A Day in the Tuileries
Morning
Visiting the
Louvre
takes planning, and you should
get there at least 15 minutes before opening (unless you’ve already
bought your ticket). Spend the whole morning and pick up a map as you
enter so that you can be sure to see the main highlights. Have a morning
coffee in the elegant Richelieu, Denon or Mollien cafés within the
museum.
From the Louvre, either visit the Carrousel du Louvre’s underground shops or walk along rue de Rivoli towards
place de la Concorde
. This end of the street is filled
with souvenir shops but avoid the overpriced cafés and turn right to rue
Mondavi for a good lunch at Lescure, a little rustic bistro ( 7 rue de Mondovi 01 42 60 18 91 Closed Sat, Sun
).
Afternoon
After being indoors all morning, get some fresh air in the
Jardin des Tuileries
then walk down to place de la Madeleine to spend the afternoon browsing and shopping in its many food stores
or visit the Art Nouveau Museum. Later, take tea in the restaurant of one of the best shops
Hédiard
.
If you are on a budget, and
plan to visit the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday, reverse this itinerary,
as admission is cheaper after 6pm. Late-night opening allows you over
three hours in the museum. Remember the Louvre is free to everyone under
18 and anyone under 26 from the EU.
Food Shops
Hédiard Founded
in 1854, this world food emporium features a cornucopia of fruits and
vegetables, exotic spices and oils and a host of other gourmet delights.
Fauchon The king of Parisian épiceries
(grocers). The mouth-watering window displays are works of art and
tempt you inside for pastries, exotic fruits and some 20,000 other
items.
Fauchon
Au Verger de la Madeleine Vintage wines are the speciality at this store. The owner will help you find a wine to match the year of any special occasion. Caviar Kaspia The peak of indulgence. Caviars from around the world, plus smoked eels, salmon and other fishy fare. La Maison de la Truffe France’s
finest black truffles are sold here during the winter truffle season,
and you can get preserved truffles and other delicacies the rest of the
year. La Maison du Miel The
“house of honey”, family-owned since 1908, is the place to try
speciality honeys, to spread on your toast or your body in the form of
soaps and oils.
La Maison du Miel honey
Boutique Maille The
retail outlet for one of France’s finest mustard-makers. Try flavoured
mustards with Cognac or champagne, exclusive limited editions and lovely
ceramic jars. Marquise de Sévigné A superb chocolate shop and salon, where you can have a tea, coffee or hot chocolate at the bar and sample the sweets too. Betjeman and Barton This tea shop offers some 200 varieties from all over the world, as well as wacky teapots. Ladurée A splendid belle époque tea salon that has been serving the best macaroons in Paris since 1862.
Places to Eat
Le Carré des Feuillants Top chef Alain Dutournier prepares subtle dishes such as venison in an almond crust.
L’Espadon Superb cuisine from acclaimed chef Michel Roth. Hôtel Ritz15 pl Vendôme, 75001 01 43 16 30 80
Le Grand Véfour This beautiful 18th-century restaurant with two Michelin stars is a gourmet treat. 17 rue de Beaujolais, 75001 01 42 96 56 27 Closed Fri D, Sat–Sun, Aug No disabled access
Senderens Chef Alain Senderens famously renounced his three Michelin stars, but has maintained the superb quality of the food. Le Zinc d’Honoré Join the lunchtime business crowds and the evening theatre-goers for well-priced bistro cuisine. Higuma This no-frills Japanese noodle house serves great value food. Il Cortile Italian specialities such as veal with sage and strawberry soup, are served on a lovely patio in summer. Hotel de Castille37 rue Cambon, 75001 01 44 58 45 67 Closed Sat–Sun, Aug
Willi’s Wine Bar This cosy bar and dining room is a popular haunt for lovers of modern French food and wines from small producers. Restaurant du Paris Royal Contemporary French cooking is served in the bucolic Palais Royal gardens. Chartier
Waiters race about serving simple soups, meat and fish dishes. No
bookings are taken, but the inevitable queues move quickly.
Chartier
|
Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards and serve vegetarian meals |
|
