Here are our « coups de cœur » in Paris that we want to share with you. Competly subjective and personal, we change them regularly according to the seasons, events and our discoveries…
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to include one of your “coups de CŒUR”.
PICNIC ON THE CHAMPS DE MARS
When the weather is fine, rendez-vous in the evening on the Champ de Mars for a picnic! Parisians meet there either during the week or on the weekend, with their workmates or families, for a snack at the foot of the glittering Eiffel Tower.
PICNIC ON THE PONT DES ARTS
A pedestrian bridge located on the Seine between the Institut (Académie Française) and the Louvre. Built between 1801 and 1804, it was the first metal bridge in Paris. In 1979, it collapsed over a distance of 60 metres after being struck by a barge. It was rebuilt on the original model between 1982 and 1984. The first pedestrian bridge in Paris, up to 1849 it cost one sou to cross from one bank to the other. Today the bridge, located in the heart of Paris, is still reserved exclusively for pedestrians. On fine summer evenings, Parisians meet there to picnic in a convivial atmosphere. Get there early or the best places will be gone!
A VIEW OVER PARIS FROM THE TOP OF THE POMPIDOU CENTRE
Discover an exceptional panorama from the top of the Pompidou Centre. Here’s the trick: if you don’t want to visit the museum for lack of time or some other reason, don’t deprive yourself of the extraordinary view! On the left outside the building there is an elevator that will take you directly to the restaurant on the 6th floor (closed before 11:00 am and on Tuesday). In this way, you will gain access to an interior esplanade from which you can discover the monuments and rooftops of Paris. The ultra-modern restaurant also has an inviting terrace.
A STROLL IN THE GARDENS OF THE PALAIS ROYAL
In the seventeenth-century, the Palais Royal was the commercial and social centre of the distinguished classes of the capital, due to its proximity to the Louvre, royal residence at the time. Today, the gardens are a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris, as well as being the site of the controversial columns installed by the artist Buren in the cour d’honneur. Each boutique or restaurant is worth a glance, in particular the Grand Véfour in the galerie du Beaujolais. A jewel of eighteenth-century decorative art, it has been for 200 years the gastronomic meeting place of the political, artistic and literary elite of Paris. Closed on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. Annual closure: 10-17 April, August and 24-31 December. Menu € 75 (lunch only) and menu plaisir € 252. A la carte € 160-200.
THE ARCADES NEAR THE BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE, Paris 2nd
These arcades were built from the beginning of the nineteenth-century and, a popular meeting place for strollers and lovers at the time, they form part of the history of Paris. They sheltered numerous boutiques: tailors, shoemakers, liquor stores, bookshops, print dealers. Today they are occupied by institutions and shops in an exceptional setting.
Galerie Colbert : 6, rue des Petits Champs - 6 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris. Open every day.
You will discover an immense rotund lit by a glass dome and a beautiful statue dating from 1882. Note the magnificent restaurant “Le Grand Colbert” decorated in the same style as the arcade. Reservation necessary.
Galerie Vivienne : 4, rue des Petits Champs, 5, rue de la Banque, 6, rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris. Open every day from 8 :30 am to 20:30 pm.
You will discover a richly decorated architecture composed of pilasters, arches and cornices and a beautiful mosaic floor. The 42 metre long grand arcade is followed by a glass rotund. It ends rue des Petits Champs with a vast rectangular room with a monumental glass ceiling and a beautiful suspended stairway. Note the boutique of the fashion designer Jean-Paul Gautier.
PLACE DES PETITS PERES, Paris 1st
Fall under the charm of this little square that is unique in Paris. It is in fact the former courtyard of the convent of the Petits Pères that was attached to the church of Notre Dame des Victoires built from 1679 to 1740. A magnificent baroque façade.
PLACE DES VICTOIRES, Paris 1st
Dedicated to the roi soleil, Louis XIV, this royal square inaugurated in 1686 served as a model throughout France. The exceptional architecture is the creation of Jules-Hardouin-Mansart (architect of the Château de Versailles). There remain 6 buildings from the seventeenth-century, including the beautiful façade of an hotel particulier near the rue Croix des Petits Champs.
THE MARKET OF RUE MONTORGUEIL, Paris 2nd
If you like to savour fresh produce, don’t miss this pedestrian street with its village atmosphere. You will find a large range of restaurants, cafés with terraces, chocolat shops, patisseries, fish mongers and wine merchants. For many Parisians, this market street is one of the best in Paris.
TASTE A BERTHILLON ICE CREAM WHILE STROLLING ON ILE SAINT LOUIS
Another meeting place for connoisseurs that you shouldn’t miss: 31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile. Sshhh! We’ll let you imagine the taste of home made ice cream…
