Paris Itineraries

Five winter experiences in Paris that can’t be missed

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:14:01 -0500

The 'City of Love' takes on a special enchantment in winter. As the chill embraces the city, its historic streets glisten with a subtle magic and the essence of Parisian charm shines through. From savoring a velvety hot chocolate and uncovering hidden oases of warmth, to traversing the timeless covered passages, join the locals with these essential winter experiences that are guaranteed to warm up your stay.

Immerse yourself in the embrace of a Parisian hot chocolate

As the City of Light dons its winter cloak, Parisians and curious wanderers find solace in the timeless joy of sipping this liquid indulgence. Within the intimate salons of the city's five-star establishments, such as the enchanting Jardin d’Hiver at Hôtel de Crillon (10 place de la Concorde, 75008), and the iconic Salon Proust at Ritz Paris (15 place Vendôme, 75001), the secret recipe for the sumptuous "Chocolat chaud à l’ancienne" is a closely guarded treasure.

Beyond these elegant sanctuaries, Paris unfolds a tapestry of hot chocolate experiences—from historic brasseries like La Rotonde (105 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006) and Le Bonaparte (42 rue Bonaparte, 75006) to quaint patisseries tucked away on charming cobblestone streets. It's not merely a warm beverage, it's an invitation to partake in one of the locals' cherished pastimes—people watching.

Find tropical warmth at the city’s hidden oases

Amidst Paris's winter chill, Jardin des Plantes' historic tropical greenhouses, known as the "Grandes Serres", will transport you to a far-off destination where exotic flora thrives beneath the nurturing embrace of glass walls. A visit to Jardin d'agronomie tropicale René-Dumont in the 12th arrondissement also promises an intriguing adventure. This secret garden, dating back to 1899, remains an undiscovered gem for many Parisians. Here, agronomists once conducted experiments with plant reproductions from the colonies, including coffee, cacao, vanilla, and banana.

Alternatively, the Aquarium de Paris (5 avenue Albert De Mun, 75116), a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, offers an escape to the azure waters surrounding Tahiti and New Caledonia. While you’re there, don't miss the thrill of approaching France's largest shark pool.

Step back in time at covered passage

Paris’ 19th-century covered passages reveal a world of timeless charm, where history, culture, and the unexpected intertwine. Passage de Choiseul (40 rue des Petits Champs – 23 rue Saint Augustin, 75002) boasts a delightful mix of shops and eateries. Nearby, Passage du Grand Cerf (145 rue Saint-Denis – 10 rue Dussoubs, 75002) charms with its craft shops, fabric emporiums, and designer shops under a high glass ceiling. Meanwhile, Passage Verdeau (6 rue de la Grange-Batelière, 75003 - 31 bis rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009) lures with books, art, antique dealers, and traditional bistros.

Although not as polished as its counterparts, Passage des Panoramas (11 boulevard Montmartre - 151, rue Montmartre, 75002) has a charm of its own, with its specialist stamp shops and inviting cafes.

Hunt for vintage gems and quirky souvenirs at the flea market

There’s nothing like the thrill of a treasure hunt to keep you warm on a cold winter’s day. Wrap up in your coziest attire and head to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen—the world’s largest concentration of antique dealers and second-hand sellers, where 12 covered markets and five shopping streets await. As you stroll through labyrinthine alleys lined with vintage furniture, antiques, and charming collectibles, you'll discover a world of hidden gems.

Each stall tells a story, and bargaining with local vendors adds a layer of authenticity to your experience. It's a delightful way to immerse yourself in local life, and whether you find a vintage piece of art, a quirky trinket, or a unique souvenir, your visit to the flea market will be a memorable journey through time, making you feel like a true Parisian.

The information provided herein is sponsored by Diners Club International®. It is intended for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Content on this website may contain information from third parties and/or links to third-party websites. Diners Club International bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of this information.

The taste of Paris

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:31:05 -0500

Lift the lid on the past, present and future of the capital’s food scene

Bearing the weight of its eulogized culinary history, Paris’s once-thriving food scene was overshadowed by cities such as London, Tokyo, New York, and Copenhagen in the early 2000s. That’s until a new generation of chefs shook things up, embracing a new-found ‘bistronomy’ that infused French traditional cuisine with creativity, foreign flavors, and a forward-thinking ethos. A renewed appetite for well-executed, tasty bistro classics such as steak tartare combined with a fresh perspective have placed the City of Lights back on the world food map.

