This time last year, I was fortunate enough to be living in Paris. One of my favourite things to do was to wander the streets with my friends from morning until night, enjoying everything the city had to offer. What is la joie de vivre? The French live by this motto and it translates to the joy of living, where simplicity is key. Since many of you are on exchange, and many 1Ls are thinking about dropping out to travel the world, here is how I would recommend spending one authentic day as a Parisian.
8:00: While most people would want to start with Angelina or Pierre Hermé, the best bakery to grab breakfast is actually within 100 meters of your hotel. The corner bakeries are all run by master boulangères, which are French bread experts. There is no bad bread in France. Do yourself a favour and grab a fresh croissant and a coffee and start your day the way every Parisian does.
9:00: If you’re not too keen on museums, but don’t want to seem like an uncultured swine when people ask if you went to any, visit the Musée D’Orsay. The Louvre is insanely overrated, not to mention you need about three weeks to see it all. The Musée D’Orsay is short and sweet, with many interactive components and a unique layout to catch your attention and keep you interested. When you finish, cross the Pont Royal and walk over to the Louvre, because even though you won’t go in, everyone needs an Instagram picture by the Pyramide.
12:00: If you’re lactose intolerant, I recommend taking some lactase and sucking it up because for lunch you must go to the Fromagerie Danard. All they serve is cheese, bread and wine, which really is all any restaurant should serve. The owners are expert wine pairers and have started this as their passion project. While the restaurant is beautiful, you won’t be staying so take everything to go from the boutique.
12:30: On this stunning fall day, you and your friends are going to enjoy your wonderful assortment of cheese and wine au bord de la Seine. This means “by the Seine” and locals are often sitting right along the banks chatting or reading. Watch the boats go by, listen to some Edith Piaf, and enjoy your meal in good company.
14:30: Hopefully you dressed nicely today because next is the Champs Elysees, where the haute couture fashion houses have their flagship stores. If you can afford it, treat yourself but if not, window shop and enjoy the famous avenue.
16:30: One of my favourite districts in Paris is Le Marais. Historically, it was the aristocratic district, but after the French revolution, it became the Jewish quarter of Paris. The architecture is unique, the streets are cozy and are paved with tiny boutiques and cafes. This area is where young people spend their time and it’s one of the trendiest locations in all of Paris. Look around, have a pre-dinner drink, go shopping, and enjoy.
19:00: Since you and your friends are probably starving, time to eat at La Mangerie. This restaurant is small, like most in Paris, but has big open windows and candles everywhere. It’s a tapas restaurant, with tiny finger foods that everyone can share. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the food incorporates French, Italian and Spanish influences.
21:00: For an après dinner drink, you’re going to cross the Seine again, and head to Tigre, a small cocktail bar. It’s a small, duplex, quasi-patio bar and their mixologists make beautifully innovative cocktails. They are definitely pricey, but the bar opens up onto a cobbled street with a lively nightlife that will be sure to end your day on a high note.
While I don’t recommend spending only a single day in Paris, if you only have one, make sure it’s authentic. La joie de vivre is a concept understood by few North Americans because we are so work-oriented. While this may sound cheesier than the lunch you just had at the fromagerie, sometimes we need to be reminded to relax and live life. Even if you have no plans of going to France, invite your friends over for a glass of wine and enjoy!