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(Pssst… if hotels aren’t your thing, I curated a list of Paris Airbnb apartments for you)

Hôtel Le Square Louvois

12 rue du Louvois / 2e arrondissement / €€€

Nestled on a quiet street in the heart of this bookish district, Hôtel Square Louvois is an Art Deco 4-star boutique property with just 50 rooms steeped in the purest Haussmanian tradition.

Likewise, in a nod to its neighbour, Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu, literature is omnipresent at Hôtel Square Louvois. In fact, the open spaces of its lobby and rooms are filled with books and portraits of famous Parisian authors. Additionally, large French-style windows open to full size on the adjacent leafy, green square.

Hôtel La Parizienne

33 boulevard du Montparnasse / 6e arrondissement / €€

La Parizienne is a 3-star boutique hotel (just shy of 30 rooms) driven by the spirit of a Parisian woman: vibrant, chic, and poetic. The rooms are modest in size but feature luxurious toiletries and bedding, for a wonderfully comfortable stay.

The colourful hotel is just a stone throw’s from Montparnasse, shopping-driven Rennes area as well as Jardin du Luxembourg. Consequently, ask for a room facing Boulevard du Montparnasse for stunning views of the eponymous tower, especially striking at sunset.

Hôtel National Arts & Métiers

243 rue Saint-Martin / 3e arrondissement / €€€

Right in the heart of everything worth seeing (notably the winebars, the restaurants, and the bookshops of Place de la République), this stunning hotel is truly for city lovers.

The recently opened property features stunningly designed rooms with accents of green velvet and modern artwork, not to mention the quaint French balconies and terrazzo bathrooms. Free buffet breakfast and yoga classes every morning, a rarity in Paris. The on-site restaurant is hemmed by a local celebrity chef; in addition, also check out the rooftop terrace for an exclusive bird’s eye view of Paris.

Hôtel Panache

1 rue Geoffroy-Marie / 9e arrondissement / €€

Looking for the trendiest, best hotels in Paris? This Instagram sensation (have you seen those headboards?) actually holds more than meets the eye. The property oozes style, character and cool and has become a bit of a rendezvous for locals in need of a stiff drink after work.

The 40 rooms are bright and feature touches of vintage, Bauhaus decor; if you’re visiting for a special occasion, ask for room 703 with its rooftop views and romantic corner bath. However, if Hôtel Panache is fully booked, check out its sister properties: Hôtel Bienvenue and Hôtel Paradis.

Hôtel Opéra Richepanse

14 rue du Chevalier de Saint-Georges / 1er arrondissement / €€

The recently-renovated 4-star Hôtel Opéra Richepanse is not to be outdone, with almost 400 years of history. Indeed, Russian composer Piotr Tchaïkovski was a regular guest in the late 1800s and wrote several letters to his family gushing about the property.

The room decor alone, with a contemporary colour palette and attractively appointed furniture, was a winner in my book. Moreover, the location close to Madeleine métro station is ideal if you’ll be exploring various areas of Paris.

Hôtel Providence

90 rue René Boulanger / 10e arrondissement / €€

Set in the trendy 10e arrondissement, this hotel is housed inside a 19th century townhouse just a short walk from romantic Canal St-Martin. Therefore, it’s one of the best located hotels in Paris.

Bejewelled in lavish fabrics, unique objets d’art and superbly crafted bespoke details (those metro tiles in the bathroom!), this is a luxury lifestyle hotel that lives up to its promise. The pièce de résistance is the marble-topped cocktail bar made to measure for each room, accompanied by a step-by-step guide showing guests how to mix their own cocktail. Breakfast is included.

Hôtel Le Walt

37 avenue de la Motte Picquet / 7e arrondissement / €€

This is the perfect hotel for you if you’re more of the out-and-about-by-day, quiet-night-in-after dinner
type, thanks to a tranquil neighbourhood. But truth be told, who’d trade crowded bars for quiet views of the Eiffel Tower?

In other words, Hotel Le Walt offers just that with a classic Rive Gauche vibe. The Eiffel Tower is not only within sight: it’s also within walking distance! The hotel focusses on paintings of the last century along with a lovely garden terrace. Make sure to ask for a room with a view before you book.

The Hoxton

32 rue du Sentier / 2e arrondissement / €€

If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ll inevitably love their French property which is arguably one of the best hotels in Paris. Famous for their lively bars & restaurants, the Hoxton hotels are popular spots for locals and visitors alike, especially the adjoining courtyards where rosé is heavily served.

All bedrooms comprise chevron timber floors (à la Haussmannienne), elegant cornicing, slick contemporary tiled bathrooms with copper fixtures. Most importantly, the property features the distinctive edgy-vintage vibe inherent to the Hoxton brand (think Roberts radio and Formica, for instance) and has become the coolest hotel in all of Paris, largely in part due to its Instafamous staircase and rococo façade. In short, an excellent option for a great night’s sleep and a très cool factor!

The post The 8 coolest, best hotels in Paris right now appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Why should you visit Arc de Triomphe?

Standing majestically at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Why is that?

After his big win at Austerlitz, Emperor Napoleon decided to have this beautiful building made to honor the French army and the brave men and women who fought and died for their country. It took over 30 years and a lot of different political leaders to build, but the Arc was finally finished in 1836. It became a symbol of national pride and resilience. Take a closer look at its walls, and you’ll see the names of 158 major battles fought between 1792 and 1815 during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars where the French armies claimed victory.

And yes, it’s as impressive as it sounds on paper. With its ornate sculptures and inscriptions of battles and generals’ names, the Arc de Triomphe is an invitation to step into history and marvel at the city’s grandeur. Military history buffs will also want to take a look at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a flame is rekindled daily in remembrance of the fallen.

But if you’re just looking for a good photo, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier offers something truly unique: a breathtaking view from its rooftop terrace.

What can you see from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop?

If you make your way up the 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best 360 degree panoramic views in Paris. From this vantage point, at 164 feet high, you can see the city in every direction. Literally! After all, you’re looking down on the famous Étoile, or “Star,” where 12 avenues radiate outward and further afield in Paris, including the glittering Champs-Élysées.

