A Guide To 72 Hours In Paris
Daphne Doukidis and Martina Esposito, former President and Vice President of Business & Arts take us to Paris, where they currently live and study, for a tour of their favorite addresses in this 72h Guide to Paris.
D: Let’s start from the very basics. What’s your favorite arrondissement, where would you tell me to go for a stroll?
M: No doubts. Definitely take a walk near the Seine and have a look around the 7th and the 16th arrondissements. It’s the perfect area if you want to experience a dreamy Parisian neighbourhood. People walking or drinking on the river banks, the Haussmanian buildings, the streets full of trees and flowers… what about you?
D: I like so many of them: le Marais for the jewish quarter and the bars, the 11th for its liveliness, the 5th for the culture. The 7th has a special place in my heart though, as it was my first neighborhood. Quiet and full of little galleries and curiosity stores, it’s really fascinating to walk around during day time. Serge Gainsbourg also lived there and his house is still interesting to pay a visit to.
M: What do you think is the city’s best view?
D: For me the view of Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité from Pont des Arts. It gives you such a feeling of space while it’s beautifully framed by the river. The sunset from Montmartre is also one of a kind.
M: I am vibing with you! But don’t forget how wonderful it is to sit at one of those Trocadero cafes in the evening, gazing at a sparkling Eiffel Tower! If I had one day in Paris where would you take me ?
D: We would start from the jardin du Luxembourg, the most Parisian of parks. Walking through the 5th and its galleries we ‘ll arrive by the Seine and walk around past its bouquinistes (you’ll find second hand French literature classics for great prices). Once we reach Ile de la Cité we’ll cross the bridge and go all the way to le Marais.
After a stop by Centre Pompidou (don’t miss the view) we’ll grab a Pletzel Sandwich at Florence Kahn or a falafel in the fascinating Jewish quarter. From there we’ll walk all the way to the 11th for coffee at Passager or head to Montmartre and stay until the sunset. For dinner we’re going to have a very fun and hot Ferdi, and savour their amazing burger. After that I’m taking you for drinks at La Perle, a gay bar where you’ll see all kinds of people agreeing on having great fun.
M: Now it’s finally the time to talk about food. What’s your frenchie address?
D: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. This touristy but Parisian classic has a fixed menu comprised of a nut salad followed by the best entrecôte à la sauce café de Paris and the best fries you’ve ever had. For the sweet part, profiterole is a must! (ps: go for very early or late dinner as there is usually a queue). For something more intimate head to La Trinquette, a wine bar where the owner will take amazing care of you with his selection of local goods.
M: I remember that time we went to La Trinquette! The owner was so welcoming and knowledgeable! Let me tell you my choice. This time, I want to be original. My go-to spot is called Kodawari. It’s a totally unexpected Japanese restaurant, known for its Michelin ramen selection. I would describe this place as the Narnia door: outside it seems like one of those typical Asian diners. Inside, you will find your seat going through an historical street fish market setting. Lanterns, fumes and juicy food.
D: Tell me your unconventional favourite in town, what’s your secret haven, your paradis?
M: My Eden Garden is called Yoyaku. It’s a record store, of course. Paris is one of the best metropolises known for their solid music culture. Yoyaku is the best if you search for the finest electronic LPs. But it is not only about selling vinyls. In fact, the crew used to organize so many in-store events (I remember drinking a local beer and dancing around) and they just opened another store in La Chapelle with a contemporary art gallery inside! It’s crazy, I just love it.
D: I definitely agree that music is really big in Paris, both in terms of quality and diversity. I remember the time we went to Le Caveau des Oubliettes, I went many times since. Hidden under a bar in Cluny, this literal cellar welcomes incredible musicians from jazz to soul to rock n’ roll. Chez Papa, a restaurant and bar, hosts some fantastic musicians too. If you don’t feel like having dinner there you can just pay the entrance and enjoy the music.
M: Now the classic question: we’ve been to a few, but what’s your favourite museum?
D: I’d say the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. If you’ve already seen all the iconic Parisian museums I’d really recommend this one. Hosted in a beautiful house in Le Marais, it exhibits an incredible photographer every month or so. If you happen to visit in the summer, grab a lemonade in the cafe set in its little garden, a green haven in the heart of the city.
M: Don’t forget that Paris is also great for galleries! I’m a contemporary art & design amateur. A great number of these galleries is in Le Marais, such as Galerie Perrotin and Galerie Thaddeus Ropac, known for hosting famous controversial artists. If you’re a fan of Anish Kapoor (I am) check out Galerie Kamel Mennour in Quartier Latin! Lastly, Gagosian opened up a space close to Champs Elysées and accessible from Tuesday to Saturday.
M: What about cafes? If you’re in Paris, you can’t escape the need for a nice café noisette or café creme! Where should a coffee lover head to?
D: I recently discovered Dreaming Man in the 11th arrondissement. It’s a super small bohemian coffee shop owned by a Japanese guy that makes really great coffee. Whether you sit inside or on the sidewalk the atmosphere is really cozy and the people are always very cool.
M: Definitely the best spots! Daph, I can’t keep on talking about drinks, food, good vibes, places to visit... This conversation is making me hungry, thirsty and incredibly ready for a long day of strolling around!
Last-minute Tips
The unconventional
Take line 6 directed to Charles de Gaulle - Etoile. Between the stops Bir Hakeim and Passy awaits the most unexpected view of the Eiffel Tower.
Square du Vert-Galant, thank me later.
More Food
Bouillon Chartier for the ultimate Parisian vibes
Semilla for something a bit twisted,
Blend for a nice burger,
Café Boheme and Kozy Bosquet for brunch,
Le Marché des Enfants Rouge for a food market
More Jazz
Baiser Salé
Bars, Cocktails and the likes
Comptoir General
Candelaria
