Spend a day like a Parisian
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- Spend a day like a Parisian
There are not only monuments and museums in Paris. In spring and summer, Parisians delight in a festival of terraces, walks, gardens and sweet nights.
An invigorating morning on the banks of the Seine
Start your day at the foot of the Eiffel Tower with an invigorating jog along the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Parc des Rives de Seine is a vast, secure area created by pedestrianizing 4.5 km of the right bank and 2.5 km of the left bank. There are even sports facilities along the route for the most motivated runners. Watching the barges on the Seine and the century-old facades of Île Saint Louis as you run will make the experience unique. Then head towards the Pont Marie bridge and the charming Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine, right next to the Place des Vosges, for the essential ingredient of a Parisian day: a small coffee, perhaps accompanied by a croissant.
Make yourself comfortable on the terrace, in the shade of the white mulberry trees. Well ensconced on your rattan chair, enjoying your hot coffee, you can then ask for a newspaper at the bar or just observe the ballet of the passers-by.
The hustle and bustle of the shops on nearby Rue de Rivoli seems far away.
Late morning: the Marché des Enfants Rouges
Morning in Paris is also market time. A 15-minute walk away is one of the capital’s most typical and oldest markets: the Marché des Enfants Rouges, where young workers mingle with local residents in the cheerful and lively atmosphere of a village square.
Dating back to the 17th century, this charming little market offers everything you need to fill your basket, with the added bonus of many local products. Fishmongers, greengrocers, cheesemongers, and florists rub shoulders with caterers and delicious street food stalls—Moroccan, Japanese, African, and Lebanese.
You won’t find a better spot for lunch, away from the noise of the city! Note that the market is very popular with Parisians at the weekend, so if you want peace and quiet, it’s best to avoid peak times (12 noon–2 pm). To explore the market in more depth, hear anecdotes from a guide and taste some fine wines along the way, you can also take the Marais Gourmet Tour offered by La Route des Gourmets.
Afternoon: designers and craftsmen in the Haut-Marais
The afternoon will be devoted to the favourite pastime of Parisians: shopping.
Luckily, you are in the Haut-Marais, the epicentre of Parisian style, which is brimming with pioneering shops. Don’t miss Empreintes, the artisan crafts concept store (5 Rue de Picardie) which, over several floors, offers unique pieces or small series designed and crafted in France by passionate artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to tableware, ceramics and other unique jewellery.
Stroll through the narrow streets around Rue de Poitou and Rue de Bretagne and around the Carreau du Temple for more designer boutiques. Major ready-to-wear brands such as Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot rub shoulders with the Isabel Marant flagship store and designer boutiques such as Lemaire and Maison Kitsuné.
Golden hour: aperitif at Le Perchoir Marais
It’s already time for the sacred aperitif! Walk down Rue du Temple and treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Head up to Le Perchoir Marais, the rooftop bar on top of BHV Marais (entrance at 33–36 Rue de la Verrerie).
There, in a setting that’s half Moroccan, half Swedish, your cocktail will be served with a panoramic view of Rue de Rivoli, Notre-Dame and the rooftops of the Hôtel de Ville. You’ll love the DJ atmosphere at sunset during the summer months.
Enjoy an evening out: Ground Control
For dinner, hop on line 1 at Hôtel de Ville and travel to Gare de Lyon station (about 10 minutes) to reach Ground Control, a cultural hub and food court where Parisians love to meet up with friends for a bite to eat and a drink.
Located on a former SNCF railway yard, this large open-air space brings together the best of Parisian street food and beyond. Generous, homemade dishes made with organic and local produce can be enjoyed in the gourmet hall or on the terrace, sitting on a deckchair and listening to a DJ mix (don’t forget to check the programme): the recipe for a perfect evening!
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- Copyright image: CPR / Ooshot / Cuéllar