• To the southeast, you can see the Louvre and its glass pyramid, the newly reopened Grand Palais and the Seine is winding its way through the cityscape.
• If you turn slightly, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower to the southwest, and its iconic lattice structure is glinting in the sunlight. To me, this remains the best view of the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris.
• To the north, you’ll find Montmartre, with the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur at the top.
• And to the west, you’ll find the modern skyscrapers of La Défense, the capital’s ultra modern business district riddled with shiny skyscrapers and the Grande Arche with which most Parisians have a love/hate relationship.
• You’ll get to spy on the city’s wealthiest and their luxury apartments throughout the 8th arrondissement, rooftop patios, lush gardens, and other ultra rich whimsies. Use the brass and stainless steel telescopes placed around the terrace to see them up close.
• If you look further afield, you might even catch a glimpse of the bell towers of Notre Dame, the horrific monolith that is Montparnasse Tower, the golden dome of Les Invalides, Bois de Boulogne, and the Paris City Hall.

Which view is better, Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe?

I totally get it—it’s the classic Parisian dilemma: Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe?

While both offer unique perspectives, the Arc de Triomphe has a compelling edge. Here’s why: when you’re on top of the Eiffel Tower, you can’t actually see the Eiffel Tower! What’s Paris without its most famous landmark in sight? But when you’re at the Arc, you get this incredible view of the Eiffel Tower, standing tall and beautiful amidst the cityscape. It’s the perfect postcard, isn’t it?

And let’s not forget the height. The Eiffel Tower observatory is so high up that the city’s landmarks can feel a bit distant and tiny, like tiny models scattered across a map. The Arc de Triomphe, on the other hand, sits at just the right height—high enough to offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view but low enough to appreciate the intricate details of Paris’s rooftops, avenues, and architecture.

In short, if you want to experience the beauty of Paris with the Eiffel Tower as a centerpiece, the Arc de Triomphe is unbeatable.

How to visit the Arc de Triomphe

• Getting there:
  • By Metro: Take Line 1, 2, or 6 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station.
  • On foot: The Arc is situated at Place Charles de Gaulle. Use the underground pedestrian passage to access it safely (don’t attempt to cross the chaotic traffic circle!).
• Opening times:
  • Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (times may vary seasonally).
  • Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
• Admission fees:
  • Adults: €16
  • Free: Children under 18 and EU residents under 26 (with valid ID).
• Tips:
  • Book your tickets online to skip the lines. Know that tickets are issued for a specific time and date.
  • Aim to visit at sunset for a magical golden-hour view of Paris.

The post Why the Arc de Triomphe offers Paris’ best panoramic views appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

In addition to the city’s walkable-size (adios expensive taxi fares) and the many affordable dining options, there are also hundreds of free things to do in Paris that will both delight your senses. And spare your bank account from a mild heart attack. You’re welcome.

Free Sundays

If you’re visiting Paris on a budget or if you’d simply rather save your precious euros for a dinner splurge, why not schedule your visit to tie in with the first Sunday of each month? Several world-class museums are free to visit then, including musée national Eugène Delacroix, Centre Pompidou, musée de l’Orangerie, and Orsay, to name a few.

Other attractions are also free to visit on Sundays, but in wintertime only. Consider adding Arc de Triomphe, the Panthéon, Sainte-Chapelle and other historic monuments to your winter in Paris itinerary!

Galeries Lafayette

While it may seem odd to promote a high-end department store as a free activity, Galeries Lafayette is perhaps the one stop that offers the best value with two different things to do!

Firstly, marvel at the splendid stained-glass dome, a heritage of the Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau eras. Secondly, go up to the last floor and enjoy gorgeous views of Paris from the terrace (summer only).

Jardin du Luxembourg

The gardens were created by regent Queen Marie de Médici in 1612 to complement her newly-built residence Palais du Luxembourg. They are inspired by the widow’s Italian roots with lavish tree-lined promenades, lush flowerbeds and intricate fountains. It’s also one of the best places to enjoy an al fresco breakfast or lunch, procured at one of the many local bakeries.

Oh and you know, that stunning building you see in the distance? Palais du Luxembourg has been the seat of the French Senate since 1958.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Obviously, the cathedral is closed until further notice (with scheduled reopening in time for the 2024 Olympics) due to the tragic fire that broke out in 2019. But you can still enjoy Notre-Dame’s stunning facade!

The large medieval Catholic cathedral is often said to be the finest example of French Gothic architecture. As such, it requires very little presentation as one of Paris’ top attractions! Firstly, this is where Napoleon I was crowned. Secondly, where Joan of Arc was canonised. And thirdly, where Mary, Queen of Scots married Francis II of France.

Jardin du Palais Royal

The inner courtyard is flanked by lavish French gardens, the iconic striped Colonnes de Buren and a grand palace. It was built for Cardinal de Richelieu, King Louis XIII’s chief minister and powerful bishop; he is often considered to be the father of the modern French society.

Rue Crémieux

Upon scouting locations on Instagram, I stumbled upon this adorable rainbow-coloured city in what is otherwise a typically Haussmann-beige city. Welcome to Rue Crémieux, which is not unlike a striking resemblance to London’s Notting Hill.

The Seine banks

These beautiful river banks often goes under the tourist radar. Sadly so, because it’s quite an amazing place to sit, relax and eat a macaron on a sunny day. Moreover, it offers a unique perspective of Paris! The Seine banks are now largely pedestrian, making it lovelier than ever to stroll upon. Or have a romantic post-lunch stroll!

Not to forget: the historic bouquinistes that have set up shop along the Seine with rare and second-hand books.

Free views of the Eiffel Tower

One does not have to pay expensive observatory fees to get smashing views of Paris. If your visit coincides with the free entry at Arc de Triomphe every first Sunday of the month in wintertime, then you’re in luck. If not, there are other valuable options to consider.

