Paris has been in the news a lot recently. But despite all the sadness of the past month, the heart of the city remains, beautiful, beguiling and ready to welcome visitors. From the arts and culture scene to the bistronomie revolution of food and wine, Joanna Fox takes us through a day in this spectacular city – Ed.

Stop 1 – Parisian Pastries

Where: Du Pain et Des Idées
When: 10am
Why: Christophe Vasseur arrived in Paris in the mid 1990s and was working in the fashion industry. After deciding this wasn’t what he wanted to do with his life, he put away his suit and tie for good, strapped on an apron and went to learn the art of baking with the French masters at JP Mathon. In 2002 he realized his dream of opening his own bakery, Du Pain et Des Idées in the uber cool Canal St Martin area of the 10th arrondissement, and in 2008 was awarded the celebrated Gault & Millau guide’s best baker in Paris award. With its charming corner spot filled with light and heart warming scents, there are no bad choices here. From bursting pain au chocolats to buttery, airy croissants, their famous fresh breads or chausson au pommes, this bakery is the stuff dreams are made of, quite literally.

Stop 2 – Chic Shops

Where: Rue de Marseilles
When: 11:30am
Why: Just steps away from Du Pain et Des Idées is Rue de Marseilles, a great little shopping street that leads right to the Canal St Martin. When in France, seek out French designers and Centre Commercial is the perfect introduction. Priding itself on carrying smaller labels and up-and-coming local designers, this curated collection of cool spans clothing for women, men and children, shoes to die for and even homeware items. Just across the street is the more recognizable (and covetable) French brands, APC and Agnes B. Both unisex stores, if you see something you like, don’t wait – it’s a lot less expensive to buy these brands here than in North America. After this shopping jaunt, you’ll wish you packed an extra suitcase.

Stop 3 – Wine Time

Where: Clamato
When: 1:30pm
Why: The wine bar craze that has spread to some of the world’s best cities was started by hip young winemakers and wine aficionados right here in Paris. From Le Verre Volé to Au Passage (pictured right), La Garde Robe and Verjus, having an inexpensive meal and while sampling amazing wines is what all the cool kids are up to. Take a nice stroll down the Canal St Martin and make your way into the vibrant 11th arrondissement to check out one of the best, and newest examples, Clamato. Located right next door to it’s sister restaurant, Septime (who was just awarded a Michelin Star), this wine bar will let you sample the goods without breaking the bank. With a focus on all things from the sea, sample small plates of fish, crab or fresh oysters, washed down with some of the best natural wines available.

Stop 4 – Contemporary Art

Where: Palais de Tokyo
When: 4pm
Why: Arguably one of the best contemporary art museums in the world,  Palais de Tokyo can often go overlooked in a city dominated by the likes of the Louvre, the Musée D’Orsay and the Centre Georges Pompidou. Make the time to check this place out and you won’t be disappointed. Consistently showcasing art’s best and brightest, this massive space in the 16th arrondissement has everything from large scale installations to sculpture, video, and even fashion. Just a short stroll from Trocadéro, this museum is also open from 12pm-12am every day except Tuesday.

Stop 5 – Fabulous Food

Where: Le Chateaubriand
When: 8pm
Why: The restaurant scene in Paris is rapidly changing (for the better), with less stuffy restaurants, relaxed service and refined, thoughtful dishes. If you’re being treated badly in a Parisian restaurant these days, you’re in the wrong restaurant. Le Chateaubriand is not an exception anymore, but a rule, with incredibly friendly, helpful, trilingual staff, amazing service and mind blowing food. With a €70 set menu that changes daily, you’re at the mercy of the chef and his team and trust me, you’re in incredible hands. Serving course after course of fresh, seasonal fare, this is one of the best tables in the city. Top that with a wonderful wine list full of natural wines to match each course and all you have to do is show up– Le Chateaubriand does the rest! Reservations are essential.

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Photographs: Du Pain et Des Ideés; Au Passage; TomEats/creativecommons.org

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