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Where To Get The Best Macarons in Paris

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Where To Get The Best Parisian Staple - Macarons

Paris, a dining capital with fine restaurants, casual bistros, bustling markets and fabulous gourmet shops. Of all the lovely foods to be savoured in the city – amazing cheeses, luscious wines, delectable charcuterie and to-die-for pastries – one little gem stands out from the rest: Macarons! This luxurious French delicacy is a must-eat in Paris, where you will find some of the best macaron makers in the world, and here are some of the places that you can find them.

Laduree

The name Laduree shouldn’t be foreign to you because of how it is usually the talk of the town. The traditional macaron is a staple for an everyday Parisian, and this is where they go and get it. Known for its consistency, crunchy outer pastry and soft flavourful filling – a must try. Each season they come up with new flavours just to spice it up, as well as a limited edition box where they collaborate with fashion designers (you should really consider buying a collection as they all look like jewelry boxes).

Pierre Herme

This next macaron house is as famous as Laduree. Infact, there has been many reviews challenging Laudree’s position as the best macaron house in Paris. Pierre Herme, a master of our era, started his career at iconic house of Fauchon before working at Laudree. The creator of one of the most mouthwatering macarons out there, the famous Isfahan desert which is made out of two macaron shells with a fresh raspberry centre, rose cream filling and a lychee in the centre.

Now you might ask, what differentiates Pierre Herme to Laduree? Pierre Herme provides a twist to the tradition macarons. Venturing off the path of flavours such as ‘chocolate’, ‘vanilla’ and ‘strawberry’, Pierre Herme brings to the table modern and experiemental flavours such as white chocolate and wine, passion fruit and the one that surprised us all, foie gras. This is definitely the macaron house to go to if you are looking for something less mainstream anda little different.

Angelina

This next place, Angelina, though known for their hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc, their macarons, crunchy with light fillings, should not be missed either. Their iconic “chocolat chaud à l’ancienne” is a must try (you’ll never look at a cup of hot chocolate the same again), paired together with some of their amazing macarons as well. A perfect mix of luxury and Parisian patisserie experience.

Homemade Macarons

And why not have a taste of home-made macarons! For this luxury dining experience you will be ushered into a chic Haussmann-styled apartment in Paris and handed a glass of champagne- the perfect introduction to Parisian life! You will learn how to make macarons with pastry expert Benedicte and also the secrets of macaron making and you will also get to eat with a local in Paris. As I am sure you know- food always tastes best when it is homemade! With your belly full of sweetness and your heart filled with pride after mastering this macaron cooking class you can head off for a stroll along the Champs Elysées or explore Montmartre- both of which are only 15 minutes from Benedicte’s Parisian kitchen!

Know of any other macaron stores there are as good as the ones mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

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Je T’aime: A Guide For Lovers In Paris

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Je T'aime: A Guide For Lovers In Paris

The city of light, splendour, fashion and the Arts, a place where great musicians were born and of course. Paris is known as all of these things, but perhaps more famously it is referred to as the city of love. With so many things to do where exactly do you get started? Here are some of our recommendations for must-dos and must-sees if you are planning a romantic trip to Paris!

1. Enjoy a Romantic Dining Experience with Local Flavor

We all know that the best way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and Paris has so many wonderful candlelit restaurants that you will be spoilt for choice. If you feel like doing something a little different with more than a touch of luxury then you could dine in a 19th Century apartment, just steps away from the Champs Elysées with your partner. This romantic dining experience in Paris is perfect for anyone who wants to try local French cuisine while avoiding any tourist traps. 

"Do nothing, walk the streets, sit in a cafe and then do nothing again but be in the city and watch everything that unfolds before you.”

1.Canal St.Martin + Pink Flamingo 

A sight you will often witness when in Paris is Parisians perched on the side of Canal, talking to one another and occasionally sipping a glass of wine. Something about this whole scene paints a very romantic picture. Watching as the boats go by, talking to your friends, or in this case your lover, till the sun sets seems like something to look forward to. But of course, where is the food? Pink Flamingo, one of the best pizza parlours located along the Rue Bichat, will deliver pizzas to you and your lover along the canal, locating you by your pink flamingo balloon that you will have collected much earlier on. If you want recommendations, the paella pizza is to die for! 