• Head to Trocadéro at any time of the day, although sunrise is arguably the most magical time to be there.
• Walk to Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the colonnades made famous by the Inception movie. From there, admire the view of the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower at the same time.
• Go to the very top floor of Printemps department store on Boulevard Haussman. Take in the free view of the Eiffel Tower, as well as Opéra Garnier and Sacré-Coeur.
• For a classic shot of the Eiffel and the River Seine, there are two options. Head to Passerelle Debilly or walk atop the steps of Rue de la Manutention.
• For a view of the Eiffel tower from a distance, hike up Parc Belleville.

Tuileries Gardens

The Tuileries are wedged in the enviable 30 hectares along River Seine separating Place de la Concorde and the Louvre in Paris’ posh 1er arrondissement.

The gardens are named after the tile factories that stood there before Queen de Medici built the palace in 1564. They were designed by King Louis XIV’s preferred gardener, André le Nôtre, who opted for a French formal style. Nowadays, amongst the leafy trees, visitors will find various Rodin and Maillol sculptures.

Promenade Plantée

Forget New York’s High Line — the real deal is the Promenade Plantée, which existed long before its NYC counterpart. In essence, what used to be an elevated train track linking Place de la Bastille to Varenne-Saint-Mauris is now home to a beautiful, serene 4.5-kilometres long park. Keep an eye out for interesting pieces of street art.

Covered passages in Paris

As much as the city is gorgeous when the sun shines, it wouldn’t be pessimistic to assume that it’s going to rain at some point during your time in Paris. And when indeed it does, you’ll be prepared: head to the historic 18th century covered passages of central Paris. Some of my favourites include:

• Passage des Panoramas
• Galerie Vivienne
• Passage du Grand Cerf
• Passage Verdeau

Maison de Victor Hugo

Surprisingly, the permanent collection at Maison de Victor Hugo is free to visit for everyone. This is the home where the illustrious author lived from 1832 to 1848 and wrote his most acclaimed novel, Les Misérables. That was well before he turned to politics, got elected to the Parliament and was momentarily exiled to Guernsey for fear of treason by Napoleon III!

Popular Paris markets

Paris is not a market-driven town in the same way London is, for example, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. Here are a few of my favourite markets in Paris (full list of markets in Paris is available here, in French):

• Puces de Saint-Ouen: The largest flea market in Paris with just about everything, from furniture to jewellery to trinkets and vintage designer labels.
• Marché des Enfants Rouges: Former orphanage turned into food market with amazing Moroccan eateries. Did you know? The name means “Red Children Market” because kids wore clothes donated by Christian charities.
• Aligre market: Known as the market who survived the Revolution, the atmospheric stalls sell produce from all over France.
• Marché du livre: For vintage French books.
• Raspail: Open air market with 40 stalls filled with fresh produce, from vegetables to breads and cheeses.
• Marché aux timbres: Browse vintage stamps and postcards from all over the world.

Jardin des Plantes

This is France’s most significant botanical garden and, as such, includes twelve distinct gardens featuring 85,000 plants and a ménagerie. It’s technically part of the Natural History Museum of Paris, which however isn’t free to enter.

It was built four centuries ago by orders of King Louis XIII as a medicinal garden — some of the herbs planted at the time still exist to this day. Consequently, it’s now one of France’s most esteemed monument historique. It is located in Paris’ underrated 5e arrondissement, close to the Grande mosquée and Lutèce, Paris’ very own roman amphitheatre.

Canal Saint-Martin

The 4.5-kilometres long canal located in east Paris was built by orders of Napoleon back in the early 19th century. Why? To supply the city with fresh water amidst growing concerns for public health, notably cholera and dysentery. Funnily enough, a new tax on wine almost entirely financed the construction — only in France, right?!

Nowadays, it’s a lovely area and a popular place to watch barges navigate the locks. Its banks are lined with trendy cafés with sprawling terraces, bakeries and wine bars.

Additional and underrated free things to do in Paris

Musée du parfum de Paris

One of the few entirely free museums in Paris! The perfume museum is dedicated to one of the oldest and most esteemed French perfumeries and is located in a lavish Napoleon III townhouse. It features a highly ornate decor that will leave very few indifferent.

Musée Carnavalet

Carnavalet Museum is nestled in the heart of Le Marais. Opened since 1880, it depicts the history of Paris spanning from its very beginnings to our day. Housed in a lovely 11th-century mansion, it welcomes acclaimed temporary exhibitions that really shouldn’t be missed.

La Défense

Why not spice up your Parisian getaway with skyscrapers, ultra-modern architecture and a fast-paced central square? Indeed, just a few minutes outside the city lies the most important business centre of Europe, La Défense. Expect gorgeous, colourful fountains and surprising buildings that you typically wouldn’t expect to find Europe, much less Paris.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

At 110 acres, Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in all of Paris. It’s also the most famous, thanks to a few noteworthy residents — Honoré de Balzac, Molière, Marcel Proust, Eugène Delacroix, Édith Piaf, Georges Bizet, Jean de la Fontaine, Maria Callas, Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, Jim Morrison. In addition, it was Paris’ first garden cemetery! It makes for a wonderful stroll through cobblestone alleys flanked by mature, leafy trees.

Parc de la Villette open air cinema

The open air cinema in the verdant Parc de la Villette is a great option for those warm, romantic Parisian summer nights. But only if you can understand French explicitly or don’t mind reading subtitles! Entry is free and it’s possible to rent deck chairs or blankets.

Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

The eastern wing of the bold Palais de Tokyo is Paris’ premier modern art museum and commands attention with its concrete walls. Markedly, it focuses on the various art movements of both the 20th and 21st centuries. As such, it features over 8,000 artworks — including household names like Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp and Modigliani, to name a few.

Parc Monceau

Amazingly overlooked by most tourists,17th-century Parc Monceau is one of Paris’ loveliest and most unique greens. Enter through imposing gold wrought-iron gates in one of the few English-style gardens in France! The curved walkways are dotted with Greek sculptures, a Rotunda, a Renaissance colonnade, Corinthian pillars, a Dutch windmill and even a large pond.

