A Romantic Winter Escape: Paris Is Always a Good Idea

One of my favorite ways to experience a city is through a guided food tour. It offers a glimpse into the heart of a place through the food its people cherish. On this trip, we embarked on a fantastic food tour along the Left Bank. We sampled cheeses from an award-winning fromagerie, visited a bakery and learned about the annual French Baguette contest, savored the exquisite chocolates of Patrick-Roger, and indulged in iconic Pierre Hermé macarons. Our discoveries were shared around a table in a charming local wine shop, where we tasted wines from various regions of France. It was a perfect way to spend the morning, and I left with an even deeper appreciation for the artistry of French cuisine.

During my last visit to Paris, I explored the Louvre, but this time I wanted to dive deeper into the art at the Musée d'Orsay with a true expert. We booked a private "Guided Crash Course of Musée d'Orsay" tour with Context Travel and met our guide, an MA-level art historian, for an unforgettable morning. As we lingered over the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Manet, Cézanne and Degas, our guide offered insightful perspectives on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Rather than giving broad overviews, she helped us appreciate the paintings in a new light. She highlighted brushstrokes, subtle expressions and the nuanced stories told through light and color. It was a truly enriching experience that brought the art to life.

I've always wanted to spend more time in Le Marais, so this trip, I dedicated an entire day to exploring it. To guide our wanderings, we downloaded Marais through the Centuries: Paris' Historical District Audio Guide by Context Travel. It was a fantastic way to discover the area. The tour led us through hidden courtyards and secret passageways, blending the rich history of Le Marais with the stories of the modern Parisians who live there. We paused to visit the delightful Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, and the Picasso Museum, housed in the stunning Hôtel Salé. This is home to the world's largest collection of Picasso's work. After a leisurely stroll through the district, we ended our day at Les Enfants du Marché. I had the most unforgettable sardines in tempura — those will forever live in my mind, rent-free. Whether it's your first or fifteenth visit to Paris, I highly recommend leaving some space in the itinerary to lose yourself in the 3rd and 4th.

What trip to Paris would be complete without a little shopping? Inspired by our earlier food tour, I decided to fill my suitcase with Parisian culinary treasures to savor with friends and help ease the inevitable post-Paris blues. I visited La Grande Épicerie de Paris, where my foodie dreams truly came to life. My cart quickly filled with chocolates, mustards, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, and, of course, butter. The store boasts an entire wall of butter varieties, and they even offer a service to shrink-wrap it for you to take home in your luggage — for just one Euro. I was amazed! I'm pleased to report that the butter made it home safely, and I’ve been delighting in a pat of French butter with flaky sea salt on my morning toast for weeks. I also baked the most extraordinary peanut butter cookies of my life using a pound of the vanilla bourbon butter I carefully imported. La Grande Épicerie has undoubtedly become a staple for all my future trips to Paris.

After a morning spent exploring Montmartre, we stopped for lunch at Café Francoeur. This charming French bistro, with its bohemian flair, treated us to unbelievably delicious deviled eggs, a classic salad with endive and Comté and perfectly crisp frites. The service was warm and attentive. Their cappuccinos provided just the right boost to keep us energized for an afternoon of further exploration.

For a truly memorable celebratory lunch, we indulged in a five-course meal at Le Jules Verne, situated on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The panoramic views of Paris were nothing short of breathtaking. It was a surreal experience to gaze out over the Seine River winding through the city while savoring a two-Michelin-star meal. It was an unforgettable way to experience both the culinary excellence and beauty of Paris.

We had a wonderful dinner at Tekes in Paris, a cozy spot serving a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. The plant-based dishes were well-crafted, featuring fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced spices. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the service was friendly and efficient. Dining at the chef's counter was a unique experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking an elevated plant-based meal in Paris.

Our dinner at Pink Mamma in the lively 9th arrondissement was a standout experience. This vibrant, multi-level Italian restaurant offers not only delicious, rustic dishes but also a stunning atmosphere with its floral decor and bustling energy. From hand-crafted pastas to mouthwatering pizzas, every bite was a celebration of authentic Italian flavors. Whether you're there for the food or the ambiance, Pink Mamma is a must-visit spot for a memorable evening in Paris.