Paris

Some Delicious Parisian Foods

October 5, 2015

Few places are as synonymous with world-class cuisine than Paris.

There is a reason internationally acclaimed chefs spend years honing their skills and learning the intricate techniques developed in French kitchens. If you’re thinking about heading there sometime soon, make sure to try some of the most typical Parisian foods and get a small taste of what the fuss is all about!

1. Open face cheese sandwiches

Croque Monsieur. Take by Javier Lastras via Flickr. — Croque Monsieur. Taken by Javier Lastras via Flickr.

One of the most popular Parisian foods is the Croque Monsieur (a baked or fried boiled ham and cheese sandwich) and the Croque Madame (same as the Monsieur but with a fried egg on top), this delicious combination is the quintessential Parisian dish. Traditionally a quick snack, you can find a version of the Croques at almost any Parisian café, such as the one I went to when I visited the Notre Dame Cathedral. Learn how to make your own version of this iconic sandwich here.

2. Steak tartare

A blend of raw, high quality beef, egg, typically onion, capers and various other spices, the steak tartare is a staple of French cuisine and a mainstay in the Parisian foods scene. Some say that the famous French author Jules Verne popularized the recipe in France with his novel, Michel Strogoff. At first, it was even made with horse-meat, though that was phased out for the less controversial beef over time.

The dish is typically served with potatoes or French fries, and can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways. Many chefs have chosen to construct the tartare in front of diners, so they can be assured of its freshness. Because the ingredients are eaten raw, this is of the utmost importance, especially for health reasons. Want to learn to make your own? Check out this recipe from French Guy cooking who even gives a special vegetarian twist!

3. Crêpe

A thin pancake made from wheat or buckwheat flour, the crêpe is world famous dish that comes in a variety of flavors. Sweet crêpes (crêpes sucrées) are made with wheat flour and slightly sweetened while savoury galettes (crêpes sales) are usually made with buckwheat flour and unsweetened. Because they come in so many varieties, you can literally eat crêpes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack! Sounds like a dream to me…

Want to know where to get the best version of this export from Brittany in Paris? Click here! Or check out Au Petit Grec, known for having exceptional crêpes for reasonable prices (so you can spend more on the other items on this list!)

4. Duck confit

Duck confit in Paris. Taken by Lim Ashley via Flickr.

Known in French as confit de canard, this typical dish is made from the leg of duck and is a specialty of Gascony, though it can be found throughout France and, of course, in Paris. The process of preparation requires salting the piece of meat and then cooking it in its own fat. A little research confirms that you can find some of the best duck confit in Paris at the restaurant Josephine Chez Dumonet, also known as Chez Dumonet, for a fairly steep price. But hey, you only live once, right?

Featured image from Guy Moll via Flickr.

Not everyone used to like the Eiffel Tower!

By Ronald Ackermann -

September 25, 2015

As one of the most iconic and recognized structures worldwide, it would be difficult to find someone who hasn’t heard of the Eiffel Tower. It’s famous, its French and it symbolizes the city of Paris and all it stands for- romance, fashion, effortlessly chic and the City of Lights.

Today, La tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) is considered an irreplaceable part of Paris. As the most visited paid monument in the world, with millions of people ascending the tower each year, you may be surprised to know that it wasn’t always so well received.

The origins of the tower date back to the 1889 World’s Fair, hosted in Paris. To celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution, two senior engineers at the Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel, Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, were given the task of designing a structure to serve as a centerpiece for the festivities.

Blueprint of the Eiffel Tower by one of its main engineers, Maurice Koechlin (ca. 1884). Public Domain.

At the time, not everyone agreed to the decision to build the tower. Many artists and intellectuals felt that it would do nothing but destroy the “untouched beauty of Paris”. During that time, it was proposed to be that tallest man-made structure in the world, towering over other famous Parisian monuments an cultural sites such as the Notre Dame, Tour Saint-Jacques, the Louvre, the Dome de les Invalides and the Arc de Triomphe.

Looking back, it’s possible that one can imagine how the Eiffel Tower may have appeared to be an ultra-modern “gigantic metal smokestack” compared decadent, delicately crafted structures.

