We leave for Paris on Saturday and I feel as though I am hardly prepared. Of course it is a very short trip, only three day and two nights, but I want to make the most of our time in the City of Lights. Maison&Objet will dominate the day on Sunday. However, Saturday is still open for suggestions. I’ve included few options below:
This legendary hangout in St-Germain-des-Prés is a tourist favorite in summer, but the neighborhood regulars reclaim it in the off-season. Les Deux Magots was once a gathering place of the intellectual elite, such as Sartre, de Beauvoir, Oscar Wilde, Picasso and Giraudoux. Inside two large statues of magots (Confucian wise men) give the cafe its name.
Brasserie Lipp is a Left Bank institution. On the day of Paris's liberation in 1944, the late owner Roger Cazes welcomed Hemingway as the first man to drop in for a drink. Then, as now, famous people often drop by for beer, wine, and conversation. Since its acquisition a few years ago by members of the Bertrand Group obtaining a table in this cultural monument is said to be much easier, and a lot less arbitrary than when Cazes granted or denied a table based on what he considered to be your worth.
Funny. I`ll be at the fair on Sunday,too. And also don`t feel prepared for Paris yet ;-))
ReplyDeleteThis time I plan on trying out an Absinth Bar. Wish you the best.
Have fun and if you hear of a good one let know!
ReplyDeleteRonda, I can't believe you are going to be in Paris - I happen to LIVE in Paris! I give some cool addresses in my blog, and my mum does too (she's a PhD in psychology who teaches cooking as well).
ReplyDeleteCheck out her blog
http://nancybeamiller.blogspot.com/
This may sound a bit bold, but would you like to get together for coffee somewhere?
Hi Mary Laure
ReplyDeleteI will look at her blog! I just left a messge on your blog. I would love to try and meet for a coffee.
Ahhh Les Deux Magots...this was the very first place I went [to eat] upon arriving in Paris. It was late one evening and I popped over there with a co-worker for a glass of wine and a quick bite. We sat in their enclosed outdoor space. After the waiter took our order, I saw mice running back and forth across the floor...and then one ran across my shoe. I jumped and shrieked. Our waiter was NONE too pleased at my delicate American sensibility to mice....so we simply switched tables further away from the activity. However, I refused to touch any of my food. Those people did NOT like me whatsoever. But I'll NEVER forget my very first experience in Paris!!! Hehe. Thanks for reminding me. (And as a side note, things got better after that.)
ReplyDeletePartially Insane that's a very amusing story, so glad I was able to remind you of your visit to Les Deux Magots. If we go I'll watch for the mice!
ReplyDeleteLucky girl!!! That orange awning makes me want to take that trip right with you. Safe travels and can't wait to see your posts!
ReplyDeleteoooh have a wonderful time!!! xo
ReplyDeletebon voyage,
ReplyDeleteBHV - The department store - Go downstairs and take a look at things, like old fashioned wooden shoe trees, lots of great practical items, but the french make them tres chic!
You will love today's post from A Cup of Joe. So excited to hear about your trip and the fashion. Oh, the fashion! Eat well and travel safe.
ReplyDeletehad a giggle at partially insane's remark, i've had a few of those paris experiences myself while living there.
ReplyDeletei'm with pve design, BHV is a definate must-see!
Have a great time, i'm enjoying your blog!
oh and don't forget to go to the Panoramic Bar at the Concorde Lafayette on your last evening there, it is the only way to say goodbye! I posted about it here: http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/2007/12/22/christmas-mini-trips-part-4/
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip PJB!!
ReplyDeleteThanks perfect bound...I loved her post today.
ReplyDeleteThanks House and Life!
ReplyDeleteOh, have a wonderful time Ronda!!
ReplyDelete~Kate
Best hot chocolate I ever had was at Les Deux Magots. Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteOne day at M&O won't be nearly enough to see it all. It is an amazing show that will leave your head swirling. Lucky you! My favorite table is at Au Bon Accueil. After dinner you can stroll Champ de Mars and watch the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Bon voyage!
ReplyDeleteDeux Magots is all tourists. As is St. Germain, even in winter. But, don't let that stop you. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Flair for Living. You'll need at least 2-3 days for M&O. It's such an amazing show. I wish I was getting to go this year. Make sure to do a recap!!
ReplyDeleteJust wandering around Le Marais is my favorite pastime in Paris :-)
ReplyDeleteBon Voyage Ronda! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteall of our best meals were in neighborhood haunts where the proprietors will not let you order wrong and you will be seated amongst someone else's party. this should be a lot more comfortable since the smoking ban! my husband tried to order salmon (it was the only thing he could decipher from the menu board) but alas the waitress said no! he could not order the salmon for his meal, it was a starter. for a man you need an entree. "i will bring you two fish in paper from the oven" it was spectacular. awkward, but spectacular!
ReplyDeletealso, if you have not seen sainte chappell it is a must and there are beautiful shops along the river on the right bank.
fun fun fun!
Oh I have received my Maison et Objet invitation, but I am not going. I'll have to content myself with the showcase people coming by starting from the end of January.
ReplyDeleteDo keep us up to date! I'll love reading about it!
I want to be there with you! :(
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed wandering in the Marais the most. I hope you get to hang out there!
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to an article in cottage living about great places in the neighborhood, especially the modest and lovely Picasso museum and some cute shops like Les 2 Mille Feuille.
http://www.liliweigert.com/articles/Cottage_Living_Apr2006.html
She details a great itinerary in her article.
Have a great trip.