Clued In Paris – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to the City 2026
This is the year. Paris is waiting.
Let us take you there.
Grab the new 2026 edition here, in print or ebook.
NEST, DEPENDABLE INFORMATION
Please note: There have been recent reviews on Amazon.com that give only 1 star and contain wildly untrue criticisms purposely meant to damage our brand. Rest assured that our paperback editions measure only 5″ x 8″ and weigh just 8 ounces. At around 200 pages, our travel books contain all the info needed for an incredible trip, and are not the size of a “brochure.” They have normal sized fonts, and what is not Googleable in them are our concise, personal opinions of each sight, hotel, restaurant, and transport option, which is the very point of our books. Thank you.
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The Perk Report – December 2025
Our readers know that we include a concise but helpful segment in most of our travel books called The Perk Report. Here is a past excerpt from our Clued In Paris book…
Paris has hundreds of pâtisserie (pastry shops) and all of them have pretty good coffee. Order a café crème if want something richer than their standard milk-based version, café au lait. The Café Americain is espresso that’s been watered down but will still taste too strong for most Americans. The Italian cappuccino has been wholly embraced here and can now be found everywhere. There aren’t many places where coffee is the main attraction, except that green mermaid chain.
The Seattle-based coffee place you frequent at home is suddenly everywhere in Paris so you can definitely seek out your normal coffee faves. In a way, visiting this familiar chain is a cool experience because the pastry and food offerings are completely different from those in the US and are très European, such as Nutella chip cookies. Check out the incredibly beautiful one located near the Paris Opera at 3 Boulevard des Capucines. Hours vary by location.
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Where to dine in style on Christmas Eve – November 2025
This year, we’re craving a Baroque vibe paired with elegant culinary dishes. That can only be one place: Le Train Bleu. For those of you who can’t picture themselves dining inside a train station on Christmas Eve, let’s just say you’ll be super surprised by it! Check out their holiday tasting menus online and book ASAP if you decide to indulge.
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Sometimes you just want a great sandwich – October 2025
When Parisians want the perfect sandwich, they go to get the one-and-only jambon-beurre. But where can visitors find the best one? When we crave that local fix of French ham and creamy butter on a crusty baguette, we head over to Caractère de Cochon. This shop knows how to make it in the most classic way ever… they take a freshly-baked baguette ficelle, add some demi-sel butter from the countryside, and then real Jambon de Paris to finish. (These items cannot be substituted if you want the real thing.) The combination will send your taste buds into a spin. Oui mon petits, fat of cow and flesh of pig make for a very memorable experience that can only be had in Paris. Fortunately, Caractère de Cochonare is centrally located at 42 Rue Charlot. Open daily except Mondays.
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In focus: Le Bistro d’Henri – September 2025
Visitors to Paris usually look forward to enjoying some real French food made in the traditional way. To sample cuisine that is true to Paris without being overly fancy-schmancy or expensive, we can’t think of anywhere better than Le Bistro d’Henri located on the left bank at 16 Rue Princesse. Their Coq au Vin is served with true Gratin Daufinois (see below) and their zucchini appetizer called the Terrine de Courgettes et son Coulis de Tomates is unforgettable. Other incredible standouts are their Cassoulet au Confit as well as a superior Crème Brûlée. You can book a reservation ahead on their website to avoid disappointment. So delicious!
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Important update – August 2025
One of our recommendations for viewing a vast amount of contemporary art while in Paris has always been the Centre Pompidou. As of next month however, this huge and popular museum will close its doors for a major five-year renovation.
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Grab our fun guide to Paris! – July 2025
Our companion book to Clued In Paris is chock full of super fun experiences. Grab your copy of Bored in Paris– Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor before you wrap up your plans and itinerary for that trip to France. It’ll change the way you think about how you’re going to use your time while you’re here. We think it’s a must-have, even for first-time visitors. It is offered in both paperback and eBook so get one today!
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In Focus: Marie-Antoinette and La Conciergerie – June 2025
We love Paris’ super-famous sights as much as the next guy, but recently discovered that many visitors don’t go inside La Conciergerie. If you’re intrigued by Queen Marie-Antoinette, this one is for you! See that huge Medieval castle –the one along the northern bank of the Seine river right in the middle of Paris? That’s it and yes, you can definitely go inside. Once there you’ll be transported into a world that looks more like something out of Game of Thrones and almost as scary.
