The Top Restaurants in Paris, France

In the world’s most romantic city, there is no lack of upscale restaurants. They all have something notable to offer, and many of them are worth dining at during a trip to Paris. Here are some of the best.

Restaurant Arnaud Nicolas

The Restaurant Arnaud Nicolas is a rough-looking eatery that features a ceiling of beams, walls of stone, and moldings in battleship grey. The menu is full of choices such as cockles, baby artichokes, grilled duckling, and yellow pollack. Meat pies and roasts are the highlights of the menu representing the middle ages.

Chez L’Ami Jean

Chez L’Ami Jean is a popular French bistro housed in a building dating back to the 1930s. The country’s farmhouse foods inspired many of the dishes on the menu. Popular items at this bistro include pork belly, parmesan soup, and roasted pigeon. Dessert is often something simple such as rice pudding.

Restaurant David Toutain

The Restaurant David Toutain has a rotating tasting menu that keeps the place packed with locals and tourists. Having worked with legendary French chefs such as Marc Veyrat, and Alain Passard, his dishes are always inspired by perfection. Some of the most popular include Parmesan gnocchi, foie gras with a baked potato, and cuttlefish.

La Scéne

La Scéne is a unique restaurant laid out to resemble an upscale railroad car. The room’s focal point is its open kitchen, where diners can watch the chef prepare their dishes. Menu items include Scottish grouse, poached langoustines. Veal sweetbreads are also a popular choice among diners. Desserts include ganaches made with Venezuelan chocolate.

L’Epicure

L’Epicure is headed by a three Michelin star chef named Eric Frechon. Certain dishes on the menu are his signature. This includes black truffles and macaroni, which comes with artichoke and duck foie gras. Another popular menu item is oyster tartare and seaweed butter on grilled leeks. The restaurant leaves lobsters in their shells and roasts them, for a unique dish diners can’t get anywhere else. Accompanying the cuisine is a cozy atmosphere that includes French doors leading to a courtyard, a fireplace and crystal chandeliers.

Le Grand Restaurant

Le Grand Restaurant features dishes such as veal sweetbreads. Cooked using walnut shells, this signature dish is served to diners in a hot box. It is topped with morels as well as walnut mousseline.

The Best of Parisian Art Museums

Known as the “City of Art,” Paris has attracted artists from all over the world for centuries. Palaces and other buildings have been transformed into art museums to house great works of art.

Le Louvre

Of the many museums in France, the world-famous Louvre, a former palace, is the most recognized. It houses the Mona Lisa and numerous Hellenistic and Classical sculptures from Ancient Greece and Rome, among which are statues of Apollo, Venus de Milo and Venus Genetrix, Winged Victory and Diana. There are many works representative of great eras of art, such as the Medici paintings and those by Reubens, mythological paintings and lush pastorals by renowned artists.

The Musée des Arts Decoratifs

On the west side of the Louvre, this museum is a historic building that draws many tourists. With a dazzling vaulted central atrium, this museum houses one of the largest displays of decorative arts and design.

The Musée d’Orsay

Constructed from an old train station on the Left Bank, this museum contains mostly French art from 1848 to 1914. Orsay has a delightful collection of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works rich in both imagination and color. There is also what some critics call the “dapper” collection of Art Nouveau works and an extensive range of 19th-sculpture.

The Musée de L’Orangerie

Featuring the later-life works of Impressionist Claude Monet, this museum has eight tapestry-sized ‘Nymphéas’ (water lilies) paintings draped in two bare rooms.

Arts et Métiers

This “arts and crafts” museum is Europe’s oldest science museum. This museum, located in a former monastery, has the cinematograph of the famous Lumière brothers, who were among the first filmmakers. There are many clocks, barometers, weighing devices and some of Pascal’s calculating machines. Visitors can view a large 1938 television and other large exhibits such as Cugnot’s “Fardier,” the first powered vehicle. Scale models of the Statue of Liberty and Blériot’s used to cross the English Channel in 1909.

Centre Pompidou

A massive modern building designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers as “an evolving spatial diagram,” the Centre Pompidou has unique features. Because the floors have no load-bearing structures, varied and numerous organizational arrangements can be created. An innovative and pioneering building for its time, the Centre presents displays of modern art, cinemas, lecture theatre and performance space, as well as public reading and research libraries.

