Hello Autumn in Paris: Your 5-Day Magical Journey - Day Four
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 🍁 𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 - Day FOUR.
Day Four: Latin Quarter, Ile Saint Louis & the Louvre gardens - Book stores, Fall leaves & Paris Coffee shops.
Today's itinerary will keep you central along the River Seine, but you'll likely want to use the metro for this day. Be sure to check out my two YouTube tutorial videos explaining everything you need to know about how to use the Paris metro safely and easily.
Why are so many gardens in this itinerary series? Aside from each having its own personality, history, and beauty, you simply cannot beat the gorgeous light in Paris at this time of year. The air is fresh and crisp; it's the PERFECT time to be outside. And your photos are going to be MAGIC.
9 AM - Café Kitsune, Palais Royal. Honestly, this is my favorite chai latte in Paris IN one of my favorite parks in Paris. Kitsune does a fantastic job with their chai. Grab one to go along with a yummy pastry treat. Pull your new Parisian sweater down low over your hands and wander among the trees, falling leaves, and fountains. Sighhhhhhh... it's Paris.
51 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
9:30 AM - Work your way through the gardens of Palais Royal, towards the Tuileries. The Louvre museum and the Pyramid are basically across the street.
Stroll through the Tuileries garden, passing fountains, sit in the famous green chairs, and take photos in front of the Pyramid. Work your way up to Place de la Concorde, where poor Marie Antoinette lost her head.
Bonus points if you stop into the Musée d'Orangerie to visit Monet's colossal water lily paintings. Or quickly see the romantic kissing couple statue by Rodin in front.
11 AM - Option 1: Take metro Concorde to Hotel de Ville.
Option 2: Walk the River Seine to Ile Saint Louis, which takes about an hour (my preference).
11ish to 12:30 PM - Explore the sweet island in the middle of Paris, Ile Saint Louis. There are hidden parks at each end of the island, fantastic shops, Pierre Hermé macarons, and more. Be sure to discover the stunning old doors of this historic location - they make perfect photo opp spots.
12:30 PM - Lunch at Le Saint Regis or Le Flore en l'Ile, both iconic restaurants on the island. I prefer Saint Regis for their steak tartare and frites. And I like Le Flore for its fish dishes, salads, and the famous Berthillon ice cream desserts.
LE SAINT-REGIS - PARIS
6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004
Le Flore en l'Île
42 Quai d'Orléans, 75004
2 PM - Cross over the Pont Saint-Louis bridge while enjoying the street performers. You're now on Ile de Cité and behind Notre Dame. Wander around the church's exterior as it's still under renovation. Large panels explaining the renovation process are very informative and interesting. Please be extra careful of pickpockets here.
3ish PM - Another park? No, this one is special and next door to Shakespeare & Co, so you might as well stop! Square René Viviani has the OLDEST tree in all of Paris. Please stop by and say hello to her, as she has outlived famine, plagues, wars, and pandemics since 1601. I mean, it is autumn, after all! Wish her luck as she weathers another winter ahead.
Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre, 75005 Paris
3:30 PM - If the line to Shakespeare & Co is too long to bother, don't fret. I have another bookstore for you to visit. But do stop into their adjoining café and grab a chai latte-it's my second favorite location to get a coffee in this series. I also love their vegan sesame cookies!
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
If this iconic left bank bookstore line is too long, grab a chou pastry at Instagram-famous Odette and...
77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris
4:30 PM - Head over to the Abbey bookstore instead (my preference!). Owned by a Canadian who moved to Paris in the '80s, this eclectic bookshop is run by local English-speaking students who can help you find anything amidst the chaotic stacks and sliding walls. It's very Harry Potter.
29 Rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 Paris
5:30 PM - Book in hand, you have a couple of options to finish the day.
Option 1 - Hang out at Place de la Sorbonne for great people-watching and late afternoon sunshine before heading to the remarkable Art Nouveau restaurant, Bouillon Racine (see my Youtube video tour) for dinner.
3 Rue Racine, 75006 Paris
Then, hit up the hidden speakeasy Castor Club for country music and good vibes in the center of Paris.
14 Rue Hautefeuille, 75006 Paris
Option 2 - Not hungry? Alternatively, work your way back to Place Dauphine, a hidden square on Ile de Cité, for a glass of rosé en terrace, tucked amongst the chestnut trees and some of the most beautiful Parisian buildings in the city.