When the early French Monarchs abandoned this castle for more comfortable rooms in the newly-built Louvre Palace, La Conciergerie served many different purposes. During the French Revolution it became the headquarters of the radical movement as well as its official prison. You get to visit a few of the actual jail cells and hear stories about what really went on there. More importantly, you get to visit the special quarters where Queen M-A was forced to live (without her husband or children) while awaiting her fate at the guillotine. Her small prayer altar is still there as if she never left. (This amazing sight is usually offered on the same ticket with the stunning Saint-Chapelle next door.) The entrances to both are on Boulevard du Palais on Île de la Cité -AKA city island.
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In Focus: Special exhibit at Versailles – May 2025
As if the Great Stables across from the palace gates weren’t opulent enough, they now house the Gallery of Coaches. Majestic coaches both large and small, grand sedan chairs, and even petit carriages for Marie-Antoinette’s children make up this outstanding collection. It’s free to visit, even without a ticket to the Chateau de Versailles itself! Built between 1679 and 1682, the twin buildings were the best ever, designed for the comfort and care of the royal steeds who lived there. The coaches on display are works of art unto themselves, lovingly carved, upholstered, and gilded by the best artisans of the day.
The Coach Gallery (Galerie des Carrosses) is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 12:30pm to 5:30pm. In addition, the Dauphin apartments (in the main palace) are now open to the public. Win win!
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Visit something special that’s probably off your radar – April 2025
Here’s an awesome local sight that you’ve probably never heard of… if you have, then kudos to you! The fabulous Musée Jacquemart-André is a lovely mansion-turned-art-museum that was named after the married couple who owned it and who filled it with their own personal art collection gathered from all over the globe. Even though it’s the art that most people go there to see, we also visit it for the mansion itself. There’s even a gorgeous cafe installed in the mansion’s original dining room where visitors can have a very special lunch experience. Exquisite! You’ll find it at 158 Boulevard Haussmann in the eighth arrondissement.
Announcement – March 2025
The fee and visa-waiver permission (ETIAS) for Americans and Canadians to travel to the European Union has been officially postponed until late-2026 or early-2027… yet another reason to travel this year! We are currently updating the information in our travel books to reflect this change. Visit the link below for more info:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
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Attend a Parisian workshop while you’re on vacation – February 2025
You might not have considered booking a workshop while you’re away from your daily grind but it’s the best way to learn about the culture you’ll be surrounded by. They are almost always presented in English and will definitely become a cherished memory. In Paris, that means learning how to bake your own croissants or baguettes! Our friends at Le Foodist will teach you everything you need to know. Details are in our new Bored in Paris: Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor book, but here’s a handy link to their recommended workshop classes that are held in the lovely fifth arrondissement. Just click on their baking calendar and then choose croissants, baguettes, etc. to see the list of times available. So fun!
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Fondue in Paris is beyond your expectations – January 2025
The coldest months just beg for warm, comforting food and nothing fits the bill like a pot of savory cheese fondue. While there are many restaurants here that specialize in it, only a handful are centrally located. Our favorite is Le Chalet Savoyard at 58 Rue de Charonne in the 11th arrondissement, not far from the Bastille. This friendly restaurant will spiritually transport you and your taste buds to the French Alps and leave you sated and satisfied. They also feature raclette, a gooey, melted cheese that’s dripped over just about anything you want. If you love cheese or just want to try something fun and different, this is your place. Note that they only accept reservations by phone: 011-33 1 48 05 13 13.
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Where to dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day- December 2024
As usual, most of Paris’ nicer restaurants will be closed on Wednesday, December 25. If you’ll be there over the holidays, book a table now at one that will be open: Buddha Bar Paris. Their array of super tasty, Asian culinary dishes and gorgeous ambiance will knock your socks off. While there’s not many choices in town for a Christmas dinner except at some of the upscale hotels, you’ll won’t feel as if you’ve settled when you’re dining at the very elegant Buddha Bar. Merry Christmas!
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In Focus: New Year’s Eve Parisian-style
If you plan on being in Paris over the New Year, then you should start making plans and hotel reservations right now. New Year’s Eve celebrations in the French capital are varied, upscale, and classy. From special offerings at the city’s top restaurants to riverboat dining or a gorgeous cabaret show, you’ll be in for a treat. If you want to keep things a bit less expensive, grab a bottle of chilled Champagne (and some cups) and toast to the new year during the midnight fireworks display on the Champs Elysée. There’s even a special performance at the Palais Garnier. It’s très chic! Feel free to sleep in the next day; most shops and all of the museums will be closed on January 1st anyway. If you have difficulty finding a decent meal on that day, just remember that all the larger hotels will be open and serving food to the public.
