This was the first morning we woke up in Paris. Our plan was to take it easy and explore. We did have an agenda, though.
- Visit Hôtel de Ville to see the Olympic rings
- Go to Le Ju’ in the Marais for breakfast
- Find Passages
- Galeries Lafayette for the rooftop terrace
- Free Carnavalet Museum in the Marais
- le Relais de l’Entrecôte for supper
Michael wanted to visit the Olympic Rings displayed at Hôtel de Ville and it was in the same neighbourhood as the restaurant we wanted to check out. Le Ju’ ended up being our go to breakfast place throughout our trip. On Instagram, I knew it as the place with the rainbow umbrellas. In person, we found it charming, affordable and with great staff. And COFFEE BY THE BOWL!
Do yourself a favour and Google Map Le Ju’. You’ll like starting your day there!
After breakfast, the plan was to walk to Galeries Lafayette and take advantage of their rooftop terrace for views and the Paris sign.
It was on our way there that we found our first Passages. I’ve been intrigued with them, but I don’t remember ever seeing one. We found two on our way to GL. They were directly across the street from each other.
These passages are very boutique…with lovely stores inside. Even the famous Hotel Chopin can be found in one such passage.
Next up was Galeries Lafayette.
Everything is SO big in Paris. I always feel dwarfed by the hugeness of things. Galeries Lafayette is no exception.
And the views from the rooftop of GL were stunning. So glad we visited!
It was now time for the FREE Musée Carnavalet in the Marais!
This museum is dedicated to the history of Paris itself. It can be found in TWO neighbouring mansions that are now combined into one large building the (Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau). The buildings have been around since the 16th century. Imagine walking about inside a building built in the 1500s. That alone is worth the visit.
The exhibits in this museum were exceptional. It’s truly worth the price of the ticket. It’s incomprehensible that the price is ZERO.
The first hallway you enter is filled with signage saved from the streets of old Paris.
The rooms themselves are absolutely stunning, not to mention the artworks on display. I’ll just share a few photos here to give you an idea. It truly is a MUST SEE museum. There’s a garden with a restaurant as well, should you be so inclined.
After the Carnavalet, we were headed to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is one of Paris’s most iconic neighbourhoods. One could just walk around for a few minutes and they’d find several of the famous cafes of the 1920s Lost Generation. Yes, they’re still in operation today. Here’s a sampling of the ones we passed by…all within a block of one another and all iconic.
But we went in a different direction for our second supper in Paris. Also iconic, though not with as much history as the others, is le Relais de l’Entrecôte. I don’t even know why I love this restaurant so much. Normally, you could not pay me to eat steak. Something about the frenetic charm of this place gets to me. It shares my love for all things quirky.
This restaurant opens around 6:45pm, but don’t be one of those people who show up after 6:00pm…because you will find A LINE. The line will eventually go around the block and yet it still doesn’t seem to deter guests from queuing up.
There is only one thing on the menu. Fries and Steak. When you’re seated, they’ll ask how you want your steak done and what you would like to drink. They’ll write this information on your paper tablecloth.
Such a great meal. Such a fun place.
That was the end of our second day in Paris. But in Paris walking home is, in itself, an event. There was still a lot to see before our heads hit the pillow.
More Paris awaits us! Day 3 and beyond!
If you would like to SKIP OVER Day 3 & 4 (DISNEY PARIS) click this link to go directly to DAY 5!
KEVIN CRAIG 
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