Soul of Paris

Soul of Paris the latest in the ‘Soul of…’ series of travel guides from Jonglez, bringing you the best of Paris in thirty special experiences.

I know Paris well, having been many times, and writing several books about the city, including the original Top Ten Paris guide with my wife, Donna Dailey. But I obviously don’t know it as well as Thomas Jonglez, who was born in Paris, is the founder of Jonglez Publishing, and the author of this unusual and exceptional travel guide, Soul of Paris.

You can read my review of the companion Soul of Los Angeles here.

What is the Soul of Paris?

Instead of being a comprehensive guide to the City of Light, Soul of Paris goes to the other extreme and picks just thirty things to do in the city, which the author thinks offer the very best experiences. The choices are narrowed down from 1,000 original ideas, but this doesn’t mean that they are expensive and exclusive experiences. Some are, but many are also free, like walks and the most beautiful libraries, and many are inexpensive, like where to buy the best baguettes and the best ice-cream.

Where to Stay in Paris

The author includes a few special places to stay, one of which is the 3-star Hotel Des Grandes Ecoles at 75 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine. This is a great location in the heart of the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, and the author describes it as ‘a hotel with the vibe of a family-run guesthouse from the last century’. And it’s not expensive, with rooms at just over €100 a night when I checked the website.

A recommendation that is more expensive and has an equally good setting on the Place des Vosges is the 5-star Le Pavillon de la Reine. Here you’re looking at €500-600 a night, but some rooms do overlook what’s been called the most beautiful square in Paris. If you want a splurge for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this is the place.

Where to Eat in Paris

Our ears always perk up at eating recommendations in Paris, especially from a Parisian, and Thomas Jonglez doesn’t let us down. Here you can find two bistros that haven’t changed since the 1950s, have lunch or listen to jazz in a private Swedish club, two perfect chic bistros, an exceptional culinary artist, and everything from cosy bars to possibly the most beautiful restaurant in the world.

What Else to Do in Paris

Other suggestions the author makes for how to get the best from a visit to Paris include:

• Visiting the city’s major museums at night
• Cruising on the Seine in style
• The coolest thrift store in Paris
• Have Montmartre all to yourself
• Stargazing at the Sorbonne
• Cinema, just like in the good old days

There, if they don’t tempt you to buy this excellent Paris travel guide, I don’t know what will.