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A Week in Paris

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This week is just full of big news, isn’t it? Well, I’m not sure why I’ve been keeping this a secret for so long, but…

We’re going to Paris!

We’re headed there for a week in July! To say I’m excited would be a little bit of an understatement. 

Neal has been working crazy hard over the past year, and in his recent performance review, his boss told him it was mandatory that he take a week off of work this summer. (I believe his words were, “You’re required to take a vacation. So take Jess somewhere cool”–he’s the best.) 

So naturally, when Neal asked where I wanted to go, I jokingly threw out “PARIS!” and he was like, “OKAY!” (Really!?)




So we booked tickets and an Air BnB, and we’ll also happen to be there over my birthday. (Best birthday ever?) Also–I feel the need to mention that while our Air BnB looks…interesting…it has has a ladder that leads up to a hatch to get onto the roof. So that means, yes, we will be drinking rosé and watching the sun set over the rooftops of Paris. Every. Night. (I mean, could you possibly want anything else?) 

I’ve been to Paris twice, once right after high school and once when I was studying abroad in Italy, but they’ve both been quick trips filled with touristy activities–I’ve never actually experienced Paris–much less experienced Paris with the love of my life! Neal also hasn’t ever been, so we’re so excited to just live there for the week.

When we travel, we’re pretty big on just flying by the seat (seats?) of our pants, but there are a couple things on our list so far…

 

1. Jim Hayne’s Supper Club 

Way back when, I remember listening to this article on NPR. Fast forward years later, I’m doing research for Paris, and stumble upon an article on Parisian supper clubs–and there it is again!

For the last 30 years, Jim Haynes, a local journalist, has been opening his doors every Sunday to invite about 50 people from all over the world over for dinner. A different friend cooks each time, and everyone is asked to contribute around 30 euro. He memorizes the guest list beforehand, so he can easily make introductions–connecting everyone from locals to tourists–students, truck drivers, artists, retirees, and pretty much everyone else under the sun. “If I had my way,” he says, “I would introduce everyone in the whole world to each other.” 

I email immediately to see if we can get on the guest list, adding that I stumbled upon the article in Time Out Paris, which is funny, because I happen to write for Time Out Chicago. He responded within hours, letting us know he’d love to have us join, and added, “small world–I helped launch Time Out London in the sixties!” 

(Seriously, how cool is this? Totally geeking out.) 

 

2. Musée d’Orsay 

I’m really excited to finally see the Musee de Orsay. I’ve done the Louvre and it was fantastic (although, let’s be honest–the Mona Lisa is a total snoozefest. You can only get within about 10 feet of it and you have to squint to see it, it’s so small.) So I’m really excited to check out the Musée d’Orsay’s, particularly the top floor, which I’ve heard is devoted to Impressionism. (Monet is my favorite!) 

 

3. Food Markets

We wanted to get an Air BnB specifically so we could do some cooking while we were there! Being a total Julia Child and Ina Garten fanatic, obviously visiting the Parisian food markets was at the top of my list. I’ll probably make a couple stops at Marche Bastille, as we’re staying not far from there! Saxe-Breteuil is also on my list, it’s right in front of the Eiffel Tower! (Of course, leave it to me to be most excited about grocery shopping in Paris.) 

 

4. Bouquinistes

Located off of the banks of the Seine, I’m dying to stop at this famed book market. (Ernest Hemingway and his “lost generation” pals used to peruse this place.) The book nerd in me says this is a must. 

 

5. Eat and Drink 

Part of me is so looking forward to just walking down the street aimlessly until we happen along the perfect cafe for dinner, but obviously it’s good to have a few pre-researched ideas in store, right? On the list is Café Babel for drinks and great music, Le Bistrot des Dames and La Sardine for dining al fresco, and we have to stop at the famed Harry’s New York bar for at least one cocktail. 

Have you been to Paris? What are your recommendations? I would LOVE to hear them all! 

Photo via The Everygirl (you can buy this print for just $18 right here!) 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I can’t believe you’re going to the Jim Hayne’s Supper Club!!! ahhhhh! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear how it goes! Have so much fun!

