36-hour Paris. In August

From being utterly happy to shedding my first-ever tears on a Parisian metro, I’ve spent truly beautiful days in Paris — with a quiet certainty that I’ll return not just later this year, but again next August. There’s nothing quite like Paris in August, when the streets are unimaginably empty and one can stand in the middle of what’s normally such a busy road without being hit by a car.

This time, I was able to experience local tastes and restaurants — something nearly impossible ten years ago, when all the local spots would shut completely. This instant, on my way home, trapped between people on a too-full train, and longing to sleep in my own bed, i am already replaying those beautiful moments filled with food, drinks, conversation, and that kind of self-reflection that only seems to happen when one is completely alone. These three days.

And while I’m floating somewhere in that dreamy, golden space, I’m sharing a little collection of my favourites and latest discoveries:

Museum
Petit Palais Rotonde d’Antin

Panade
Croissant, pain au chocolat, and pain au chocolat with peanut brownie

Jardin du Palais Royal
Sit down and enjoy some coffee and/or cakes at Crème, Kitsune, Muscade (Mont Blanc)

Clove - offee

Café Isaka
Ice cream, but particularly Fried ice cream and ice cream mochi

Alain Ducasse
Chocolate, orangettes in chocolate and also ice cream

Roasted
Poulet rôti and incredible fried chicken

Saint Boulangerie
Everything really, but especially the croissant, pain au chocolat, chaussons, sandwiches

Le Dénicheur
Dinner with natural wine

Laïzé
Coffee and Taiwanese drinks

The Abbey Bookshop
Used and new English books

Les Quatre Saisons
Vintage shop