Two Days in Paris: Style, Food, and Friendship
It’s been a busy couple of days in Paris…I’ve covered a lot of ground and am definitely getting my steps in! I’ll have lots of photos and style notes to share, but here’s a little taste of what I’ve been up to.
Le Bon Marché is always one of my first stops. It’s much less overwhelming and frenetic than les grands magasins on the right bank, and a great spot for chic people watching. The decor is always elegantly whimsical.
And of course, I always take a stroll through la grande epicerie next door! To the left, you can see one of the style trends I’ve spotted: longer, swishy skirts.
I’m staying near Jardin du Luxembourg, and this is one of my favorite spots.
One of the best things about blogging has been meeting so many fun and intelligent women. On Monday, I met up for drinks with fellow bloggers Mary Ann (Classic Casual Home) and Annie (Most Lovely Things) who were also in town. This was the first time I’ve met them in person, but it felt like seeing old friends again.
We decided to meet up again the next day for a bit of shopping at Sézane, and lunch afterward.
(I replaced the leather crossbody strap on the bag with this wider webbed strap, and find it’s more comfortable.)
The store was crowded, but we did manage to do some productive shopping. 🛍️ After that we were famished, and headed to a nearby brasserie for lunch.
I’m adding Brasserie Dubillot to my list of recommended restaurants in Paris. The decor is charming, the staff friendly, and the food is yummy. (I recommend the remoulade starter!) Suggest you make a reservation, even for lunch, as it seems to be a very popular spot!
We were too full for dessert, but later in the afternoon, I was walking by Chapon chocolaterie, and couldn’t resist trying their famous chocolate mousse.
It lived up to its reputation…light and delicious! (I went with the darkest chocolate; there are several flavors available as well as other chocolate goodies.)
One of the things I love about Paris is that people bring their dogs everywhere. You’ll often see dogs hanging out calmly in shop windows and doorways.
I have one more day here, and want to make the most of it, so will wrap up this post. I’m taking lots of style notes and photos. I’ll be sharing first in my newsletter, so be sure you’ve subscribed to get a sneak peek! (Click here to sign up.) And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more updates!
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Paris? Let me know in comments!
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I recommend lunch at Maison Baccarat. Beautiful and delicious!
Looks like it has closed 🙁
As long as you are in Paris, Susan, check out Blue Lemon. There are a couple of locations. I found it by accident on my last visit. Reasonably priced purses (and straps) in a rainbow of colors. Truly a find.
https://www.lepotagerdecharlotte.fr/en/
Le Potager de Charlotte serves delicious gourmet plant-based food.
Such beautiful scenery! Thanks for taking us along. I hope to go to Paris one day. I’m taking notes from you 😉
“A” favorite restaurant in Paris? How is it possible to name only one? In Le Marais alone, I thrive on Le Hangar, Salento Marais and its neighbor Les Bourgresses. When we are 2 or more people, Pain Vin Fromage is tops.
I get my apple strudel at Patisserie Viennoise ,8 Rue de l’Ecole de Medecine.
Reread Zola’s novel about the origins of Bon Marche when you get home (much better than the tv show based on it): Les Rougon-Macquart #11 The Ladies’ Paradise. PS Reading Zola’s novels in order gives the thread of all the families. Same with Balzac. But reading this one after having just been there will be a delight. My favorite Balzac pairing is Cousin Bette and Uncle Pons, with the latter being the better.
The animal print wide strap on your bag adds panache!
Chocolate mousse looks exquisite! If you ever visit Montreal, try Sweet Babette’s on St Denis (hope it survived covid) for their mousses, gelatos, hot chocolates, and sorbets.
Great post. Glad you got to go. Thanks for sharing.
How lovely to meet up with the other ladies. It looks like you and Mary Ann co-ordinated your fall colored ladies jackets :). Can’t wait to see more posts of street styles and trends you’re spotting. Enjoy every minute!
Three of my favorite bloggers together! Love you girls!
I’m envious of your shopping in person at Sezanne. I’d love to experience it firsthand.
My favorite restaurant in Paris is Il Sorrentino, a delightful Italian restaurant that leans into French style and presentation. They speak French and Italian, which suits me as I am relatively conversant in Italian. I could not go to Paris and fail to eat there.
I love that restaurant too!
It was SO great to finally meet you in person, Susan!!!
And I loved your look so much, I copied you with the sweater in green.
Hope the rest of your trip is great!!
Nice to see the three of you together. I read your blogs with my morning coffee daily. Fun that 2 of my other favorite bloggers were bunking together at a conference. Wishing you a great trip and safe travels.
Thanks for the restaurant tip and the chocolate spot. In less than two weeks we will be in Paris too and we will visit these places. After all, they have your stamp of approval.
Great to meet other bloggers. Have fun.
Greetje
Susan,
Meeting you really was like meeting an old friend. I’m so happy we were able to spend some time together…in Paris, no less! I loved shopping at Sezane with you! Let me know if you come to NYC!
xo
Annie
Favorite restaurant. Substance.
So fantastic to see my favorite bloggers all together!!! Lovely pictures Susan so happy you are having such a wonderful time.
I adore Sezane! Take care xo
Thank you for the “what to wear” photos- I’ll be in Paris in two weeks so have been really scrutinising the looks! So lovely seeing you having fun with friends after some hard times.
I too stayed near the Jardin du Luxembourg in February, when it did not have any blooming flowers but was still beautiful. I liked seeing all the statues of the female queens and leaders, many of whom are my ancestors.
Looks like you’re having a great trip. Enjoy!
So many ~ Les Papilles, L’Ange 20. Have you been to La Renommee? A good friend was just there and said it was amazing and has a lovely speakeasy type room in the basement for wine/dessert!
That photo at Luxembourg Gardens looks like a Monet painting. Just add parasols!!
Lovely, lovely photos of a lovely, lovely city! I’m tickled that you were with friends there. That’s really wonderful.