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Where to have breakfast if you don’t love what your hotel is offering – October 2024
Yes this is a thing. While breakfast is almost always included with a hotel booking here, it might not be more than an espresso and a croissant with jam on the side. Boring! Especially when you can have a warm-from-the-oven, plump, apricot pastry and extra-large cappuccino at a pastry shop nearby.
We love Au Petit Versailles du Marais, an exquisite patisserie on Rue Tiron -just steps from the busy Rue de Rivoli. They have indoor and outdoor seating, and one of the best apricot pastries you ever sank your teeth into. The coffee is top notch too, making this the perfect spot to start your day, especially if you are staying in the Marais district on the Right Bank.
For a similar experience on the Left Bank, we like Bertrand’s at 10 Rue Lagrange; they offer a fantastic selection and make one of the best cappuccinos we’ve had in Paris. (Yes, the man at the counter can be brusque but you can handle it.) Finally, if you find yourself strolling along the Seine in the 5th arrondissement at any time of day, don’t miss having an incredible pastry at the adorable A. Lacroix, located at 11 Quai de Montebello.
For those of you that need a breakfast burrito or scrambled eggs with bacon and home fries, we must send you to the diner here called Breakfast in America. They have two locations, both with Heinz Ketchup and Tabasco sauce on every table. They even offer up a Thanksgiving feast just for ex-pats. Hey, no judgment.
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What’s inside that building over there? – August 2024
If you’ve ever stood in Paris’ infamous Place de la Concorde, you may very well have asked yourself that very question. Along the north side of the plaza is a columned palace of gargantuan dimensions but little explanation as to its history or purpose -until now, that is. This architectural beauty has elegant interiors to match but has spent much of its life as the Hôtel de la Marine, also known as the French naval offices. Now, after a steam-cleaning and a restoration of its sumptuous décor, it has opened for the enjoyment of the visiting public. We love it when we can visit a palace without even leaving the center of town! This glorious new sight is currently open everyday and definitely worth your time. You can find all of the pertinent details at the website above. (For novices in France, a hôtel is not a hotel where you rent rooms.)
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Which Seine River transportation to use – July 2024
The only real river transport in Paris that’s not a scenic, guided boat tour or Champagne cruise has been the good ol’ Batobus. Slow-moving but reliable and comfortable, its nine different stops at major points along both banks of the Seine gives the visitor flexibility and options, and the unlimited hop-on hop-off for one low price makes it a winner -if you have the time and the patience. So why is there a new boat in town? Some say that it’s because the City of Lights needed a more private and upscale option so that well-heeled travelers could reserve and book their own water taxi ahead online and skirt past all that ground traffic in a super chic way… thus was born the Taxi Seine Paris. It can seat up to six persons for the total price of €145 a ride. Expensive yes, but perfect for zipping from one Olympic event to another. To reserve a ride you must first register as a potential passenger; you can do so here and then click on the BOOK button at the top right of their page. A choice of languages is there as well. Bon voyage!
Batobus Paris
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Taxi clues for Paris – June 2024
Official taxi cabs in Paris come in many colors but all of them will have a sign on top of the vehicle displaying “Taxi Parisien” that can light up (sometimes in green) and a working meter inside showing the cost as you go. If the vehicle’s sign is not lit then it is unavailable for hire. For your own safety DO NOT take unlicensed taxis. Pretending to be an official driver, even inside the airport terminals, is the easiest way for criminals to prey on unsuspecting tourists.
There is a fixed rate between Paris and its airports… currently, the cost to and from Charles de Gaulle International Airport and the Right Bank is €56; to and from the Left Bank is €65. An extra fee for baggage handling is normal.
If you call a taxi (or if your hotel or restaurant calls one for you) its meter will have started running from the moment the car started to come get you. Don’t be alarmed if you get in and already see a cost on the meter! Because it will already have the initial hire fee totaled in there, it might seem like a large sum. This is normal so don’t panic.
