Bonjour my loves! Its been a while, hasn’t it? Have no fear, WanderlustWad is back and in action! Recent travels have included Barcelona, Milan, and of course París (pear-eee). Now, as my wanderers know, this wasn’t my first time in the city of love. My first time in Paris was fun, but a bit underwhelming. Now y’all DON’T START. I can already hear y’all, “Oh, so you just been everywhere, can’t even admire Paris for the beauty it truly is.” I never said Paris wasn’t beautiful or that it didn’t have its distinct charm. I’m just saying that after watching movies where men kneeled in front of a twinkling tower to profess their love, and seeing scenes of people holding hands walking down cobblestoned streets, I didn’t expect cramped apartments and smelly subways, ok?
I romanticized Paris, as most of us probably have, and with only 12 hours to explore on my first trip, I didn’t have a chance to truly explore. So on this trip, I made sure that I got a chance to see what the city had to offer, and boy did I find some gems. Besides going to the Eiffel Tower AT NIGHT (do not go during the daytime, it’s just an average triangle building then, but it transforms into this amazing twinkling wonder in the nighttime), here are the two places you have to visit on your Parisian adventure.
Le Comptoire Général
Photo Credit: Yelp
This barn turned bar, hidden behind a block of houses, will blow your mind. If you are into art, African culture, eclectic spaces, good drinks, and a good time, this is the place for you. Walk into a floor-to-ceiling red velvet hallway adorned with paintings of African royalty framed in gold. HOW’S THAT FOR SETTING THE DAMN SCENE? Your girl was floored. This shabby-chic bar has colonial style, stylish chandeliers, and a hipster vibe. No two seating areas are alike, and you’ll be lucky if you even get a seat. This place fills up fast, especially on the weekends. Get ready to dance to some afro-beats, throwback 90s jams, and a couple tunes you’re unsure of while sipping on an African-inspired drink. ♪♪♪Take me there, I wanna go there ♪♪♪
Check out Comptoire Général here.
La Bellevilloise
Photo Credit: La Bellevilloise website
So Google says this place is an “arts & cultural centre for exhibitions, film screenings, concerts & events, with a bright cafe.” I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations. I didn’t go for any sort of art exhibit or film screening, so I can’t speak on that. You know what I can speak on? The perfect jazz brunch hosted at the Halle Aux Oliviers in this beautiful art gallery. The brunch is a full service buffet with a colorful array of fresh food and deliciously fresh squeezed juices in yet another eclectic atmosphere all while you’re serenaded by a lovely jazz band. I imagine this is where one might find a Sugar Daddy. Imagine linen suits, fedoras, pocket squares, beards. The damn beards. Did I mention all the B E A R D S. This is where your suave and sexy gather to munch and brunch. Super trendy with lovely wooden seats, vintage couches, a skylight, and loads of greenery.
Check out La Bellevilloise here.
So while you’re in Paris, or when you finally decide to book that trip, make sure you check out these dope places! If you love an eccentric, eclectic, vintage, hipster place with loads of different people, beard papís, and stylish decorations, these are your MUST VISIT locations.
What cities have you dismissed, but surprised you when you actually explored them? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Wandering…