Exploring the 7th

I have made it my mission to explore every sector of Paris, not just the famous monuments and the pretty neighbourhoods, but the whole city. I am aware that this is a big task and an almost impossible feat. Luckily the layout of Paris naturally breaks up the city into bite size chunks, dividing it up into 20 arrondissements that spiral around the Seine. Each quarter is very distinct and varied, each offering their own little part of Paris and this is what I hoped to find and to capture. I decided to start with the 7th arrondissement, not only is this my home and my area for a year but it also houses la Tour Eiffel, the biggest symbol of Paris and therefore a good beginning for my journey. 

This is my depiction and view of the 7th. 

The Eiffel Tower

Hotel des Invalides

Ecole Militaire

Musee de Quai Branly

Musee Rodin 

Other pretty things 

A few of my 7th favourites 

Patisserie - Le Moulin de la Vierge - 64 Rue Saint Dominique 

Restaurants - Les Cocottes - 137 Rue Saint Dominique

            - Diner - 24 Rue Valadon

            - Cafe Centrale - 40 Rue Cler

            - Le Recrutement - 36 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg

Florist - Julian - 15 Boulevard le Tour Maubourg 

Coffee Stop - Bar du Central - 99 Rue Saint Dominique 

Chocalatier - Michel Chaudun - 149 Rue de l'Universite 

Luxury food shop - La Grande Epicerie - 39 Rue de Sevres

                 - Petrossian - 18 Boulevard le Tour- Maubourg 

Cinema - La Pagode - 57 Rue de Babylone 

Bar - l'Eclair - 32 Rue Cler

Mood - At home

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Candelaria

I was introduced to Candelaria by a seasoned Parisienne and friend of mine who has now been living in the city for 5 years and has used that time to discover some real gems. Candelaria certainly is a gem and is definitely where all the cool kids hang out! Tucked away in the 3rd Arrondissement, behind the boulevards, hidden behind the fancy shopping streets and obscured by ostentatious cafes and restaurants, it is very easy to walk past Candelaria and not even know it's there. But that's what makes it so fantastic. From the front Candelaria is a tiny, weeny little taco bar, with an ever changing simple menu and tequila punch on tap. Diners sit at the bar, only big enough for 6 people but often over 20 people are crammed into every nook and cranny quenching their taco desire. I cannot even begin to explain what is actually on the menu, but products are so fresh and everything tastes delicious. Nothing costs more that 5 euros so it's worth ordering one of everything and having a taste. I recommend having some homemade tortilla chips and the freshest guacamole I have ever seen, so fresh that they literally smash the avocados in front of you! 

But that's not even the best part!

Once you have had your fill of Mexican cuisine, push through what looks like the back door of the restaurant and you will find a secret bar, completely hidden from the eyes of passers by. Dimly lit and effortlessly cool, this is where you come for uniquely blended cocktails and ice cold Coronas.

Usually I visit Candelaria in the evening for a couple of drinks before heading out, soaking up the relaxed and playful vibe and chilled out music, however my partner in crime IS and I decided we needed a sunday afternoon pick me up.......in the form of tacos not cocktails! Both day and night are equally enjoyable here and I would recommend everyone to visit if they are in town. Enjoy 

 Mood - Ready for a fiesta!

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La Promenade Plantée

Inspired by the High Line in NYC the Promenade plantée is Paris's own version of a high-up garden in the city, a truly modern and cosmopolitan vision of space, nature and greenery. The garden is built on the top of a disused viaduct that runs through the 12th Arrondissement from Bastille and is roughly two miles long, ending in a bigger park. I can't believe that I hadn't heard about this until recently, it's definitely an interesting and fun thing to go and visit and yet is relatively unknown, not just for tourists but also to Parisians. I cannot understand why! The Parisians love their parks and take great pride in the carefully manicured lawns and neatly planted flowerbeds and yet the promenade plantée still remains a secret. Its great that the walkway remains calm and relatively empty but some secrets are just too good not to share, I can highly recommend a spring walk and a coffee on the promenade.

The walkway provides a unique view of Paris, looking down on the wide open boulevards, being up in the trees and seeing the buildings blinking through the wall of blossom and flower that has recently sprung up in Paris. Signs of spring are everywhere in Paris and everyone has a little spring in their step. 

The walkway ends with a bridge leading to a large garden with a wide open lawn and a pretty little rose garden, complete with scattered statues. 

We couldn't resist playing around!  

Mood - Spring-like

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