Paris – WEEK 1

It has officially been a full week (& a few days) of living solo in Paris. For someone who has never lived alone in my life, it has been incredible. I feel like I have been on a retreat – likely from all the pastries and wine – but I have been so relaxed and able to work completely on my own schedule. In my first week, I focused on getting my bearings. I took the metro all over to get accustomed to the areas. It was very helpful getting to showrooms or storefronts for work and from there, I would walk in any which direction in hopes of finding something interesting. Here are the places I recommend so far as not a local and not quite a tourist:

1. Le Marais
   • Great area with tons of shopping and restaurants.
   • Rue Des Francs-Bourgeois is a great place to start but walk through any side street and you’ll find lovely concept stores with more French brands.
   • You can keep walking south and will eventually hit Notre Dame which is worth going in at least for a minute or to take a picture in front of.
   • Standing along the Seine at night and watching the Eiffel Tower light up is also magical.
2. 3rd Arrondissement
   • Rue De Bretagne had a selection of more local and lively cafes.
   • If you’re looking to get something to go, make your own charcuterie by stopping at Jouannaul for fromage, across the street to Maison Verot for some meats (highly suggest their pate), and to a fruit stand or the Franprix for some fruits and crackers if needed. Any Patisserie will have great bread or baguettes for the spread and a necessity is multiple desserts.
     • Wine anywhere is good if you’re buying something French. I tried out a Saint-Chinian and it paired delightfully with my board.
3. Pigalle / St. Georges
   • This is my little area 🙂 It is just south of the Montmartre area which is basically a more touristy hill that leads up to Sacre Coeur Basilica. Montmartre is a very beautiful to visit the area at sunset to get a full view of Paris without paying for a rooftop, but the spots to eat are a not very local.
     • St. Geoge is just south (and downhill) from Montmartre. Go to Rue Des Martyrs to find a strip of lively restaurants as well as places for a quick eat to go.
       • Bistrot Smiley will be packed with locals for a happy hour and Cafe Marguerite had good reviews and was also packed as I walked by.
       • It might just have been for the holidays, but there are lights that line the street and look so beautiful at night giving you that Paris magic feel.