Be sure to have cash on you because occasionally the credit card machines can be offline. Also, even when everything is working fine, the fare must be €15 or more to be allowed on a credit card.
The starting meter fee is €4.10 and the cost increments that follow will vary depending if it’s after 5pm or on a Sunday. They are between €1,10 per km. and €1,60 per km. In addition, there will be extra fees for groups larger than three people, and large items will incur a fee of €1 per piece. Say something if the driver does not start the meter immediately.
No tip is expected, but rounding up is considered de rigeur.
Paris taxis will stop if you hail them, providing they are available of course. If no taxis seem to want to stop, it might be because you’re hailing them within a close distance of an official taxi queue. If you believe you might be near one of these then you had best go and look for it. Unfortunately they are not always easy to find. Major hotel entrances are also great places to catch a cab.
If you have a proper cell phone connection and the time to wait for an Uber, you’ll find them to be quite reliable here. They are also well-priced compared to Uber cars in other major cities.
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Prepare for your Paris Olympics visit now– May 2024
If you have any interest in attending the Summer Olympic Games in Paris this summer, you need to start booking accommodations and event tickets right now. The games are being held in and around town (and out of town) from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The assorted venues range from the River Seine to the Eiffel Tower and even include the Palace at Versailles for what promises to be some very elegant equestrian competitions. It’s actually mind-blowing! You can find a list of all the specific venues by clicking here, and a handy list of twenty free events by clicking here.
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Where to enjoy a picnic in Paris – April 2024
Now that spring has arrived, you may want to dine in nature rather than be inside a cramped restaurant. With all the sandwich shops and bakeries in town, it’s easy to put together a finger-food feast here. A crusty baguette with local butter and thin slices of Jambon de Paris (French ham) is always a fantastic picnic choice. A side of Niçoise olives, grapes, a sweet pastry, and a nice bottle of wine is all you need to fill out the menu. (And don’t forget the plastic cups.) For the best view of the Seine, why not put yourself right in the middle of it by staking out a spot on the Western tip of Île de la Cité ? Just cross over the Pont Neuf and take the stairs behind the large statue that lead down into the lower garden. Grab a stone bench amongst the trees and enjoy your picnic. Bon appetit!
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Indulge at a Paris Jazz Club – March 2024
Since Paris is the birthplace of jazz it seems only right to send you over to our favorite jazz club, Duc des Lombards. One of many jazz joints in town, Duc’s is as real as it gets and has less of the glitz and frou-frou that the fancier ones flaunt. Its acoustics are top notch, allowing guests to really feel the music. Piano and saxophone are the stars here so go kick up your heels. Conveniently located in the center of town, you’ll find your way home just fine even if you overindulge. This prestigious club has been swinging since 1984. You’ll find it in the in the 1st arrondissement at 42 Rue des Lombard. Closed on Sundays.
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In Focus: Victor Hugo’s Flat – February 2024
Unless you were once in the chorus of the musical Les Misérables or are a huge fan of France’s most acclaimed writer, a visit to his digs is probably not at the top of your Paris itinerary. Perhaps it should be though… Not only is is located on one of the most exquisite squares in the city, the apartment itself is extraordinary. In the mid-1800’s, Mr. Hugo had the place elaborately decorated to his personal specifications and then filled it will stunning furnishings and artwork, some of it his own! The entire place is exactly as he left it which gives today’s visitors a sense that he might come around the corner at any moment. Go for the beauty and stay awhile for the ambience. It’s free to enter and no ticket is necessary.
Maison de Victor Hugo is open from 10am-5:30pm daily except Mondays, and is located at 6 Place des Vosges, Paris. It is a featured recommendation in our book, Bored in Paris – Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor.
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Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime – January 2024
The more you can plan beforehand, the better your visit to Paris will be. At Clued In Travel Books, we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Restaurants tend to fill up fast, especially around Valentine’s Day (which has become a global holiday.) As for the city’s top sights, book most of them ahead too because everyone else will be doing the same; times have definitely changed. You didn’t come this far only to find the fabulous Orsay Museum is sold out. Having reservations and tickets brings about the amazing effect of keeping your sight-seeing on track. No flaking out allowed!
If you are the type of traveler who likes to go to an undiscovered city with no plans (just to see where fate takes you) then we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.” Instead, go ahead and grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a place you knew nothing about is suddenly as clear as can be. It’s almost magical.