A taste of tradition

The spirit of early 19th-century Paris lives on through the capital’s bistros and brasseries with their often heritage-listed decor, nostalgic menus, and witty waiters.

Hearty classics such as escargots and beef bourguignon star on the menu of Parisian bistros, known for their neighborhood atmosphere and affordable price point. Head to Fouquet's on the crossroads of Champs-Elysées and Avenue Georges V for excellent Parisian staples like beef tartare, croque monsieur and foie gras terrine, or Le CasseNoix (56 rue de la Fédération, 75015), which plates up decadent dishes including pâté en croûte.

Storied brasseries such as Le Grand Colbert (2 rue Vivienne, 75002) and La Rotonde (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006) offer a livelier ambience, paired with grand interiors. In keeping up with the tradition, they serve a wide selection of fresh seafood highlighting the bounty of French coastal produce. Fresh seafood platters and a fish-centric menu have also made Le Dôme (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) a favorite among Parisians and tourists, since 1897.

As the birthplace of Michelin stars in the 1920s, Paris boasts a century-old reputation for gastronomy excellence. Michelin-starred establishments in the city continue to pay homage to the classic, and forgotten, French dishes that forged this reputation. La Tour d’Argent (15 quai de la Tournelle, 75005) serves a legendary pressed duck alongside extraordinary wines and sweeping views of the Seine, while three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Guy Savoy’s (11 quai de Conti, 75006) artichoke soup with black truffle repeatedly makes international headlines. And at one-Michelin-starred brasserie 114 Faubourg (114 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008), you can indulge in pigeon and foie gras in a cereal crust.

Five must-try dishes

Whether you’re slurping French onion soup or joining a line for steak frites, there are some food experiences that can be found only in Paris.

Confit duck

This Gascon dish of duck legs slow-cooked in their own fat is the epitome of indulgence with its melt-in-the-mouth flavorful meat. You’ll know you’ve come to the right place if it’s served with potatoes roasted in duck fat.

Escargots

Petite morsels of indulgence, plucked from their shells, escargots aren’t—contrary to common belief—an everyday dish but rather a decadent treat. The tender snails bask in garlic herb butter, which you must mop up with your bread.

Onion soup

This rustic masterpiece, fit for royalty (the legend says it was invented for King Louis XV), is comfort in a bowl of caramelized onions swimming in a rich broth, topped with a crust of toasted bread and melted Gruyère.

Steak frites

A juicy bistro staple, simple yet timeless. Cooked to perfection (rare or medium rare, as the French prefer), it unleashes crave-worthy flavors and is best served with golden, crispy fries and a side of pepper or Béarnaise sauce.

Sole meunière

Embodying the art of balance, this classic French dish features fresh sole, gently pan-fried and drizzled with a luscious lemon sauce. It’s often served for two, to share, a reminder that the essence of French cuisine lies in conviviality.

A taste of the future

While classics never get old, French culinary tradition favors the heavier side thanks to its indulgent use of butter and cream and its weighty legacy. Thankfully, a raft of creative chefs took it upon themselves to lighten things up for the modern taste.

At their award-winning restaurants, La Dame de Pic (20 rue du Louvre, 75001) and Epicure at Le Bristol Paris (112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008), chef Anne-Sophie Pic and Eric Frechon, respectively, bring their lighter interpretation of French haute cuisine. Dishes such as Frechon’s grilled leek with seaweed butter and oyster tartare, and Pic’s plant-based signature berlingots cater to modern dining aspirations.

The internationally renowned Septime (80 rue de Charonne, 75011) embodies the trend towards lighter, informal gastronomy. Chef Bertrand Grébaut, a former graphic designer, delights diners with unpretentious, seasonal, and sustainable French cuisine in a relaxed setting. Similarly, Pierre Sang Boyer at Pierre Sang (55 rue Oberkampf, 75011) reinvents French cuisine with flair, bringing his Korean origins to the mix.

This new iteration of French gastronomy also comes with a dedication to displaying the diversity, and exceptionality, of the country’s terroir. In modern bistros such as Anicia Bistrot Nature (97 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006), ingredients from limited-production farms, boutique growers, and small artisans are no longer the exception on the menu.

