Things To Do
The Marais - area to explore
Hip and fun neighborhood in the 3rd/4th arrondissements close to the right bank of the Seine and the Notre Dame. Great for shopping, lots of young people and bars. Also home to the historic Jewish quarter. Things to do: Picasso Museum Centre Pompidou: Contemporary art Musée Carnavalet: A very comprehensive history of Paris Food recommendations: Benoit: A classy French bistro experience (book ahead). Boubalé: A creative blend of Jewish and Middle Eastern classics (book ahead). Clown Bar: Hip and stylish restaurant a little outside the Marais (book ahead). La Baguette du Relais: If you are willing to wait in line, gorge yourself on the incredible steak-frites sandwich. Caractère de Cochon: Another counter-service sandwich spot, this one to fulfill all your charcuterie dreams. You will probably have to wait in line.
6th arrondissement - area to explore
Central and happening area on the left bank of the Seine. Good for shopping and people watching. Things to do: Luxembourg Gardens: Beautiful, lively, family-friendly. Musée d'Orsay: Between the 6th and 7th. More manageable than the Louvre! The Pantheon: Technically in the 5th. Formally a giant church, it is now a monument to "the golden ages and great men of France" with lots of art and history about the French republic. For the young and hip crowd: We like to go La Palette or L'Avant Comptoir du Marché to get wine, snacks, and people watch. Food recommendations: Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore: Famous hangouts for artists and philosophers back in the day. Kodawari Ramen (Yokochō): Very good, usually packed Ramen spot. Eggs and Co.: Good breakfast if you're sick of croissants.
Montmartre - area to explore
A picturesque neighborhood to the north of the right bank of the Seine. Basically a big "butte" (hill). The south side of the hill tends to be crowded. The north side of the hill is more peaceful and quaint. Things to do: Sacre Coure: Beautiful Basilica at the the top of the butte with great views of the city. Musée de Montmartre: A smaller-sized museum with artwork from Renoir and fellow artistes. Food and drink recs: Le Très Particulier: The restaurant at the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is fun for eating outside in the garden or a drink at the bar. Cocotte et Tire-Bouchon: Hip dinner spot on the north side of the hill.
Le Bon Georges - Chocolate Mousse
Best chocolate mousse ever. In the hip Pigalle district (9th arrondissement) close to Montemartre. Would probably book ahead.
Urfa Durum - Kebabs
Not far from the Marais you will find a tiny kebab shop that Darian loves passionately. He recommends the Adana kebab.
Le Relais de L'Entrecôte - Steak Frites
Kitschy mid-century bistro where waitresses in uniforms serve you multiple helpings of steak frites. We suggest getting there 15 minutes before it opens at noon to avoid the lines later.
Jardin d'Acclimatation - Family fun (near wedding venue)
A 47-acre children's amusement park in the northern part of the Bois de Boulogne. Rides, antique games, a small animal farm, puppet theater, mini-golf course, miniature train line, and a children’s museum are among the main attractions.
Fondation Louis Vuitton - modern art (near wedding venue)
Just next to the Jardin d'Acclimatation is a Frank Gehry-designed modern art museum furnished by the LVMH empire. It's like the Mass MOCA of Paris!
Musée Marmottan Monet - French art (near wedding venue)
A nice-looking museum with many, many Monets. And not just Monet! It has other artists too. (