There’s never a bad way to spend a day in Paris. It’s one of those cities where everything feels a little bit more romantic – whether you’re strolling a tree-lined boulevard, sipping espressos at a chic corner bistro, or dining at one of the 121 Michelin-starred restaurants. Still, if it’s a perfect day in Paris you’re after, we’ve got three suggestions – one themed around fashion, one around food (courtesy of French chef Hélène Darroze), and one perfect day at the Olympics (even if you don’t have tickets).
A perfect foodie day by Hélène Darroze
Mamiche
Breakfast: Mamiche
Paris and pastry go hand-in-hand, and Hélène’s top recommendation is Mamiche: a boulangerie with locations in both Pigalle and Saint-Martin that serve artisanal breads, cakes, and pastries. ‘Buy some choux à la crème in the bakery to take away and have a stroll in the Jardins du Luxembourg,’ she says –sounds like un bon matin to us.
Lunch: Restaurant David Toutain
Her own restaurant aside, Hélène recommends Restaurant David Toutain for lunch or dinner. Toutain hails from Normandy and his cooking reflects his agricultural roots in an elevated, chic way. His testing menus are named after plants and change with the seasons; as such, we can’t tell you what you’ll eat, but we can tell you it’ll be excellent.
Restaurant David Toutain, 29 Rue Surcouf, 7500
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, 7 Rue Lobineau, 75006
Drinks: La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
According to Hélène, if you want to drink wine, you should do so in La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels – a fashionable bar opposite Saint-Germain market. Its name roughly translates as ‘the supernatural wine company’, so it’s little surprise that natural wines are the focus here – and there are over 900 of them to choose from. Order by the glass and relax in the velvet chairs next to a carved marble fireplace.
A perfect fashion-focused day
Stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée
It’s hard to find a more fashionable stay than Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s – it has strong links to Paris Fashion Week, features in The Devil Wears Prada, and Christian Dior even named a collection after it. It’s also a real looker with its now-iconic red awnings and chandelier-heavy spaces – although our favourite spot is the outdoor terrace, where you can watch the world go by over a crisp glass of Chablis.
Shop: Merci and The Broken Arm
You’re here for fashion, so – of course – shopping is on the agenda. Wander through Le Marais, beginning at Merci – three full stories of fashion items and design objets crowned with a glass roof. Continue to traverse the tiny, picturesque streets, stopping by chic shops such as The Broken Arm – a concept store with a dinky café, Dreamin’ Man, attached.
Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 7500
Loulou, 107 Rue de Rivoli, 7500
Eat: Café Charlot or Loulou
Follow the fashion crowd to charming ‘20s bistro Café Charlot for brasserie-style dishes with a side of people watching. Or, for something a bit more flash, make your way to Loulou – an elegant Italian restaurant that does the best truffle pizza. If the weather is good, ask for a garden table to dine whilst overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries.
A perfect day at the Olympic Games
Stay: Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs
Paris is set to be packed with tourists this summer – so, having somewhere a bit more lowkey to retreat to is key. And this 6th arrondissement hotel fits the bill nicely. Its vintage design is inspired by the Golden Age of travel, and the rooms are spacious and quiet – plus, framed bas reliefs of Greek gods add a suitably athletic feel. Ask for a suite to have a vinyl player in your room, and make sure to stop by the hotel bar for a Lemon Drop cocktail with the locals.
Grand Hotel Pigalle, 29 Rue Victor Massé, 75009
The Louvre
Do: explore a sporting exhibition
The games themselves aside, Paris’s museums have created a myriad of Olympics-themed exhibitions all over the city. Our top picks? Olympism at The Louvre (an exhibition dedicated to the origins of the first modern Olympics) and Fashion in Motion at Palais Galleria – a fashion-focused exploration of the role of clothing in sports from the 18th century through to the present day.
Don’t miss: hanging out at Team GB House
For the first time, you can now watch the Olympics whilst standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Team GB athletes. That’s because Team GB House – a hospitality space usually reserved for athletes and VIPs – is now open to the public. Tickets include live entertainment, giveaways, refreshments, and – with golden tickets – athlete meet and greets. Plus, you could even book a private dinner in the House’s private dining room.
Team GB House
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