It seems bizarre to write a travel guide in the midst of a stay-at-home order, but if researching my next trip (fingers crossed for summer in Santorini) has taught me anything, its that, organising a trip right now, even without making any solid plans, is enough to raise the spirits.
- BREAKFAST. The most important meal of the day, yet often wronged with day-old pastries and concentrate juice under the guise of a continental breakfast.
The best places in Paris often require queueing and at Hollybelly, sturdy shoes, an iron will and a granola bar may be required if you’re looking for a Saturday sitting of their famous pancakes. Service with a smile (often a rarity in Paris) and great coffee makes it worth the wait.
If you fancy something light to keep you going, why not indulge in a Fleur de Sel crepe at Ar Poul Gwen a Brazilian-inspired crepe house that boasts the owner’s face on everything from the menu to the bathroom. The Grand-Marnier crepe is also tasty if you need an extra spike of energy to trawl around the great vintage shops in the surrounding areas. Head towards the Boulevard de Sebastopol for a cluster of vintage shops and for a chance to take a peek at the nearby Centre-Pompidou.
SIGHTS. Paris has endless attractions to visit and there are plenty of detailed lists out there, I won’t offer up too many but I think there is something to be said for a rainy day attraction – Paris is just as beautiful in the winter months as it is in the peak of the summer, so don’t let the drop in temperature put you off.
ATELIER DES LUMIÈRES is one of the newer attractions but a perfect spot to take in an immersive art experience whilst waiting for the rain to stop. It boasts a warehouse-style space, projecting famous artworks supersize across the wall, with an accompanying soundscape. It could use more spaces to sit and watch, however, each wall depicts different art at the same time so the exhibition works best if you move around the hall throughout. It may not be quite as refined as absorbing the Masters at the wonderful museums Paris has to offer, but as someone who has already ‘done’ the museums and typical attractions, this was a nice of way of taking in something cultural and fun without a big commitment in terms of time as the exhibition usually only lasts one hour before repeating. There is a free photo booth in the corner of the exhibition which people sometimes miss, that sends a gif to your email as a keepsake of your time and as is customary, a gift shop on the way out of expensive trinkets depicting the artworks.
Paris streets 
Pere Lachaise 
Pizzeria Popoplare’s truffle pizza 
Pergola at Pink Mamma 
Churros at Popolare 
Hotel Madeleine 
Pink Mamma Menu 
Place Vendome
Possibly one of the sights that doesn’t always get as big of a mention, is Père Lachaise Cemetery. Don’t let this linger at the bottom of your list, I have visited twice and there is always more to see or something you missed the first time around. One of the largest cemeteries in Paris, it is the resting place to some of the greats such as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison – the list goes on. It’s possible to spend hours here admiring the tombs and monuments.
There are a plethora of places to eat in Paris, but don’t let the Big Mamma group of restaurants pass you by – tasty, fresh and perfect for lunch, dinner and cocktail hour. Our personal faves are Pink Mamma, which conveniently accepts bookings and has a picturesque pergola on the fourth floor, and Pizzeria Popolare, who’s truffle pizza is not to be missed. Our cocktail of choice is the Bellini spritz, and for a post-meal digestif, take a shot of warm Frangelico to settle the stomach.
If you’re looking to experience typical french cuisine, down a quiet side street, Bistrot Victoires is not to be missed – French onion soup, fillet of duck and a creme brulee to sweeten the meal are some of the dishes on offer in this charming bistro.
In terms of shopping, it is best to avoid the Champs-Elysee entirely, except for a quick trip around Galeries Lafayette, as most of the shops on the famous street can be found elsewhere in quieter, less touristy areas. Visit picturesque Avenue Victor Hugo, just around the corner from the Arc De Triomphe and stop off for an eclair in Lenôtre or perhaps make a visit to the famous chocolatier Patrick Roger – these chocolates make great presents to bring back for your loved ones or yourself. The cocoa dusted almonds are particularly good.
The Veja Store in Rue de Poitou is a good place to stock up on the french label’s eco-friendly trainers – the selection here is better than the department store’s, but also the surrounding area is full of cool fashion labels, jewellery stores and bag shops, making this district a trendy area to spend the day.
For hotels, there are plenty to choose from, but for a quick weekend getaway the Hôtel & Spa Royal Madeleine cannot be faulted – delightful clean rooms tastefully decorated, a pool and sauna available for guests, its own bar with a tasty Rose on offer at only seven euro a glass and a central location – what more could you need? Oh yes, a typical french bakery on the corner to fulfil all your pain au chocolat needs; don’t worry it has that covered too.