[PARIS-PASTRIES https://www.bonappetour.com/melody/cook-the-best-french-pastries]
 

2. Bateaux Parisiens

If sailing down the river isn’t already not romantic enough, the Bateaux Parisians have managed to raise the bar. You do not have to worry about being sea sick from the boats bopping along the river or worry about flies. It is an air-conditioned, glass ceiling flat boat that you will be cruising on to take in the picturesque view of Paris. They have two different routes: one that travels near the Eiffel tower and the other near Notre dame. There is nothing more romantic than cruising along the river with the Eiffel tower in the background, marvelling at your lovers face! 

3. Watch an old film in one of Paris' old movie theatres

If you and your partner share a passion for great films, here is a fun fact: did you know that the first ever public film screening was held in the City of Light in 1895, setting the stage for a strong national love of cinema. There are many old Parisian movie theatres where you should visit and watch a few films. For starters, the Le Champo is a Parisian Film institution established in 1938. What is so unique about this theatre is that it uses a mirror-based projection to project the movie onto the big screen. This would be the best cinema to go to to really get a taste of what old cinema theatres both looked and felt like. Also, remember to book a seat at the back to the cinema 😉 

4. Capucine

Where to go, what to see, what to do may be some of the very important questions you have on your mind when coming to Paris, but what is more important when coming here on a romantic getaway would be what to eat! Cappucine is the perfect blend of romance and great food. If you ever want to create the spaghetti scene in a cobblestoned alley from Lady and the Tramp, this is the place to do it. You need to taste the mouth-watering homemade pasta made by Fabrizio, clam linguine and so much more. A nice off the beaten path cafe to sit and enjoy with your partner. 

5. A walk in the garden

Coming to Paris there are hundreds of opportunities for you to indulge in park life and this is one of them. The Buttes-Chaumont is a park often missed by weekenders who are not keen on straying too far off the typical attraction spots. This park was designed by Haussmann in the 19th century. Despite everything being man made, from meandering paths to waterfalls, temples and vertical cliffs, the green pastured hills provides a sense of space and freshness away from the overcrowded city parks. If you and your partner are looking for a quiet yet beautiful place to spend the afternoon or evening, the Buttes-Chaumont would be your place!

6. Secret Paris View of  the Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre 
By now you will have noticed that most of the to-dos and to-eats mentioned here are off the beaten path. There are countless articles on the web that mention places you can go to see amazing, panaromic views of Paris – at the top of the Eiffel Tower, the steps of the Sacre Coeur and views from Buttes Chaumont. However, there aren’t many views that you can appreciate in the privacy and comfort of your lover's arms. But there is one that exists! 
Here are the directions to the secret location: 
First up, at the base of the butte Bergeyre in the 19th Arrondissement, minutes away from the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, climb up the stairs. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will be able to see Montmartre in all its beauty with the sun setting right above it. 
*hint: a good proposal location* 

So, the above recommendations are great to bring your loved ones when visiting Paris. If you have other places that are also great romantic spots to eat and do stuff, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear about it!

Image credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

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Complete Guide: Make The Best Out Of Your Night in Paris

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Complete Guide: Make The Best Out Of Your Night in Paris

I am going to enjoy life in Paris I know. It is so human and there is something noble in the city… It is a real city, old and fine and life plays in it for everybody to see. -Katherine Mansfield

If you have seen Midnight in Paris, you will know that there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in Parisian night life. Here is a guide to help you find your way around so that you do not end up in some dingy bar ,and not drinking the best beer or wine available.

To start the night, here are some places that you can dine at:

1. Le Bar Long

Le Bar Long, a grand hotel bar designed by Philippe Starck that got the title of ‘artistic hotel’. Also, like its name suggests, the interior is very artsy, with a long illuminated table situated in the middle of the bar for you to sit at and sip on cocktails whilst looking out for a Parisian or Parisienne to spend the evening with.

