THINGS TO DO IN PARIS : [APRIL 2018]

Spring is in the air! But you couldn’t really tell in Paris. It’s been raining a LOT – but today I’m seeing lots of sunshine (see the Insta LIVE video from this morning en Terrace!). So I’d day pack a light jacket still – but you won’t really need a coat if you’re coming to Paris in April.

The cherry blossoms are out in full swing, despite the weather mood swings! So come the end of April we’ll be seeing more pink!

 

Not so good news is there is a massive “greve” strike by the transportation workers that will last 3 months. C’est chiant! Yes, but you can get around it if you prepare. There will be days when only one out of 3 RER will be running on time. And this morning on our way to work and school, line 4 stopped for about 5 minutes at each stop (just to piss everyone off!…hahaha. No I think this was also a strategy to get the public riled up with their frustration about their retirement benefits being cut.

Outside of all that – Paris is going to be great in April. I’ve rounded up a few places I think are definitely worth checking out: places to eat, sleep, shop, the wander…the usual list from a very local and authentic point of view.

Alsacien – thin crust kind of like Pizza called flammekueche (tarte flambeé), typically with pieces of bacon (but they have vegetarian options too). The restraints stay true to it’s roots in that the region is known for it’s conviviality and hearty portions served with good wine and beer.

 – lots of seating so you can go with a group or take the kids. Ok for couples (not fancy) , just homey type food from the north east of France, with German influence.

Address: 6 Rue Saint-Bon, 75004 Paris

Hours:  

Tuesday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Wednesday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Thursday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Friday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Saturday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Sunday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM
Monday	12–3PM, 7–11:30PM

Le Cave Paul Bert – a place to enjoy a really good bottle of wine and have a pre-dinner cheese or sausage plate before heading over to one of the sister restaurants like le 6 Paul Bert or Le Bistro Paul Bert.

Plates you can share from 6 eu to 12 eu.

Address: 16 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris

Hours:

Tuesday	12PM–12AM
Wednesday	12PM–12AM
Thursday	12PM–12AM
Friday	12PM–12AM
Saturday	12PM–12AM
Sunday	12PM–12AM
Monday	12PM–12AM

Yellow Tucan – new coffee shop on rue des tournelles with great coffee from Five Elephants and a cool l little bench to sit and people watch on a quiet street. (Full review here) Laize is a new Taiwanese tea house where you’ll love the natural flavors of their fancy bubble teas, but also enjoy the minimal decor reminiscent to a curiosity cabinet for teas stacked up behind the counter.

20 Rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris

Hours:

Tuesday	8:30AM–6PM
Wednesday	8:30AM–6PM
Thursday	8:30AM–6PM
Friday	8:30AM–6PM
Saturday	9:30AM–6PM
Sunday	9:30AM–6PM
Monday	Closed

Address: 19 Rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris

Hours:

Tuesday	12–10PM
Wednesday	12–10PM
Thursday	12–10PM
Friday	12–10PM
Saturday	12–10PM
Sunday	12–10PM
Monday	12–10PM

Marche aux fleurs on Ile de la Cite is a cool place to wander around – buy some flowers, see the bird sellers, walk over to the Seine River. Close by is Shakespeare and co one of the oldest bookshops and all around littler institution here in Paris ( they have a cool coffee shop too by Bobs Bake shop). Just across the street is the Notre Dame Cathedral ( so beautiful but again look out for the pickpockets!) Keep walking along the Seine River and you’ll find about 5 minutes from Fontaine Saint Michel, Paradis Marguerite has cool vegan and vegetarian food.

Address: 37 Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris

37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Just across from Notre dame is a tiny place where I often tell guests of my weddings couples to stay with a view of the Seine River too – Hotel Notre Dame Saint Michel.

Rooms from 150 Euros.

1 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris

MAP IT :

 Coffee Meet – details coming soon…