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Paris is the "city of light," the most romantic city in the world, the art and fashion capital of the world - no wonder it is also the most visited city in the world. As France's capital, Paris boasts a plethora of museums, monuments, and astounding examples of architecture, ranging from the iconic Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, to the Gothic-style Notre Dame Cathedral, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Visitors often stroll along the Seine to take in the many sites, or walk down the Champs-Elysee, lined by high-end shops and crowned by the Arc de Triomphe. The city is very walkable and tourists are never at a want for things to do.
Some of the most popular museums are the Louvre (home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa) and Musee d'Orsay (home to Whistler's Mother).
Only 40 minutes from Paris by train, Versailles is also a popular destination. It's infamous hall of mirrors, ballroom, chapel, and gardens served as the royal residence for over a century before Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were forced to leave the palace and their luxurious lifestyle during the French Revolution.
Parisians still prefer doing their food shopping at specialty stores such as boulangeries, patisseries, boucheries, chocolatiers, and fromageries. Rue Montorgueil has all of these plus restaurants and even a day spa. Le Quartier Montorgueil is one of the last vestiges of the old Les Halles market.
It goes without saying that the cuisine in Paris is top-notch, especially on the high end: Paris has more Michelin three-star restaurants than just about any other city in the world. However you can eat well and inexpensively in Paris.
There are boulangeries all over the city where you can indulge in a beautiful crisp baguette for around 4 euros. My favourite is a baguette with prawn & lettuce with a delicious sauce absolutely great value. You might like to pick up some fresh bread, cheeses and a bottle of wine at the street markets and enjoy a picnic in the many gardens of Paris. Enjoy a hot savoury or sweet crepe on many a street. These are the delights of eating in Paris without breaking the bank.
Bon appetit.
The nightlife scene is similarly excellent: It's one of the liveliest in Europe, with last call just before 5 a.m., and diverse options ranging from bars to the Moulin Rouge to ultra-chic clubs.
Many free activities abound, particularly in the summer when there are many free concerts and festivals.
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Rue Montorgueil.
One of our favourite streets in Paris. The Rue Montorgueil neighborhood is a vibrant pedestrian area in the heart of Paris. One of the permanent market streets in Paris, Rue Montorgueil boasts some of the best meat and fish markets in the city, along with renowned pastry shops like La Maison Stohrer, cosy bistros, boutiques, and bars. There are many great casual restaurants. Rue Montergueil is a slice of authentic Paris. Just stroll the day away and watch the Parisians go about their daily life. We spent a week in a nearby rental apartment and felt like we had really lived in Paris for the week, not just visited. One place you simply must visit is Stohrer's Patisserie, the oldest patisserie in France. Nicolas Stohrer opened his bakery in 1730 here at 51 rue Montorgueil. You will not be able to decide which of these amazingly delicious pastries or chocolates to try.
Below Patisserie Stohrer 51 Rue Montorgueil
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Rue Mouffetard, Paris
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Rue Mouffetard, in the 5th arrondissement, has it all. Walk it's length and you will encounter the many enticing Cafes and Boulangeries with the most divine pastries, the smell of chickens cooking on their coals outside the delis is mouthwatering. Fresh seafood, cheese, wine and of course fresh produce, beautiful rich red cherries and strawberries, a foodies dream.
If you are lucky you will also be entertained by street performers. We had Edith Piaff. Well at least it sounded like her. If we are fortunate enough to be in Paris on a Saturday morning this is were we will be. Rue Mouffetard does not come alive until around 11 am. |
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A Visit to the rue Mouffetard Paris. A small street in the Latin Quarter famous for its food shops. The video starts just outside the Maubert-Mutualité station of the Métro and then works its way down towards the south, following the street that eventually becomes the rue Mouffetard. 
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Cafe de Flore Paris
On Bld Saint Germaine, Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest and most traditional cafes in Paris. "Taking coffee" in Paris requires time, location and atmosphere. Cafe de Flore has all these in abundance. Located on a bustling, busy street the view is captivating. In the Paris style one sits facing the street, elbow to elbow with your neighbor. Coffee, as you like it, croissants or petite fours and you are made. Partaking of coffee is one of the most dignified and choreographed activities one can witness in Paris. Left of the entrance, near the cash register is the regulars’ spot. Upstairs if you want some peace and quiet and a little more light. Wherever you choose to sit the staff will keep a friendly eye out and the waiters will serve you politely with a touch of wit. This cafe is our favourite people watching place in Paris. |
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Cafe Deux Magots, probably Paris's most famous Cafe and one of Hemingway's favourites, is on Blvd St Germain across from the church of the same name, St Germain. It once had a reputation as the rendezvous of the literary and intellectual élite of the city. I love the rich history of this cafe. The location is spectacular and the food is excellent. The whole ambience is soooo Parisian. We had breakfast which included various Parisian breads including croissants, chocolate de pain, and baguettes with butter and jams. The croissants were fresh and memorable, the orange juice was fantastic and they have the best cafe au lait in town. The herb omelette, club sandwich and the croque monsieur are to die for, as was the warm apple "pie" with vanilla Berthillon glacee only a thin crust on the bottom piled with beautifully cooked and spiced apples atop it. The cakes are also amazing. Food was superb and service was really professional as only the french can do it. You can sit for hours watching the world go by. You must have a Paris version of hot chocolate. None better than here. A french cafe is not the same as its english meaning, this is an upmarket restaurant, serving lovely yet simple french food and the waiters are real professionals and dress the part. You have not experienced the true Paris until you have experienced Les Deux Magots |
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