Its cherished culinary traditions, hearty classics, and storied brasseries have forged Paris’s reputation as the capital of gastronomy. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without enjoying your share of classic French cuisine, before relishing in its modern reinterpretations. Bon appétit!

Paris in pictures: capture the city's most photogenic spots

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:31:36 -0500

Get a new perspective on the French capital

There’s no doubting that Paris is one of the most photo-friendly cities in Europe, but getting a shot that hasn’t been taken by every camera-wielding tourist isn’t always easy. However, all it takes is a bit of forward planning, some experimentation, and a touch of trial and error to capture the true beauty, spirit, and energy of this magnificent city.

From framing the iconic structures to capturing the bustling street life of Montmartre, we look at how you can bring an extra je ne sais quoi to your Insta grid.

Capture the icons

The cobbled streets, winding river, bustling street life, and famous architecture make the French capital a very photogenic destination—especially in the early morning light. A trip to Paris is incomplete without making your way along one of the most historic avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées, to take a triumphant photograph of the Arc de Triomphe. At the intersection of 12 busy roads, getting a shot without traffic isn’t easy, so we recommend arriving as early as possible and taking your shot from the corner of the Avenue Hoche, so you catch the morning light glowing off the intricately carved limestone.

From here, make the 300-stair climb to the entrance of the Sacré-Cœur to capture an iconic panoramic shot across Paris’ rooftops, with the colorful Pompidou Centre and the Eifel Tower piercing the skyline. To get an interesting shot of the basillica itself, head to the northeast corner of Montmartre’s cobbled Place du Tertre and frame the dome between the center of Rue Norvins. Again, arrive early to avoid the crowds and for the perfect light, or arrive just after sunrise to get a fully backlit shot.

Of course, you’ll also want a snap of Notre Dame while you’re in town. For a picture without the crowds in the foreground, get some distance and take your shot from the Left Bank. The two towering spires poking out from above the ramshackle book stalls make for a much more interesting composition than most tourists will aim for.

Putting something of interest in the foreground is a well-worn photography technique and if you get the focus right on, it works every time. Another shot that’s worth trying is of the mighty Eiffel Tower popping out from behind the historical carousel in the Promenade Quai Branly. The curves and the color of the fairground ride juxtapose with the angular tower of the Iron Lady and a slow exposure can even add a bit of movement. The ultimate shot is after night fall when both are lit-up with thousands of lights; however, to get it right this will require a tripod, an SLR camera or high-def phone with a low f-stop and a bit of patience.

At sundown, head to The Louvre to get a shot of those famous pyramids. If you time your shoot for sunset, the palace surrounding the courtyard will glow with a warm honey light and the glass structures will shimmer with the pinks and purples of the sky—you’ll also have the benefit of fewer tourists since the museum closes at 6pm on most days. If you really want to limit the number of people in the shot, arrive on a Tuesday when the galleries are closed and shoot from the southwest corner by the Place du Carousel.

Street life and café culture

So, you’ve got the shots of the big five, now it’s time to add a bit of detail to your photo album. For shots at street level, there’s no better place to look than the winding streets of Montmartre. It’s here that you’ll get pictures of ivy-clad cafes, bustling restaurant terraces, and squares alive with movement.

The bohemian 18th arrondissement does get busy with tourists, but you should see the crowds as a photographic challenge—how do you see beyond them to get the shot you want? In the Place du Tertre, for example, focus on close-up shots of the caricaturists and their work; in the narrow streets, look up and capture the crumbling grandeur of the historic buildings that have stood here since the area’s Belle Epoque heyday.

Few people know about—or visit— Le Clos Montmartre vineyard tucked away behind the Sacré-Coeur and if you wander to the top of the hill, you can get a very interesting shot across the vines surrounded by pretty apartments. It’s a rare opportunity to capture a clash of rural scenes with urban structures and this is one of the more surprising compositions you’ll capture in Paris.

From here, it’s less than a minute’s walk from your next picture. Head downhill along Rue Saint-Vincent onto Place Constantine Pecqueur until you reach the steps. From here, you can identify the iconic Art Nouveau entrance of the Lamarck-Caulaincourt Metro station. With the steps tumbling away in the foreground and a burst of color from Le Refuge restaurant’s red and white awning in the center of the shot, it’s a busy, lively composition that perfectly sums up the area’s unique architecture, history, and hillside position.