[PARIS-DESSERTS https://www.bonappetour.com/mesny/learn-how-to-make-macaroons]
 

2.  Le Café Marly

The Café Marly is another grand and slightly expensive restaurant, but it is worth paying for and that is why it features on this list. Located next to the iconic Louvre glass pyramid, in the courtyard. The cafe is designed by Olivier Gagnère and Yves Taralon, it embodies a flamboyant mixture of Napoleon III, rococo gilt, and contemporary design. A perfect place to sip on wine and taste some of the French classics on their food menu. Top Tip: In the evening, models, designers and professionals come to taste the food and wine, so it's a great excuse for you dress up to the nines!

3. Candelaria (Looking For Tacos? the answer is always yes)

This next restaurant is located in a narrow street, hidden away from all the hustle and bustle. At first glance, you would think that Candelaria is just like any other fast food joint. But you would be delighted to know that Candelaria offers so much more than that. A door located at the rear end of the restaurant will lead you to a new universe. A stone-walled, evening cocktail bar with soft lighting at the back that provides character to the space and some of the best Mexican cocktails and food in Paris.

If you are looking for something more homely and personal, you could also join a local in their home through a social dining platform. With the idea of venturing out into the night already, why don’t you venture into something new like dining with a local! It will definitely give your Paris trip a nice twist.

Now, it is time to have some fun ~

 

4. Le Panic Room

As seen on their website, "Le Panic Room is your friend, he loves you already”. One of the key nightlife spots in Paris, The Panic Room has some of the most unusual interior, lending its walls to artists, the decorations are often changed from time to time. The latest and most hip DJs, producers and musicians go to the club and play. Sign up for the guest list on their Facebook and it will be a free entry for you 🙂

5. Les Souffleurs

Les Souffleurs, is a Berlin-inspired gay bar and club, with fabulously styled bartenders and classy interiors. At night, it is a place that is crowded with people and Djs playing the top hit remixes. From time to time they will showcase concerts, after shows and performances instead.  A good time to hit the club would be from 6 to 9pm to get some pre drinks as the prices are set a lot lower then!

6. Concrete

What do you get when you mix a club with the motto ‘all day parties’ (the DJ only stops spinning at 7am in the morning) and a group of tourists who really just want to have fun in Paris? A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

7. Bus Palladium

Bus Palladium an up and coming dance club in the heart of Pigalle that spins a range of genres. From disco to rap to funk music, Bus Palladium is a great place to go to shake it off on the dance floor or people-watch!

8.White Room

If you are looking for a more classy dance club, you can head to the White room, located at the top of the Theatre de Champs-Elysées, where the Maison Blanche Restaurant is situated. When it hits midnight, all the chairs and tables are cleared and the now spacious two-storey restaurant becomes a nightclub. Only downside is that it only opens on Saturday evenings but if you are in Paris on a Saturday definitely head there to check it out! The White room has an outdoor terrace with one of the most breathtaking views of the city, including the Eiffel tower and river seine in the background. It's a club you shouldn't miss out on.

9. Badaboum

A twist on modern-day dance clubs where throngs of people congregate in one room, the Badaboum has several rooms each with its own unique style and atmosphere. Walk upstairs and you will get a vintage-looking apartment, complete with the bed set; hang by the cocktail bar; head to the dance floor illuminated by neon lights to each beat of the music.

10. Faust

A new club that opened situated along the river seine. Just like the White Room, it also has a terrace overlooking the river seine and the Eiffel tower in he background. You and your friends could come earlier for some pre-drinks and then enter the tunnel where DJs such as Mykki Blanco performed! It will be a night of pure fist-pumping and bodies grinding against one another.

They always say go big or go home, right? If you do not head down to either one of these clubs during your stay in Paris, it would definitely be a shame. If you have any clubs that you have been to and loved, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear about it! 😉

Image Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

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Tips&Tricks: How to Ride the Parisian Metro like a Local

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Tips&Tricks: How to Ride the Parisian Metro like a Local

To get the most out of a country when you visit, you should be trying to save on travelling time. One way to beat traffic when you are in Paris would definitely be taking the metropolitan (Metro). With over 301 stations, you could easily get love, but fear not-  Here is our guide to help you blend in with the locals and make your journey a lot easier.
 