One of our newest fans recently stated, “I thought I would “dog -ear” a few pages to go back and read later, and I simply could not put the book down. I ended up with over half of the pages with a turned down corner! I am fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries and have used all of the popular guidebooks; Rick Steves, Frommers, and Lonely Planet… and this one is best of all.”
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Ride carnival attractions from a century ago – November 2023
Inside a row of deserted wine-storage cellars east of the city center lies a strange and wonderful museum unlike any other. The Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairgrounds) in the 12th arrondissement boasts an enormous antique collection from one man –and can only house part of it, at that. A guided tour of this mind-blowing museum must be booked ahead online because it is completely interactive. Jean-Paul Favand is delighted to have you ride his rides and play the carnival games which are all salvaged from old fairs, circuses, and sideshows.
The dimly lit cellars reverberate with music from some of the few calliope and hooghuys barrel organs still in existence. It’s thrilling in a way that can’t be put into words. Delighted visitors will get to experience actual antique rides of many kinds, play competitive games like the “Race of the Waiters,” see mechanical fortune tellers, ride a carousel from 1900, and experience a very rare, self-pedaled bicycle ride just to name a few. This museum is beautiful yet creepy and is sure to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Even though this is not in our kids’ section, children are welcome to join this unusual ninety-minute tour. For more incredible experiences be sure to grab a copy of our fabulous Bored in Paris travel guide.
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Chocolate and Vivaldi both shine in Paris – October 2023
Lucky you if you’re getting ready for an upcoming visit to the City of Lights. Four events immediately come to mind and all are worthy of your attention right now… first, the popular festival of everything chocolate Salon de Chocolat is offering tickets online for October 28 through November 1, 2023. In November there will be live concerts by our favorite French ensemble, Les Violons de France inside the stunning Madeleine church on November 3, 11, 16, and 25… they’ll be performing Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and you can buy well-priced tickets now or at the door because the place is huge. If you prefer a more intimate venue for listening to music, grab inexpensive tickets for Chopin by Candlelight at the charming little Saint-Ephrem church. We love it there! And finally, Paris’ famous Christmas Markets begin popping up all over town by mid-November; get yourself a cup of mulled wine and enjoy the beautiful fall season. Oh, and there are also upcoming performances at the Palais Garnier available online now for the Paris Opera Ballet’s tribute to the American choreographer Jerome Robbins.
Madeleine Church in Paris
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Paris Opera House under major restoration – September 2023
Ahead of the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics, the Palais Garnier is now undergoing a major restoration and cleaning. The good news is that it is still open for self-tours with audio guide, as well as performances. The exterior of this incredible structure is now completely covered with scaffolding so please note that you will not see its façade at all. When last there, we could not help notice that the actual auditorium was not allowed on the tour but we believe this was just for that week. If you have questions regarding any of this before your visit, send them an email to inquire about your precise dates. After the Olympics, the Pompidou modern art museum will close for a whopping five-year restoration.
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Sometimes you just want a great sandwich – August 2023
When you want a sandwich in Paris, that automatically means jambon-beurre. But where to find the best one? When we need that Parisian fix of French ham with creamy butter on a crusty baguette, we head over to Caractère de Cochon. This shop knows how to make it in the most classic way ever… they take a freshly-baked baguette ficelle, add some demi-sel butter from the countryside, and then real Jambon de Paris to finish. (These items cannot be substituted if you want the real thing.) The combination will send your taste buds into a spin. Oui mon petits, fat of cow and flesh of pig make for a very memorable experience that can only be had in Paris. Fortunately, Caractère de Cochonare fairly centrally located at 42 Rue Charlot. Open daily except Mondays.
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Musical events abound! – June 2023
A visit to Paris is always a cultural experience but the month of June is quite musical. First, the Paris Jazz Festival is going on inside Parc Floral (in the 12th arrondissement) which alone is worth a visit to the City of Lights. Second, the beloved Chopin Festival inside Parc Bagatelle (La Roseraie area) will also be going strong. Third, the special holiday of Fête de la Musique will be observed on June 21st and will showcase live music and bands all over town. And in addition to all of this, the extraordinary violinist, Frédéric Moreau and his Violons de France quintet will be giving several performances at the glorious La Madeleine Church. (Yes, that’s how the French spell the word violins.) It’s definitely a harmonious time to visit Paris!
