As Audrey Hepburn famously said, Paris is always a good idea.  Following that advice, I decided to squeeze in a day in Paris during a connecting flight back from a work trip to the Ivory Coast.  I paid the price with some sleep deprivation, but it was totally worth it for the unexpectedly sunny day.  

Too many years had slipped by since my last trip as life happened and new destinations beckoned – including living in cities that sadly didn’t include stopovers in Paris.  To save time, I checked my bags from the Ivory Coast straight to Rome and took the first RER B train upon arrival (from Charles de Gaule Airport Terminal 2).  I was in the city center by 8:30 am and had a full day on the ground to enjoy.  

There are endless possibilities for a perfect Sunday in Paris, but I had mapped out my day in advance to include the Bastille (my old neighborhood from graduate school days at Sciences Po), a requisite stroll along the Seine, and a picnic at the Tulleries garden.  It was a trip down memory lane.

Whoever said living in Paris in your 20’s ruins other cities was spot on.  I had lucked out by living in a cute shared house with a huge balcony and green space in the Bastille.  My roommate did all the leg work — and although we wound up adding a fourth roommate after the first month just to afford the rent — it served as the best base for our Parisian experience.  

Place de la Bastille stands in the former site of the fortress that was stormed during the French Revolution.  The neighborhood remains my favorite due to the wonderful local market, its proximity to the Marais (which was only starting to become trendy in the early 2000’s), and its mix of French bakeries and top international restaurants including the renowned Thai Blue Elephant.  The Bastille is close to the main tourist sites along the Seine, but still retains a very lived-in neighborhood feeling.

1. Bastille Market/Marche de la Bastille (Boulevard Richard Lenoir)

This is a fantastic local market, not just because I used to live right around the corner, but because it includes a vast range of French and international produce, prepared meals, and cheeses.  One side of the market has stands that sell scarves, souvenirs, antiques, and flowers.  More details here.

   2. L’as Du Fallafel in the Marais (34 Rue des Rossier)

After leaving the Bastille, you can head to Rue Saint-Antoine (which eventually becomes Rue de Rivoli), which will lead you towards the Marais and the main sites along the Seine.  Most of this itinerary involved quick detours off of this main street.  Otherwise, you can also take the Metro (Line 1) to Saint-Paul to reach the Marais.  

I was introduced to L’as du Fallafel  in 2002 as Lenny Kravitz’ go to falafel stop in Paris.  Located in the Jewish quarter/Marais neighborhood, L’as du Fallafel always had a loyal following among locals and tourists alike.  Sundays were always crowded as the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood opened up after the Sabbath.  I would recommend going a bit early or actually sitting down to dine. This costs just a couple of euros more, but usually there isn’t a line.    

I didn’t think it was possible, but the popularity of L’as du Fallafel has increased over the years (thanks to the advent of TripAdvisor and other online review sites).  Even additional satellite take out locations on the same street can’t seem to keep up with the demand.  

Of course, there are other great falafel restaurants in the same areas, but I prefer L’as du Fallafel. You can get both traditional falafel platters and sandwiches or ones with an Indian twist such as curry chicken with traditional falafel toppings.

3. Place Voges in the Marais

Place Voges is a popular destination for those who decide to go the take away route at L’as du Fallafel.  Many Parisans also head there from local markets for a picnic lunch.  Located halfway between the Bastille and Rue des Rossier , it is also a nice place to sit in the sun and hang out all day with a good book.  

4. Stroll along the Seine

Heading back on Rue de Rivoli, I walked past Hotel de Ville with the intention to make my way straight to the Louvre and Tulleries garden.  

Once I reached the Pont Neuf area, I felt a slight detour was is order to catch a glimpse of Notre Dame cathedral and at least cross over to the Left Bank for a few moments.  

I was doing well on time, but then of course I got sidetracked with some souvenir shopping for my nephew.   

5. Picnic at Jardin du Tulleries

Once a cute mini beret was procured, it was time to get to the Louvre and Tulleries garden.  

If I was on a weekend trip, I would definitely have added a visit to the Musée d’Orsay to the itinerary for its superb impressionist art collection.    

However, as I had learned during my last trip, the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Tulleries garden has some amazing Monet pieces.  Never realized that in all the years when I actually lived in Paris.  Better late than never I guess.  This museum is a lot smaller and manageable for a short stay in Paris. 

With about an hour left before I had to jump on the metro, I decided to sit in the gardens and enjoy the views as well as the grapes from the Bastille market.  Just enough time to walk to the metro (Line 1) via Place de la Concorde.

One last view of the area where my fellow interns and I used to hang out before heading to the airport.