Musée de la Vie Romantique

Located in dodgy-meets-sexual Pigalle at the bottom of Montmartre, the quirky Romantic Life Museum is dedicated to the Romanticism art and intellectual movement that sprung all over Europe in the 1800s. The hôtel particulier used to be the setting of weekly salons where great minds of the time, for example George Sand and Eugène Delacroix, met, painted, and discussed ideas. This one of the more offbeat yet fascinating free things to do in Paris.

Butte Chaumont

Not just a huge poster in Monica’s and Chandler’s apartment! Butte Chaumont really does exist and offers unobstructed views over Paris from an angle that few visitors get to see. The hike up the park is very steep; to clarify, it’s called a butte which is French for hill. But the reward far outweighs the effort.

Hôtel de Ville

Welcome to the largest city hall in Europe! Most of the 16th-century building is closed to visitors for security reasons. However, there are many interesting exhibitions throughout the year as well as free guided visits of the State Rooms (by reservations only).

Petit Palais

The sumptuous Beaux-Arts Petit Palais was purposefully built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, for which the Eiffel Tower was also erected; likewise the Louvre, the galleries at Petit Palais are as grandiose as the artworks they welcome. The collections are very diverse and span several centuries of visual art history. Highlights include Delacroix, Monet, Cézanne, Rembrandt and Rodin.

The post How to visit Paris and not spend a centime on attractions appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Personally, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Paris and I religiously make a point in indulging this tradition each time I’m in town. For research purposes, of course.

Baron rouge

1 rue Théophile Roussel / 12^e arrondissement
lebaronrouge.net

The characterful owner serves French wines quite heavily for a handful of euros; either ask for his suggestion or take your pick from the from the hand-written blackboard. On weekends, the crowd spills out onto the sidewalk, where fresh oysters are heaped in baskets and served by the dozen.

Clown bar

114 rue Amelot / 11^e arrondissement
clown-bar-paris.com

The historic bar near the former Cirque d’Hiver retains its beautiful Belle Epoque flair (tastefully) decorated with clowns; wines are heavily natural, with good options by the glass as well as the bottle. Get there early or book well ahead.

Hôtel Amour

8 rue de Navarin / 9^e arrondissement
hotelamourparis.fr

The late-night brasserie has a coveted outdoor garden with an irresistibly high dose of sultriness in Paris’ former red light district. Try the signature cocktail, Amoureuse volcanique, with tangy Chambord. It’s a sexy place but hey, what’s sexier than Paris?

La cave du Paul Bert

16 rue du Paul Bert / 11e arrondissement

One of the most classic yet lively wine bars in Paris, complete with a short menu of French-inspired plates to share and a lengthy list of organic wine by the glass. If you can get there early enough to snag one of the six bar seats, do. You’ll be in for a fantastic experience and conversation.

Le verre volé

67 rue de Lancry / 10e arrondissement
leverrevole.fr

Having been open since the turn of the millennium, this is one of the original wine bars in Paris and pretty much a mandatory stop. You can’t miss the bright lavender facade along the hip Canal Saint-Martin area! It offers a menu of fresh small plates that changes every day served with a selection of 400+ handpicked natural wines from the utter best, most passionate organic vignerons in Europe. If you’re on a budget, that’s also a good spot for you; Le verre volé has a prix-fixe lunch menu at just 21€. Check their fine grocery on rue de la Folie Méricourt around the corner—-the perfect place to grab a few gourmet souvenirs!

La cave à Michel

36 rue Sainte-Marthe / 10e arrondissement

Minuscule, convivial, inviting. Their sommelier knows how to make people feel welcome, and how to show them a wine-fuelled good time. Plates range from just 2 to 10€ and are served on the narrow zinc counter that runs the length of the standing-room-only space, a classic Paris feature. Wine-wise, expect the top picks of natural wine, from zesty Cheverny to juicy Gamay and just about everything in-between, with a few odd picks from underrated wine regions across France. Bonus: it’s one of Rachel Signer’s favourite wine bars in Paris, and I mean, she’s pretty much a world expert in natural wine. Enjoy her read, You Had Me at Pet-Nat.

Pompette

15 rue Hippolyte Lebas / 9e arrondissement
pompetteparis.com

My new favourite place for vin nature in Paris. Australian-born wine lover Jess Hodges to open this small, intimate wine bar (yay, a women-owned space in Paris!) whose name is a colloquial way of saying tipsy. And that could not be closer to the reality of this place. Not one person walks out of Pompette sober, or hungry, for that matter; last time I went, it was for a friend’s birthday, and we literally ordered everything on the menu. We regretted nothing. Wines are from Jess’ vignerons friends she made over the years across Europe, and they’re all excellent, especially if you’re into macerations/orange wines.

Juvéniles

47 rue de Richelieu / 1^er arrondissement
juvenileswinebar.com

30 years in the making, this fuss-free, no-nonsense wine bar prides itself on delivering on its promise of great food and even greater wines. Expect friendly service, chatty locals — and even an English cheese pairing menu! This is a genuinely great place to spend an easy-on-the-wallet, all-around-enjoyable evening fueled by European vintages.

Le p’tit pinard

18 rue Saint-Ambroise / 11e arrondissement
leptitpinard.fr

Tucked away on a quiet corner deep in the 11th, not many tourists venture here and it’s somewhat of a well-kept secret. Charlotte and Julien did a wonderful job with this new wine bar (with almost exclusively French wineries, including orange wine, pet-nat and rosé) and shop, that goes from cozy brunch spot to romantic date night in the matter of a few hours. Good to know: pinard is French slang for wine. The place is gorgeous, too, with an L-shaped wooden bar, exposed brick walls, and large windows that open onto the leafy back garden.

Compagnie des vins surnaturels

7 rue Lobineau / 6^e arrondissement
compagniedesvinssurnaturels.com

Tucked away behind the iconic Marché Saint-Germain is a chic, cosy, dimly-lit wine bar. It’s not the cheapest but wine lovers will make wonderful discoveries not just from France but all over Europe. Why not get one of their famous charcuterie plates while you’re there?

