What to do in Paris

I have been using Airbnb for a few years now. Our Paris Airbnb simply reinforced why it’s the best way to go! I love staying in a home, rather than a hotel. Our recent trip to Paris gave us a better taste of the culture in large part because of where we stayed. It takes your vacation to the next level and gives you the chance to experience the destination like a local. Airbnb Experiences are a new concept to me. Experiences are activities designed by local hosts who give you unique access into places and communities in their city. Paris was the perfect place to give this a try. We booked “Paris’ Best Flavors” with Silvia.  She was amazing! This was the highlight of our trip!

With Silvia, Our Foodie Host for an Airbnb Experience

Our experience with Silvia started around 9 am on our first full day in Paris. She had us meet her at an easy to find location in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Her directions were perfect and we were also able to text her ahead of time. She met us with a warm smile and friendly hug. She was so bubbly and kind – I knew right away we were going to have a great time. When you book your Airbnb experience, the cost likely includes all the food and drinks you have along the way.

Airbnb Experience Part 1

The first stop was at her favorite Patisserie for Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissants). This is a classic French pastry and my favorite! Naturally I was very excited to start our experience with this! Ble Sucre was the name of the Patisserie and it’s worth the trip alone! The Pain au Chocolat was to die for and literally melts in your mouth.

Pain au Chocolat at Ble Sucre in Paris

The next stop was at a Boulangerie for a Baguette, which we were going to enjoy later on the tour with some cheese. Farine & O is in Paris’s 11th arrodissement and an award winning boulangerie. Farine means flour and “O” refers to eau (water): the two ingredients along with yeast, needed to make good bread. Here Silvia taught us about the difference between a normal baguette and a traditional baguette. Always ask for the “baguette tradition” which has been made with minimal ingredients and the more old-fashioned, pure baguette.

A boulangerie near Bastille, Farine & O

Silvia not only took us to her favorite spots, she shared amazing tips on how the Parisians eat, grocery shop, and more about their approach to food. You can learn so much about a different culture through food, and Silvia was a great educator.

Farine & O in Paris’s 11th arrodissement

With our baguette tradition tucked under our arm, we headed to stop number 3; Aouba Cafe for the best espresso in Paris! The cafe owner was incredibly kind despite being very busy! She shared some great tips with us and told us all about her coffee bean roaster from the 1940’s!

A coffee roaster from the 1940’s at a cafe in Paris

The shop was so adorable, very small and very Parisian. The owner was so chic, a hard worker, and so gracious. This was a great stop. And the espresso was amazing!!

The owner of Aouba Cafe in Paris making an espresso

Airbnb Experience Part 2

Aouba Cafe is in the middle of one of Paris’s oldest open markets, Marche d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement. It’s an authentic outdoor Parisian market. It has everything from fresh produce, to flowers, cheeses, wine, antiques, and more. It’s so incredible! I loved walking through this market. In fact, we returned on our last day in Paris.

An Open Market it Pari’s 12th District

A Parisian Market in the 12th arrondissement

Marche d’Aligre

Flowers at the Marche d’Aligre in Paris

After wandering through the market, we made a stop at a specialty store nearby, L’epicier. Silvia set up a special tasting that included, cider, pate, bread, jams, chocolate, and more. The store owner was so incredibly kind. He did not want to stop feeding us. He also had us try  different types of liquor – very strong and very good. He was so hospitable. This was such a great store! We bought some great things like olive oil, truffle salt, truffle spread, and foie gras to take home.

Tasting at L’epicerie during our Airbnb Experience

A store near March d’Aligre

I did not want our time a at L’epicerie to end, but the next stop delicious, too! We headed to another Patisserie (bakery) for meringues. This stop at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, was a feast for the eyes! Not only did it have an array of amazingly good looking desserts, the store decor was amazing! A chandelier hung from the ceiling and made the entire store sparkle. It was gorgeous!

Aux Merveilleux de Fred in Paris

We saved the meringues for later because we were on sugar overload (not complaining at all). It was so nice to bite into the meringues later in the evening after dinner. They were delicious! After our final sugar fix of the Airbnb experience, Silvia took us to the covered part of Marche d’Aligre – Marche Beauveau. This part of the market was a foodie haven – you’re surrounded by cheese, fresh fish, meat, herbs, wine, beer, olive oil and so. much. more.

Inside Marche Beauvau

Inside a covered market in Paris

I was in love! And just when I didn’t think our tour with Silvia could get any better, we did a cheese tasting with the baguette we purchased earlier that morning. Cheese and bread – my two favorites! I was a happy girl. Silvia got a tray of several different cheeses for us to try. The selection included a truffle brie that was amazing!

A Fromagerie inside Marche Beauvau

Cheese at Marche Beauvau

A Fromagerie inside Marche Beauvau

Airbnb Experience Part 3

After our amazing cheese tasting, we headed to a nearby bar. Le Baron Rouge was the perfect stop for a post-market glass of wine. Silvia found us a corner in the bar and ordered us a glass of wine.

Wine Barrels at Le Baron Rouge

We sat for a while chatting about Paris and how to make the best of our trip. We ended up sitting next to an American from Ohio who now lives in an apartment above the bar. She was fantastic! Le Baron Rouge was our last stop with Silvia. We were so thankful for her tips and so incredibly happy that we booked the Airbnb experience.

Le Baron Rouge in the 12th arrondissement

Le Baron Rouge was our last stop with Silvia. We were so thankful for her tips and so incredibly happy that we booked the Airbnb experience.  After she left, we stayed at the bar awhile longer to enjoy another glass of wine and oysters. The bar only serves oysters on Sunday and we were in luck! They were delicious!

Oysters at Le Baron Rouge

Oysters at Le Baron Rouge

The oysters and wine were the perfect ending to the perfect Parisian Airbnb Experience. We had such a wonderful time and I’m so happy we booked the excursion at the beginning of our trip. Silvia was able to give us a lot of advice that proved to useful during the rest of our stay in Paris. If you ever find yourself in Paris, make sure you book an Airbnb Experience with Silvia! You won’t be disappointed.