Outbound travel: We travelled on the 07:01 Eurostar train from London St Pancras which arrived into Gare du Nord at 10:19 (Friday 7th February).
Accommodation: Hotel Saint Christophe - A charming and cosy hotel in the 5th arrondissment close to the Jardin des Plantes, Notre Dame, the Panthéon and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Friday itinerary:
Lunch: L'Atelier des Pains - This lively boulangerie and café serves delicious salads, sandwiches and sweet treats, and their coffee was the perfect pick-me up after a very early start!
Visited the Musée Marmottan Monet which is located in the 16th arrondissement. The museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Monet including his 1872 Impression, Sunrise which is recognised for having inspired the name of the Impressionist movement. I was particularly struck by the painting Le Voilier, Effet Du Soir 1885, show below.
At 3pm, I had an appointment at Le Dressing Club, a bridal boutique which sells second-hand wedding dresses from designer brands. I came here to do the alterations for my dress ahead of my wedding in June!
Dinner: Le Sirocco - This Moroccan restaurant is located along rue des Gobelins, in the 13th arrondissment, a 15 minute walk from our hotel. We had a wonderful evening here. The atmosphere was intimate, the staff were friendly and efficient, and the food was absolutely delicious! Make sure to order the vegetarian platter as a starter.
Saturday itinerary:
Breakfast: Strada Café - If you are looking for a café which has a buzzing atmosphere, fantastic coffee, and the BEST scrambled eggs in Paris, then this is the place for you!
We tried to go to four museums today but they were all either fully booked or closed for renovations. So, we decided to embrace the very French spirit of flânerie, the art of taking a stroll and wandering aimlessly.
We spent time in the Jardin du Luxembourg, which covers 25 hectares of land and was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, and later on we ended up in the Cimetière du Montparnasse which occupies the site of three former farms.
Coffee break: Le Gamin de Paris
Lunch: Culture Crêpes - A cosy and compact café serving a wide selection of tasty sweet and savoury crêpes.
We made our way to the local Franprix to pick up snacks and a small bottle of prosecco before watching England vs France in the Six Nations back at our hotel. England clinched it 26-25! We were worried the concierge was going to come up to our room because of all our cheering and shouting!
Dinner: Maison Perchée - We discovered this charming restaurant by chance and cannot recommend it enough. The waiters were friendly and attentive, the food was flavourful and original, and the atmosphere was cosy and convivial. Their menus includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
Sunday itinerary:
Breakfast: Le Petit Cardinal - Classic Parisian bistro with a laidback vibe and quick service. Perfect for a simple but delicious breakfast - croissant, baguette, coffee and orange juice.
Visited the Musée de Cluny which houses one of the largest collections of Medieval art in the world and stands on the site of ancient thermal baths. Some of the most famous works on display at the museum include the magical tapestries of the Lady of the Unicorn, the heads of the Kings of Judah from Notre-Dame Cathedral and stained glass windows from the Sainte-Chapelle.
Return travel: We travelled on the 14:42 Eurostar train from Gare du Nord which arrived into London St Pancras at 16:00 (Sunday 9th February).
Reading material for the train: The New Tourist by Paige McClanahan and Écologie 360 magazine.
By Eveline Vouillemin ©
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