10 Favorite Spots in Paris! Art. Food. Macarons.

2016 has not been good to Paris (or France for that matter). According to several trusted sources, like the BBC, there were 1 million fewer visitors to Paris from January to June 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. No word on July or August figures yet. The reasons are varied, but most attribute the decline to the attacks on France in recent times. I am confident that with time Paris will get back on its tourism feet stronger than ever. We only need to look at New York City as an example.
I would have gone to Paris this year if I hadn’t traveled to Stockholm, but I’m happy to say that my sister and her husband are doing their part to support the City of Lights. They’re there as I write this and their photos just made me miss it more. All Photos © Canadian and World Touris,/Cactus Rock New Media Ltd.
10 Favorite Spots
So here are 10 favorite spots, in no particular order, I miss that you may want to visit when you go:

The Seine and the Tower.

Les Invalides.

2. Les Invalides and surrounding area. I loved walking in and around Les Invalides. My wife and I stayed at an apartment not too far from the magnificent complex. Ironically, I did not go in to see Napoleon’s tomb, so I will have to go back next time.

Gontran Cherrier in Montmarte

GC pastries in Montmartre

Perfect croissants at Gontran Cherrier in Montmartre.

3. Gontran Cherrier 22 rue Caulaincourt 75018 Paris. One of the best or maybe the best croissant in Paris. I love croissants so before our last trip to Paris I did some research and according to various publications and blogs GC makes the best croissants. So off we went on a trek to Montmartre to find out. And yes, the croissant was perfect as much as I can tell. I must mention their other breads because they’re amazing. I had a tuna sandwich. The bun blew me away, it was so delicious and different.

Outside the Musee D’Orsay

You must see this painting in person to understand and and marvel at the painter’s skill. Les raboteurs de parquet by French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte. Musée d’Orsay

4. Musée d’Orsay. 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris. Can’t say the Musée d’Orsay is my favorite museum in Paris, but it would have to be in the top 3. Interestingly, it’s TripAdvisor’s #1 things to do in Paris! I’m just a sucker for Impressionism and Vincent Van Gogh. If you like that kind of art, this is the museum for you.

Crazy Horse Saloon. High-end, upscale burlesque show.

5. The Crazy Horse. 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris. If you like Vegas style, Copacabana style, Paris style burlesque or adult themed shows, in my opinion, this is the best one. Many tourists go to the Moulin Rouge and that show is fine, but for my money, I rather go to the Crazy Horse. It’s a bit tight space wise, but if you get a good table (expensive), you’ll enjoy it more.

Food to go. No. Gourmet Food to Go. Yes. Rue Cler, Paris

La Fromagerie on Rue Cler, Paris

Rue Cler, Paris.

6. Rue Cler. Spring 2015 my wife and I stayed near Rue Cler so it was one of our hangout streets and the street where we went to buy cheese and other yummy foods. There are a few restaurants there as well. Had a great pizza at Tribeca.

Coutume Cafe is considered by many connoisseurs the best coffee shop in Paris (2 locations, I believe)

7. Coutume Café 47 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris. Not in a very touristy area this coffee shop is caffeine paradise for coffee lovers. As with the croissants, I did my research and confirmed that yes Coutume Cafe’s coffee is amazing (if you like coffee, of course). And the pastry I had with it was also amazing, although so sweet, I only ate half and took the other half with me when I left.

Delicious tuna at Wepler’s in Paris

Wepler is an institution in Paris in the Montmartre area (station Place de Clichy)

8. Wepler Brasserie, 14 Place de Clichy, 75018 Paris. I was introduced to this beloved brasserie by my friend Philippe who works in the tourism industry in Paris. I learned that the brasserie has been around since the 19th Century (1881)! That would not matter if the food wasn’t excellent, which it is. So if you go to Montmartre, try to time it so you have lunch or dinner here. Great Parisian cuisine!

The famous Eiffel tower seen from the Champ des Mars Park. Trocadero in the background, past the tower.

9. The Eiffel Tower from the Champ des Mars. Most people think of the Eiffel Tower in terms of actually visiting the tower itself and going up to whatever level they like and take in the views. While that’s something just about every tourist should do, my favorite activity regarding the Eiffel Tower is to go in the evening or night and observe it from the Champ des Mars park. This of course is much better if I go with my wife or a group of friends. Very romantic and you can bring your own Champagne.

A visit to Paris is not complete for me if I don’t have a Ladurée macaron!

10. Ladurée. Paris and food go hand in hand, mouth to mouth, like water for chocolate! They may be overpriced, maybe even pretentious to some people, but the Ladurée macarons and pastries are truly pretty and scrumptious. They may not be as exclusive as they once were when you could only eat them in Paris (now there’s Ladurée stores in several countries, including the new store in Vancouver, Canada), but regardless, I love them. Last time we were in Paris, I bought some at a boutique within one of the posh department stores, but I would have liked to go the Ladurée restaurant at 75 avenue des Champs Elysees. It’s definitely on the priority list for the next trip to the City of Lights!
Support Paris. Book your trip ASAP! The French may think Paris is theirs, but the truth is it belongs to all the lovers in the world, me included!

Source: canadianandworldtourism.com

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