City life sometimes pushes you to get out and away from its hectic central pump; Parisian city life is no exception. Likewise, living in the city center and riding the city’s metro system on a regular basis can often make one wonder about what exactly lies at the end of each numbered line. Personally speaking, Line 1’s final Château de Vincennes stop has always dominated my metro riding daydreams. After all, it’s tempting to imagine a castle within a city girl’s reach. And one spring day as I finally ventured out to chase Line One, metro stop Château de Vincennes turned out to be a Parisian pot of gold waiting at its end.
Versailles attracts tourists like excited moths to a gilded flame and the Loire Valley, though completely enchanting, is a several hours drive from Paris. The Chantilly Château though, a 25 minute train ride from Paris, is equal parts accessible, uncrowded, and old-world folklore, making it a resplendent romp into France’s history of nobles, wars, and new republics. A place visited by mythic characters from French kings to Bond, James Bond, Chantilly Castle is a sharp snapshot of French history in a single take.
Thanks to swift transportation and its uniform Haussmann design, it’s rather easy to forget the true size of the French capital. These five vantage points, though not a complete list, are perfect ways to see Paris in its full size, beauty and glory.
Paris’ 5th arrondissement, otherwise known as the Latin Quartier, is rich with charm and history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Mouffetard district. Saunter down the gentle slope of the montagne Saint-Geneviève to the Église Saint-Médard, passing the pretty Place de la Contrescarpe, and you’ll find yourself amidst perfectly picturesque surroundings with a charmingly tranquil atmosphere. Old houses, narrow alleyways, small courtyards, old signs, and babbling fountains all evoke the timeless history of this area, bustling with food shops and friendly bistros.
In 1635, King Louis XIII’s personal physical created a medicinal herb garden known as the Jardin du Rois. Five years later, it opened to the public and, in 1663, it was transformed into a sprawling complex dedicated to nature. Today, the Jardin des plantes is spread out over more than 69 acres and is home to quite a few gardens. It’s easy to spend an entire day lost in the Jardin — and I have. In fact, the ever-changing landscape of the garden and its utter tranquility often makes me feel as if I’ve been transported back in time to Paris’ past.
Luc Dubanchet, president of Omnivore, shares his views on the Parisian gastronomic scene and reveals some of his favorite restaurants. He also tells us about the upcoming publication of the Omnivore Guide, as well as the World Tour Food Festival, taking place in Paris for the first time in March of this year.
March is roaring into Paris like a lion: full of fierce happenings throughout the month, including Paris Fashion Week. There seems to be something for everyone, from fashionistas to antique shoppers to art lovers and music aficianados.
Eric Fraudeau should be Paris’ ambassador to the world. Not only does he immediately dispel any notion that the French are standoffish, but he also has a passion for the French capital that is quite contagious. He also has an encyclopedic knowledge of French cuisine, which shouldn’t come as any surprise given his 20 years of experience as a chef in the restaurant and hotel industry. Eric has worked around the world — Canada, Mexico, the U.S., and France — rubbing aprons with the likes of Robuchon and Ducasse. Eric has taken the time to share some of his favorite places in and around Paris … but, fair warning: some may make your mouth water.
Above planes and automobiles, trains are the way to travel through Europe. Paris knows this to be true with its multitude of gares stationed throughout the city. But even if you come to Paris with plans to stay put (and who can blame you?), there’s a place in the 10th arrondisement that offers the thrill of travel without moving you a mile. Above the humming engines and frenzied energy of the Gare de l’Est sits Au Train de Vie, a brasserie where, beyond classic menu conventions (an array of salads, steaks, frites, wine, and coffee), tradition is left at the curb.
Amy Thomas is a lot smarter than I am. A lot. Whereas we both have a love of all things sweet that crosses way over the border of obsession, she’s parlayed this indulgence into a blog and, now, a book. Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) is a delicious memoir of Amy’s journey of love between New York and Paris. Not only does it touch upon the myriad adjustments she had to make as an American in the French capital, but it details her continued search for the best sweet treats in the two cities that she loved so much.
An American expat in Paris offers a collection of affordable, wearable art inspired by her travels.
Discover a bespoke shop for the well-dressed man that's made-to-measure in the 8th arrondissement.
Despite jumping at the occasional fad, Parisian shoppers follow certain cardinal rules.
How do stylish women travel with their cameras in Paris while remaining perfectly fashionable?
Are the racist rants of ex-Dior designer John Galliano part of a bigger problem in Paris?
Our food critic offers his opinion on this French restaurant in the 19th arrondissement.
In a city known for its delectable patisseries, where shelves are lines with all manner of gateaux,
Olivier Magny's new wine bar takes wine tasting to the next level.
We love all of the pillows made by Jules Pansu {Paris}, but the La Terre (Earth) pillow really speak
