Paris Sights And Sounds

Posted on October 20, 2008
Filed Under Vacation Rentals

If you’ve been to Paris before and are returning but want to eat in the not so touristy place, this article is for you. Just like visiting the Eiffel tower, going to the Champs-Elysees and see L’arc de Triomf are all must sees, sometimes when you’ve visited a place once, you feel confident to do more exploring the next time, and searching for the less known gems of the city. Why not try some more unusual and less touristy restaurants and food this time round. However, it’s always a good idea to book your Paris apartment or Paris hotel in the centre, that way, you’re never too far from anything!

An exciting experience for all you cheese lovers out there has to be a visit to the traditional and scrumptious: “Saxe-Breteuil”. This market offers a delicious selection of Paris’ finest cheeses and perhaps best of all – a simply wonderful view of the Eiffel tower in front. The produce available here is chic and unique – look out for farmer’s goat’s cheese, rare apple varieties, oysters and food from small scale producers. The market can be found at av de Saxe, 7th Mº Ségur; from 7am-2.30pm Thur;7am-3pm Sat.

If you don’t want the typical tiny portions characteristic of many elitist Parisian restaurants, but look for a hearty meal that is really going to fill you up, “L’Ambassade d’Auvergne” at 22 rue du Grenier-St-Lazare in the 3rd arrondissement is perfect for a hungry sightseer. This traditional, rustic restaurant offers starters such as cured ham and green lentils cooked in goose fat and covered in bacon and shallots. Main courses such as the rôti d’agneau provides you with a pot of delicious chunks of lamb in a rich meaty sauce with a helping of white beans. With a warm, cosy atmosphere, this restaurant is perfect too, for those of you looking for a romantic evening together. (Open Sept-July noon-2pm, 7.30-10.30pm Mon-Fri.

If you are bored with the traditional French bread and crossiants, why not give some delicious sweeties a try! Hédiard at 21 pl de la Madeleine, 8th is a quaint vintage shop dating back to 1880. Here, you will be able to feast your eyes upon a selection of jams, candied fruits and rare teas and coffees. The tearoom upstairs “La Table d’Hédiard” is quaint with good service.

Finally, before wandering back to your Paris accommodation after sampling some of the city’s gastronomical delights, make sure you know the tipping etiquette. A service charge of ten to 15 per cent is legally included in your bill at all restaurants, cafes and bars. However, you may choose to round up the final amount for drinks or leave cash of €1-€2 or more for a meal.

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