stephmodo: Four Hours in Paris

Four Hours in Paris

• 19 April 2011





































































With just a few hours to get my Paris fix, there was time for only a handful of stops. My husband was kind enough to stay in the car with the 4 kids while I ran in to my very favorite places; and when I say "ran", I mean it literally! I hit a few of my favorites from the Paris Guide, including Poilane, Merci, Mamie Gateaux. I also breezed through Comptoir des Cotonniers and Bonton, a shop I've been meaning to visit for awhile, based on Anne's recommendation.

A few notes:

Poilane makes the best apple tart in the world, no joke. Buy at least two per person--there's no way you'll be able to stop at one! Also, if you arrive there after 11 o'clock, be sure to stop into the new Noa Noa next door. It's a great shop for women's clothing.

Merci is my absolute favorite stop in Paris, this you know. I was happy to see they replenished their supply of Liberty of London envelopes, but disappointed to see they raised the prices to $12 for one envelope. Bummer.

Mamie Gateaux is just down the road from Poilane and not to be missed. The dessert shop, the boutique and the brocante are all wonderful in every way. In fact, the rest of the street is quite lovely too, so if you have time saunter down a few more blocks and enjoy a quiet shopping experience.

Comptoir des Cotonniers is one of my favorite boutiques in Paris--there are a handful of locations and from what I've observed, they are all equally fantastic. I usually just window shop unless it's "les soldes", in which case I always pick up a little something.

Bonton was very sweet and well-curated; if you're a Cath Kidston fan, you'll be in heaven. The clothing is a little out of my price range, but all the accessories and trinkets are reasonably-priced. And I love that they have an old photo booth on the main level too.

Since I've visited all of the major museums in Paris {and many minor}, thanks to an Art History study abroad in college, I typically only add museum visits to my itinerary if there is a special exhibit or I am with someone who hasn't been to Paris before. Favorite museums include the Museé d'Orsay, Museé Rodin, La Louvre, Museé Jacquemart-Andres and Museé Marmottan. Picnicking at the Rodin Museum is an added bonus.

You can read up more on my Paris Guide here.

What would you do if you had just a few hours in Paris? I'd love to hear about your favorites too!

15 comments:

  1. If I had only a few hours in Paris, I would print out this post, and your Paris guide, and follow your suggestions! My husband is Welsh, and we have NEVER been to Paris! For shame. We've walked the St. Compestelle Trail, we've been to Lyon and Toulouse...but never Paris. YET!

    Lovely photos, and suggestions. Your posts on France are some of my favorites!

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  2. I live here right down the road from Merci ;-). It's a shame that I've only been once...and gotten take out one other time. I'll have to go there soon.

    Why were you only here for 4 hours? On your way to La Maisonnette? We are going to Dordogne this August. We will be staying close to Sarlat and can't wait! Any tips on the area it will be my first time (my husband is French and knows the area a bit). Also we have a small child.

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  3. I live here right down the road from Merci ;-). It's a shame that I've only been once...and gotten take out one other time. I'll have to go there soon.

    Why were you only here for 4 hours? On your way to La Maisonnette? We are going to Dordogne this August. We will be staying close to Sarlat and can't wait! Any tips on the area it will be my first time (my husband is French and knows the area a bit). Also we have a small child.

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  4. La Duree! I wouldn't be able to help myself. I love macarons! Other than that I would probably do some research and do something similar to what you did-- quick stops into a few lovely places! C'est bon!!

    <3 MuffinLovesBiscuit

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  5. TN: Oh yes you do need to pay it a visit! I love the cafe downstairs--lots of yummy little treats and desserts. I think they offer different things than the take-away upstairs. Also, our cottage is just 15 minutes from Sarlat. Heading to Sarlat in the morning in fact. Great market there on Wednesdays and Saturdays! Make sure you pay a visit to Beynac...we love our little village!

    Mrs. Biscuit: I love Ladureé too! Delicious macaroons, packaging, etc.

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  6. Oh I LOVE you! I am leaving for my first trip to Paris on Monday (I've never been anywhere, ever--first passport use!). This post could not be more timely. THANK you!

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  7. Beautiful pics and adorable outfit! I love the stripy skirt or dress!

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  8. our favorite area of paris is the 7th-- we always hit champs de mars, rue cler, rue de grenelle, the rodin museum also is a favorite. but then on the other side of town we love place des vosges.
    and i love your style-- that sounds exactly like what we do. have my husband drive me around to my favorite shops and sit in the car with the kids while i do my thing. lucky girls, we are (you gotta do what you gotta do!)

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  9. Ah, the joy of being in a beautiful city full of fantastic shops with a carful of children. So close yet so far away.:)

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  10. First stop for me would be Poilane. I have an affection for their Punitions cookies. Then a walk to the Luxembourg Gardens!

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  11. I have to tell you, I am so happy I found your blog. I know that you live here in Seattle part time, and love living through your posts when you are in France. I am so hoping to get in to the food photography class, as well as to meet another mom of four who loves France as much as I do.
    Thanks for the little holidays via your blog~
    xx

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  12. Oooh! I'm dreaming of another trip to Paris sometime.

    If I only had a few hours I would definitely indulge in as decadent a meal for lunch or dinner as I could. My first visit was while I was still in college, and my brother and I had spent so much money on hotels alone in London a few days earlier that we didn't have enough money to really enjoy French cuisine. No more fast food that's for sure!

    Your photos are lovely as always!

    Nicole
    http://chestnutorange.blogspot.com

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  13. Kimberly, I'm glad you found me too! I love connecting with locals with similar interests. Would love to have you at the workshop!

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  14. Nicole, since food is one of the best aspects of being in France, I think your plan is a good one!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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