Paris........Je T’aime!
I miss Paris!
I especially miss Paris in the summertime. I was really hoping that we could make it to Paris the summer if everyone took the proper precautions. Since 2020 is a fail I will look forward to a fantastic time in 2021. I just hope that my favorite places are still open.
Besides just loving Paris the city, I love it because my family lives in Paris or in close proximity. My cousins in Cologne, Germany will even drive to Paris to see my crew. I always have the best time with them. My daughter’s French always improves after every visit, I eat like a gourmandaise and always discover a fun new place.
@littleafricaparis
@african_linksblog
My daughter has two things on her itinerary every year - Jardin des Tuilleries and Cafe Marley. Jardin des Tuilleries Fair is her absolute favorite. She loves to go on the many rides, torture me with crazy rides and eat a lot of cotton candy. Afterwards, we walk over towards the Louvre and have a late lunch or early dinner at Cafe Marley. Georgette loves the truffle ravioli. It’s become a family tradition to go to the fair and then Cafe Marley.
Another great thing about Paris is the variety. You can literally have a proper African experience in Paris. Jacqueline Ngo Mpii even has a wonderful Instagram page @littleafricaparis and workshops on this subject. Virginie Rhonia is a fantastic art blogger and she has great resources on African creatives in Paris @african_linksblog.
If you want a bit over African flavor I recommend a small African restaurant called Kfe Del Twins in the 16th arr. It’s owned by twin sisters who are so kind and hospitable. We had dinner there three nights in a one week period. There’s also the African Lounge also in the 16th. If you want to listen and dance to a live African band than Djonga right outside of Paris is the place to be. You’ll feel like you left Paris and took an Air France flight to Congo. If you are still in the mood to keep going after 3 am then you are strong and Chez MK Night CLub “Ici C’est Paris” is the place for you. The live band plays until 4 am and the DJ keeps the party going until 6 am.
As the saying goes, “Paris is always a good idea”. Even though we can’t visit, it doesn’t mean we can’t start planning our dream trip.
Below are some recommendations for fun places to eat, drink, shop, and visit. Paris, Je t’aime!
Bisous,
Ado
Best Paris Restaurants for girls groups:
Le Matignon Paris (there's also dance club downstairs}
Le Peninusla Paris (Sunday brunch)
Ralph’s Paris (super pretty, delicious food and the courtyard is amazing)
Rosa Bonheur ( super hip, laid back and crowd moves to dance floor after 10pm)
Le 21 (It's expensive but super worth it)
Top Restaurants in Paris for Family or Friends:
Cafe Marley (For Lunch - It’s right by the Louvre and their truffle ravioli is delicious)
Fontaine De Mars (It's a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. They only serve dinner and you should make reservations ahead of time. )
Les Cocottes: (Near the Eiffel Tower. Super delicious, no reservations so there will be a wait but nothing too long)
Laduree: (My daughter loves this place. We like the one near Jardin des Tuilleries as the wait isn’t as long.)
Le Bistrot Paul Bert (It's a classic bistro with a great not too sweet tarts.)
Cafe Charlot (for late dinners or brunch)
Restaurant Mirror (French country style food)
Chez Julien (classic bistro near the Seine)
Le Grand Vefour (it’s in the Palais-Royal)
SHOPPING:
Karry'o 416 Saint-Honore, 8th - amazing vintage jewelry
Eric Bompard 91 Avenues des Champs-Elysees, 8th - great and affordable cashmere
Cadolle 255 Rue Saint Honore 1st - for amazing bras
Palais Royal Place du Palais-Royal, 1st. - It's a great shopping complex. It has Rick Owens, Acne, Stella and beautiful gardens
Nose 20 Rue Bachaumont, 2nd. for custom perfume
Le Marais has great shopping. A lot of French stores that are in NYC are located in le Marais (APC, Made, Vanessa Bruno, Isabel Marant, and more). The prices are better in Paris. Marais is the way to go. You can get the fresh brands for a lot less o.e. Maje, Sandro, Les Mademoiselles
The Broken Arm 12 Rue Perree, 3rd. Part shop/part cafe. Great clothes
Marché aux Puces de Vanves Avenue Georges Lafenestre, 14th. Great outdoor flea market
A.P.C Surplus 20 Rue André del Sarte 18th - great for denim and fashion staples
DRINKS:
Le Tango 13 Rue au Marie, 3rd. - Fun dancing
Le Bar 31 Avenue George V, 8th. - Super fancy but everyone at the bar is so friendly
Merci 111 Blvd Beaumarchais, 3rd. - An eclectic collection of things but well-curated
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS:
Palais de Tokyo: 13 Avenue du President Wilson, 16th
It has great kids program, artist in residence, its opened till midnight, great bookstore and restaurant Tokyo Eats is great.
Ballon de Paris: Parc Andre Citroen, 15th
Hot air balloon with great views of Paris.
La Maison des Contes des Histoires: 7 Rue Pecquay, 4th In Marais,
A cute little art gallery dedicated to illustrations and storytelling.
Jardin d’Acclimatation: Bois de Boulogne, 16th
Kids amusement park which features a small farm. Lots of fun things to do like mini-golf, trampolines, house of mirrors, etc.
The Carrousel & Tuileries Gardens
Sometimes they have fairs and cool hidden playgrounds.
Musee National d’Historie Naturelle: 36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint Hilaire, 5th
Great museum for a cold or rainy day
La Cite des Scineces: 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 19th
A Planetarium, an aquarium, a submarine, and an IMAX theatre. Lots of fun
Musee du Louvre Treasure Hunt:
They have a Nintendo 3DS self-guided tour. There’s also a scavenger hunt to keep kids entertained. Lunch at Café Marly is always a hit. Loulou in the garden is also great but you will need to book reservations in advance
Cooking class at Ritz Escoffier School: 15 Place Vendome Great children/parent course.
Fun afternoon and the kids really enjoy themselves