Paris is always a good idea. No matter how much or how little time you have, no matter where you live. From the Marais to Montmartre to Montparnasse, each neighbourhood has its own charm. At the same time, you can get from one neighbourhood to another in a flash using public transport.
But my favourite district is still the Latin Quarter with one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg.
It is part of the oldest part of the city, the former centre of the Roman city of Lutetia. Narrow, old streets full of students, small cafés and restaurants around the Place de la Contrescarpe, shopping streets such as Rue Mouffetard, which invite you to stroll around, and last but not least the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg park, all this is what makes this neighbourhood so charming for me. It is located on the Rive gauche, the left (southern) side of the Seine. From Gare du Nord, it’s three stops on the RER line B.
The Latin Quarter is ideal for a short trip or a weekend in Paris, perhaps the most beautiful city in the world.
Here are my tips for Paris around the Jardin du Luxembourg
1. Stay at the Hotel Elysa Luxembourg. Minimalist chic, comfortable beds, super clean and – on the street side – with beautiful large windows through which the sun shines in the morning. All rooms are equipped with a fridge. If you book early, it’s much cheaper than booking at short notice. https://elysa-hotel-paris.com/
2. Breakfast at Le Patrol on Place Edmond Rostand right next to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Avocado brioche with poached egg, scrambled eggs with salmon and fresh baguette or pancakes and café crème (as the latte is called in France). At the weekend there is a brunch offer including Aperol Spritz for 23 euros. https://patrol-paris.com/
3. If you prefer a more minimalist French style, go to Le Choupinet for breakfast instead or for coffee next door in the afternoon. Croissant. Café. Champagne. Also nice. http://lechoupinet.com/
4. Champagne and delicatessen shopping at Épicerie Le P’tit jarDin. Cute little shop with great products from all over France. Lots of chilled drinks. Including a very fine rosé champagne. And of course lots of wonderful souvenirs to take home. From fleur de sel to violet pastilles.
Open daily from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Ideal for a spontaneous picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Blessed are those who are travelling with champagne glasses. Epicerie Le P’tit jarDin – https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Fw9H9PBQVNr6NU9A
5. Towards evening, it’s best to stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg and then stop for dinner at La Coupole. Feast on seafood (or onion soup or Indian curry made according to the original 1927 recipe) in a beautiful Art Deco setting, just as Josephine Baker, Man Ray and Picasso did.
- And remember: When in Paris: Check out my favourite sculpture Amor & Psyche by Antonio CANOVA at the Louvre (and when to visit to beat the crowds)
- And for La Coupole fans, here is a small selection of similarly beautiful restaurants, not only in the Latin Quarter, but also in other neighbourhoods: https://www.parisselectbook.com/2022/02/22/7-restaurants-mythiques-a-la-decoration-vraiment-wahou/