La cave de Belleville

51 rue de Belleville / 19e arrondissement

If you find yourself in Paris on a weekday, head to La cave de Belleville. They have tastings every Thursday at 8PM, which includes a handful of wines and a charcuterie plate, served on a massive wooden table for 20 people. Expect loads of natural wines, with highly competent sommeliers that know everything that needs to be known about winemaking with as little intervention as possible. One of the most well-known wine bars in Paris, and still one of the best.

Le Barav

6 rue Charles-François Dupuis / 3^e arrondissement
lebarav.fr

A French tongue-in-cheek pun about drinking too much. That might happen at Le Barav, with its neighbourhood feel (not to mention sprawling terrace), its dozen or so picks by the €5 glass or its 300+ vintages stocked in the cellar next door.

Wine tastings in Paris

If you’d rather take part in a group tasting led by a maître sommelier in order to discover wines with a more educational, scholarly approach, these tours might be more interesting to you:

• Paris wine tasting + cheese board (with an expert sommelier)
• Champagne tasting on a Seine River cruise
• Grand Cru wine tastings with a sommelier
• Art of pairing cheese and wine tasting
• Burgundy wine tasting tour in Chablis with local winery visits 
• Small-group wine-tasting trip to the Champagne region from Paris

Get the book!

Find out where I go in the City of Lights for a romantic date, for little-known artsy museums, for designer splurges, and for Instagram-friendly cafés. Inside this eBook you will find 40+ pages full of preciously handpicked, highly curated Paris insight with underrated attractions, off-the-beaten path itinerary ideas, and neighbourhood highlights that locals love!

GET YOUR PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

The post 12 exceptional Paris bars for natural wine appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

A word of warning before you start your odyssey: not all bakeries and pâtisseries are created equal. An astounding faction relies on unfrozen goods baked in suburban high-production facilities. Most Parisians are downright outraged by this plague of faux-bakeries! If your gut tell you the goods aren’t freshly baked on-site, they probably aren’t. There are too many hard-working, artisanal, and innovative bakeries across town to waste time (and money!) on inferior baguettes.

PRO TIP:
If the pâtisseries you’re eyeing all look exactly the same, with absolutely no difference in finish, size or shape, step away. Authentic pâtisseries will have slight, ever-so-subtle differences because they’re made by hand.

Blé sucré

7 RUE ANTOINE VOLLON, 12E ARRONDISSEMENT

Once the pastry chef at Michelin-starred Le Bristol, Fabrice Le Bourdat now serves up some of the most
beautiful desserts, viennoiseries, and breads in the city. Don’t skip out on the butter-and-caramel
kouign-amann, a Breton specialty. Honestly, they have the best pain au chocolat in Paris. Thick, buttery, not too flaky. Best enjoyed al fresco in the adjacent, leafy Square Trousseau.

Fou de pâtisserie

45 RUE DU MONTORGUEUIL, 9E ARRONDISSEMENT

Paris gets it first concept store dedicated to all things pastries, with treats from some six of the most esteemed chefs pâtissiers in town. A brilliant idea, or what? What’s on offer changes almost daily in this sliver-of-a-shop cake boutique; it’s hard to predict what will be available but impossibly high standards and perfect execution are to be expected regardless.

Farine & O

153 RUE DU FAUBOURG SAINT-ANTOINE, 11E ARRONDISSEMENT
10 RUE DES MARTYRS, 9E ARRONDISSEMENT

The owner, Olivier Magne, was 2015‘s meilleur ouvrier de France (aka the French Oscars of baking); his lively bakery now serves up some of the best organic, sourdough bread in Paris. He opted for quality over quantity, and as such, there is few varieties of bread on offer but each one is impeccable. For something sweet, try the mini Paris-Brest and the lemon brioche.

Du pain & des idées

34 RUE YVES TOUDIC, 10E ARRONDISSEMENT

Historic, minuscule bakery famous for its buttery escargot, an as-big-as-your-face spiral-shaped pastry; get the pistache chocolat to go and enjoy it on the banks of adjacent Canal St-Martin.There are queues, but their goods are well worth the 10-minute wait in this off-the-tourist-path neighbourhood.

Mamiche

45 RUE CONDORCET, 9E ARRONDISSEMENT

The ever-present queues at this 100% female-owned bakery are indicative of just how addictive their pain
au chocolat is. Sweet prices, too, at just €1,20.

Fauchon

several locations

Now, I’ll probably get hanged for this, but La Durée is just overrated to me. Fauchon has the best macarons in Paris and I am adamant about this. I particularly like their combination of both classic flavours (pistachio, chocolate, salted caramel, raspberry) as well as groundbreaking ones (passionfruit-mango, fig and honey, blackburrant and violet).

And if you just can’t get enough of the sweets, Fauchon even opened its own hotel last year.

Boulangerie Bo

85bis rue de Charenton, 12e arrondissement

Adorable corner bakery adorned in the purest Art Deco style. Chocolate-lovers will travel great lengths to get their hands on the dense ganache pie. Tip: try and get a croissant to go and enjoy it on the nearby Promenade plantée.

Last time I was there, a local customer and the owner got into a heated argument because she accused him of cutting the bread the wrong way, and she left angrily, yelling that would never set foot in there again. To which the owner happily replied: “Well, there are plenty of bakeries to go around, lady!”. That’s just Paris for you.

Other noteworthy bakeries in Paris:

• Boulangerie Utopie
• Le boulanger de la tour
• Poilâne
• Yann Couvreur
• Des gâteaux et du pain
• Sadaharu Aioki
• La pâtisserie Cyril Lignac
• Boris Lumé boulangerie

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The post My 14 favourite pâtisseries & bakeries in Paris appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Champagne

Discover the art of proper Champagne on one of the fanciest day trips from Paris in the heart of the vineyards and the maze-like cellars. The Champagne vineyards are at their best in the summer, right before harvest; that’s when they’ll be greenest and fullest. Winter, and early spring visits will be synonymous with virtually bare vines. On the other hand, autumn is the harvest season which means winemakers will most likely be busy!