In the end, the tower was built at the Champ de Mars and served as the entrance to the World’s Fair, where visitors would walk under it upon arrival. Even then, some were not convinced. Myth has it that French writer Guy de Maupassant would eat lunch in the Tower’s restaurant because it “was the one place in Paris where the tower was not visible”.

Since it’s completion, the Tower has slowly gained more and more recognition, although lost the title as “world’s tallest building” many years ago. Today, it stands for the iconic symbol of Paris.

When I visited the Tower for the first time last week, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Going in the height of the tourist season meant that there would be huge crowds. I’ve also heard the tower isn’t as big as you would expect, so I didn’t expect to be blown away by any means.

In actuality, however, the Tower was spectacular. Though made of metal and bars, the lattice design created a delicate, artistic flow. I could really see what all the fuss is about.

Due to the huge crowds (and I mean like 20 tour buses were parked in front, not including the people that arrived on foot), we didn’t manage to make it inside for a tour. It was nice enough, however, to just walk along the grass, take a few photos and try to get the best view of the whole tower possible.

When planning a visit, I would definitely recommend checking out the Eiffel Tower website ahead of time to make the most of your time, for example, by looking at the peak vs. off peak waiting times as well as purchasing your tickets ahead of time.

[Wikipedia] [La tour Eiffel]

Notre Dame Cathedral (plus where to get a great Croque-monsieur)

By Ronald Ackermann -

September 7, 2015

Notre Dame de Paris, or Our Lady of Paris, is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. The subject of a Victor Hugo novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and later the Disney movie based on its adaption, it is considered one of the must-see destinations for any visit to Paris.

Located on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité (Cité Island), the Notre-Dame Cathedral is widely considered one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture in existence. Some of the most distinguishable and famous features of the cathedral are the stained glass and gargoyle sculptures.

View of Notre Dame from the Pont de l'Archevêché, Paris. — View of Notre Dame from the Pont de l’Archevêché, Paris.

What to see there

While just spending time walking around and inside the cathedral could seem like an awe-inspiring experience, make sure you check out some of its most impressive attributes:

The Two Towers measure approximately 61 meters in height and provide an excellent view point of Paris and distinctive sights such as the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Elysées to the west, the towers of St-Suplice and the Panthéon to the south and Montmartre to the north. To reach the Tower, the entrance is located outside of the cathedral, on the left side of the façade on Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame. In total there are 387 steps to the top of the South Tower (and no elevator provided), so just make sure there is no physical limitations for you or your party because you will definitely have to wait in a long line before entering. Inside the Towers, you can experience the upper parts of the western façade, which dates back to the 13^th century.

Another highlight of the cathedral, where the largest, Emmanuel is seen from the South Tower is the Ringing Bells. These range in weight from 13,271 kg to 782 kg. The oldest one, Emmanuel has been in the building since 1681, ringing on the hour and for special occasions. Fun fact: signaling the end of World War II, Emmanuel also rang in 1944 as a symbol of celebration and triumph by the French troops and allies.

Also visible from the Tower are the gargoyles and chimera, built by the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc in the 19^th century. While the original purpose of the gargoyles was as a drainage system, the chimera is solely for decorative purposes. Both have become symbols of the cathedral, however, and should not be missed!

The organ, known as The Great Organ, is the largest in France and one of the most famous in the world. It was installed in the 13^th century, making it nearly original to the cathedral and has undergone many restorations and improvements.

Also don’t forget to check out the Crypte Archéologique down the stairs in front of the cathedral. This archeological museum offers stunning underground views of this area of Pairs from the 1^st century through medieval times.

When to visit

As with any monument so famous, you can always expect to wait to enter the Notre-Dame. For the best experience, try going as early as possible on a weekday, beating the crowds and getting to see the inside of the cathedral at its brightest in the morning sun. The tour busses usually arrive at 9am, so anytime after that expect to be waiting for hours.

Special tips

When we were there we saw a group of young girls stealing a cell phone from someone, we tried to find a police officer, but the girls ran away too quickly. They had a clipboard and were trying to lure tourists close to them and then steal their belongings. If anyone comes up to in that area especially, with so many known tourists, makes sure all your belongings are in sight and politely decline.