Musée de Rodin

Located in the hotel where the sculptor once lived, the museum is home to The Kiss,, The Thinker and other notable works.

The Best Hiking Locations in France

France is known for its beauty. This country has plenty of history, and beautiful buildings survive from almost every era of it. France also has some of the most diverse landscapes in Europe, with warm sunny beaches in the south in addition to Alpine environments farther north. This makes for great hiking. There are plenty of great hikes in all regions of the country, and many of them showcase France’s history, too.

Western Front Battlefields

One of the most moving and historical hikes in France is through the Western Front battlefields. This was the area where many of the big battles of World War I were fought. The Western Front is located near the border with Belgium and Switzerland. Many of the trenches here have been preserved and there are plenty of guided hikes available. This is a moving way to interact with history.

Mont St. Michel

A hike with an even longer history is the walk to Mont St Michel. This has been a popular route for Christian religious pilgrims for centuries. One way to reach this famous abbey is to walk across the sands of the bay at low tide. This can be dangerous when the tide changes, so it’s recommended that people take advantage of guided tours. The present abbey dates to the 1500s. In the present day, there are still a few dozen monks living there.

Loire Valley

The Loire valley is located in the north of France. This is an agricultural area, and the valley is particularly known for producing great wines. Hikes in these regions can be as short as 3km, or much longer. There is plenty of attractive, historic architecture in addition to natural scenery in the Loire region. Tours, Orleans and Angers are all popular destinations in this region.

High Pyrenean Trail

The High Pyrenean Trail takes hikers through a mountain range. This is a high mountain hike and it’s best suited for experienced hikers. The high altitude can take a heavy toll on the body. This route takes over 40 days to complete. It takes hikers from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Mediterranean. Easier day hikes in the Pyrenees include the Cirque de Gavarnie. The rock formations and waterfalls are rewarding sights, and the hike is suitable for families with children.

4 Must-Visit Restaurants While You’re in Dublin, Ireland

If you’ve never been to Dublin, you’d be justified in thinking that the true draw are the famed bars that draw tens of thousands of tourists to Ireland’s capital each year — and that may have been true a few decades ago, but Dublin’s cuisine has moved several rungs up the ladder from the corned beef and cabbage famed around the world. These are Dublin’s top four must-visit restaurants for 2020.

L. Mulligan Grocer

This combined pub and eatery, located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Stoneybatter, is one of the city’s most balanced dining experiences — they’re a suitable stop for visitors looking for a whiskey sampler or an authentic Scotch egg, offered with both vegetarian and carnivorous options. L. Mulligan Grocer offers starters like a giant bowl of soup with bread for dipping and mopping up juices, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg — main courses include savory wild venison Irish pies and smoked ham Kassler topped with goat cheese.

The Fumbally

The Fumbally is a true gourmand’s eatery — supplied locally and organically, this establishment changes their menus seasonally and encourages their chefs to offer their own personalized specials. A visit to the Fumbally could introduce you to traditional cured sea trout topped with crème fraîche or with international dishes like Ethiopian Injeree. Fresh sourdough baked in-house is just icing on the metaphorical cake for tourists or locals looking for a refined dining experience.

Brother Hubbard

Have you ever planned to visit a restaurant and then found that it was full-to-bursting when you arrived? Brother Hubbard makes that a problem of the past with their two locations, placed on the north and south sides of the city. Open seven days a week, Brother Hubbard focuses on Middle Eastern cuisine for its healthiness and versatility. Dishes like citrus-braised octopus and Persian sea bass stew might be right up your alley if you’re looking for something refined and tasty.

The Greenhouse

There are several restaurants in Dublin with Michelin stars, but The Greenhouse received it’s second star in 2020 — one of only four restaurants in Ireland’s history to achieve that honor. This is the most refined eating experience on this list, and the prices reflect that … but if you’re looking for hand-dived scallop ceviche or perfectly prepared cod served with Jerusalem artichokes, this is the restaurant for you.

