The tip of the day is to explore one spot created in the regime of Napoleon III, during the administration of Baron Haussmann. One of many renovations that contributed to transform Paris in this pleasant planned city we see today. And no, I´m not talking about the construction of any famous monument or wide avenue.

This is one of the largest and original green areas in Paris, built in an unusual location for that time, just outside the limits of the city. This area had a sinister reputation: it was close to “Gibbet of Montfaucon“, a place used to torture and execute criminals, and to display dead bodies for a long time. Then it served as a slurry pit and the situation was so bad that the rotten smell would get into the city. Later it became a lime quarry used for the manufacture of bricks and cements . Because of the excavations the ground became more uneven, reaching gaps up to 50m high.

The 25 hectares of park was inaugurated in 1867 and is considered one of the biggest in the city with an artificial lake, waterfall, bridge and even a mount with a small Roman temple. Parc de Buttes Chaumont is much frequented by Parisians due to so many attractions it offers and the pleasant atmosphere it provides. On sunny days it is difficult to find a spot on the grass not occupied by picnic towels and people sunbathing. It also attracts many tourists, of course, but not as much as other parks located in central areas.

This is a great opportunity to change your travel plan and visit a different place! Enjoy the sunny afternoons by preparing a French picnic or exploring the trails that the park offers.

• Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019
• Metro: Buttes Chaumont

Bisous,

Carol

Baguette is a symbol of French culture. It’s impossible not to associate this yummy crispy bread to a delicious french breakfast. In fact, it’s basicaly consumed along with all meals.

With so many good options in Paris it must be a tough task (but a tasty adventure) to pick the best in town, the one among all which has the perfect combination of crust, crunch and appearance. Someone has to do the hard job, right? Since 1993, the Paris Mayor’s office has been running the “Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris” annually.

Imagine how hard it is to get this oscar once! The senegalese head baker, Djibril Bodian, did it twice by winning the 2010 and 2015 Grand Prix! His fabulous boulangerie “Le Grenier à Pain” is located in Montmartre and first thing you’ll see is the 2015 announcement proudly displayed on the front window.

Just as you walk in, the smell of hot fresh bread makes your mouth water. They have a great variety of breads, but of course I had the famous baguette! De li cious! Can’t explain much… you have to try it!

• Where: Le Grenier à Pain, 38 rue des Abbesses, 75018, Paris
• How much: 1,65€ each
• Metro station: Abbesses

This is a tough decision, but in my opinion the most beautiful view of Paris is on top of Notre-Dame Cathedral. From above we can see all the beauty of Île de la Cité, a small island on the River Seine, where the medieval city was founded and also where Notre-Dame itself is located. There are many steps to climb (close to 400), but if you can go all the way to top an amazing view awaits as a reward. Plus you will get so see the famous gargoyles!

Entrance is on left side facing Notre-Dame.

• Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004
• Metro station: Cité (line 4)
• Train:
  • RER B – St-Michel Notre Dame station
  • RER C – St-Michel Notre Dame station
• How much: 8,50€ (full fare)
• Tip: the queues are often long…. be there at least an hour and a half prior to the end of visiting hours, otherwise you won´t get tickets for the same day.