Yesterday my boyfriend booked me a ticket to join him on a trip home to England in early September and I couldn’t be more excited. Experiencing London with my funny Englishman and his family will be a dream come true. We’ve also decided to take the train to Paris for one night and I’m determined to make the most of our 36 precious hours there. Though I’ve been several times, it was ages ago so I’d love your help! Where should we stay on our one night in Paris? Any restaurant recs? How would you spend 36 hours in Paris? I can’t wait to hear your suggestions and promise to publish full London and Paris travel guides upon my return! Merci beaucoup!
Pierre Herme in Saint Germain for macarons and pastries is a must do, Guy Savoy has moved into new digs in the Monnaie du Paris if you want to drop a mortgage payment (or several) on a fabulous meal.
Have heard such good things about Pierre Herme! Guy Savoy may be wishful thinking, but I will research ;) Thank you!
For eating: anything by Christian Constant, but must recommend Cafe Constant. The authentic French food was flavorful and decadent, environment quaint, prices affordable, and walk-ins acceptable. It was in Fodors, so there were about half tourists/ half locals. Don’t skip the Velouté de petits pois and the best profiteroles in town! Best Plus near the Eiffel.
For 36 hr trip, Musee de l’Orangerie is a perfect short stop, so you can continue your sight-seeing.
Lauryl – Was just reading about Musee de l’Orangerie this morning–I’ve never been. Thanks for sharing your tips!
That british trip sounds amazing! looking fw to those travel guides. In the meantime, you might want to check these two posts to prepare for your Paris stay: http://www.viatriz.com/paris/3-dias-paris and 10 restaurants in Paris: http://www.viatriz.com/paris/restaurantes-en-paris/10-restaurantes-imprescindibles-paris ~ Bon voyage!!
You must dine at Le 6 Paul Bert (https://plus.google.com/114207308030203598607/about?gl=us&hl=en) or Ver Jus (http://verjusparis.com/). My husband and I had the most romantic meals there during our stay in March. You should also visit Le Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (best kept museum secret in Paris!; http://www.chassenature.org/) and Musée de l’Orangerie (http://www.musee-orangerie.fr/) to see the Monets. And, if you find yourself in the Pigalle for a show at the Moulin Rouge, be sure to stop into Gontran Cherrier Boulanger (http://www.gontrancherrierboulanger.com/) for the most delectable almond croissant!
If you like falafel, you have to try L’As du Falafel in the Marais. It’s so delicious and right in the middle of the best neighborhood for shopping and strolling. L’Eclair du Genie is right around the corner for delicious and beautiful eclairs. I also loved Cafe du St. Regis on the Ile St. Louis. It’s soooo Parisian, the food is great and not too expensive, and there is nothing like walking around the islands at night and seeing Notre Dame all lit up!
I am moving to London in September and I can’t wait to take advantage of train trips to Paris. I’m looking forward to your recommendations!
Viatriz – Thank you! Will be sure to check them out!
Heather – Off to check out Le 6 Paul Bert now. Thanks for the rec! And eager to visit Le Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature–have heard good things, but never been!
Eileen – Falafel and eclairs, you know me too well! Thanks for the tips! How exciting to be moving to London. I am hoping we’ll end up living there someday too. If so, coffee date! xx
Musee de Cluny to see the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. For one night to splurge – stay on the Champs Elysee and Laduree for macaroons.
Stay in the 7th for sure as there is endless walking around and Le Bon Marche is there and a must!! For a great hotel in the 7th that is close to Boulevard St Germain and the Musee D’Orsay and Tullieries, Hotel Duc De Saint Simon: http://hotelducdesaintsimon.com
Dee – I don’t believe I’ve been to Musee de Cluny, thank you for the tip!
Elizabeth – I stayed at Hotel Duc De Saint Simon on my very first trip to Paris 15 years ago! Such a magical place. Thanks for the reminder :)
My favourite museum is the Musee Rodin and for something really quirky ‘Deyrolles’, the most amazing taxidermy store in St Germain. If I had only 36 hours in Paris I would spend it in St Germain rather than try to fit in too much all over town. Have a fabulous trip!
Andrea – Both museums are on my list! Rodin is one of my all time Paris favorites and I’ve only strolled by Deyrolle—so excited to see inside. Thanks for weighing in! xx
Hi Katie,
I just pinned this great Paris Hotel Guide:
http://www.messynessychic.com/2011/02/02/seven-substitutes-for-tourist-trap-hotels-the-messy-nessy-chic-paris-hotel-guide/
The Hotel Amour is in my neighbourhood and if you’ve already been to Paris and done the main attractions your might want to stay in a cool, trendy quartier that ‘s a bit off the beaten path. It’s in the north of the 9th, a close walk to Montmartre. The area is filled with cafés and restaurants and bars. It’s a great area for people watching!
As for macarons, the absolute best are the salted caramel ones from the Delmontel Bakery on the rue des Martyrs!
A trip to the Musee d’Orangerie is a must do, and if you love Monet the Musee Marmottan is also amazing (it’s located in a fabulous Parisian mansion as well). The Musee National Picasso is also open and is supposed to be fantastic.
Must must must see the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s temporary “Keys to Passion” exhibit before it leaves in July–iconic works of art brought together for the first time (Matisse, Picasso, Monet)… My post on it: http://bakersfieldblonde.com/2015/06/09/paris-museums-beyond-the-louvre/
If you are in the area, Musee Gustave Moreau is one of my favorite spaces!
The most perfect Paris hotel – Pavilion de la Reine ! Also make sure to take a visit the Maison de la Chasse & de la Nature (Hunting and Nature Museum) in Rue de Archives, hands down the most beautiful and unique museum ever !