Dublin is one of the world’s most beloved spots for tourists to visit, but you don’t have to restrict yourself to meat and potatoes — visit these four restaurants to experience a whole new frontier of Irish cuisine.

Ireland’s Top Secret Spots

The Island country of Ireland encompasses approximately 32,600 square miles and has a population of approximately six million. Large metropolises boast modern technology nestled between areas of historic importance. The scenic countryside includes everything from stunning beaches to lush mountains. Destinations to visit are plentiful. However, Ireland also has a number of locations that are as amazing but less traveled.

The Glens of Antrim-Country Antrim

The northern Ireland location features 80 miles of cliffs separated by nine glens. Along with spectacular terrain features, there are a wealth of attractions. Visit the Ballygally Castle and learn about the resident ghost. Navigate through the beachfront maze at Carnfunnock. See if there are any traces of the vanishing lake situated in Loughareema. Enjoy a peaceful time of meditation while gazing at the Glenariff waterfalls.

Cushendun Caves-County Antrim

Fans of cave exploration make a point of touring the Cushendun Caves, which were the location for filming Melisandre’s haven in “Game of Thrones.” See the breathtaking massive interior and the rockpools that host unusual marine life. Enjoy the view over the sea. Venture to Cushendun village and stop at the quaint Mary McBride’s for an ale and a bite to eat. The historic interior features a door used in the “Game of Thrones” when Arya meets the Faceless Man.

Mourne Mountains-County Down

The Mourne Mountain range has 28 peaks. Start at the car park and reach one of the peaks approximately 30 minutes later for a commanding view over the territory. The beauty of the location inspired C.S. Lewis to pen the Narnia-based novels. Trek along the Mourne Wall and explore the 14th century Greencastle ruins. Relax in the Silent Valley where an expansive reservoir is well-known for having utter silence.

The Swiss Cottage-County Tipperary

The charming and ornate structure was commissioned for construction by James Butler and his wife Emily in 1810. The couple held the titles 1st Earl and Countess of Glengall. The home was designed to entertain guests. The second floor of the domicile features three bays and an abundance of timber-work along with an expansive thatched roof. The interior features parquet floors, a spiral staircase fashioned from timber and Parisian wallpaper along with period furnishings. The cottage is now a museum that is open to the public.

The Best Places to Hike in Ireland

Rolling hills, rugged cliffs and lush forests and valley give Ireland an abundance of interesting locations that attract outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous destinations, which offer stunning hiking terrain. There are trails for all experience levels. But all are photography worthy.

The Causeway Coast Way

The entire trail spans 33 miles from Portstewart to Ballycastle. But, guests may start at Cushendall and be prepared to see some of the most inspiring coastlines along the country. Venture to the Moyle Way and through the Glens of Antrim. Stop at the Giants Causeway where unique hexagonal pillar formations rise from the sea and create a legendary pathway. The trek takes visitors through lush forests and mythical locations. “Game of Thrones” will recognize some of the locations used to film the popular series. Depending on how long one hike’s they may encounter the cove where the Girona shipwreck lies. The hike extends to Dunseverick Castle.

Muckross Abbey Loop

The easy Killarney National Park trek spans little over two miles in length. But, hikers typically spend some time exploring the remains of the 15th century Muckross Abbey. Take the paved path or the trail that leads to the picturesque lake. As you pass the lake on the right, the abbey comes into view on the left. If enjoying the journey during the early morning, it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of deer in the meadow.

Slieve Gullion

The moderately difficult hike begins at the car park and climbs to the lake and summit in Slieve Guillion Forest Park. The trek spans eight miles in length. The location provides amazing view of the twin peaks and overlooks Northern Ireland. The trail takes visitors through heather-covered hills and the Ring of Guillion, which is a dormant volcano. Before reaching the summit, there is a Neolithic South Cairn Grave that many choose to explore.

Glendalough and the Spinc Cliffs

The location has more than 49,000 acres of landscapes that include mountainous trails. The 8.5-mile hike is ideal for the physically fit. The venture starts and ends that the Glendalough Visitor’s Centre. Along the way, hikers encounter the world-famous monastic site and the Lower Lake. From here, the hike involves a steep ascent as it ventures passed the Poulanass waterfall and up to the Spinc Cliffs. Once at the top, hikers experience breathtaking views of the lakes below.