1. Buying Metro tickets 

I am assuming that if you found this article, you are not only going to be staying in Paris for one day, so it will definitely make sense to buy your tickets in bulk. Buying a carnet from any Parisian metro station means you will have 10 single-use tickets and will save money in the long run. Another option is to purchase a 1,2,3 or 5 day travel pass for unlimited travel. 

If you plan to use the Metro as your main form of transportation around Paris (do bear in mind that Paris is a very walkable city, despite its windy, narrow streets) you can purchase tickets from the metro assistants, the automatic machines (some only take coins, others accept credit/debit card with a chip- cards may not be the best choice for tourists, depending on exchange rates).

Another tip: make sure you have your ticket or pass in hand so you can easily feed it into the machine and not make the people behind you wait and get frustrated. 

[PARIS-PASTRIES https://www.bonappetour.com/melody/cook-the-best-french-pastries]​
 

2. Metro Performers: Dos and Don’ts 

Being a city known for its music, more often than not as you enter the Metro you will hear the melodious notes of the city's buskers playing perfect notes of French Classics such as Edith Piaf through his saxophone. These performers usually have a permit to perform in the stations itself, however it is illegal to perform in the metro cars themselves. But more often than not, you will be able to see a performer come on board, playing your classical favourite, but be sure to save your coins for the law-abiding metro performers in the stations.

3. The Best (and Worst) of the Metro Lines 

Having over 301 stations there are many lines that will take you to your destination. However there seems to be a preference amongst the locals for certain lines. Line 13 and 4, both north-south lines, are some of the most hated lines. Line 11 is coined useless by the locals and Line 1 is scoffed at because they contain the most number of tourists. However Line 14 is well liked because of its speed, and line 8 is preferred over line 9 as it is less crowded, though they go the same way.  

4. Transfer Strategically 

To get from destination A to B will definitely require you to transfer train lines. Always plan before boarding the metro. It would be advised to take the route that requires less transferring, though it might be the longer route. Transferring lines is annoying as it might take you a long walk to reach the next train and you still have to wait a few minutes till the train arrives. The maximum times you should switch trains would be twice. Three times would be an overkill and almost never required. 

5. Keep it down! 

Like all unspoken train rules, keep your volume down when you are in the train. The locals enjoy the chatter-free metro. Read a book or listen to some music, just keep clear of loud discussions to not drawn attention to yourselves. 

6. Parisian Rush Hour 

Next to walking and cycling, the metro is the next most used form of transportation by the Parisians, and hence it is one of the busiest underground systems in Europe. Times to avoid and stay clear of the Parisian subway would be from 0800 to 1000 and 1700 to 2000. By avoiding these timings it will ease your travelling journey and if you are really lucky, even get a seat. 

Additional tip: If you happen to be travelling during the peak hours, there are foldable chairs in the metro cars! The locals will really appreciate it if you do not open it and stand instead to make way for more people to enter the metro. 

7. Be Pushy 

A skill you need to have when boarding the Metro, is to have a little grit and determination to push yourself into the metro. Though daunting to shove yourself into the already packed metro car, you gotta do what you gotta do.  That being said, there are some people who are ignorant, do not be afraid to reposition them if need to. Standard procedure known to all locals. 

8. No Eating

There's not much to say other than just don’t do it as it is inconsiderate. Furthermore, the metros usually have a certain smell that doesn’t make it the most appetising place to snack or eat at.

9.  The Metro Map 

You can get Metro maps in almost any station for free. These Metro maps can help you navigate your way around, or you could also download the free RATP mobile app that is available in English or the Kemtro app whose interface and design is a lot more user-friendly at a price of 2 euros. These resources will also be able to help you gauge when your next bus will arrive. 

10. Last but not least, be wary of pickpockets 

I am sure you have heard the countless stories of friends or relatives who have travelled to Paris (or Europe in general) and got their items stolen. There are plenty of pickpockets around, stand away from the metro doors so that it doesn’t become a case of theft-and-run, or avoid jostling when wanting to board the train for it is a clear sign of thieves very near by.  

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