Contracted Parties Summit Paris

✨Planning your itinerary for the Contracted Parties Summit in Paris, France? Looking for some hidden gems from locals? 🇫🇷 From quaint cafes serving delectable pastries 🥐 to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, immerse yourself in the charm of Paris with our insider tips.🗼

A special thank-you to all of the recommendations provided by Nathalie Dreyfus (Partner & IP Attorney, Dreyfus & Associés),  Emilie Turbat (Chief Sales Marketing Officer, Afnic), Benjamin Louis (CEO, Sparkling:  Management of .Alsace), David Chelly (Web, SEO & Domain Name Services), Marc-Olivier Bernard (Boischaut Auctions).  

Bon appétit et bonne exploration! ✨ 

Essentials

May 8th is an official Public Holiday commemorate Victory Day, marking the surrender of the Allies of Nazi Germany in 1945.  So, if you’re planning to go up L’Arc de Triomphe, this would not the day as President Macron will be there for official ceremonies.  However, it’s a unique opportunity to stroll along the car-free Champ Elysees and watch the commemorative ceremonies.     

In Paris, good shoes are essential as everyone moves about the city on foot.

Alternatively, opt for the efficient metro system; the RATP app streamlines your journey. Simply obtain a card from almost any station, add some funds, and breeze through the gates.  Each ride is €2.10.  Be aware of pickpockets!

For any forgotten essentials, Le BHV Marais at 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004, offers pretty much anything you may need at a reasonable price.  

Celebrity Chefs

Emilie Turbat of Afnic recommends:

  • Anne-Sophie, awarded as the ‘Best Chef Dining Experience’ has a three-star Michelin restaurant in the South of France but also has an address in Paris at La Dame de Pic at 20 Rue du Louvre, 75001.
  • Also, the celebrity Chef, Cyril Lignac has several restaurants throughout Paris. Don’t forget to take a stroll through its pastries to taste his signature cakes.

Restaurants & Cafes

The Plastic Flower Hypothesis: Does Café Décor Predict Drink Prices?  While unproven, my hypothesis suggests a potential link between the volume of plastic flowers outside a café and the prices of its drinks.  Happy Instagramming!

Boulangeries & Pâtisseries

Did you know that there are over 30,000 boulangeries in the city and there’s an annual award for the finest croissants and baguettes? 🥐 Yes, it’s true! 🏆 The 2023 winner is Eric Teboul of Chez Meunier for the best croissant, followed by Thierry Rabineau of Boulangerie Moderne and Cyril Daniel of Boulangerie M. Jacques.  Chez Meuier: 185 Rue de Crimée, 75019 Boulangerie Moderne at 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005.  M. Jacques: 132 Rue Sant-Maur, 75011. What do they win? They become the official supplier of croissants to the City of Paris and 4,000 euros.

Nathalie Dreyfus of Dreyfus & associés suggests a selection of boulangeries:

 

Emilie Turbat from Afnic also has a few suggestions:

Activities

Beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower and scenic boat rides along the Seine, here are some alternatives to explore:

  • How to Become a Parisian in One Hour? by Olivier Giraud.  This comedic and satirical show on Parisian culture has been a hit since 2009! Additional information and tickets at:  oliviergiraud.com  ~1 hour.  24 Boulevard Poissoniere 75009 
  • Éternelle Notre-Dame VR🕍:  While the iconic cathedral is undergoing restoration until the end of the year, you can embark on an extraordinary journey through its history and discover some hidden treasures.  With a CPU strapped to your back and a pair of glasses, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views.~1 hour  Under the square of Notre Dame 6 rue de la Cite 75004   https://eternellenotredame.placeminute.com/
  • 🎷Caveau de la Huchette – 🎶 Dive intoParisian jazz history at this iconic club in the Latin Quarter since 1555.  Whether you’re a seasoned swinger or simply seeking a memorable experience, the ambiance and generational divide dissolve is a must.  Tickets at the door (~10 Euro).  5 rue de la Huchette, 75005
  • The Pompidou Center:  Visit the National Museum of Modern Art at the Pompidou Center and catch stunning views of Paris from its terrace.  Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004.
  • Dinner cruise – Recent flooding has increased the water levels so boats won’t fit under the bridges.  Level permitting, there are a lot of them but I enjoyed Le Calife dining experience.
  • Place des Vosages – Once a venue for grand parties by Henri IV and Louis XIII, Place des Vosages is now adorned with small art galleries and charming cafes.  Serpent a Plume offers a quaint spot for drinks down in its historic surroundings.  24 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris
  • Montmartre offers the city’s most breathtaking views, especially from the 🏰 Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. For an even more panoramic experience, consider purchasing a ticket (downstairs) to climb the 280 steps to the dome.  35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre 75018.  On the way up or down, don’t miss a quick detour for some artistic brilliance at the Salvador Dali museum at 11 rue Poulbot, 75018.
  • Be sure to stroll down Rue de Buci, one of my favorite streets in one of the best arrondissements in Paris.  It’s the quintessential Parisian street, brimming with life.
  • Experience the breathtaking views of Paris and the Eiffel Towers from Montparnasse Tower.  Tickets available here at 33 Avenue due Maine, 75015.

David Chelly provides some unique experiences and intellectual pursuits that go beyond the typical tourist attractions:

Emilie Turbat of Afnic suggests a few smaller, less busy alternatives:

Some of Benjamin Louis’s of .Alsace suggests checking out:

Marc-Olivier Bernard recommendations include:

Night Life

Benjamin Louis of .Alsace recommends:

Best to Plan Ahead

  • Eiffel Tower Dinner – Securing reservations at the legendary, Le Jules Verne, Michelin on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor can be quite challenging, so it’s best to plan well in advance.  Address:  um, the Eiffel Tower 🗼. 
  • Moulin Rouge – You cancan get tickets for the Moulin Rouge show but it’s advisable to book ahead.  82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018.  
  • Cooking Classes:  Satisfy your cravings for Pain au Chocolat and French Macarons at home by mastering the art of pastry-making at La Cuisine Paris, conveniently located at 80 Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004. Plus, language won’t be a barrier as they offer English-speaking classes.

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