Ireland: Home of the Blarney Stone & Dublin

Ireland is a beautiful and majestic country, as evidenced by the copious amount of photographs available in books and online as well as by its cherished nickname, The Emerald Isle. Moreover, it is a nation that is steeped in turmoil and rich history as well as features picturesque landscapes and panoramic views. It also happens to be this writer’s ancestral homeland.

From tales of working-class heroes who staged revolts against their oppressors to voyagers seeking better lives and more opportunities to brave immigrants who yearned to find adventure and romance, this island gem has something for everyone. With that in mind, here are two top destinations in Ireland that tourists should put on their travel bucket list.

Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

This is arguably Ireland’s most desired and fabled tourist attraction. Namely due to the legend and power surrounding the Blarney Stone, which is said to instill Irish eloquence and the gift of gab among those who manage to kiss it. This feat is easier said than done, however, since it involves hanging those brave souls who dare out a window by their ankles to reach the famed gem.

The castle is situated not far from Cork and dates back to the Middle Ages, specifically circa the 1200s. The legendary site has sustained damage over the centuries, but some areas have been renovated and reconstructed, while the neo-gothic Blarney House remains mostly intact on the side of the castle. Furthermore, the grounds are lined with magnificent gardens and numerous walking trails to make the experience even more enjoyable as well as memorable.

Dublin

This capital city continues to draw travelers from around the globe via its engrossing culture, storied heritage, class, and vibrant nightlife. From the Guinness-filled pubs and whiskey distilleries to the myriad of foodie delights to the performance artists and culturally diverse attractions that line Grafton Street, this Celtic hub offers eclectic experiences travelers will not soon forget.

Dublin is located midway down the coast of the Irish Sea, and its attractions include the vast St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is the largest of its kind in the country, and the Dublin Writers Museum, an acclaimed site where bibliophiles can immerse themselves in the lives as well as the histories of great Irish wordsmiths, such as William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett, just to name a few.

Ireland is a tourist destination for the ages. Hopefully, this posting provides some insight into why The Emerald Isle should be placed on every traveler’s must-see list.

The Best Pubs in Dublin, Ireland

Ireland is well known for its pubs, some of which date back to ancient times. A trip to Ireland isn’t complete without visiting at least a few of its best pubs.

O’Donoghue’s

For a taste of live Irish music a must see pub is O’Donoghue’s. The place is always packed with locals but welcomes tourists as well. Every night musicians from all over Ireland converge on the pub to play together. They make music using bodhrans, fiddles,uilleann pipes and tin whistles. The Dubliners, a long beloved Irish band, was formed at this pub. Members of the group are known to come back to the pub and perform when the mood strikes.

L Mulligan Grocer

L Mulligan Grocer is the perfect pub for those who enjoy trying craft beers. The unique name of the pub comes from the fact that it was originally a grocery store. Now that it has become a pub, it has a popular restaurant in the back. The restaurant serves unique Irish dishes that pair with the pub’s Crafty Hen, Belgian Bottle and Mountain Men.

Toners

Toners is another pub that was previously a grocery store. In existence since 1818, it has not only a wooden bar, but the grocery store’s original drawers. Located in the front window of the pub is a seating area with a door that separates it from the main seating area. During his lifetime, this was reportedly a regular hangout of WB Yeates.

The Farrington Inn

The Farrington Inn is also known for craft beers and customers aren’t likely to find the same beer twice. Local breweries are often featured at the pub. At any given time, the pub is likely to serve only draft beers from a particular brewery. This makes it easy for locals to try all of the different choices. To accompany the many craft beers, live music is played on the pub’s ground floor on a typical day.

The Stag’s Head

The Stag’s Head is an attraction for its decor as much as its drinks. The wooden bar invokes visions of the Victorian era. Stained glass windows are featured prominently in this pub. A stag head hangs from the wall, giving the pub its name. Tourists are urged to visit the pub on a weekday because it is crowded every weekend.

