Paris Travel Guide Part Deux

Bakeries, restaurants + a little bit of shopping

When it comes to travel I can spend hours, days, and even a full week in Paris looking for great pastry. I wake up thinking about croissants, macarons, eclairs, chocolate, and all the other goodies the city has to offer. Once I’ve had my first cup of coffee, because I am civilized, the day’s pursuits begin. I’ll easily walk 5 miles for a baguette that’s been recommended to me, which is how I work off the macarons I ate on the way there. ;)

I do not survive on bread or sweets alone, so there were plenty of meals to break up my pastry intake. A big heavy meal is not always in the cards for me when I have been devouring ice cream and cookies all day, so a beautifully composed salad Niçoise is a favorite order, or a piece of fish expertly prepared. Something light so I can order dessert(s), as one does.

Shopping is not something I spend my time doing, although it was fun to window shop as we passed by the elegant boutiques. I did end up buying several new madeleine pans and a sweet new tamis at one of the most spectacular kitchen supply shops in the world. Yes, kitchen equipment is my obsession.

A note about coffee: I have no specific place to recommend, just walk into any cafe, stand at the bar, and order an espresso. It is somehow the most French experience and brings me great joy. Repeat.