Paris, France

I've been to Paris a couple of times and it really does have that romantic feel it's been told to have. I find I walk a lot when I come here because there is just so much to see and experience. I could spend days walking the narrow streets and sitting to watch those Parisians and all their style. This time around I was lucky enough to find myself in Paris for a short weekend before a work trip. It was February, but the sun was shining and everybody was out and about enjoying it. And there was me, a solo adventurer with a book, some painting supplies and an appetite for French food.

Do

As I said, the best thing to DO in Paris is just explore! Start from the hotel and just head out to see where the day takes you. I enjoyed wandering around Marais and Bastille If you like to put in a destination and make your way there slowly, I would recommend Notre Dame, which sits on a small island, and Sacre Coeur, which sits atop a hill. These two destinations will show you the river Seine with it's many bridges, maybe even with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and a view from above. It is many miles between, but the walk is worth it. The plaza and Tuileries gardens surrounding the Louvre should also not be skipped. I painted in the gardens and visited the Orangerie Museum which houses two oval rooms with Monet's giant water lilies paintings. This was probably one of my favorite art displays of all times. Place des Vosges, supposedly the oldest planned square in Paris, is a peaceful Sunday morning walk. For later in the day, check out Marche des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. Grab a snack or one of the tables at the back and order food from one of the many stands. And I think it goes without saying, but stop into as many Patisseries as you can and fill your bags with croissants and all the other buttery pastries.

Food & Drink

Boot Café – This bright blue building houses the smallest café I’ve ever seen. It provides delicious coffee and a great place for a late afternoon sit, try to snag one of the two tables inside or pull up a stool to the outside bar.
Le Mary Celeste – A cocktail bar that serves oysters and other tasty snacks. I sat here to read my book and enjoy a local wine for an hour after the winter sun set early.
Le Mazenay – The story behind this place is that I found it in an alley behind my hotel upon arrival and saw it had a Michelin recommendation on the door. At the time, I was on my way to a work meeting with Michelin and felt like it was meant to be, so I booked a table for later that night. It was the right choice - an affordable Prix Fix French restaurant that serves all natural wines and all sorts of delicious cheesy things.
Wild & the Moon – A vegan café and juice bar that serves as the hub for the trendiest Parisians during lunch hour.
Loustic – This neighborhood coffee shop serves delicious cappuccinos and pastries. It is a great place to relax on a slow, grey morning in France.
Setpime la cave – This small wine store / bar serves a variety of natural French wines and snacks (try the cheese plate). It is a small place with a lively crown.
Noglu – Gluten free café that serves fancy dinner in the evenings, I recommend trying a few small bites such as the salmon with beets or the uni with coffee and pumpkin froth for some different flavors.

Stay

I ended up at a small and funky art hotel called Hotel Georgette in the Marais neighborhood. The place had a friendly staff and comfortable rooms, accessible location and a bike dock right outside for easy access to rental bikes.