Edited by Linda DonahueIn the four years since John Agee arrived in Paris from the U.S., he’s fallen more and more in love with the city. He is, in fact, the expat American who is continually reminding Parisians just what a spectacular city they live in. Whether it’s wandering the charming streets around his jewelry boutique in the 6th arrondissement or unwinding with friends in the salon of his Paris home, John is an ambassador at heart for his adopted hometown. Here are some of John’s favorite places and things to do in Paris:
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and not just because my boutique is located here. It’s what my idea of Paris always was growing up.
Le Grizzli, rue Saint-Martin in the Marais. Their updated riffs on classic French cuisine always impress.
Chez Omar, rue de Bretagne in the 3rd. For stick-to-your-ribs Moroccan cuisine. Go on a very empty stomach.
Café des Beaux-Arts, rue Mazarine in the 6th. The lunch formule for 12,50 euros can’t be beat. The charming down-at-the-heel décor completes the ambiance.
Food/Gourmet Shop Fromagerie 31 on rue de Seine in the 6th. That pungent aroma that hits you when you walk in is heaven.
Le Bon Marché, because it’s on the Rive Gauche, darling.
Emilio Robba, rue du Bac in the 7th. The most amazing artificial flowers you’ve ever seen. Like walking into an enchanted forest.
I know I’m biased, but John Agee on rue Jacob in Saint-Germain!
Arthur & Fox on Blvd. Saint-Germain in the 6th. They have that urbane preppy/English dandy/Parisian man-about-town thing going on that I like.
There are cocktails in Paris?
Au Trois Mailletz in the Latin Quarter. A fun, campy piano bar.
Ladurée on rue Jacob, unfortunately for my pancreas, located almost directly across the street from my boutique.
My apartment! My boyfriend, Luis, is an excellent cook. Besides, the French don’t know what breakfast is anyway.
Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
Quiet Spot
Le Palais-Royal in the 1st. An oasis, I’ve spent many a Zen moment in its vast open garden.
Wandering around Paris on a Sunday with absolutely no goal in mind.
Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, one of the great architectural treasures of French civilization.
Sorry for this strange question but do you know if anything (museums, shops, restaurants, cafes, etc) is open in Paris on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday? Which day do you think would be better to visit the City?
Hi Charlie. Many shops are closed on Sundays, even when it’s not a holiday. As for the museums and monuments, I suggest you check the individual websites. For example, the Louvre only closes for Christmas, New Year’s Day, May Day (May 1st) and the Assumption (August 15th). It will be open both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. The Eiffel Tower will also be open. Restaurants and cafés are harder to predict, since they depend on the preferences of the owners.
Hope that helps.