The key to shooting in Montmartre—and every other arrondissement—is to look beyond the crowds and capture the detail. Paris really is an amateur photographer’s paradise, you just have to think outside the box. Whether that’s snapping a close-up shot of your morning coffee and croissant, or a wind-angle shot of pigeons fluttering across the water during a stroll on the Seine, the key is being ready to try new angles, interesting compositions, and play around with the depth of field. You won’t regret it when you’re editing your collection when you get back home.

Six essential experiences in Paris

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:32:40 -0500

Find your bearings away from the tourist crowds

Museums, world-renowned landmarks, churches, palaces, fountains, libraries, and gardens make up more than 2,100 monuments and attractions in Paris. Knowing where to start can be tricky—even if you’ve visited before—so local knowledge is key to making the most of the French capital. Luckily, we’ve uncovered the must-see sights, lesser-known experiences, and often-overlooked areas to help you unveil Paris’s true personality.

Shop your way through the fashion capital of the world

Paris is famously the home of countless luxury boutiques, and a trip to the 8th arrondissement—known as the Golden Triangle—is a glamorous way to experience French fashion. But Paris is also buzzing with independent and artsy boutiques, historical department stores, and second-hand shops, making it a shopping destination for all tastes. Meander through Le Marais, a hip and fashionable district in the 4th arrondissement, filled with concept stores, art galleries, kosher restaurants, and buzzy bars. On the Left Bank (‘la Rive Gauche’), Le Bon Marché is the most Parisian of department stores, founded in 1852.

Vintage lovers will find treasures in Montmartre, home of the 19th-century Bohemian movement, today packed with quirky vintage-clothing shops.

Time-travel along the Seine

Start your walk at the glass canopy of the 19th-century Grand Palais, which is closed for renovations until 2024. On the other side of the road, the equally beautiful Petit Palais is home to inspiring art exhibitions, some accessible for free. From there, head along the Seine, with the stunning Pont Alexandre III on your right, to the statues and fountains of the Place de la Concorde. On this magnificent 18th-century square, you’ll find the entrance to the formal gardens of Jardin des Tuileries.

Insider tip: Enjoy a scenic Parisian stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries to the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre.

Admire the Eiffel Tower as Parisians do: from afar

Parisians usually avoid going anywhere near the Eiffel Tower and its crowds of tourists, but they're still extremely proud of their 'Iron Lady' and can't help but admire it from afar.Play it like a Parisian and snap a perfect picture of the city’s iconic landmark from these viewpoints: the stunning street setting of the Rue de l’Université; the peace and calm of the Avenue de Camoens—familiar from many movies—and the artsy industrial vibes of the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge.

Insider tip: There’s a spectacular view of Gustave Eiffel’s 19th-century creation from the rooftop of famed department store Galeries Lafayette Haussman, which you can access for free.

Wander the streets of the 11th arrondissement

Stretching from the Bastille neighborhood to Père Lachaise Cemetery, the lively 11th arrondissement is popular with locals. Sample its exciting and on-the-rise dining scene, enjoy drinks on the terraces, shop at small independent designer boutiques, and head up to Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement for sunset drinks by the water.

Insider tip: The 11th is bordered by Place de la Nation to the south, Boulevard Beaumarchais to the west, and stretches northwards beyond Rue Oberkampf.

Take an early stroll around Le Marché des Enfants Rouges

Among Paris’s many food markets, we recommend this 17th-century location, 2km north of Notre-Dame cathedral in Le Marais. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the sprawling cornucopia of world cuisine is loaded with food stalls and delicious quick-bite options: cold cuts, French cheeses, sandwiches voted the best in France, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, Lebanese mezze, Moroccan delights...the list goes on.

Insider tip: Boulevard Richard-Lenoir in the nearby 11th arrondissement hosts two of Paris’s biggest biweekly open-air food markets, the Marché Bastille (Thursdays and Sundays) and Marché Popincourt (Tuesdays and Fridays).