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Update – May 2023
Our brand new Clued In Paris paperback-print book has arrived! Grab a copy today on Amazon.com because we can’t wait for you to see it. It features nearly fifty original images in gorgeous black and white – the ebook version still has color images. It’s your choice. Happy travels!
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Update – March 2023
Some of the transport info in our Clued In Paris book is suddenly “old news” as Paris incurs new price hikes and ways to buy train tickets! Because of this we are currently republishing the ebook to reflect the changes. (For instance on the Métro, those famous little white carnet tickets are being phased out right now at most stations in favor of a new, reusable pass card called NavigoEasy.) If you purchased our book before March 18, 2023, please note the new information below… this is exactly how our new publications will read:
Getting from CDG airport to central Paris:
Order an Uber car right outside of baggage claim. They are a well-priced (all over Paris) and we now swear by them. You should too.
Grab a taxi from the queue waiting out front of the terminal. (A sign that says TAXI denotes the start of the line.) Depending on traffic, it will take 40 to 50 minutes between the CDG airport and Paris. The price is now a fixed flat rate: Around €53 between CDG and Paris’ right bank/ Around €58 between CDG and Paris’ left bank.
Take the RER regional train– B Line which is the least expensive way into the city. It takes less than thirty minutes to get to Paris’ Gare du Nord train station and continues making many other city-center stops after that. Departs from the Roissypole station near CDG’s Terminal 3 about every fifteen minutes but is accessible from all terminals. Cost is around €12.
Ride a Roissy Bus. It takes fifty-five minutes to get from the CDG airport to the Paris-Opéra, at 13 Rue Scribe. The service is available outside all three of the airport terminals. Buy a ticket with cash or credit card at any of the departure point machines/booths, or pay in cash on board. Departs from the airport every twenty minutes or so. Cost is around €14 to €17 depending on if you have a NavigoEasy card to load.
Métro Clues:
With its three-hundred stations, Paris has one of the most extensive subway systems in the world. These underground trains run every few minutes from around 5:30am to 12:20am and can get crowded during rush hours. The T+ single tickets and carnet packets of ten are being phased out right now. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a single ride from a ticketing machine (or pay a one-time fee of €2 per person for a reusable pass card called NavigoEasy. You must acquire these passes from a human inside a Métro ticket service booth.
- These new reusable cards [NavigoEasy] and can be “loaded” with different rides by that human in the ticket service booth. Once you have it in-hand, you could also load it at the city’s regular ticketing machines, or with an app. The popular 10-ride option gives you a discount of sorts.
- Tap your NavigoEasy métro card at the turnstile and enter. Keep it somewhere safe but handy in case you need to show it to officials within the underground system.
- Métro doors do not necessarily open for you automatically. You may need to push the button on the door to board or to disembark. Locals riding on the Métro like to push the button to open the doors before the train has even stopped which is very exciting indeed.
- On station escalators, Parisians stand to the right and walk on the left so be aware of this. Métro maps are free so just ask a ticket agent for one.
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The Perk Report – March 2023
Our readers know that we include a concise but helpful segment in most of our travel books called The Perk Report. Here is an excerpt from our Clued In Paris book…
Paris has hundreds of pâtisserie (pastry shops) and all of them have pretty good coffee. Order a café crème if want something richer than their standard milk-based version, café au lait. The Café Americain is espresso that’s been watered down but will still taste too strong for most Americans. The Italian cappuccino has been wholly embraced here and can now be found everywhere. There aren’t many places where coffee is the main attraction, except that green mermaid chain.
The Seattle-based coffee place you frequent at home is suddenly everywhere in Paris so you can definitely seek out your normal coffee faves. In a way, visiting this familiar chain is a cool experience because the pastry and food offerings are completely different from those in the US and are très European, such as Nutella chip cookies. Check out the incredibly beautiful one located near the Paris Opera at 3 Boulevard des Capucines. Hours vary by location.
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Pastry obsession solved – Paris – January 2023
There’s nothing that can fill a cold, empty feeling in the tummy like pastry… really good pastry. It’s true that our local obsession with it switches around depending on the season, but right now it lies firmly at patisserie Le Comptoir inside the ultra famous and historic Hotel Ritz. Ohhh that marbled bourbon entremet; ohhh that glorious Melting Heart madeleine. It’s almost too much to bear! Luckily there’s a street level entrance in the rear of the hotel at 38 Rue Cambon -perfect for grabbing a bag of goodness without skulking through the Ritz’s posh lobby where our high number of weekly visits tends to border on embarrassing. Award-winning pastry chef, Francois Perret is in charge here and definitely knows how to please his clientele. Closed Sundays.
