Sensual and unplanned. Paris in three days
It was almost a 24-hour decision to get on that train to Paris and get all my friends to rendezvous with me, squeezing my unforseen arrival into their busy schedules.
Sweating, thanks to a delayed metro (France), I frantically jumped on the train (Lyon to Paris), only to spend an additional two hours sitting in my seat 329 as the train's coupling broke. While half the travelers from other wagons were forced to evacuate their comfortable seats, I could quietly stay in mine, witnessing discussions between people outside the window while scrolling through my never-ending Paris wishlist. The one I always discarded the moment I arrived in Paris, still gravitating toward my most beloved spots. But this trip was different. So was I, and so were my desires. One of them was simply to walk. Walk, walk, walk, with no meetings to run to.
Two hours later, I began my three-day love affair with Paris. I did have to start at my usual haunt, because who can abandon all their favourites in one trip? For years, Ten Belles on Rue Breguet has been my sanctuary where I arrive with or without my suitcase, straight from the train, to sip an oat cappuccino (yes, despite all the alarming reports I've seen online) and indulge in granola or a sandwich. The high standards and exceptional food there are unwavering. A quick rendezvous with a friend turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, finished by one more cinnamon roll. Just because. I did happily walk it off later, wandering through Paris to my temporary home, Hotel Grands Boulevards.
I clearly remember checking in and checking out of the hotel two nights later. The rest in between passed like a movie where I enjoyed good nights sleep, perfect breakfasts and chatting with the hotels team while meeting my friends, enjoying generous portions of fantastic food in restaurants, sipping countless cappuccinos, espressos, and glasses of wine, walking at least 45 km, and testing every pastry or croissant I came across. I never made it to the Musée du Carnavalet (my favorite way to discover Paris's history), I graciously stated to all my friends that I would.
But who needs all that when the real magic is in the unplanned moments, being embraced by the most sensual city on earth? Who needs more when, whilst having a love affair with the city of love, you connect with generous people, turning a cup of coffee into a deep dive into leather craftsmanship and life stories. And most importantly, you finally manage to do what you wanted most — tick off places from that long list while rediscovering the beauty of a city so mesmerising that it leaves you wondering if there’s even more to discover. And yes, there is.
After 45 km of strolling, a lot of chewing, sipping and even more talking, here’s the list you should save for your next Parisian adventure to experience your own love affair.
Stay
Hotel Grands Boulevards
Located on Boulevard Poissonnière, it is not only absolutely stunning but also offers a perfect breakfast, excellent cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you’ve wandered into a hidden gem. One that feels far removed from the hustle of one of the world's busiest cities. The service is exceptional, and the vibe is truly unique.
Breakfast
Ten Belles, Rue Bréguet.
For coffee, the most generous granola, excellent sandwiches, and viennoiseries.
Dinners
Soces and Le Denicheur
Both feature excellent natural and organic wine lists, seasonal and honestly simple, yet surprising plates, and a cozy, local vibe.
Le Bon Georges
Nothing is even close to experience here. Ask anyone I have sent there.
Pastries & Cakes
Pleincoeur
Pastries, cakes, and the apple kouign-amann. The latter is an absolute MUST. Everything else is optional, but the kouign-amann? Pure gold.
The French Bastards
Pastries, divine, differently prepared macarons, cookie roll, bread, croissants, and sandwiches. If you're after macarons (and you should be), head to 17th Arr.
Poilâne
Chausson aux pommes, sablé cookies, and indeed everything they make.
Coffee
Dreamin Man
White Coffee
Noir
Partisan
Kitsune (Palais Royal)
Clove
Madeleines
Le Comptoir de Madeleine
Coffee & Sweet Treats and leather
Paramaz
Coffee, sublime halva and za'atar cookies, and leather accessories.
L’Atelier Muscade
One of the most elegant Mont Blanc cakes.
Chocolate
Alain Ducasse
Everything they have. But. Especially their orangettes.
Croissants
Maison Louvard
Apart from the aforementioned spots, also this award winner.
Sébastien Gaudard
My eight-year love affair that is not only mine to have. Cakes, Cookies, Caramels, Viennoiseries.
Flan
Neulo
Like no other.
Japanese Pain de Mie
Carré
Japanese flour Pain de Mie. The best there is.
Shawarma
Qasti
For a quick bite. Whether on-site or take-away.
Stunning vegetables and fruits, a cheese shop, fishmonger, butcher, and wine shop – all on Rue du Nile.