Tasty Bites

Marilyn October 10th, 2007

I think I have discovered my all-time favourite area to stay in Paris — Ile St Louis, the little island behind Notre Dame. This was the first part of Paris to be settled by the Romans and is like a separate little village in the heart of Paris. It’s also an easy walk to the interesting bits of the Left Bank and the fascinating old jewish sector, The Marais.

As you can tell by the photo (left), it was World Cup time and huge screens were erected in squares and bars, so nobody missed a thing.

Accommodation:

Rue St Louis is narrow and quaint, with sexy boutiques, food shops for the locals, a bar and some quirky gift shops.  Nothing much is open (except the bakery) until 10am, but it is awash with people at 10pm at night. Mind you, even in early autumn, it does not get light until nearly 8am.

Hotel des Deux-Iles — charming 3 star small hotel tho expect all bedrooms to be small which is usual for Paris. www.deuxiles-paris-hotel.com. 170E for a double, 11E continental breakfast.

Hotel de Lutece — run by the same people and next door to the above. www.paris-hotel-lutece.com. 185E for a double.

Hotel Saint Louis — in the same street as the two above but cheaper at 135E per double. Small rooms but some character.

Restaurants:

Mon Vieil Ami – in rue Saint Louis en I’Ile is almost next door to the 3 hotels above.  Excellent food with a more modern approach from a top chef. Small with nice contemporary decor. Drop by a book ahead. Entrees 11E, Mains 22E.

Petrelle – recommended by Serge Dansereau, this idiocincratic restaurant is charming and the food excellent. It is like dining in an eccentric friend’s home. The kitchen is open to the dining room. A cat was asleep on a chair at the front door. 34 rue Petrelle 75009 Paris (phone: 42 82 11 02)

Au Pied de Cochon – a large, quite old, famous restaurant that specialises in pork dishes. In what used to be the old market area of Les Hall, this is a classic bistrot style which has all the French favourites of French Onion Soup, Mussels, Snails, Pigs Trotters, special sausages, Foie Gras. 3-course daily special for 24E.  6 rue Cocquilliere (phone: 40 13 77 00).

Paris Walks

Highly recommended for the fleet of foot. Historians guide small groups every day on a different walk — The Marais, Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame, Medieval Latin Quarter, Village Montmartre etc. Cost 10E. Pick up a brochure from your hotel or ring 48 09 21 40. www.paris-walks.com

Petrelle –

• Travel Talk
• Comments(3)