Paris Top 20-30 in no particular order (with **starred** faves)
TO SEE:
Go up in the Eiffel Tower for the views, the history and a glass of champagne
Stroll the Champs Elysees
Spend a few hours at the Louvre (get tickets in advance) and then walk through the
Tuilleries to see Monet’s water lillies at the Orangerie
My favorite museum is the Musee D’Orsay--all the Impressionists in a converted train station
**Musee Des Arts Forrains--an interactive museum located in Bercy (the old wine district of Paris) celebrating the Turn of the Century Carnival Fun Fairs and Home to thE velocipede (a people-powered carousel featured in “Midnight in Paris”).
**Notre Dame-at least walk around the outside and try to catch a glimpse of it at night
**St. Chapelle for a classical concert or just to sneak a peek at this beautiful jewel box of a chapel--probably my favorite in all of Europe
Pere Lechaise Cemetary
**Paris at night--the city is really safe so stay out late and take a stroll
TO EAT-Casual:
L’Ami Jean--classic fare
Josephine Chez Dumonet--more classic fair and a killer souffle
**Le Comptoir De Relais in St. Germain--hands down some of the best food in this food city!
Clown bar--this Little art nouveau restaurant built for circus performers in the 1850's packs a Big punch today
Brasserie Lipp--Delicious Alsatian cuisine (plus the best mashed potatoes in town!)
La Fontaine du Mars--Obama’s favorite Paris restaurant and one of mine too, great service, festive atmosphere
A traditional brasserie--Bofinger’s is probably my favorite (the food is just so-so, but it’s gorgeous inside!)
TO EAT-FANCY SCHMANCY:
Guy Savoy--to break the bank and ruin every other meal to come
Septime--laid-back indulgence
spring (if it’s open) or La Bourse et la vie
Le Procope--one of the oldest restaurants in Paris
Mini Palais--gorgeous patio to see and be seen!
TO EAT-Snacks:
**Angelina (on Rue Rivoli by the Louvre) for hot chocolate--the hot chocolate is to die for and you’ll probably die waiting in line for it, but it is worth it. you can also grab a lovely lunch in the cafe (although the staff is rude and the patrons generally are too)
The original Berthillon on Ile St. Louis for ice cream
Mariage Freres for tea
Pierre Herme and Laduree for macarons
Crepes and galettes at Breizh Cafe
**Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots for early morning omlettes, late night drinks and history with a side of oysters and champagne at any hour!
**Eat and walk and walk and eat-the street food is ubiquitous and delicious: crepes, waffles, gelato, kebabs and Falafel from L’As du Falafel on the Rue de Rosiers, frites, tarts and breads and sandwiches and fruits and candies!
TO DO:
**Visit the Canal St. Martin neighborhood--it’s the Silverlake/Wicker Park/Red Hook of Paris
**Shakespeare & Company-while away an hour at the World's most famous bookstore
**Galeries Lafayette-This giant department store is a wonder to wander through. be sure to check out their foodhall and rooftop bar.
**Sightseeing tour by Motorcycle with sidecar http://www.retro-tour.com/en/
**Versailles if you have time--It’s a really easy half hour RER ride to the Chateau. Make sure you get tickets in advance. Bring some wine and cheese and take a boat out on the Grand Canal! If you visit in the summer make sure you stay for the musical gardens and fireworks!
**Montmartre--great for the views from Sacre Couer, the last remaining windmill in Paris, a charming lunch (do not eat at any of the restaurants on the butte--the food is overpriced and atrocious but Corcoran’s Sacre-Coeur is right at the base of the hill and is lovely as are most of the restaurants on Rue Des Trois Freres) and lots of tacky souvenir shopping
Rent bikes and ride along the Seine or through the Jardin de Luxembourg
La Cuisine Paris or Le Cordon Bleu for cooking class
Deyrolle--historic and fascinating taxidermy shop
Perfume shopping at Annick Goutal, Fragonard, Guerlain, Serge Lutens, Diptyque, Maison Francis Kurkdjian or Frederic Malle (my favorite), I also love newcomer Atelier Cologne
Marche Rue D’Aligre and Marche Beauvau (outdoor and covered food markets)
Clignancourt/Sainte-Ouen--Massive village of flea market and Antique shoppingin the 18th Arrondisement, open Sat, Sun & Mon
La Grande Epicerie-massive foodhall!
