Island Hopping - A weekend itinerary on Ile de Cité and Ile Saint-Louis.
View my video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoMigB4qoqV/
STOP 1: Pont Neuf. Access to Square Vert-Galant is directly behind the giant Equestrian Statue of Henri IV. It’s hidden, but stairs behind the statue lead you down to the park. Start here with a refreshing and reflective moment near the water. I love the big willow tree at the end of the point. Her branches grow and dip into the water as winter rolls into Spring and summer.
STOP 2: Place Dauphine. Grab a croissant and café here at La Rose de France. The horse chestnut trees create a show-stopping sea of pink in early Spring.
STOP 3: Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame de Paris. I suggest booking tickets in advance for Saint Chapelle. Allocate 45 minutes to see this stunning gothic church and its historical, famous 1100+ stained glass panels. FREE OPTION: Visit the Marché Fleurs around the corner and wander the stalls. Afterward, say hello to Notre Dame and wish her and the team luck during their renovation. An exterior exhibition in both French and English explains the work in detail.
STOP 4: Enjoy a lunch of classic French dishes served in a 16th-century townhouse with antiques, stained glass & striking decor. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole claims to be the oldest restaurant in the city and is one street over from Notre Dame. Reservations recommended. Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Try Saint-Regis on Ile Saint-Louis.
STOP 5: Watch the street
artists on the pedestrian bridge before crossing over to Ile Saint-Louis. Grab a @berthillon_officiel ice cream cone from @lecafedeflore and enjoy it down at Place Louis Aragon, the point of the island.
STOP 6: Shop the island and finish with a glass of rosé on the terraces overlooking the river. Alternatively, visit @letiquette.paris for a bottle of cold wine & disposable glasses and enjoy a moment next to the Seine.
Cheers and bon week-end!
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