Banish the Sunday blues in Paris

The French are serious about Sunday being a day of rest, and many shops close, but those in neighborhoods classified as International Tourist Zones are authorized to open. One zone is the Boulevard Haussmann area in the 9tharrondissement, home to the Galeries Lafayette department store. Additionally, Paris’s major museums, including the Louvre, Musée Rodin, and Musée d'Orsay, are accessible free of charge on the first Sunday of the month.

Insider tip: International Tourist Zones with Sunday openings also include Champs-Elysées (8th), Le Marais (4th), Saint-Germain (6th), and Rue Saint-Honoré (1st).

Live like a local in Paris

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:30:40 -0500

Discover four must-visit Parisian neighborhoods

While Paris is synonymous with glamour and luxury, you shouldn’t forget that it was once a city of great contrasts and tension between the aristocracy and the working classes. Even though gentrification spread across most of the capital, some neighborhoods still retain the distinctive character of la classe ouvrière—offering a great opportunity to discover a lesser-known and more authentic Paris. We’ve pinpointed four arrondissements to get you started.

Cutting edge cuisine and cocktail hour in Popincourt

Nearest Metro station: Voltaire

The north-eastern district is continuously known for its decent selection of well-priced brasseries and wine bars, and generations of diners have enjoyed classic French cooking along the network of quiet street.

In the past decade, economical real estate allowed a new wave of young chefs and entrepreneurs to move in. Now the area is a testing ground for creative cooks who are shaping the future of Paris’ food culture. Shunning the fussy service, florid interiors, and rigid à la carte menus that once defined French dining, the area’s neo-bistros are concentrating on stripped back dishes, unusual wine lists, and a more laid-back approach to eating out. None more so than Septime (80 rue de Charonne)—an ultra-cool bistro run by Bertrand Grébaut that helped kick-start the revolution with its fresh, playful take on the nation’s famed cuisine.

Art and sunsets in Canal Saint-Martin

Nearest Metro stations: République, Jacques Bonsergent, or Goncourt

Coveted by artists, students, and young families, this 10th arrondissement is a creative district where cafes and quirky boutiques flank the water. In spring and summer, the canal becomes a popular place for sunset drinks, weekend picnics, and lazy evenings with a glass or two of rosé. We recommend picnicking on bread, cheese, and wine from Du Pain et des Idées, La Fromagerie Goncourt, and La Cave du Daron,

You may recognize the photogenic canal from numerous movies, including Amélie, and you can take in its quiet and artsy ambience as you stroll alongside the water. You’ll spot some interesting street art along the canal and in the neighboring streets and, on Sundays, several streets are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, making the area popular for Sunday brunch at one of the many corner bistros, followed by a digestif, and a gentle walk.

Green spaces and musical history in Village de Charonne

Nearest Metro station: Porte de Bagnolet

Rarely mentioned in tourist guides, ‘the countryside in Paris’, as locals call this charming part of the 20th arrondissement, offers a different, bucolic side of city life. The quaint and peaceful area features small cottages and artists’ workshops huddled along cobblestone streets.

The 12th-century Saint-Germain de Charonne church sits on a plateau above what was once the village’s main street, rue Saint-Blaise. The Saint-Jean-Bosco church is Paris’ most-preserved art deco monument, and a memorial to French singer Édith Piaf stands on the appropriately named Place Édith Piaf. Nearby Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of Piaf, as well as French novelist Honoré de Balzac, Oscar Wilde, and The Doors’ Jim Morrison.

Markets and boutique shopping in Batignolles

Nearest Metro station: Pont Cardinet

Nestled in a quiet residential area, Batignolles is off-radar for many visitors, offering a village-like atmosphere with quirky shops, quaint bistros, and the greenery of the Square des Batignolles. The 17th arrondissement grew into a hip destination thanks to cool restaurants, bars, and creative concept stores. The Saturday Batignolles farmer’s market is popular among Parisians, selling only organic produce sourced directly from suppliers.

Place du Docteur Félix Lobligeois serves as the main square, with its fountain and restaurant terraces in the shade of lime trees. Equally charming and picturesque, the nearby Cité des Fleurs is a small pedestrian street lined with cute colored villas fronted by little courtyard gardens. The Batignolles also offers an array of restaurants that follow the ‘bistronomy’ philosophy (a combination of bistro and gastronomy, serving fine food at affordable prices).