Lutetia a.k.a City of Light

Lutetia was the Roman's name for Paris, but it only referred to the little island in the middle of the Seine (today’s Ile de la Cité). In the 5^th century, Lutetia became the City of Parisii, named after the Gallic people (Parisii) who then lived there. This and other interesting tidbits about Paris were picked up during our two Paris Muse tours, which were a treat for anyone traveling in Paris with children.

EAT
Cinq Mars
51 rue de Verneuil 75007
My kids and I had a wonderful dinner here on the early side. I loved my roasted cod with butter and caper sauce. My daughter had the lamb (cooked for 7 hours) and my son tried the chicken with creamy morel sauce. It has a cool bistro vibe with plenty of locals and visitors to make you feel welcome. 

L'Avenue

41 rue de Marignan 75008 (8th Arr.)

It's akin to eating next to a fashion runway, since every waitress looked like a supermodel marching between the kitchen and your table on a red carpet no less, but the food stood up to the hype and posh surroundings. Great spot for lunch before shopping on Avenue Montaigne.

Hélène Darroze

4 Rue d'Assas  75006
She has held two Michelin stars at one time or another in each of her two restaurants.

Keep in mind we ate 7-9 courses here with our kids, who were troopers, since we didn't quite know what to expect. Current menu includes langoustines from Loctudy, cuttlefish with swiss shard and lemon confit, blue lobster tandori, milk fed pork, and Madong chocolate. I really, really wanted to take all of the housemade breads home with me in my purse. 

Fish la Boissonerie
69 rue de Seine

The service is always good, nice mix of customers, food consistent in this pretty, urban space with stone walls and a retro Parisian vibe. I tried the risotto with scallops, perfectly golden. Bread from Cosi across the street was warm and buttery. 

Gaya

44 rue du Bac
The gnocchi with peas, Saint Germain fish and red fruit dessert were favs. They are known for their seafood dishes and convivial atmosphere.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
5 rue du Montalembert

Two different types of foie gras and blue lobster from Brittany started the meal and it just got better, but especially since we were with dear French-speaking friends from San Francisco. This restaurant is always delicious, the service is wonderful, and the menu is inspiring.

Le Pain Quotidien 

18-20 Rue des Archives

This café is a chain but serves simple, elegant boulangerie fare made with organic ingredients served to communal tables. I all loved the Belgian waffles, yogurt parfaits and very grande café crèmes.

STAY

Hotel Marignan

12 rue de Marignan 75008 (8th Arr.)

Quiet street with well-appointed guest rooms (murphy beds for my children were a delight) near the Champs-Elysees and the Avenue Montaigne.

SHOP
Isadora Paris

54 rue Mazarine
Beautiful acrylic and bakelite jewelry...always with a whimsical touch and beloved by Paris fashion designers. 

Kin Liou
81 rue du Bac

Netsukes and other curious are tucked in his gem of a shop. 

Cire Trudon

78 rue de Seine

Beautiful candles that fit in your suitcase and helpful staff.

Vanessa Bruno

100 Rue Vieille du Temple

Soft cotton tanks, flattering pants and feminine tops have a Zen-like quality that stems from Bruno's stay in Japan.

EXPLORE

Musee de l'Armee

Huge collection of weapons from all periods in the armory. Great Moroccan place nearby (Dar Lyakout) chicken tagine and cous cous with lamb

Musee D’Orsay

If you only make it to the Impressionists floor with kids, I consider the outing a success. The café has a yummy Quiche Lorraine that both my kids loved and the gelato outside was a perfect treat for the walk home.

Pompidou Center
I loved Verner Panton's bright wool textiles installed over foam.

Museum of Hunting and Nature

62, rue des Archives (3rd Arr.)

The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is dedicated to the art of hunting with juxtapositions of contemporary art. The docent only spoke French but was a real gem and delightful to meet.