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!
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!
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.
- Rooms of Monet’s most famous works
- Lots of impressionist artwork
- Smaller and less crowded
- A nice range of artwork
- So much impressionist pieces (Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, etc.)
- Beautiful and spacious
- 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)
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.
- Very touristy but beautiful views of the city from a boat on the Seine
- Fairly inexpensive for a 1.5-hour tour (13 Euros)
- 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
- Breathtaking painting and stained glass
- Short but beautiful self-tour for 10 Euros (but worth it in my opinion)
- Relaxing park with wonderful views
- A nice place to relax, read or nap alongside French people
- Cute little park near Musee Rodin
- Fun picnic or family spot
WHERE TO EAT
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.
- Known for their coffee, served in a modern coffeeshop
- Delicious breakfast and brunch dishes (along with tasty espresso and hot chocolate)
- The best, butteriest crepes and cider (ham & cheese is my fave)
- Old-school feel with lots of dark wood and tight spaces
- 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
- 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
- Great Belgian beer and food in Les Halles
- Buckets of fries!
- Mussels in curry sauce
- 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
- Cute outdoor/indoor cafe on Rue Cler
- Incredible brioche toast and jam and tea special for breakfast (7 Euros)
- Traditional French bistro fare
- Big portions
- Floating island for dessert (see below)
- 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.
- Classic assortment of French pastries
- Pain aux raisins was outstanding
- 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
- 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.
- Opulent tea shop with tea room
- Amazing blends and flavors of tea
- Several locations throughout Paris (including on Rue Cler)
- Amazing market street in the 7th arrondissement (close to our hotel)
- Fresh fruits, meats, cheese, seafood, cafes, chocolates
- 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
- Great local chocolate shop
- Buy treats to take home with you or to send to loved ones (chocolate coins!)
- On Rue Cler
- 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!