• Champagne day trip (Moet&Chandon) and Reims Cathedral from Paris
• Champagne tasting and visit (Mumm and Mercier) and Reims Cathedral from Paris
• Champagne tasting and visit (Nicolas Feuillatte) and visit Hautvillers village from Paris

Giverny & Monet

Visit the home and garden where Monet painted his most famous piece, Water Lillies.

The first part of the visit is the Monet house itself – where the painter used to live in the 1880s, and most importantly, create; the second part is an ode to the beauty of nature and the powerful smell of various flowers; the third and last part of the visit is where you’ll find one of the most famous scenes of the history of the 3rd art – the water lily pond. It’s really interesting to visit the workshop of one of the world’s most famous and talented painters. I like how Monet also kept his Impressionist friends close to his heart – his bedroom walls were covered by Cézanne, Renoir and Manet paintings.

• Giverny including Monet’s Gardens and gravesite half-day trip
• Monet’s gardens & house private tour with art historian
• Giverny and Honfleur
• Giverny and Monet’s garden bike tour

Mont Saint-Michel

The excitement for this unique place in the world starts when you see it from afar, when getting closer and closer to the coast, and all through the visit, and even after as you enjoy a locally produced apple cider.

The Mont Saint-Michel is perhaps one of the most and ancient Christian pilgrimage sites in the Western world, with the worship of Saint Michael’s going as far back as the 8th century, and the monastery foundations in the 10th century. Today, the Mont Saint-Michel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the second most visited site in France, with over 3 million visitors every year (I’ll let you guess which is the first one).

It’s a long but well worth day trip to this iconic, UNESCO-registered landmark in Normandy.

• Mont Saint-Michel full day experience from Paris by private coach
• Mont Saint-Michel guided day trip with lunch from Paris
• Mont Saint-Michel day trip with Calvados + lunch in a traditional Norman manor

D-Day beaches

History buffs will relish this opportunity to set foot on the very beaches where World War II ended. Decide whether you wish to focus on American or Canadian-related sites and memorials. Within context, this is certainly one of the heavier, most dense day trips from Paris but also the most psychologically-rewarding; lest we forget.

• Normandy D-Day beaches & American cemetery trip
• Normandy D-Day beaches and Honfleur
• Normandy D-Day small-group with Omaha Beach, cemetery & cider tasting
• Normandy small-group D-Day battlefields & landing beaches
• Normandy D-Day beaches for Canadians: day trip to Juno Beach & Canadian cemetery

Loire Valley castles

Did anyone say “idyllic holiday to France’s most picturesque castles”? Because this is pretty much what you’re getting when you go to the Loire Valley castles. Located just two south-east of Paris, this ensemble has the world’s highest concentration of castles (a few hundreds, just that), some rather small, and some downright Disney-worthy. Tour some of the most prestigious and famous castles in all of Europe — with a glass of wine!

• Chambord & Chenonceau castles day trip with wine tasting from Paris
• Ambroise, Chenonceau, and Chambord castles day trip with wine tasting from Paris
• Chambord & Clos Lucé day trip from Paris

Versailles

Skip the queues and get insightful information on this majestic palace with a guided visit. A word of warning: you won’t be the only tourist with the brilliant idea to visit Versailles. Brace yourself for crowds! But if you can get a skip-the-line tickets to Versailles or if you visit in calmer hours, you’ll be in for a treat.

• Versailles bike tour with skip-the-line entrance to palace
• Versailles Palace & gardens guided tour from Paris with optional fountain show
• Marie-Antoinette’s estate private guided tour with lunch
• Monet’s house & gardens in Giverny plus Versailles palace day trip with lunch from Paris

Wine tastings near Paris

If it’s wine you’re into, there are plenty of potential day trips from Paris… straight to the vineyards. Most will head directly towards Bourgogne thanks to readily available public transportation on high-speed trains, but there are options into Bordeaux and the Loire Valley as well. Just pick your favourite grape variety and explore its surroundings!

• North Burgundy and Chablis wine tasting tour from Paris
• Burgundy day trip with wine tasting, lunch and visit to Auxerre from Paris

Day trips from Paris: additional suggestions

• Fontainebleau
• Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Parc and Château de Sceaux
• Château de Chantilly
• Cathedral of Chartres
• Auvers sur Oise, in Van Gogh’s footsteps
• The city of Rouen
• Cathedral of Orléans

The post 7 day trips from Paris you should consider for your next trip appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

And precisely this is why I like to go on a guided visit every once in a while — no guidebook or Wikipedia reading session will ever be as captivating as having an expert tell the tales in the very place they happened. My ride with 4 roues sous 1 parapluie proved that again.

Paris métro

If you look carefully, you will notice that there are no Art Deco métro entrances by Hector Guimard nearby or across important monuments, for the simple reason that cast iron wasn’t considered to be a noble material at the time. In fact, urbanists and commuters alike were scandalized by this new extravagant style with plant-like motif. Some were even demolished just a few years after their construction; those that remain are now historical monuments.

Conversely, the entrances located by say, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower or the Opéra are all made out of stone and designed in the neo-classical Greek-Roman style.

Buttes Chaumont

Buttes Chaumont, located in the 19th arrondissement (and also heavily pictured in Monica Geller’s living room), are entirely man-made; the park is, in fact, built over what was once used as a refuse dump, and then as a place for cutting up horse carcasses and as a depository for sewage. I bet it is much cuter now than it was in the 19th century!

Louvre Museum

This is one of my favourite facts about Paris: in order to prevent the destruction of countless works of art, the Louvre Museum secretly moved its most significant pieces to the basement of Chambord Castle and Valençay Castle in the Loire Valley in the early stages of World War II. After just four months of careful packing and subtle moving, the museum was almost cleared out.

