Paris for Two Friends: Saint-Germain and Beyond

Start your morning with a buttery croissant and a great cup of coffee, then save room for a macaron or éclair to enjoy later. If possible, grab a seat by the stunning two-story window—it's one of the coziest spots in the café and the perfect place to ease into a day of exploring Saint-Germain.

If you're short on time, make sure you visit the Impressionist galleries on the fifth floor, which house masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh, among others. Before you leave, head to the museum's famous clock window for one of the best photo opportunities, overlooking the Seine and Montmartre.

Order the famous French onion soup—it's the house specialty. According to a popular local legend, guests are informally "sorted" between the restaurant's different floors based on appearance and status, with the top floor reserved for the most distinguished visitors. Whether the story is true or not, it has become part of Brasserie Lipp's enduring charm.

Don't leave once you've had your dessert. The pastry shop is located inside the beautiful Passage des Panoramas, one of the oldest covered passages in Paris. Take a few minutes to explore the artistic atmosphere, where contemporary installations transform the historic arcade into an open-air gallery. Before you go, be sure to try the famous Ispahan, the signature creation of Pierre Hermé, named the World's Best Pastry Chef in 2016. This iconic dessert, which combines rose, raspberry and lychee, is considered one of the finest in Paris.

Take your time exploring—there's something unusual hidden in every corner. If nothing catches your eye here, don't worry. The surrounding streets are full of independent boutiques and vintage shops, so follow your curiosity and you're bound to discover something uniquely Parisian.

Take a leisurely stroll along this picturesque 500-year-old street and be sure to visit the historic calligraphy shop, which offers a selection of beautifully crafted pens, inks, sealing wax and other traditional writing instruments. It's one of those rare places that feels like stepping back in time, even if you don't buy anything. While you're here, keep an eye out for Le Procope, Paris's oldest restaurant, which has welcomed famous guests including Voltaire, Rousseau, Napoleon and Benjamin Franklin over the centuries.

Skip a full meal and order several small plates to share with a glass of French wine. If you're feeling adventurous, ask about the traditional Béarn specialty once associated with the region's soldiers and, according to local legend, the musketeers. It's an unusual taste of French culinary history—and a story you'll remember long after your visit.

If you plan to go inside, try going later in the afternoon, when it is usually less crowded. Entry to the cathedral is free, but a separate ticket must be booked in advance for access to the towers. Before you leave, take a walk around the entire exterior to discover the countless carved details, flying buttresses and famous gargoyles and chimeras, each with its own unique design. The square in front of Notre-Dame is also one of the best places to pause and admire the fully restored cathedral façade.

Whichever restaurant you choose, don't be afraid to order something you've never tried before. Seasonal menus highlight the freshest local ingredients, and classics like French onion soup are always a safe choice. If ray fish is on the menu, it's well worth trying—a surprisingly delicate dish that's a favorite among locals. Pair your meal with a glass of French wine and enjoy a slow Parisian dinner, just as the locals do.