The List So Far...(Hits & Misses In Paris)
Having spent a lot of time here in my early twenties, I am constantly asked for recommendations on things to do here in Paris - and now that I live here, I am sure it will only continue. This list aims to be a concise place for reviews and recommendations of all the things I have done and seen this year. Hope this helps if you too are considering a visit to the city of lights.
Restaurants
Le Porte-Pot (5th) week two - Located in the hub of the touristy Latin Quarter, this french restaurant is targeted to tourists and locals a like. With english speaking waiters and menus, along with a good selection of french classics - this is not a bad option if you are in the area trying to determine which of the nearly identical restaurants to pick from. The port stew special was nice, but a little dry. My boudin noir was classically predated with mash potatoes and roasted apple. The house wine was solid. While I do not think we were blown away by anything, it was a solid restaurant and experience if you are wanting to eat in that area.
Au Petite Suisse (6th) week one - While I had stopped by this charming cafe near Jardin du Luxembourg in the past for some wine and charcuterie, it proved to be a perfect place to grab dinner on New Years day, our first day in Paris. With traditional fair, we dined on rabbit in mustard sauce, steak & fries and pork with ratatouille. This is one of the better spots near the garden to stop and enjoy a slow leisurely drink and a bite.
La Ferrandaise (6th) week one - This has long been one of my top recommendations to visitors, and having just visited it again in my first week in Paris, it will continue to be. This is an ideal place to enjoy a modern French meal. The menu is a prix fix - so be prepared for a full evening that includes new menus to reflect what is currently in season. For those who do not speak French, this restaurant carries English menus and the waiters are very helpful. One thing not to miss is their fois gras.
La Creperie de Josselin (14th) week two - Best crepes in Paris. That's basically all you need to know. (Oh, prepare to wait in a slight line - but it moves quickly!)
Cafes
Le Cepage Montmartois (18th) week two - I have frequented this cafe, and it continues to be a great spot if you are in the area to get off the beaten (tourist) road. It is ideal for chats with friends, reading a book or working.
Bars
Le Piano Vache (5th) week one - I think Joey has found his favorite bar in Paris, or at least a strong contender. With it's moody atmosphere and walls covered in band posters and old passport photos, this seems like an ideal place to grab a chill drink. We also know that they host bands, so we look forward to going back for a show. If you like what would be classified as a "dive bar" in San Francisco (a la Benders Bar & Grill) - this would be the place for you.
Le 10 BAR Odeon (6th) week two - What a charming find! If you are looking for good drinks (at reasonable prices) with friends in a casual environment - this is an ideal place to go. The sangria is the real star - and be sure to bring money for the jukebox!
La Closerie Des Lilas (6th) week one - While Joey loves a good dive bar, I love a bar that captures some nostalgia and romanticism of a bygone era when cocktails were at their prime. La Closerie Des Lilas is the prime example of this. While cocktails are a little pricey, it is worth it to sit in the same seats Hemingway and Fitzgerald sat creating some of their most iconic work, all with the backdrop of a charming piano player.
Le Bar Bibliothèque at Saint James (16th) week one - This was an incredible discovery shared with me by my friend Kristen. If you are looking for an impressive place to take a date for an intimate drink, this is it. Surrounded with rich wood bookcases and luxurious leather couches, this place just screams for champagne or scotch - which they have extensive lists for both. Drinks are pricey - but we did not mind slowly sipping our drinks and taking in the atmosphere till closing around 1:30am.
Rock Climbing
Arkose Nation (20th) week one - This was our first introduction to rock climbing gyms in Paris, and it is clearly a great community spot with 2 bouldering rooms, a cafe and a children's climbing area. Upon entering you will check in and the staff will open a tab for you. You will then pay at the end for your day pass, plus any coffees, etc you may purchase. The bouldering walls offered numerous problems, though not necessarily suitable for beginner climbers (which I am). While we will not be getting a membership here, it may be a great place to go in the future when we have friends in town who enjoy climbing.
Markets
Marche San Quentin (3rd) week two -The largest indoor market in Paris offers a variety of produce, cheese and meat stalls was dead on a Tuesday morning (we will have to go back another time), but seems to offer a lot of options. Again, would not recommend if you are just visiting as a tourist.
Sou-Quan (5th) week four - Near Notre Dame and needing those ingredients you can't find at Monoprix? This is a great spot for cilantro, tofu and chili peppers. Not all ingredients are cheap - but you can find some good deal on certain things (I found Genmaicha for under 3 euros, versus 8 euros elsewhere) just keep your eyes peeled!
Marche St. Germain (6th) week two - This small market is hidden behind an Apple Store, but has beautiful stalls for meat, cheese and even flowers. They also have a couple food stalls for take-away. While we did not purchase any groceries here (it was dead early in the morning) and would not recommend this if you are simply a tourist, we will probably try and go back to try the thai food stall!
Shops
18 Velo Vintage (18th) week two - This small shop is incredible, and clearly a passion project for the owner. If you are into vintage bikes, or passionate about cycling - this is not to be missed. Joey wanted to purchase everything, but sadly we have no space!
Rougier & Ple (All Over!) week two - This art store chain is a great place to find any art supplies you could possibly want while in Paris for fair prices. If you are visiting the city - think about popping in, grabbing a sketch book, and living out your Parisian artist fantasy sketching the sites.
