I never thought I’d be quite the tourist that I was in Paris. Something about European cities still gets me excited as it’s a close home away from home. Plus Jack has never been so for once, I was the more cultured partner. Food was a pretty central part of our trip, as expected. It was my mission to find the very best lunch spots, casual cafes, and relaxed but unique dinner venues Paris has to offer.
In our 3 days, we managed to visit the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées, Jardin des Tuileries and of course the Eiffel tower, all of which we walked to straight from our hotel, La Trémoille.
The buildings and sights really are beautiful and they’re at every corner…
We walked to the Louvre, (which is free under 25 years old – seems like a lot is in Paris!) and through the Tuileries gardens.
I came here for my 21st birthday with my sister and you were able to have picnics right on the grass, now it’s all blocked off but there’s ample chairs to sit on and enjoy the view!
They even have two different shapes of chairs depending on what incline you are in the mood for!
The pigeon lady, because every city has one.
The Louvre is quite the workout in itself so make sure you have your walking shoes on! The vast amount of art in there is just staggering, the collections they have are truly inspired and being someone who isn’t even an art fanatic, it was an amazing experience.
The Mona Lisa, which in all honestly I didn’t expect to be quite so petite! It’s in the grandest of rooms in the Louvre and as you move through the museum, you’re built up to what should be quite the show.
Maybe it was just me as J turned into quite the excited tourist!
But as with any good experience, a glass of excellent wine is on hand! The restaurants at the Louvre were surprisingly disappointing, finding only two options; a basic cafe on the terrace which was a great location but poor food choices, and a somewhat stuffy restaurant next door with no outdoor space or atmosphere! So, we jumped in a taxi and asked him to take us to the Champs-Elysées, pointing out the best restaurants he knew.
We ended up at Cafe Fouquet’s, despite being warned by the taxi driver about the price tag. The food was worth it in my opinion, some of the best (and biggest!) we had all weekend. It sits directly overlooking the Champs-Elysées so a perfect spot for people watching. The inside of the cafe is where you’ll find the local business men in Paris very well dressed having a quick spot of lunch, and outside, a more relaxed feel.
Back to the hotel for a rest, change and a gift from the lovely staff at La Trémoille – Paris’ favourite macaroons!
The second michelin star restaurant we visited was a restaurant called Kei which is a descreet, Asian inspired spot. The relaxed ambience was somewhat missing compared to the first night at Akrame (Paris: part 1 here) but all the tables were full early into the evening and the maître d’ Charles was the best I’ve had. The food is exquisite and creative at the same time – definitely worth a second visit for the food alone, just possibly with the suggestion of slightly louder background music or less hushed waiters and waitresses.
Spoiler alert: if you’re planning on visiting some of the restaurants I went to, I would suggest skipping the next few pictures to keep the surprises for yourself!
It’s a choice of three set menus – priced between 99 – 199 euros per head not including wine or alcohol.
Dress: Namshi / Shoes: Valentino
Next stop was the Eiffel tower! We walked up as far as we were allowed which is the first two floors and then caught the lift up the very top.
I must say, (and please my French readers don’t hate me!) when you frequently drive by the Burj Khalifa it does seem a little small at first glance! However, it doesn’t make the experience of going up any less special and watching the videos of the workmen build the tower is something very surreal!
There are cafes and restaurants on each floor as you walk up (or get the lift which is also an option for all 3 floors) so you can grab a pick-me-up on route!
On a sunny day like we had, Paris really does look beautiful, and it gets more so each floor you climb!
Reviews might suggest the champagne bar on the third floor is something quite spectacular – I wouldn’t call it Paris’ finest, however it’s a lovely little option to sip champagne at the top of the Eiffel tower.
A long climb means hungry tummies – so we went on the hunt for another classic French cafe. We found an Italian one instead – but with pizza looking that good who were we to turn it down! If you exit the Eiffel tower facing the gardens and then take a left, there are lots of cute restaurants to chose from.
Antipasti to kick things off and then not such a great main meal for me of veal escalope. Jack’s Italian pizza on the hand was divine, as was the rose!
With one last evening in sight, we decided to change it up and opt for something completely different to where we had spent the first two. A new and acclaimed Peruvian restaurant in the 3rd Arrondissement called Mancora Cebicheria. See the next blog post for more on Mancora!
His and Her Watches from Gc
Stay away from the corn! It’s dry as anything but good news is, it was the only thing on the menu that wasn’t absolute perfection. An array of really well priced Peruvian dishes that contend with the very best out there.
I think the bill for that evening is what we had paid for wine the night before – it’s always so great to find restaurants that serve excellent food without the price tag!
And what else to finish the perfect minimoon in Paris than a killer cheese board under the Eiffel tour. Au Revoir friends!
Did you enjoy my blog about Paris? Please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and any questions!
LLG x
