Travel & Hotspots

one with the locals

My number one rule no matter where in the world I travel to is to act like one of the locals. Even when I don’t speak the language. Want to experience a city the right way? Do it with the locals. Or anyone who knows the place like the back of their hand. Understandably, seeing some of the biggest sightseeing attractions is on your list, just make sure to get that over with so all the fun and games can officially begin.

I spent this past weekend in Paris. I like to refer to this place as my hometown. I’m nowhere near to being a Parisienne, but I’d say living in the city for nearly eight years is reason enough to call it ‘home’. How I spent my weekend? Walking, drinking wine and hanging out at Le Bon Marché (because if I really were a Parisienne, I’d want to be one from the Left Bank decked out in anything they sell here).

Alright, so as a semi-local I decided I’d give you a teeny tiny list of my go-to places if you’re only in Paris for a quick pitstop. Here you goooo.

Le Saint Germain

Okay funny story from when I was there this past weekend. There was a man sitting on one of the corner tables street side. Just a regular man, nothing out of the ordinary. He just sat their sipping on his cup of coffee. Once he left, the waiter mentioned that it was Kyle Eastwood (son of Clint, brother of the uber good looking Scott). Kyle is a jazz musician who spends half his year living in Paris and the other half in California (hi, dream!). Anyways I’m getting off track, excusez-moi. So Café Saint German, ignore all comments people have ever said about waiters being rude and impolite. Not the case here. The waiters are lovely, the service is quick. the wine calls for plenty of refills and the food (as basic as some of the dishes are) is magnifique. Should I mention that Le Bon Marché and the Conran shop are within walking distance?

62 Rue du Bac

Triadou Haussman

Another café worth your while. After wandering around Lafayette and for some miraculous reason being capable of leaving the warehouse without buying anything that was on sale, I dropped by this place for lunch with a matching glass of white wine. Nothing better than sitting at an epitome of a French terrace with a blue cheese salad, a glass of Chardonnay and Perrier.

80 Boulevard Haussmann

Colette

I know, I know, I know. This place has been covered so many times but give me a break, please. There’s no way you can stop by Paris and nog take a peek inside of Colette. Especially when one of your old friends from high school recently started selling pieces from her jewelry line in the store.

213 Rue Saint-Honoré

Amorino

I’m a sucker for anything sweet from this city. Eclairs, Madeleine’s; anything pastry with an overdose of calories really. But what I’ve got an even bigger weak spot for is ice cream served like a flower. It’s a work of art and worth standing in line for. Uhm, you know how I said act like a local, it’s alright to bring out your inner tourist when necessary. Especially when there’s ice cream involved.

31 Rue Vieille du Temple