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Most flights from the United States arrive in Paris in the morning, which means it is unlikely you are able to get into your hotel room until the afternoon.
I typically drop my bags at my hotel and head straight out for coffee and breakfast. One of my favorite spots is the cosy little room upstairs at Laduree (21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris).
Try the brioche french toast which comes in a couple of variations. My most recent choice was brioche French toast topped with pears and salted caramel ice cream.
After breakfast, I like to leisurely stroll around the surrounding shops (there are lots to see) and make my way across the river stopping on the Ile de Cite for a quick peek at Notre Dame. (I like to check for progress in the reconstruction).
I love to visit Le Centre Pompidou, with its striking modern architecture and a museum filled with exquisite modern art. This is easily a one to two hour visit.
Heading north, my Paris visit would not be the same if I didn’t enjoy a ham baguette from Caractère de Cochon (42 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris) which has the most extensive selection of hams I have ever seen, sliced to order. A baguette with butter and ham makes the perfect walking lunch. As I enjoy my sandwich, I walk along Rue Charlot for a couple of blocks until I reach my favorite chocolate shop in Paris, Jacques Genin (133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris), walking away with a shopping bag of delicious goodies!
Then I would complete my ideal day in Paris with a meal at La Maison de la Truffe Madeleine specializing in black truffle (often referred to as the black diamond of the earth). Although reservations are recommended, I can usually walk in if I arrive early for lunch or dinner. My favorites are the simple pasta or risotto with fresh shaved truffles.