Assemblée Nationale

Originally built as a palace for Louis XIV’s daughter, what is now the Assemblée Nationale on the left bank used to be called Palais Bourbon. Napoleon ordered major renovation works for the palace in the early 19th century as part of his “monumental Paris scheme” — and if you have a slight feeling of déjà-vu, it might be because the classicizing portico mirrors almost exactly that of the Madeleine, which is located directly across the Seine on the right bank, thus creating a perfect symmetry between the two banks.

Notre-Dame-de-Paris

A couple of years after the French Revolution took place, Notre-Dame-de-Paris was almost torn down because of how it represented both the monarchy and the clergy’s power, which obviously did not sit well with the raging, hungry locals. It was only saved because of Victor Hugo’s influence and the immense success of his now-iconic novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of the most important French Revolution sites in Paris for two reasons: not only is it precisely where both Louis XVI and his queen consort Marie-Antoinette were beheaded in 1793, but the square’s pavement actually consists of the stones salvaged from the Bastille fortress ruins. The storming of la Bastille is often considered to be the flashpoint of the French Revolution, even though it was, contrary to popular belief, almost empty.

Eiffel Tower

Speaking of destruction, the Eiffel Tower, which was built as part of the 1889 World’s Fair, wasn’t meant to remain standing after the fair was over. It was built to much controversy, and it wasn’t wiped off the face of the Earth simply because it was the world’s highest man-made structure at the time and served many scientific purposes. Eagle-eyed travellers have probably noticed that the names of many scientists, such as Lavoisier, Gay-Lussac, Fresnel and Foucault, are inscribed on all four faces of the tower.

Every night at precisely 10 o’clock, the iron lady gives her best performance of the day, twinkling brightly for a few minutes. But did you know that over 10 000 light bulbs and 80 kilometres of wire are necessary to the illumination of the Eiffel Tower, requiring over 580 000 kWh per year?

Legendary French author Guy de Maupassant regularly dined at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant despite his notorious hatred for the iron lattice, pretending that it was the only place in Paris where he couldn’t see the vulgar tower.

Opéra Garnier

Rumour has it that the mirrors located in the changing rooms at the Opéra Garnier are covered in scrapes and scratches. Ballet dancers and opera singers were regularly given diamonds by wealthy spectators, which they scratched against mirrors in order to test the gem’s authenticity. Diamonds were the only gem capable of scraping glass back in the day.

Get the book!

Find out where I go in the City of Lights for a romantic date, for little-known artsy museums, for designer splurges, and for Instagram-friendly cafés. Inside this eBook you will find 40+ pages full of preciously handpicked, highly curated Paris insight with underrated attractions, off-the-beaten path itinerary ideas, and neighbourhood highlights that locals love!

GET YOUR PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

The post 8 surprising facts about Paris you probably don’t know appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

And they do, in many ways, but not as far as good coffee is concerned. If you’ve even so much as a guidebook on Paris in preparation for your trip, you’ll know that coffee here, as everything else in France most residents would argue, is no fuss-free affair. The city is filled with cafés with lovely terraces but nine times out of ten, coffee will not only be wildly overpriced, it’ll also be strong enough to scrape varnish off any floor. Save yourself the stomach ache and head to these hip, connoisseur shops — where baristas will happily discuss single-origin beans or roasting techniques — for the best coffee in Paris.

Perhaps the only places where you’ll get a proper, attitude-free latte!

Passager

107 avenue Ledru-Rollin / 11e arrondissement

With its large windows right on lively Avenue Ledru-Rollin, Passager is an ideal place to people watch Parisians go about their business. Their coffee is sourced from esteemed Berlin-based roaster Five Elephant and their latte art is a creation of one of the world’s best baristas. Or, at the very least, the most creative.

Coutume Café

47 rue de Babylone / 7e arrondissement

Despite its enviable location down the street from Bon Marché and Musée Rodin, Coutume Café is almost the sole third-wave coffee shop in this part of Paris. Founded by Antoine Nétien — named best roaster in France back in 2011 — this light-filled and quiet spot is very serious about coffee. Can’t afford the time to stay in and grab a bite? Fret not. Take your java to go and enjoy it in nearby Jardin du Luxembourg.

Caféothèque

52 rue de l’Hô­tel-de-Ville / 4e arrondissement

As one of the very first roasters in Paris, the Caféothèque was here long before white-washed coffee shops filled with plaid-clad baristas were ever a thing. The goal, here, is not to be trendy, but instead to serve a mean cup of coffee in one of the busiest parts of the Seine banks.

Ten Belles

10 rue de la grange aux belles / 10e arrondissement

I always go back to this tiny coffee shop whenever I find myself in Paris, for three reasons: 1, for the enviable location right by Canal Saint-Martin, 2, for the amazing latte, and 3, for the alt-rock soundtrack curated by the Australian owner that sometimes makes it hard to leave. Ten Belles may be a household name in the world of hipster coffee in Paris, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. You can even get a bag of Ten Belles beans as a souvenir!

Cafe Kitsune

51 Galerie de Montpensier / 1er arrondissement

This being central Paris and this being the coffee shop of a rather high-end French clothing brand, there is no such thing as leaving the Kitsuné premises unscathed by the snotty Parisian Attitude. The coffee is worth it, though, as is the setting: the seating space spills out onto the elegant arcades of Palais-Royal and the countless – not to mention endlessly entertaining – fashion bloggers posing for yet another photo shoot.

Loustic

40 Rue Chapon / 3e arrondissement

In great contrast from the previous address, Loustic is nothing but friendly. The owners are very keen to strike up a conversation, be it about coffee or the Parisian weather — a universally relatable topic and one locals won’t shy from complaining about. Brush up your French or test their English, either way is encouraged to engage the conversation. The wood-heavy decor, complemented by lush pillows and warm earth tones, is also a nice change from the clinically white shops found elsewhere in the city. One of my personal favourite cafés, for sure!

Boot Café

19 rue du pont aux choux / 3e arrondissement

Don’t let the “Cordonnerie” sign fool you into thinking that this is a hipster-approved cobbler’s shop. Perhaps the most minuscule of all Paris coffee shops, Boot Café and its now-iconic turquoise hue is indeed a place where beans and cakes are kings as opposed to shoes in need of fixing.

