In 5 years people can change a lot. Actually, when I think about my 1st years in Paris (spent between university and clubs) and when I compared them to my latest days (between companies and cafés). Sometimes I asked myself if I am still the same person. Haha
I guess I am, I just changed my taste a little bit. Anyway, this week, I picked my 3 favorite suburbs in Paris: I spend most of my time in these 3 areas and every time, someone is visiting, I make sure to take them to the 3 places. Curious about? Let’s get started 😀
3. Opera
If I had money, I would buy an apartment here but as I do not, I content myself with having coffee and doing long walks here.
This is a very busy neighborhood: there are offices, many shops and even a few monuments and museums to visit. I choose a street close to Cadet metro station as my favorite in Paris. Is not it beautiful?
Palais Garnier
If your 1st question is: is it worth to visit the Opera? My answer is YES! It is worth to see a show at the Opéra de Paris. The inside is wonderful, the quality of the sound AMAZING and, generally, the music/drama pieces are very good.
The best known building is the Palais Garnier (here in the photo) but you can also see ballets, operas and other shows in the second building: the Opéra Bastille. This room is more modern but, in my opinion, it has a little less charm.
To book and check prices, visit their website
Galeries Lafayette
Here is the shopping area. You can find anything HERE, especially Asians killing themselves for the newest bag or belt… Lafayette is the famous French chain of luxury brands and close by you have the Printemps, another chain of luxury brands. In any of them, everything is expensive! BUT, for those do not have the means to buy something, at least get inside to check the architecture.
2. Montmartre (18ème)
The streets of Montmartre are what fascinates me the most about this area. The small cafes and the old restaurants are a real treat: whether for hot chocolate, wine or a crepes.
Café des 2 Moulins
Amélie, the film, is a classic of French cinema and the cafe is also a MUST place in the city. Located in a tiny street in Montmartre, this cafe / bar is relatively cheap and always has cultural activities such as, live music shows going on.
See more about the Café des 2 Moulins
Wall of Love
To the lovers, this is the wall where everyone has to take a picture. It is 5 minutes away from Sacré Coeur, behind Abbesses metro station.
Sacré Coeur
The whitest, the most beautiful and the tallest church in the city: Sacré Coeur!
See more in my article: My 5 favorite monuments in Paris
Attention: Although the area has changed a lot and is now an relatively expensive area in Paris, certain streets are still a bit dangerous, especially at night.
1. Canal Saint-Martin (10ème)
The big winner on this list is my Canal Saint-Martin. Many will come, look at the canal and say: It is just a canal of dirty water where people sit by because they do not have the beach. YES and YES. Unfortunately, many people trow away things in the canal daily and yes, the canal is the closest to the sea that we can have in Paris. BUT, I love irreverent suburbs AND the canal is exactly that.
This is a lively area with a lot of art: there are a lot of shops from small and young creators. But the best of the canal is: sitting down on the edge of the canal with ma bouteille de vin, mon camembert et ma baguette. This is life for me.
It is for these little things that I so much enjoy my Saint Martin channel.
Le Comptoir Gé néral
Friends, this is the bar where there is always a queue to enter but where it is worth to wait. There are several rooms, people of all styles and a breathtaking decoration. The Comptoir is really a MUST.
La creperie
For anyone who likes crepes (sweet and salty), this place is a MUST go! They serve cider with the crepes and it’s quite cheap.
More HERE
Sandro
Sandro remains one of my favorite French brands. I am just sorry that my wallet cannot afford most of their clothes but anyway. There is a shop right in front of the canal and I always stop by to check what they have.
Have you heard about this brand? See more HERE
Antoine et Lili
The stores of Antoine et Lili are not the cheapest place in the world but the truth is that the shop is super beautiful, super colorful, super extravagant. There are decoration, clothes and accessories. And the good part, it is right next to Sandro, in front of the canal.
Artazart
I love this bookstore. I remember working at Fuxia restaurant around the corner and stopping by at least once a week to see the news books they received. It has essentially art books: from photography to fashion and traveling inspiration pieces. Also in front of the canal.
See more HERE
And you, what is your favorite spot in Paris?
Beijinho,
Daniela