Paris, the City of Lights, has captivated the hearts of travelers for centuries. Its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine beckon visitors from around the globe. I was fortunate enough to experience this magical city during a brief trip from neighboring Antwerp, Belgium.
Reaching the City of Love
My journey began with a two-hour Thalys train ride. This high-speed train proved to be a comfortable and efficient way to reach the French capital. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure the best rates and avoid any last-minute hassle.
Navigating Paris
The City of Lights is a captivating blend of historic charm and modern energy. It is divided into twenty districts known as arrondissements, each with its unique personality and attractions. These districts are further subdivided into smaller squares with roads radiating outwards like the spokes of a wheel.
Finding Your Parisian Home
Accommodations in Paris can be quite expensive, especially in the heart of the city. I chose to stay at the boutique Hôtel Balzac, which is ideally located just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the renowned Champs-Élysées.
Exploring Paris’ Gems
To fully appreciate the beauty and depth of Paris, I recommend allocating at least three days for exploration. This will give you ample time to wander through its enchanting streets, delve into its rich history, and savor the culinary delights it has to offer.
A Glimpse of the City from Above
For a panoramic view of Paris, consider hopping on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. While this can be a convenient way to see many of the city’s top attractions, be aware that not all buses have live guides, and the bus driver may not announce stops clearly.
Another excellent option is a hop-on hop-off cruise along the River Seine. This provides a unique perspective on the city’s landmarks and offers a serene escape from the bustling streets.
If you prefer a more independent and personalized experience, consider investing in Rick Steves’ audio guides. These guides are highly recommended by fellow travelers and provide insightful commentary on the city’s history and culture.
Getting Around Paris
Paris boasts an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city. The metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, but be vigilant and keep your belongings secure as pickpockets are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists. Taxis are readily available on most streets, but be sure to confirm that the meter is running before embarking on your journey.
The Parisian Currency and Shopping Delights
The currency in France is the Euro. At the time of writing this, one Euro is equivalent to $1.11 USD. Paris is a renowned shopping destination, especially for luxury goods. If you are planning to indulge in designer purchases, you can reclaim VAT tax at the airport upon departure, offering a significant discount.
Parisian Etiquette and Culinary Delights
French people value courtesy and politeness. Always greet them with a friendly “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” before asking a question, as failing to do so may result in a curt or even rude response. When purchasing pastries at a bakery, remember that they must be packaged by the staff; it is considered impolite to take your own pastries from the display.
The French culinary scene is renowned for its sophistication and refinement. Many restaurants close for lunch between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, so be sure to plan your dining accordingly.
If you follow a kosher diet, be sure to check the hashgacha (kosher certification) of any restaurant you choose. Keep in mind that some meat establishments may not be Glatt kosher.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Paris offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, catering to all tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are a few noteworthy recommendations:
Le XXV (25 Avenue Paul Doumer): This delightful spot is ideal for breakfast with its tempting pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and even sushi.
Il Conte (7 Avenue Raymond Poincaré): A solid Italian dairy restaurant, although not the most exceptional.
Kavod (26 Rue Jean Mermoz): While highly recommended, this restaurant is unfortunately not Glatt Kosher.
Charles Traiteur (multiple locations): This catering establishment boasts a variety of locations, including a meat and dairy branch in the 17th district. Their meat section is especially popular for takeout on Shabbos, particularly their renowned Tunisian sandwich.
L’as du Falafel (Pletzel): Known for its legendary falafel, which some consider the best in the world! While the falafel is deep-fried in separate oil, be aware that the tongs used for the falafel and salad are also used for the shawarma, making everything technically meat. Request a new pair of tongs from the back if you desire strictly pareve falafel.
Damyel (multiple locations): With a location near L’as du Falafel, Damyel offers an assortment of pareve treats, including exquisite chocolates and macarons, candied chestnuts, and mouthwatering Ferrero Rocher balls.
Sumsum (Pletzel): A haven for halva enthusiasts, Sumsum offers halva made with less sugar and more tahini than traditional varieties. Their halva is both Badatz and cholov yisroel certified. They also carry a delightful selection of silan and dried teas in a variety of flavors.
Rochenko (Pletzel): A highly recommended meat restaurant, but not Glatt Kosher.
Boucherie (Pletzel): A kosher butcher, where you can stock up on exquisite foie gras and Shimon Ariche harissa.
Murciano (Pletzel): A great bakery for delicious pastries and baked goods.
Exploring Parisian Treasures
Paris is a city teeming with iconic landmarks and historical gems.
The Marais District: This vibrant neighborhood in the 4th arrondissement houses the Pletzel, also known as the Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets lined with charming shops, kosher restaurants, and historical sites. Be sure to visit the shul where the Lubavitcher Rebbe went in Paris at 17 rue de Rosiers and the poignant holocaust memorial.
Champs-Élysées: This world-famous shopping avenue is less impressive than its reputation suggests. For true designer shopping, venture to Avenue Montaigne. At the end of the Champs-Élysées stands the majestic Arc de Triomph, offering stunning views of the city.
Point WC (26 Champs-Élysées): A charming toilet paper store for a quirky souvenir or a unique gift.
The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is breathtaking, but beware of gypsies who may attempt to pickpocket.
Gallery Lafayette: A dazzling shopping center, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Take a stroll across the glass bridge, experience the trampoline, or ascend to the rooftop for breathtaking views.
The Louvre: Home to the iconic Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a vast and impressive museum that deserves a dedicated visit of several hours.
Paris, the City of Lights, is a city that stays with you long after you depart. Its blend of history, culture, and culinary delights creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Paris is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
