Planning a festive break to Paris? Ronny Lavie looks beyond the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to reveal five of the French capital’s hidden gems.
There have been more clichés written about Paris than there are gargoyles on the Notre Dame, and while a lot of them are based on truth, there is more to the French capital than the pretty lights of the Eiffel Tower and the designer shops on the Champs-Élysées. Paris is quirky, intelligent and romantic – due in part to these five sparkling gems.
1. Shakespeare and Co bookshop
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005
If the whole of Paris was a bookshop , it would be Shakespeare and Co. Individual, quaint, beautiful and oh-so-trendy-without-even-trying, it features floor-to-ceiling shelves crammed with everything from ancient copies of War and Peace to Winnie the Pooh. The shop hosts regular signings and readings with top writers, and new, aspiring artists get to stay in the flat upstairs for the price of a couple of hours’ volunteering in the shop.
2. Parc Monceau
8e Arrondissement, 75008
Much like London, Paris is not lacking in pretty green spaces, some of which are frequented by tourists on a daily basis. However, Parc Monceau, in an upmarket district in the 8th arrondissement, is virtually unknown to non-Parisians. Stretching over 20.3 acres, the park was established by Phillippe d’Orléans, Duke of Chartres – a cousin of King Louis XVI. The duke wanted the park to enchant all who visit it and lush, colourful and full of interesting features at every corner (such as a tiny pyramid and a Dutch windmill), it fully delivers. Unfortunately for the duke, the park’s charm was not enough to spare him and he was guillotined in the 1793 Reign of Terror, but his legacy lives on in this magical urban oasis.
3. LE MUR DES JE T’AIME (I love You : The Wall)
Square Jean Rictus, 75018
Nestled in another beautiful green space – Square Jehan Rictus in Montmartre – is LE MUR DES JE T’AIME (I love You : The Wall). It was created by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito and features the words I love you written 311 times in 250 different languages. Unsurprisingly, it has become a meeting place for lovers and a symbol of hope for a united world. I do not believe there is any other city in the world where anyone could pull off such a blunt, grand declaration of passion and yet in Paris it makes perfect sense.
4. Glacier Berthillon
31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004
If all of this romance had gotten you hot under the collar, you can cool down by having a cone of the Best Ice Cream In The World. No, really, it is – and I’ve been to Italy! Situated at the heart of the gorgeous Ile Saint Louis, Glacier Berthillon produces wondrous flavours such as Chocolat au Nougat and Gianduja aux Noisettes, as well as the more traditional (but still mind-bogglingly tasty) sorbets and vanilla.
5. Caves Legrand
1 Rue de la Banque, 75002
Finally, after a long day exploring the city, you’ll be gagging for a drink! Well, look no further than the Caves Legrand. Not only is it a charming, old-world confectionary shop, selling fine wine, champagne, truffles and chocolate, if you venture through the back of the store you’ll find yourself in its very own wine bar. Classy and polished, it forms a part of the Galerie Vivienne – a perfectly-preserved glass-ceilinged 19th century shopping arcade. The arcade itself is also worth a visit as, with its original iron trimmings, beautiful arches and elaborate floor, it is truly stunning.
While you explore the places I have listed, I encourage you to keep your eyes, ears and nose open, as Paris is the sort of city where you can stumble upon an amazing café, restaurant, bar or gallery simply by turning the corner. Lastly, as if all that was not enough, I leave you with two final words – Vintage. Dior.
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