Paris offers a vast cultural agenda and a lot of lifestyle.
So, get ready to have an intense day, full of activities and surprises. To this end, wear a nice, but very comfortable outfit and a pair of sneakers. Use a lightweight crossbody bag to avoid pickpockets.
Even in summer, always carry a pashmina in your bag.
If you only have a weekend in the City of Lights, take advantage of Karmita Medeiros’ tips and enjoy the French capital from Friday to Sunday like a Parisian.
Friday
Start your weekend in Parisian fashion.
Have a seat at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots and enjoy your breakfast. Order an espresso, a pain au chocolat, and an orange juice.
Don’t forget to try the delicious croissant.
These Cafés are mythical places on the Rive Gauche and, in addition to being a delight to start your day, there on the balcony watching the coming and going of Parisians, these places bring the history of Paris to their walls, as they had no more, no less as regulars than Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and other epoch-making figures.
The Bar Croix Rouge is another option, and there ask for the house specialty, which is a delicious tartine.
Don’t be surprised to find the beautiful Catherine Deneuve here – she is a regular at breakfast.
Bianca Brandolini is another figure who also lands here at Croix Rouge.
If you like literature, politics, or art, pop into the bookstore next to Café de Flore – the L’Ecume des Pages – to browse the latest releases or search for an art or philosophy title. Get your souvenirs here, L’Ecume des Pages offers wonderful calendars and postcards.
If you are looking for something specifically lifestyle, walk half a block and go to the Assouline bookstore – here you will find real gems.
Well-fed physically and intellectually, walk to the wonderful Furstemberg Square where you can see young people photographing or drawing in a very relaxed and bucolic atmosphere. Furstemberg Square is home to the Delacroix Museum, in the house where the legendary painter Eugène Delacroix spent his final years.
This region is the nerve center of the best and most sophisticated decorative fabric stores in the world.
Stop by Flamant and check out the decorative pieces and take just one good idea home.
Be sure to stop by Rue de Seine and Rue Jacob – you’ll love the amazing shops and art galleries.
Make a pit stop at Café La Palette, a heritage-listed bar with a balcony – a favorite of the artsy people of Saint Germain and celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Harrison Ford.
Walk to Rue du Bac and arrive at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – step inside and enjoy the wonderful and contagious energy it offers you.
After giving thanks for everything you have and saying your prayers, take the opportunity to stop by the chapel’s religious souvenir shop and take some medals of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal – they are really beautiful and miraculous!
In addition to being a light, unbreakable gift that doesn’t take up space, you will always be remembered by whoever receives it.
For decoration lovers, there are two art de la table and decor stores – Maison du Bac, whose owners have the best taste and mix contemporary and classic objects like few others. They are two sisters who are masters in the art of receiving.
Next door is Le Grand Comptoir, which is a large and well-hidden store, where you can find everything from bedding, decorative objects, clothes, gadgets, and Rive Gauche-style furniture with super inviting values.
Still on Rue du Bac, don’t miss Beaupassage, a new gastronomic center with relaxed cafes and restaurants from star chefs, while still offering honest prices.
At Bon Marché, a quick stop allows you to check out the latest from the most elegant and oldest department store in Paris. I really like the session with designers from different countries around the world. They are not so well known, but I recommend them. I learned this from the Parisians who love to mine, and find beautiful pieces even at fairs, thrift stores, and neighborhood boutiques, and, with that, they are not held hostage by internationally renowned brands.
Take the opportunity and enjoy a truffle sandwich at La Grande Epicerie (which belongs to Bon Marché and is right next door), a luxury Parisian supermarket – the food and drinks section is extraordinary!
For architecture lovers, the beauty of the city can be appreciated by taking a walk to the Tuileries Garden, crossing the Seine right in front of the National Assembly. When walking, don’t forget to look up so you can get a good idea of the buildings.
Enter to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie and see Monet’s Water lilies, a real spectacle in its own right.
To end the day at a nice restaurant, make a reservation in advance at L’Ami Jean, one of the best bistros in Paris.
Here, chef Stéphane Jego serves delicious dishes and offers you a super relaxed atmosphere in the 7 th arrondissement.
The riz au lait (rice pudding) is so delicious that you feel like getting on your knees and giving thanks!
Saturday
Take a walk along Avenue Champs Elysees – it’s sumptuous! Take the opportunity to shoot wonderful photos, but don’t stay there too long because Paris has much more to explore. As it is a place where many people circulate, take good care of your belongings to protect yourself from pickpockets.
Go down the avenue towards the Tuileries Garden and enter Avenue Montaigne to drool over the most elegant shops. Head to the aristocratic Faubourg Saint Honoré, home to the biggest luxury brands.
On Vendôme Square, is the largest jewelry center in the world. If you want to have lunch in a trendy place, the tip is the Hotel Costes restaurant, where artists, bloggers, and fashion people gather, or enjoy LouLou (in the Museum of Decorative Arts) from where you have a beautiful view of the Louvre.
In the late afternoon, stroll through the galleries of the Palais Royal, not only for the beauty of the architecture and the garden, but also because there are shops, art galleries, bars, and the well-known and coveted black and white columns by French artist Daniel Buren.
Now, see Paris from another angle: take a boat ride on the Seine and enjoy unforgettable scenes. I advise you not to have your meal on the boat, just take the tour.
If it’s summer, end Saturday with dinner on the terrace of the Girafe (1, Place du Trocadero) while admiring the most incredible view of the Eiffel Tower.
If you prefer a more sophisticated time, book your breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the modern, luxurious, and newly opened Ducasse sur Seine cruise from star chef Alain Ducasse.
Sunday – Marais day
It is a day of rest, and Paris sleeps on Sundays.
The only neighborhood that doesn’t surrender to Morfeu’s arms and continues in its effervescence is the Marais.
Take the opportunity and go for a walk in the historic district that lies in the 3 rd and 4 th arrondissements of the city.
In addition to numerous shops and mini-stores, bars, restaurants, and commerce in general open on that day, the atmosphere is delightful.
Here, people from all over the world, tourists, and super-cool Parisians take the opportunity to stroll through the charming streets in the region.
Visit the Carnavalet Museum, dedicated to Parisian history, and then walk along Rue des Ecouffes and Rue Rosiers, where a large Jewish community lives. Enjoy and savor your cuisine at As du Falafel, a simple place, but always crowded.
International designer boutiques are located on Rue des Archives, but there are plenty of shops for great new designers not known on planet fashion.
This is where the LGBT region is and some streets and buildings are decorated with rainbow colors – the greatest charm!
Head to the beautiful Vosges Square (the oldest planned square in the city) to take lots of selfies and social media stories.
Take the opportunity to visit the Carette tea room where you can taste its delicious pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
If you want something more romantic, head to Le Pavillon de La Reine & Spa hotel.
Here, have a cup of coffee or cool off on hot days on the super hidden balcony. If you prefer something more relaxed to end the weekend with a flourish, Grand Cœur Brasserie & Restaurant is a great tip. Chef Mauro Colagreco will offer you delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
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