This Week in Paris

A weekly snapshot of life in Paris

May 30, 2024

Bon Jour from beautiful, charming, and delicious Paris, France.

My friends, I am so incredibly delighted to be in Paris. This is my first time here in this epic city, which seems rather odd given my life’s work in food and wine and travel but it is true.

Divine timing. Everything happens when you’re ready for it.

I will be here for 2 months and have many, many lists of places to explore, dine, wine, and experience. Since there is so much to see and do and I have several work projects going right now, I am intentionally planning out my weekly adventures to ensure I achieve some good balance. Of course, a sunny crisp spring day can make me feel like I want to chuck work out the window and go to a cafe and plant myself at a sidewalk table and watch the world go by but I’m sure I can maintain balance. We will see.

I arrived last week and I am staying in the 12th Arrondissement - a cluster of tranquil residential neighborhoods. My flat, which is completely charming, is in a lovely older building in a easily walkable neighborhood of leafy streets, with great shops, markets and an epic green space with walking trails, ponds with boats, and lots of wildlife.

So. Good.

On my very first day, I made the rounds to several shops and the very best boulangerie which is a less than 5-minute walk from my front door.

Dangerous. When I returned, I had a haul of quiches, 3 different cheeses, wine, salad, salmon rillettes, and more.

I have a question…how many baguettes in a week is too many?

Asking for a friend….

Location. Location. Location….

My flat is just steps away from the 8-Metro Line which gets me to many desirable areas in the 11th arrondissement in less than 15 minutes and connects me to areas in the Marais by the Seine, in less than 30. I have found it so easy to manage and have already used it several times this week.

I spent a movie-perfect sunny Saturday this past weekend walking miles through the city, through incredible markets, having coffee, shopping, and people-watching to land at one of the best restaurants by the Seine, Chez Julien. I was given such a perfect open window table with fresh breezes and stunning views while I had the best-truffled veal tartare, frites, and Lillet Rosé spritz of my life. It’s going to be hard to top.

My long, leisurely lunch was followed by a macchiato, a petite glass of rosé, and a cheese plate. Then I walked the Seine and soaked up the sun and atmosphere - truly Paris at its finest.

Merci Paris for welcoming me so enthusiastically and lovingly.

My favorite spots this week:

My flat

My neighborhood markets

Nomade Coffee on Rue Paul Bert

Marche D’Aligre

Dreamin’ Man Coffee (a must!)