L’église de la Madeleine

6 pm – I take the metro and go down to the banks of Seine to enjoy the lovely sunset. I exit at La Madeleine and marvel at the extraordinary church for a while. Then, I head down to Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s main squares. It is not dinner time yet, so I decide to satisfy my sweet-tooth with a 150 year-old French classic.

Ladurée, a 150-year old macaron bakery

6:15 pm – Luckily, Ladurée is on my way. The luxury Pâtisserie established in 1862 and it has become the world’s best-known seller of premium macarons. They sell an average of 15 000 macarons every day! I had to make a quick stop!

Coconut, pistachio and rose macaron

6:30 pm – Only 3 macarons later, I walk out the store. The winners were Coconut, Pistachio and Rose. So sweet and tender! Anyway, I would love to see the sun set over the Seine, so I hurry up to the closest bridge. I stop only to snap a couple of photos of the Obelisk and the Arc de Triomphe in the background.

6:45 pm – I walk over Pont des Arts just in time. The river, the colors, the amazing architecture around…What a stunning view! I sit in awe here for a second admiring the sunset.

Sunset over the Seine

7 pm – Pont des Arts is also famous for the love locks attached to it. The tradition started back in 2008. Couples used to attach padlocks marked with their names and then throw the key into the Seine river below as a romantic gesture. This tendency grew so popular that the bridge became structurally weaker carrying the weight of all that love. Unfortunately, in 2015 the Parisian authorities took drastic measures and began detaching sections of the bridge railings together with the padlocks. They have replaced them with love locks inspired graffiti.

The love locks on Pont des Arts

7:30 pm – I walk along the river until I reach Île de la Cité,  the famous island where the city was founded. I cross over Pont Neuf and go on gazing around until I end up in front of the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. I take my time to admire this elaborate work of art – sculptures, stained glass, rose windows. It is difficult to take your eyes off Notre-Dame, especially in the twilight.

Our Lady of Paris

8 pm – I need a break to recover after devouring all that beauty. I find the perfect spot across the street – Shakespeare and Company Café. Time for some French hot chocolat!

The Bohemian Café

8:30 pm – Overwhelmed by this gorgeous spring day, I realize I am starving. I head back to Monmartre. Looking for a good meal as well as a good time to end up the night right, I walk upon a truly unique bistro. Le refuge will serve you wine in baby bottles while you are eating fondue. It is also great value for money. If you choose the fixed menu, you’ll be served an appetizer, cheese or meat fondue (go for the cheese!), dessert and wine for as much as 22 euros. A pretty good deal, right?

Dinnertime!

9:30 pm – On my way to the hostel, I cannot stop myself from walking by Sacré-Coeur once again. A quick night photo shoot and I am done!

Sacré-Coeur by night

10 pm – Time to call it a night. Merci Paris and a bientot!

Next time you end up in Paris with a day or two on your hands, make sure to hit a few of these places, but do not hesitate to explore and find your own favorite spots in the city. After all, that is what the true Paris experience is all about!

Bon voyage and bon appétit!

The post One day in Paris when you have a long layover – Part 2 appeared first on 203Challenges.

Waiting for the train

12 pm – Arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport. I have about 20 hours to enjoy the city, so I rush out of the airport as quickly as possible.

12:30 pm – Take the train to Châtelet – Les Halles. All the trains from the airport to Paris make a stop first at Gare du Nord and then at Châtelet – Les Halles. You would not miss it.

40 years old

1 pm – Do a little sightseeing walk before checking in at my hostel. A great shopping opportunity at Les Halles or down Rue de Rivoli. I get overwhelmed by all the stores and boutiques. Pompidou Center is celebrating its 40-year anniversary this year. Deserves a visit!

Breakfast time!

2 pm – I am getting hungry. I have decided to snack until dinner time; therefore I head over to Du Pain et des Idées for an authentic French pastry experience.

L’escargot Chocolat Pistache

2:30 pm – Somebody get me out of here! Du Pain et des Idées is a breadlover’s paradise. Fascinated by bread from early childhood, the owners opened Du Pain et des Idées in 2002 to share their passion. A must try is Paris’s special L’escargot Chocolat Pistache.

3 pm – I make it to the hostel. Check-in. A quick shower and I am out and about to enjoy the Parisian sun while it lasts.

Coffee time!

3:30 pm – I need something to boost me up. There is always time for a cup of coffee. I grab one while I make my way to Monmartre.

Following the steps of Amélie Poulain

4 pm – I am at the bottom of the stairs that will take me up to The Sacred Heart also known as La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Monmartre. Sacré-Coeur for short, is one of the most impressive buildings in Paris. Located on top of the hill of Monmartre, the church overlooks the whole city. The stairs leading to it have turned into a hot spot for tourists to sit down, relax and enjoy the view.

View from the stairs of Sacré-Coere

4:30 pm – I carry on indulging the artistic vibe of Monmartre. In between the narrow streets right behind the Basilica, you will find the heart of Monmartre – Place du Tertre. Surrounded by little cafes and bistros, the square is home to famous painters and portraitists who work and exhibit their paintings here year-round. It turns out, artists are fighting over the scarce working place – the waiting list is about 10 years long.

5 pm – Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Monmartre was the mecca of modern art. I decide to freshen up with a drink and absorb the atmosphere a little longer. I choose one of the many cozy bistros.

5:30 pm – Reluctantly, I move on. Next stop, Le Mur des je t’aime. A wall of I love yous! What a brilliant idea, and what better place to build it than the city of love? It was inspired as a protest against violence. This wall’s purpose is not to divide, but to bring people together. It is not a border, but a mirror which reflects an image of love and peace downtown Paris. Counting more than 600 tiles and declarations written in 250 different languages, the wall has now become a meeting place for lovers.

So many “I Love You”s

To be continued…

The post One day in Paris when you have a long layover – Part 1 appeared first on 203Challenges.