced and nutritious lunches. Take your pick from their fresh and colourful salads, soup, risotto, vegetable tarts and much more. There is also a selection of vitamin-packed fruit cocktails – Merci does strike a good balance between plate and cup. Homemade deserts here are also delightful: “light” cheesecake and gluten-free chocolate sponge cake anyone? The dining space opens up into a garden, and the greens just brightens up the day, making it is a wonderful place to while the afternoon away.

used-book-cafe-merci

Used Books Cafe

An ideal place for a spot of coffee or afternoon tea (Darjeeling, sencha, herbal teas, you names it) where you will find yummy bites such as organic soft-boiled eggs and rosemary scones. You may also choose a book from the 10,000 books in their library collection. The chance of discovering a new story is part of the thrill of the hunt in this unique bookstore-themed cafe. The cafe is also connected to La Cantine Merci.

Montmartre

Montmartre, otherwise known as The Mountain of Martyrs, is a culturally rich neighbourhood with picturesque bohemian architect lining the streets. Being 130 metres high, Montmartre is known as the 2nd highest point in Paris besides the Eiffel tower. Primarily known for the white-dome Basilica of the Sacre- Coeur and as a nightclub district, there are several highly-acclaimed restaurants that you should add to your must-visit list when going to Montmartre.

Le Coq Rico

Le Coq Rico, also called the bistro of beautiful birds, as perhaps you can tell, known for its flavour infused and succulent roasted chicken. Antoine Westermann serves his gourmet poultry dishes in an elegant and polished white-walled space with sleek black marble-top banquettes. There are different birds to choose from on the menu — chickens of different breeds from the various provinces of France, duck and guinea fowl. It generally takes about 45 minutes of waiting time if you order the chicken, and it arrives sizzling and roasted to perfection. There are very tasty appetisers to fill the time until the main event (the roasted chicken) arrives, which includes the soft boiled egg served with salmon egg & sea weed butter finger bread, and duck liver roasted with poppy seeds crumb and served with arugula salad, green apple & chicken jus vinaigrette.

 

soul-kitchen-paris

Soul Kitchen

Tucked away on the corner of a street, upon entering Soul Kitchen, you are greeted with warm smiles and the whimsical interior design. You can tell almost immediately that there is good hospitality and food here just by looking at how so much attention is being paid to the decor of the cafe, such as the installation of paper butterflies, the vintage touch with old wine crates, a big bay window, trays overflowing with food, pretty coloured furniture and a huge chalkboard menu at the counter, giving the place a real homely atmosphere. It is helmed by three affable lady chefs who presents a selection of wholesome dishes from their ever-changing menu of homemade recipes prepared with organic local produce. A charming cafe with even more delicious food, Soul Kitchen is one place you would not want to miss.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the four administrative quarters and the quarter has a large number of bookstores, publishing houses and several famous cafes that you have to visit.

Les Deux Magots

The name of the restaurant is actually dervied from two chinese figurines. Founded in 1812 and later expanded to its current location, the two statues that adorn the cafe now stand as witnesses to that era. In 1885, the cafe started serving alcohol and acted as a hotspot for many intellectual elites such as Earnest Hemmingway, Arthur Rimbaud, and Paul Verlaine. Then in 1933 with creation of the Prix des Deux Magots, the cafe asserted its literacy vocation that lead to many famed artists to visit such, as Elsa Triolet, Louis Aragon, André Gide, Jean Giraudoux, Pablo Picasso, and others. As one of the oldest cafes in Paris, it attracts people from different background from the world of politics to the world of fashion, arts and literature and not forgetting you travelers as well.

City Crepes Cafe

If you come to Paris and do not eat a crepe, it will have been a wasted trip. At the City Crepes Cafe, you can build your own crepe or order one straight off the menu! If you are interested to find out where you can go to learn how to make other french pastries, you can check out this crepe making class with locals in their homes in Paris!

Boulangeries Paul

Looking for bite in Paris? Paul is the place to go! Serving your everyday Parisian pastries, baguettes and cakes that are price friendly and waiting for tourists like yourself to snap them up! After collecting your snack, head over to the banks of Seine or the Luxembourg Gardens and enjoy your breakfast or lunch with a view 😉

Pere Lachaise & Menilmontant

There are countless of ways in which you could possibly soak up the Parisian culture. One of them would be visiting the Pere Lachaise cemetery. This neighborhood is tucked away in a little-known stretch of Paris, protected from the hullabaloo of the city but at the same time close enough to all the major attractions, this is where you can get a taste of the real Paris.

Clint

Decorated with soft orange light, bright, clean wooden floors and tables with cushioned chairs, this cafe is designed to promote an intimate and cosy dining experience, as well as absolutely sublime brewed coffee. Your Parisian coffee-break should indeed be spent here. Clint is also known for its excellent service, where you will witness baristas and waiters coming up to you, talking to you and at the same time allowing for visitors to have their own private time, making tourists feel like a local in a foreign land.

L’ Artiste

Walking along the pavements of the 11th arrondissement and you will come across a restaurant that has colourful beach umbrellas and rattan chairs fanned out inviting you to come in to enjoy a cup of coffee. L’ Artiste offers a myraid of options at their brunch buffet, from croissants to chicken drumsticks! Everything that you could possibly hope for to eat during brunch. For tourists that cannot speak French, have no fear for the staff here at L’Artiste are fluent in english and service is fast and efficient.

La Bellevilloise

Imagine a huge warehouse, air-conditoned, with a transparent roof that allows light to pour in at any time of the day- now you should be picturing la Bellevilloise! There are huge trees planted around the warehouse, with their leaves out on display and the scent filling the warehouse mixed with the delicious mix of sweet and savoury food cooking in the kitchen. This unique place, the la Bellevilloise, used to be a building to house the capital’s first workers, but has since turned into a bar, restaurant, club, exhibition space and a place to host regular film and music festivals. Food, service, atmosphere and people, La Bellevilloise has got it all right.

Champ Elysses

Champ Elysses  is known for its theatres, cafés and luxury shops, and for the military parade that takes place each year on the avenue on 14 July to celebrate Bastille Day.

Cafe Kousmichoff

Cafe Kousmichoff is the famous house of tea that sells Kusmi tea, which are Russian-styled teas and tea blends. You can come here for an afternoon tea or coffee as they offer a wide range of Kusmi aromatic teas along with a selection of cakes. The design of the cafe invokes a sense of serenity and freshness, a good place for lunch, afternoon tea as well as dinner. When you eat you will be on the upper level and you can eat and sip your tea whilst peering out of the window and looking at people go by on the Champs Elysees!

11 Carpaccio – La Royal Monceau

A one Michelin-star Italian restaurant in Paris. Its design of beige curtains, tall glass windows and soothing coloured furniture gives off a Silician baroque style that opens onto a lovely glass conservatory drenched in light. The II Carpaccio celebrates the intricate flavours of mouth-watering and sophisticated dishes crafted from the freshest seasonal products, and the chef gives a very personal interpretation of traditional family recipes from many of Italy’s regions. Here tourists and travelers alike can eat and enjoy the Italian flavours.

Laduree

A French luxury bakery established in 1862. Laduree is known for its double decker macarons, of which fifteen thousand of them are sold everyday. You can also head down to the cafe and enjoy some snacks and afternoon high tea! Its light blue painted walls and classic design will take you back to that era, including all their cutlery and plates!

In addition to eating macarons and other lovely treats, you may also want to experience macaron making and learn about other French pastries with local home chefs, and take the Paris experience home with you.

Know of any other cafes in Paris that are unique and have great food? Leave a comment below! 🙂

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