2 Days in Paris, For the Return Visitor
If you’ve visited Paris before and are returning for just a couple of days, maybe as part of a multi-destination vacation, then this blog post is for you! Here we assume that you’ve already visited the most famous landmarks and so instead we spend time on savoring other Parisian moments around food, music and culture. Bonne visite!
Day 1
Welcome to Paris!
When I first arrive, one of the things that I like to do after baggage drop-off is go to a favorite neighborhood café. Cafés are convenient since they usually have service continu (nonstop service), as compared to restaurants that serve food during lunch and dinnertime, but not in between. Since I normally stay in the sixth arrondissement, my go-to cafés are Treize Bakery or Au Petit Suisse near the Jardin du Luxembourg.
A leisurely afternoon
From there, I like to have a leisurely activity such as a neighborhood stroll looking inside the art galleries or boutiques.
Then depending on the weather and energy level, maybe a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens.
Une petite pause…
By late afternoon, I head back to my place of stay for “une petite pause” or a short break, to relax for a little bit before starting my evening activities.
Evening activites…
The evening for me usually starts with an apéro at a local wine or cocktail bar. An apéro is a before dinner drink, usually light in style such as a lighter bodied wine, Champagne, or cocktail. Some favorite spots are in the 2nd arrondissement such as Experiemental Cocktail Club, L’art Source or Redd Wine Bar.
A number of these bars also serve food, usually tapas or a cheese and charcuterie board. For restaurants, the streets around Rue Montorgueil are chock-full of places with good dinner menus. Try Au Rocher de Cancale for seafood, Shosh Shana for Mediterranean, or Aux Crus de Bourgogne for traditional French.
The perfect evening ends with live music at one of the many Paris jazz clubs. Duc des Lombards and Le Baiser Salé welcome some of the most talented local musicians and artists. Reservations are recommended for Le Duc especially during the weekends. Here are some great places to check out the live music scene in Paris.
Day 2…
First thing, coffee!
I always say, bypass the hotel offerings and go out, into your neighborhood for your morning coffee or breakfast. The local boulangeries/pâtisseries make the best freshly baked breads and croissants. I like Maison Thevenin on Rue de Buci for a cappucino or a caramel latte and pastry, or Saint Pearl on Rue Saint-Père when I’m in the mood for pancakes or avocado toast. Les Deux Magots and Le Bonaparte, two of the historic cafés in Saint Germain des Prés are just down the street and make for charming spaces to have a delightful breakfast while watching the passers-by on Boulevard Saint Germain.
Galleries and Museums…
I’m obsessed with the art scene in Paris and so the galleries and museums are on my priority list of things to do whenever I’m in town. The less visited places such as Jacquemart-André, Musée de la Vie Romantique or the Dior Galerie are perfect for spending a leisurely couple of hours.
I also pay attention to any temporary exhibits that may peek my interest such as the Basquiat-Warhol exhibit at the Fondation Louis Vuitton museum.
Parisian vibes…
For the next few hours, I’ll just wander and enjoy the Parisian vibes.
Evening time…
Going to the theater in Paris is a special experience, not only because of the performances, but also the venues are so magnificent. Since showtime normally starts at 8 pm, I’ll make a dinner reservation for an earlier time at bistro that is near (walking distance) to the theatre. A cocktail either before or after the performance completes the experience. The Théâtre de l’Odéon, Théatre du Châtelet, and the Palais Garnier are some great places for the performing arts scene in Paris. Keep in mind though that most are in French, of course :-)
Et voilà…bonne visite à Paris!