    Reply

  2. Ahhh so exciting, Jess! I wish my boyfriend’s boss would say that to him…ha! You guys are going to have a BLAST! Also: adding Jim Haynes’ dinner to my mental list for a trip to Paris and about to listen to this NPR story 🙂

    Reply

  4. Oh my gosh Jess!!! You are having the best week EVER. I am literally so excited for you I am smiling! I know, get over the top excited sometimes. Debi Lilly once told me about this secret taco place she visits every time she goes to Paris. I have had it in the archives forever, so thought I would pass it along. I know. Tacos in Paris?! Sounds very non-Parisian, but the hype and reviews back it up. Here’s the Yelp link if it tickles your fancy. I hope there is even more good news coming your way. When it rains it pours!

    http://www.yelp.com/biz/candelaria-paris-2

    Reply

  5. Ah, so insanely exciting! I have a good feeling about this trip 😉 Can’t wait to follow along!

    Arin | wwww.heartofchic.com

    Reply

  8. You MUST walk down Rue Montorgueil!! It’s the most beautiful street that is blocked off to cars – it has bakeries, bars, bistros and rarely any tourists. We sat and people watched (in the rain) during happy hour and it was amazing! All the bars/restaurants are covered and have heat lamps for when it gets chilly. On our walk down this amazing street we also stopped at a bakery for a baguette and a cheese/meat shop and ate in our air bob while gazing at the sparkling Eiffel Tower. It was PERFECT! So jealous that you’re going this summer! Have fun!

    Reply

  15. Oh my goodness this sounds so exciting! My husband and I were just talking about going to Paris last night. Can’t wait to hear everything about your trip! Have so much fun!

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      • We went last week and it was fantastic! Thanks so much jfor the post. My boyfriend and I are from Seattle and ironically, there were a ton of people from there that night. His place is beautiful and has a great garden! Bring a jacket if the weather is brisk.

        Other musts for a shopper– the stock stores! Especially the Maje surplus by the Sacre Couer basilica (more selection than the other). The APC one is still quite pricey, but the Sandro stock by the Picasso museum has great deals! Leaving in a few days and never want to go home.

        Reply

  18. You are going to absolutely love it! Spending the day at Versailles is also a cool experience and great for pictures. And Ladurée is a must! They have this bar in the back that is decorated like under the sea, it’s weird and cool at the same time (make sure to order the Mélange Ladurée tea to go with your pastry, it’s delicious!). Have an amazing trip!
    Always, Hunter

    Reply

    • Absolutely! Versailles is so cool! We definitely want to make a trip there, and SUCH a good tip about Lauduree! Thanks lady!

      Reply

  20. You will LOVE the Musee d’Orsay – it is truly stunning. The art is fantastic, but the setting itself is even better. I’ve been to Paris but it was years ago so restaurants and such have probably changed, but I do remember loving that museum! also, you have to go to a bakery, buy a baguette and a couple of gorgeous oozy cheeses and a bottle of wine, and just sit along the Seine and have lunch. We did it every day, and it was my favorite part of the trip! Also, Sue of the blog The Zhush just went to Paris last week and I think she posted some favorites!

    You will have so much fun!!

    Sheila
    http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com

    Reply

    • This sounds like heaven! We will definitely be eating lot’s of baguettes and cheese and wine! I will check out Zhush, too! Thanks for the recommendation, Sheila!

      Reply

  21. Planning for a trip is always so exciting! My hubs and I just got back from ten days in Costa Rica! We had excursions planned but made sure most of them were half days so we could also spend time exploring and being spontaneous. Sounds like you’re going to have a great time! xx

    Audrey Adair-Keene | http://www.happilyaudrey.com

    Reply

    • Such a good idea! I love the concept of planning half-days and leaving plenty of room to explore 🙂 I just might copy you, Audrey!

      Reply

  22. You need to go to Bistrot Paul Bert. It’s a little off the beaten path in Paris, but it’s legit the best Steak Frites in the World. Make a reservation, other wise they’ll keep telling you come back in an hour even if the restaurant is half empty.

    Reply

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