Partisan

36 Rue de Turbigo / 3e arrondissement

Partisan is a wonderful, light-soaked café in the heart of the 3e arrondissement. It’s within walking distance from Le Marais, from the trendy boutiques of the 10e arrondissement and even from the Louvre. I’ll be honest and admit that it’s become my favorite café in Paris. Firstly because I simply love the laid-back vibe of the place; secondly because the java is so good I visited daily during my last trip.

Coffee in Paris: more suggestions

Get the book!

Find out where I go in the City of Lights for a romantic date, for little-known artsy museums, for designer splurges, and for Instagram-friendly cafés. Inside this eBook you will find 40+ pages full of preciously handpicked, highly curated Paris insight with underrated attractions, off-the-beaten path itinerary ideas, and neighbourhood highlights that locals love!

GET YOUR PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

The post Where to get really good coffee in Paris appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

After 8 trips in the city, I try to venture out the main tourist areas and explore the real Paris; the one where people actually live, go to the cinéma, or have an apéro en terrasse in the afternoon. So naturally, I barely ever go to Montmartre anymore, because no one actually lives there.

And upon scouting locations on Instagram, I stumbled upon this adorable rainbow-coloured city in what is otherwise a typically Haussmann-beige city. Welcome to what is arguably the most beautiful street in Paris, rue Crémieux!

What’s the deal with rue Crémieux?

Not without a striking resemblance to London’s Notting Hill, rue Crémieux. I tried to find out why the city is so colourful, thinking that there must be a reason why it is so vastly different from the rest of the city’s. But I couldn’t find anything.

Initially named Avenue Millaud, the street changed names to Rue Crémieux in 1897 to honour Adolphe Crémieux. A politician and lawyer, he became famous after he authorized the “Crémieux Decree”, which gave French citizenship to over 35,00 Algerian Jews who served in the French Army during the Franco-Prussian War.

Where is this photogenic rue Crémieux?

Take the métro to Gare de Lyon in eastern Paris. Exit the station and go to Rue de Lyon across the street. Rue Crémieux will be the second street on the left.

Better yet: SPEND THE NIGHT on the most beautiful street in Paris! There is an apart-hotel with a few studios on Rue Crémieux. I can’t attest to anything since I haven’t stayed there (although I did bookmark it for my next stay), but it has positive reviews.

Get the book!

Find out where I go in the City of Lights for a romantic date, for little-known artsy museums, for designer splurges, and for Instagram-friendly cafés. Inside this eBook you will find 40+ pages full of preciously handpicked, highly curated Paris insight with underrated attractions, off-the-beaten path itinerary ideas, and neighbourhood highlights that locals love!

GET YOUR PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

The post I found the most beautiful street in Paris and it’s not in Montmartre appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Close to major routes serving Charles de Gaulle Airport, five different metro lines, the most popular attractions of the Ville-Lumière and a handful of excellent restaurants, the hotel is ideally-located for visitors seeking to explore the city.

A Review of Hotel Square Louvois

In my third-floor room, I was able to get a closer look at one of the most pleasant discoveries of Paris’ underrated Right Bank.

The Deluxe Room, one of six categories offered ranging from the 17-sq.-ft. Simple Solo to the two-storey Duplex. In a nod to its neighbour, the Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu, literature is omnipresent at Hôtel Square Louvois. The open spaces of its lobby and rooms are filled with books and portraits of famous Parisian authors including Jean-Paul Sartre.

The large windows open to full size on the eponymous green square, named in honour of the Marquis de Louvois and minister under Louis XIV. At 228 sq. m., the room could easily accommodate two or three people – an increasingly rare luxury in a capital whose hotel rooms are ever-shrinking. Also included are a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar with free bottled water, a HDTV, a multijet rain shower, and L’Occitane bath products. The soundproofing of the room, meanwhile, is particularly noteworthy.

The room is coziness personified, boasting a light oak parquet, thick velvet curtains, subtle accents of caramel leather and copper, and opulent sculptures that add a touch of nobility to the offering.

Aside from the hotel’s captivating Art Deco details, you’ll also find impeccable service provided by a team that’s both friendly and proactive. The lobby radiates charm, with a library that’s filled floor-to-ceiling with French classics, as well as an irresistible well-stocked self-service wine station.

In a nod to its neighbour, the Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu, literature is omnipresent at Hôtel Square Louvois. The result is a style that’s chic rather than stuffy.

A few steps away is the contemporary, comfortable dining room, which welcomes guests for breakfast (continental French, with excellent pastries) and free afternoon tea.

In a feature that’s somewhat unusual in Paris, the basement space is dedicated to wellbeing, with a dramatic vaulted stone room featuring a swimming pool, herbal tea, and hydromassage bench. These surprising features offer the perfect way for you to put the finishing touches on your stay in beautiful, peaceful surroundings.

In short, Hôtel Square Louvois is one of the top hotels in Paris for book-lovers and francophiles alike keen on maximizing their precious time in the City of Lights by being within walking distance from the most significant attractions and eateries.
 

Where To Eat, Drink & Play Near Hotel Square Louvois

DO

• Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu
• The gardens of the Palais Royal
• Guided tour of the Opera Garnier
• The Louvre Museum

SHOP

• Astier de Villatte
• The second-hand booksellers of la Galerie Vivienne
• Caves Legrand Filles et Fils
• Galeries Lafayette

EAT

• La Bourse et La Vie
• Verjus
• Pizzeria Popolare

DRINK

• Juveniles
• Café Kitsuné
• Daroco

Get the book!

Find out where I go in the City of Lights for a romantic date, for little-known artsy museums, for designer splurges, and for Instagram-friendly cafés. Inside this eBook you will find 40+ pages full of preciously handpicked, highly curated Paris insight with underrated attractions, off-the-beaten path itinerary ideas, and neighbourhood highlights that locals love!

GET YOUR PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE

The post Where to stay in Paris: Hotel Square Louvois appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.