You may work up an appetitive waiting in line and walking around the huge cathedral. Head across the river to the Café Panis for some delicious Croque-monsieur (baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich), Croque-Madame (baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich WITH a fried egg on top), or really anything else they were serving looked totally amazing. Finish off the meal with the best dessert I’ve had in my life, the Red Fruits Tiramisu, all while enjoying one of the best views of the Notre Dame money can buy.

View of Notre Dame from the Café Panis, Paris

[Notre Dame de Paris], [Wikipedia]

Be the quintessential Parisian in St-Germain-des-Prés

By Ronald Ackermann -

September 4, 2015

St-Germain-des-Prés, Paris. Taken by Serge Melki via Flickr.

A visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without strolling through the neighborhood of St-Germain-des-Prés. Lined with upscale galleries, small boutiques and an endless amount of absolutely delicious restaurants and sidewalk cafes; you can see why this area is sometimes considered one of the most classic Parisian neighborhoods.

Located very centrally, St-Germain-des-Prés is simple to find. It lines the Left Bank of the Seine, and sprawls southwards towards the Jardin du Luxembourg. The main streets of this area are Boulevard St-Germain, Rue de Seine, Rue de Rennes and Rue Bonaparte. The magic of this neighborhood lies, however, down the smaller, winding streets that jut off these main routes. There, you can discover some of the best that Paris has to offer.

Historically, St-Germain-des-Prés was located around the church of the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which foundations date back to the third century AD, though the church standing today dates back to 1163. This is considered the official “center” of the neighborhood and it is still possible to visit inside of the church, which is considered the oldest in Paris.

After World War II, St-Germain became the local hangout and meeting point for the creatives, with names such as Picasso, Sarte, De Beauvoir, Beckett and Charles Gainsbourg spending their time there.

One of the most famous sites of the area, the Musée d’Orsay, was opened in 1986 and holds the largest collection of painting, sculpture and decorative objects produced between 1848 and 1914. It gives the visitor an in-depth look at pieces from the early modern era with works in many styles by artists such as Ingres, Delacroix, Monet, Degas, Manet, Gaugin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh. The museum tends to draw big crowds, so it is recommended to go early, book ahead of time or go on Thursday evening when it is open until 9:45 p.m. It is also closed on Monday.

Another highlight of the neighborhood is the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens).

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris. Taken by Faungg via Flickr.

The gardens, as well as the palace upon which they border, are from when the Italian monarch Marie de Medicis lived there during the Renaissance period. Today, the elegant gardens are best to visit in spring and summer, when the flowers are in full bloom. You can find people picnicking, enjoying the sun and even jogging on the perimeter trail.

Of course, any mention of the neighborhood St-Gemain-des-Prés wouldn’t be complete without talking about the endless choices of delicious Parisian food offered there. While over time, the area has become much more touristic, illustrated by the souvenir shops and food options from all over the world, there are still many original Parisian cafes and restaurants that in no way will disappoint.

Café La Palette, Paris. Taken by |mimikry| via Flickr.

Some of the most famous are Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, which are still a highly recommended stopping point along your trip, at least for a coffee to sit and watch the beautiful people walk by. We had the pleasure of going to La Palette, a modern-day take on the French bistro. It was on a smaller, side road, which made it much less touristy. We all shared a plate of charcuterie (meats) and cheeses with a bottle of Rosé and some of the most delicious, mouthwatering bread I’ve ever eaten.

Featured image courtesy of Serge Melki via Flickr.

[Go Paris], [Wikipedia]

Paris

Some Delicious Parisian Foods

1. Open face cheese sandwiches

2. Steak tartare

3. Crêpe

4. Duck confit

Not everyone used to like the Eiffel Tower!

Notre Dame Cathedral (plus where to get a great Croque-monsieur)

Be the quintessential Parisian in St-Germain-des-Prés

A Day at Feria de Abril de Sevilla

A breath of fresh air in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Strøget: Copenhagen’s Shopper’s Paradise!

Food, music, and traditional sports at Basque Fest, Bilbao

A Rich History in Plaza Mayor

Disney Inspiration: Neuschwanstein Castle

How To Stay Active While Traveling