I love a lazy Sunday because there is something refreshing about doing absolutely nothing sometimes. At other times, however, it's nice to be able to pop into an art gallery, restaurant, or store and while away the afternoon. For this exact reason, I used to get frustrated on Sundays in Paris because practically nothing was open. Note: the key phrase in the previous sentence is used to. You see, my frustrastion ended one Sunday when I stumbled upon the lively Marais neighborhood. The Marais, historically a Jewish neighborhood, is full of life on Sundays. There are stores, art galleries, parks, and a plethora of delicious kosher restaurants/boulangeries from which to choose. The area quickly became my go-to neighborhood for a fun Sunday afternoon stroll. If you are visiting Paris and happen to be here on a Sunday, never fear there are plenty of things to do in the Marais.
Rue des Ecouffes is my entrance to the neighborhood. It is lined with delis, boulangeries, a butcher, a synagogue and lots of people eating street food...
I love this Boulangerie/Traiteur (at the corner of Rue des Ecouffes and Rue des Rossiers) and not just because of it's eye-catching exterior. The products here are great and the people manning the counters quite friendly. There are also outside tables so that you can enjoy their delicious breads and other goodies while people watching.
Florence Kahn
24 Rue Des Ecouffes
4th Arrondisement
Paris
And there are plenty of people to watch, especially on a Sunday afternoon.
Another favorite stop of mine is the food store, Sascha Finkelsztajn, which has been family run and owned for going on four generations. Lines are usually out the door and it's worth the wait.
Sascha Finkelsztajn
La Boutique Jaune
27 Rue des Rossiers
4th Arrondisement
Paris
The challah and pletzels are irresistible.
These flaky pastry are stuffed with pepper, spinach or cheese.
I must admit, the crowd can make things a bit chaotic, but once you understand their serving system (i.e. wait your turn until someone approaches you) things move fairly quickly.
And in no time, you can have a seat at one of few tables available to enjoy a fantastic hodge podge meal like the one pictured above. If you can't find a place to sit, they'll wrap up your goods to go.
One Sunday, B and I caught an Israeli parade.
The best part was this older gentleman who stood with the flag and waved it as the parade passed by.
The neighborhood has many shops open on Sunday, which is rare in Paris.
The streets are lively.
Art galleries are open.
And parks are full of people.
So, make your way to the Marais next time you are in Paris and enjoy a leisurely afternoon there.
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1 comment:
Is that 2 heinekins with your lunch? Hmm....
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