Europe’s Best Travel Destinations

Traveling to Europe is a goal that many Americans have on their bucket lists. There are many cities in Europe that are worth visiting. Many are large capitals, but there are also charming little villages that people with more time to linger might want to check out. Those with a week or less will likely want to focus on one of these larger cities that have more famous cultural attractions.

Paris

One of the most popular cities in Europe is also one of the best to visit. Paris is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Notre Dame might not be open because of the tragic 2019 fire, but there are plenty of churches and cathedrals in the area that are worth a visit. Lovers of art and history will particularly enjoy visiting sites like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and Versailles. Those with kids might find a trip to Disneyland Paris will provide a unique American experience in a foreign country.

London

Another great city to visit in London. The capital city of the UK, London is home to the famous Westminster Abbey. This medieval church is the burial site for many of England’s most famous people. A ride on the London Eye can provide a panoramic view of the city, and no visit is complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the British Museum.

Rome

Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a city that is full of ancient ruins. From the world-famous Colosseum to the Roman Forum, there are plenty of impressive ruins to see in Rome. The Vatican is located within the city’s borders and provides visitors the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican Museum, the latter of which includes a chance to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel that Michelangelo painted during the Renaissance.

Prague

The Czech capital of Prague was closed to many Americans during the Cold War, but it fared much better than many other European cities during World War II. The city is known as the City of a Hundred Spires because of the many old churches within its environs. The stunning Prague Castle sits on a hill that overlooks the Vltava River. Within the castle’s walls, the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane are must-see sites for visitors. Additionally, no trip to Prague would be complete without a trip to the Old Town Square to see the world’s oldest astronomical clock that’s still in operation.

A Foodie’s Guide to Costa Rica

One of the hardest parts about traveling isn’t deciding where you’re going to stay, it’s figuring out where you’re going to eat once you get there! Costa Rica is home to some of the best restaurants with breathtaking vistas of the mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. The following restaurants offer the views as well as unique menus with fantastic food

Furca

In the Rohrmoser district of San José you’ll stumble across Furca— the farm-to-table style restaurant slinging house-aged steaks and world-class gnocchi all while supporting local farmers and maintaining their own on-site urban garden. Besides its decadent steaks and lovingly crafted pasta dishes, Furca is known for its lamb, duck, rabbit, pork, and innovative seafood entrees. Our recommendation? Take in the establishment’s stylishly modern atmosphere while sipping a cocktail spruced up with herbs pulled fresh from Furca’s garden.

Park Café

A glance inside this unsuspectingly renovated mansion/antique shop will uncover delectable tastes and smells from the tapas at Park Café. Located at the north end of San José’s La Sabana Metropolitan Park, this culinary passion project of Michelin star-rated chef Richard Neat boasts mouthwatering recipes that hail from Costa Rican history as old as the former shop’s antiques, accented with a modern flair. Think scallops wrapped in prosciutto and white wine-braised octopus with chorizo, plus beef carpaccio and passion fruit martinis. If you’re in the area, this menu (and the expertly-curated scenery of global antiquities) is not to be missed.

Mercado Central

If a dose of no-frills authenticity is what you’re looking for, San José’s Mercado Central is the place to be. Bustling with shops and food stalls, Mercado Central is the perfect venue for allowing your taste buds to try a little bit of everything. If you need help deciding though, fried plantains, casados (rice, beans, salad, cheese, plantains, tortillas and meat), gallo pinto (rice with beans), agua dulce (water with national sugar candy), and fresh fruit are all good options to start off with.

Restaurante Grano de Oro

No foodie guide to Costa Rica would be truly complete without mentioning the lavish Restaurante Grano de Oro. Considered to be one of the country’s finest dining excursions, this culinary feat (which you’ll find situated inside a plush mansion) blends Costa Rican flair with the classic European flavors of French chef Francis Canal’s upbringing. Paired with the restaurant’s extensive wine list, elegant options such as grilled Costa Rican tilapia with herb butter, fennel and mini ratatouille or roasted pork tenderloin with yucca croquette, mango chutney, and tamarind sauce ensure a delectably elegant night out. Save room for dessert— the crème brûlée, made with local, organic vanilla beans, is to die for.