Choosing where stay in Paris is always fun. We usually stay on the Left Bank where there are many fabulous small hotels, but this time we thought we would like a change.
Time to go to the other side!
The Hotel Thérèse is in the 1st arrondissement, just off Rue Richelieu. As is typical of most Paris hotels, the rooms are tiny but the hotel is charming and the staff friendly and helpful. I would recommend that if you stay here, book the deluxe room!
The position is fabulous!
Right next door is the Palais Royal with it’s beautiful gardens and arcaded shops. At the end of Rue Thérèse is L’Avenue de L’Opéra which leads to the Opéra and on to the famous department store, Galeries Lafayette.
The Louvre and the Tuilieres Gardens are a five minute walk away whilst the Marais is a bit further in the opposite direction
Shopping heaven is close by!
At the end of the street is Rue Saint-Honoré, lined with some of the world’s most famous shops. First stop is Colette, a fabulous shop with fashion on the first floor, boy’s toys, gadgets and trinkets on the ground floor and their famous ‘Water Bar’ in the basement.
Not far from here, we make a detour into the Rue du Marché St-Honoré and find ourselves in the local food shopping street. The market is in full swing.
There’s some great little places in the street.
First stop is Le Rubis. This little wine bar is a Paris institution having been here since the 30’s. Step back in time for a wine and plate of charcuterie standing at the zinc bar or join the locals gathering around the wine barrels on the pavement.
Cooking in your apartment? Try the local butcher.
L’Écume St Honoré is amongst the best places in Paris for oysters. Sit at one of the high tables and choose from the fabulous display of oysters, scallops, crabs and lobster. They even have the sound of seagulls playing in the background!
From here we walk a little further along Rue St Honoré passing the fabulous display of roses at the florist’s shop in the trendy Hotel Costes.
On the corner of Rue St Honoré and Rue Royale is Laduree, famous for their macarons and pastries. I resist the temptation to go inside. Thank heavens the windows are always a treat.
We could have continued our walk along the fabulous shops of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré but instead we walked down Rue Royale to the Place de la Concorde to take a leisurely stroll home through the Tuileries Gardens.
It doesn’t matter how often we walk this path, it still feels like our first visit to Paris.
I love seeing the Louvre……
……and walking along the bank of the Seine where booksellers line the path.
On a beautiful summer’s evening it was an easy stroll across the Pont des Arts.
This metal pedestrian bridge is popular with lovers who attach an initialled padlock to the bridge and throw the key into the Seine as a sign of undying love. The government is not quite as romantic, claiming the padlocks are eyesores and haved removed quite a lot of them. Debra from Bagni di Lucca and Beyond recently wrote about this trend that is occuring in many countries, questioning whether it is a romantic gesture or vandalism. You can read her thoughts here.
The views of the Seine, were beautiful as the sun set. I never tire of looking at the Pont Neuf and the Île de la Cité
Paris at its best!
Where do you like to stay in Paris?
Hotel Thérèse
10 Rue Thérèse
Paris 75001
Tel: +33 1 42961001
Hotel Thérèse
This post really makes me want to visit Paris. Soon. I love the idea of the signed and sealed padlocks on the gate over the River Seine. How romantic. But I guess that’s Paris! I wonder if we could start something up like that on The Swan River in Perth? Sadly I’ve only been to Paris once, driving through the centre with a sick, seven year old who projectile vomited into 5 lanes of traffic on the way home from Euro Disney 🙁
I think it’s time for another visit back to Paris, Jo. I’m sure it would be so different to your first!
What fabulous photos Jenny, you seem to capture the most wonderful angles and views. Stunning!
Thanks Jenny. Paris is so much fun. We seem to walk all the time there (as you do!) – always with the camera!
Great photos. I’ve only been to Paris once for a quick weekend and would love to go back. I’d like to stay in an apartment though just so I could buy all that fab produce and cook with it.
Julia
Thanks Julia. I agree. It’s so hard seeing all the great produce and not being able to buy it but on the other I usually have a long list of restaurants I want to try. I think the answer is to stay longer so you can do both!