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Wow wow wow! Paris is back – November 2022
If you are even thinking of a December visit to the City of Lights, book your airline tickets now. Paris has come alive this fall and has so much planned for December that it’s mind-boggling. There are no less than nine major Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël) being installed, some opening as early as November 26th. There are many small but charming ones too, along with some pop-up markets. These dazzling venues enliven their neighborhoods and literally decorate the city. The grandest and most famous one is La Magie de Noël (the Magic of Christmas) which takes over the Tuileries Garden along the Seine on the right bank. Here’s a handy list of the larger ones.
In addition to the holiday markets, there are dozens of performances and concerts planned. The ballet The Snow Maiden will be presented at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées by the Ukraine National Ballet, Swan Lake will be performed by the Paris Opéra Ballet at the Theatre Bastille, and the operas Carmen, Tosca, and The Magic Flute will be performed by the Opéra de Paris at that same venue.
Two of the many amazing concerts to note (and get tickets for asap!) are the Christmas Choral Concert at the magical La Madeleine Church in late-December and the huge Christmas Concert at the Eiffel Tower with optional Champagne and tapas! Yes… all we can say is WOW!
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Where to have a true American-style breakfast – October 2022
When you start to hate the very sight of that crusty croissant and ramekin of jam, or think the coffee is just too strong and the pastries too sweet, and you begin desperately craving eggs and American bacon from a diner, head over to Breakfast in America. Don’t judge us for mentioning it; we know it’s nearly sacrilege. Yet their two locations, (in the Marias and in the Latin Quarter) have stayed happily in business for years. Even we have had a moment of weakness and enjoyed scrambled eggs and home fries or a cheeseburger there, almost teary-eyed from the bottle of Heinz ketchup seemingly waiting for us on the table. Sometimes you don’t appreciate something until you’re away from it. Yes, that is a breakfast burrito below.
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Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime – January 2022
You might not think so right now, but travel will be returning in a big way and those who plan now will reap the benefits. As the pandemic fades, try to be one of the first to make a trip to Paris and enjoy it in a blissfully uncrowded way. Try making a detailed yet fluid itinerary without precise dates. Pencil in the days of the week only, noting which of your preferred sights are closed on Sundays or Mondays, etc. This will give you a basic framework on which to build your dream journey.
The more you can plan beforehand, the better it will be. At Clued In Travel Books we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Dinner reservations are especially likely to fill up if not made in advance. As for the best sights, well, these must be booked ahead (due to the requirements of contactless service.) And with absolutely everyone now booking ahead, these too are more likely to sell out.
Travelers visiting our particular website probably understand this so we won’t beat a dead horse. If you are the type of traveler who likes to go somewhere with no plans or reservations in order to just see where fate takes you, we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”
So, grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a city you knew nothing about is suddenly as familiar as can be. It’s almost magical.
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Where to get a Covid test in Paris – December 2021
To take a rapid antigen test (within 48 hours of your flight back to USA for example) head over to Pharmacie Bader on Boulevard St. Michel. They happily accept non-French visitors for testing. The cost is around 25 euro.)
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A delicious new restaurant will be featured in our upcoming 2022 Edition of Clued In Paris – November 2021
There will be a tasty refresh to our French Feasting chapter in our 2022 edition (which is already published and available now on Amazon.com.) During our October visit to the City of Lights, we were enthralled by several dining spots one of which must be revealed to our readers right now. On the left bank, not far form the Seine, is a happening little spot called Hugo & Co. It’s the creation of Chef Tomy Gousset who already has a Michelin star for his other restaurant Tomy & Co. The creative and thoughtful menu features interesting twists on European favorites such as octopus, salmon, veal, and duck all prepared in an open kitchen. Though Hugo & Co. was the winner of Best Bistro of the Year, this culinary spot could almost be described as fine dining; the attentive service and dim lighting nearly demand it. But no need to dress up if you don’t want to because everyone will feel welcome regardless. Hugo & Co. offers two seatings a night which must be confirmed ahead in order to secure a table. (Currently closed on Saturdays and Sundays.) Don’t miss it!
Clued In Travel Books 2026 