I am making the most of some rest and relaxation in my favorite city – Paris. Although I try and visit once a year to recharge the creative battery and touch base with new trends in the decorative world, foodie heaven and fashion mecca, I am by no means an expert. I am an expert wannabe. I envy francophiles who manage monthly visits or even a prolonged stint where they can observe and create. My future plans always include a job in Paris or the ability to do my job in Paris. For now, I cherish the 10 days I eke out each year and wish for more.
I want to share a couple of my favorite paths to food, shopping and fun during this trip. I was lucky to have my college roommate, Vicki, with me for the first 5 days of my pilgrimage – suffice it to say there was lots of laughing, reminiscing and planning while cafe sitting with great wines and many many tiny cups of espresso! She took off for a few days in Germany at a conference and left me to recover my aching sides and concentrate on decorative thoughts and writing.
Paris Adventure #1 – The Marché D’Aligre
I will give a shout out to ParisAddress.com. I have used their short term apartment rental service for the past 10 years and have never been disappointed with the apartments or their service. This year is no different. The apartment we rented is on Rue de Charonne. The building has an historic facade that does not give any indication of the great modern interior courtyard that awaits beyond the iron gates. we stayed in a completely renovated building (I think I was only the second renter of this particular unit) with generously sized duplex apartments – two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs and large living room/kitchen on the first floor with floor to ceiling windows looking over the peaceful and perfectly cared for courtyard. We love our neighborhood as much as we love the apartment! Great shops and terrific food options.
Our first stop was to the Marché D’Aligre where we picked up fresh veggies and fruit (clementines and figs are in season – yum).
A limited addition Camembert was added to the mix after a fun discussion with a young cheese enthusiast at L’alpage on the marche route.
We passed by all pattisseries/boulangeries until we found one with a line out the door La Badine de Martine – we decided that meant the best baguettes would be inside. There were also many many pastries to choose from for dessert – we would have liked to try them all.
A roasted chicken with roasted potatoes rounded out our food needs for the day. We had many options for purchasing wine but in the end, we were tired and decided to pick up some kitchen staples (salt, pepper etc.,) so we decided to get our wine at the local Monoprix where we found a great bottle of table wine for 4 euros! Fancy wine can wait for another night 🙂 Check out “Paris Adventure #2” in my next blog post.
Mary says
Ooh La La! All of my favorite things! I’m waiting with baited breath for deuxième partie!
Pip says
Thanks for reading! You are the best. Part two will be out tomorrow 🙂