Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My Paris Favorites


I really loved our time in Paris. The weather was perfect, people were polite and accommodating when faced with -- let's say our amusing attempts at the language, and there were so many great places to eat, sit and wander. As Jonah said, Paris is a great place to just be. After one visit, I am by no means an expert, but here are some spots that struck a chord with my heart and my belly.


Paris is full of gardens, but my personal favorite was the Jardin des Plantes. Peaceful, charming and full of the loveliest blooms. The dahlias really won me over.


An apple tartlet from Poilâne was sweet, buttery perfection. I should have gotten two.


Berthillon ice cream has been lauded as the best in the world, and I'm gonna go ahead and give that a resounding yep. You can head to their shop or find their ice cream and sorbets at cafés and other locations throughout the city. Anybody who sells Berthillon makes sure you know about it. While I'm not typically an advocate for vanilla, especially given the unique flavors available, theirs was definitely the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had.


The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located at the highest point in Paris, and from the steps, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.


Café de Flore is a Paris institution, and I think it's safe to say a tourist trap, but it is the most fun I've ever had at a tourist trap. I had an afternoon cocktail and a most delicious croque madame, and it's a prime spot for people watching.


A picnic on the lawn by the Eiffel Tower seems like once of those things you just have to do. We picked up a few snacks, I took in the view and Jonah took in that baguette.


After eating more croissants than I care to admit, our hands down favorite came from Blé Sucré. Big, buttery, flaky, slightly sweet, everything I wanted it to be.


One of my favorite Paris breakfasts was crepes at Breizh Café, a cozy little spot with an international feel, a menu in English and fantastic crepes. We went for the ham and gruyère, and one that's just filled with butter and sugar, two of my favorite ingredients. 


Merci is my dream store. It's filled with all sorts of colorful, modern, eclectic items in a huge, beautiful space, and all the store's profits are donated to charity.


I didn't try any other macarons in Paris because it's hard to imagine anyone improving on the perfection that is Ladurée.


My favorite view of the Eiffel Tower was from the plaza at The Trocadéro. A crowd gathers to watch it sparkle every hour on the hour as soon as the sun goes down.

Ever been to Paris? Feel free to share your favorites in the comments. I'm certain I didn't see it all!

13 comments:

  1. Oh-la-la, your photos make it so fun. Precious memories.

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  2. Natalie I love your pictures; felt like I was there myself (very wishful thinking). I especially like the picnic on the lawn. So glad you enjoyed it. I hope to go there some day too. But for now I'll live vicariously through your beautiful pictures :-) Thank you for sharing.

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  3. Looks like y'all had an amazing time! This post made me want to go back so bad! I am glad to see that you took cute skirts and outfits. We were backpacking when I went, so I didn't have room for the cute things and I really wish that I had. Can't wait to hear about London!

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  4. Your trip looks PERFECT! I am très jealous :)

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  5. Paris looks amazing! Glad you had fun :)

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  6. That view from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is breath-taking! And now you've got me craving macarons :)

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  7. I'll be honest with you---I have wanted to go to Paris--but I wouldn't say it was on my list of top 5 or 10 places I'd choose first. But you have converted me! Your photos are gorgeous and the food looks amazing. Glad you guys had such a wonderful trip.

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  8. Awww Paris! I went there 3 years ago in Oct and left a piece of my heart there. Miss Mannons is a great place and yes, Laduree.
    We rented an apartment for a week and also toured the champagne country side. I love champagne so I was in heaven. I love how you can just roam in Paris and it can still be fun?! Funny, how its not the same here in the states.
    Did you do a fat tire bike tour by any chance? That was def one of our highlights. We will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in 5 years. Not sure if it will be another visit to Paris or back to St. barths where we honeymooned at. All I know is I must get back to Paris soon! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us.

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  9. I'm swooning and hungry, but else could Paris do to a girl?

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  10. Just looking at these pictures makes me want to learn French and move there.

    How beautiful and so much food to enjoy.

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  11. Such beautiful photos! You must have had a wonderful time! Your pics.made it feel like I was there!

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  12. Oh, Paris! What a lovely city. My husband rented a tiny apartment in Montmartre for a few days a while back. It was such a whirlwind, but my favorite memories are walking to the bakery every morning to get treats. I just love that place.

    Love your pictures, and your blog!

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