City Experience - Paris
This is a special one for us, for obvious reasons, but also because sometimes it’s necessary to leave a place in order to understand not only how unique it is but also what it means to you. Paris is that for us. After over ten years of combined experience navigating the city, we could certainly write a novel. But for now, we’ll leave you with volume one, our ode to some of our favorite places that we always go back to...
Here is a day in Paris with Maredi Design.
9.00 am // Petit déjeuner at Residence Kann Café
Breakfast is an important meal in French culture. Too often overlooked on this side of the Atlantic, it is somewhat of a ritual over there, where emphasis is placed on taking a moment to appreciate the day ahead. This particular café is quite remarkable, serving top notch specialty coffee and pastries (savory and sweet) in a perfectly designed space. This ultra cool cafe, operated by the French furniture brand Kann Design, displays their latest collection in their ever changing interior. The good news is that when you fall in love with a piece of furniture (it’s inevitable), you can head up the street to peruse the rest of the collection in their boutique!
10.30 am // Promenade through Jardin du Palais royal
Paris is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, and as we have previously mentioned, there is no better way to become acquainted with a city than by strolling its ancient and historical streets. When you begin to crave a little more greenery, make your way to one of the most magical parks, the Jardin du Palais Royale, which literally translates to the royal palace garden. Close to Le Louvre and tucked behind La Comédie Française, this little gem is the perfect place to unwind and disguise yourself as a Parisian, if even just for a moment. Take a seat at a café terrace or on one of the many benches lining the park, and soak in the centuries of history surrounding you. Bonus: Go check out the famously iconic art installation, les Colonnes de Buren, at the end of the park. You won’t regret it!
1.30 pm // Pause de midi at Marché des Enfants Rouges
It may seem unconventional that an unforgettable lunch would be found at a market but trust us, this place is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris (we’re talking almost 400 years old) and not your average food hall. Explore the endless aisles of stalls where local producers sell fruit, vegetables, meat, cheeses, and when the hunger begins to set in, choose from a variety of freshly made options ranging from traditional French to Japanese to Lebanese cuisine! An undeniable favorite is the Italian kitchen serving incredible black truffle pasta for an unbeatable price. Bon appétit!
3.00 pm // Explore the art scene at Ofr Bookstore
Paris is full of little shops and one-of-a-kind concept stores. If you’re looking for your next coffee table book, an impossible to find magazine or just want to browse through incredible publications, the Ofr. Bookstore is your place. Their selection ranges from design to art to photography books and beyond. Without a doubt, you will want to pick up some reading material as a little souvenir to bring back home. Bonus: Grab a coffee next door at i/o Café and if you feel like exploring more of the alternative Paris, be sure to venture down the close by Rue Notre Dame-de-Nazareth. You will not be disappointed.
8.30 pm // Dinner at Le Grand Colbert
When we are craving a traditionally old-school dining experience à la francaise, Le Grand Colbert is first on our list. This historical grand brasserie (the building was erected almost 400 years ago) serves all the classics of French cuisine, made to perfection in a unique art deco interior. The beauty of this place is that the show stopper is as much on your plate as it is around you. Let yourself succumb to the pleasures presented in this culinary atmosphere, and be prepared for the uniquely Parisian experience including the waiters, hosts, bartenders and crowd. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for some familiar faces; you never know who you’ll spot at Le Grand Colbert!
11.00 pm // Last drink at Le Syndicat
Looking for a nightcap to wrap up a day of exploration and adventure in the city of light? Le Syndicat is the perfect place! This speakeasy hidden within a seemingly rundown building, paper maché-ed with magazine cut-outs is anything but typical. The specialty here is that all cocktails on the menu are made exclusively with French products, including alcohol, sirops and the rest. Expert mixologists will craft one of their many creations using gin from Normandy, bourbon from Brittany or Mezcal from Provence, for example. Their creativity doesn’t stop there, since most of the signature cocktails are served in a dramatic way, designed to enhance the carefully selected flavors to create unforgettable combinations. Mixology innovation at its finest! As always, the best seat in the house is at the bar where you’ll be privy to the impressive cocktail show!
IF PARIS WERE
A song: Serge Gainsbourg - La Javanaise
A book: Paris to the moon by Adam Gopnik