Every time Anne-Marie goes back to her hometown of Paris, she can’t help but fall back in love with it again! In any season, it definitely is the most beautiful city in the world in her book!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where Anne-Marie was a student, is still perhaps her favourite area. In this, the first of a series of posts on the beautiful city of Paris, she shares some of her favourite spots (so hard to choose!).
Cafés
There is nothing more Parisian than simply taking up a place on the terrace of a café, enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine and watching the world go by.
- Le Flore: once the favoured haunt of existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, it remains a symbol of Parisian intellectual and literary life. Let the conversation unfold over espresso and croissants on its classic red banquettes!
- Les Deux Magots: a timeless Parisian institution, it welcomed literary giants like Hemingway, Joyce, and Camus. A classic Parisian café Belle Époque decor. One of the most famous cafés, so does get busy.
- Le Bonaparte: more relaxed and less touristy than its famous neighbours, Le Bonaparte exudes effortless Parisian charm. It draws locals and visitors alike to its sunny terrace for leisurely breakfasts or a quiet afternoon apéritif.
Hotel
Le Montalembert: this five-star boutique hotel with only 50 rooms ideally placed for exploring Saint-Germain. The hotel marries classic Parisian elegance with contemporary design, with natural woods and muted. The more expensive rooms have beautiful views of the Paris rooftops.
The small but perfectly formed terrace is an intimate, secluded spot for dining al fresco or enjoying an evening drink. Like all hotels in Paris, staying here is not cheap, with room rates from c.£600 when we last stayed there.
Le Belle Juliette: is a smaller, cosier four-star boutique bolt-hole on Rue du Cherche-Midi where we have stayed several times. The rooms are small but prettily decorated. And with prices from £250 in low season, it’s a more affordable option.
The hotel inspired by the life of Juliette Récamier, a 19th-century French socialite renowned for her grace and charm. The hotel combines vintage Parisian glamor and a modern twist, with bold colours, rich textiles and artistic décor. There is a bar and small restaurant a nice terrace for breakfast when the weather permits. There is also a bijou spa and pool in the basement.
Images: https://www.hotelmontalembert-paris.com
Chocolate shops
Another favourite Parisian pastime is, of course, shopping for and enjoying some lovely chocolate! Here are a couple of Anne-Marie’s favourite places.
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Debauve et Gallais – Stepping into this historic chocolatier, once the royal supplier to Marie Antoinette, feels like entering a gilded world where rich, velvety ganaches and delicate pistoles whisper secrets of centuries past.
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La Maison du Chocolat – A temple of indulgence, where silky pralines, decadent truffles, and expertly crafted éclairs elevate chocolate to an art form, each bite a celebration of Parisian elegance and savoir-faire.
Bar
In the heart of Saint-Germain, Bar du Marché exudes effortless Parisian charm. Beneath its striped awning, locals and visitors sip espresso at tightly packed tables. From morning café crème to late-night apéritifs, this timeless bistro pulses with the rhythm of Paris.
Hopefully, this post has given you a flavour of Anne-Marie’s favourite Paris arrondissement!
Check out our website for more detailed itineraries in Paris, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
