How would you create the feeling of Paris on a weekend away?

Question

How would you create the feeling of Paris on a weekend away?

Answer 1

I'm currently reading the novel "Almost French" so I have some ideas form that and also from around the web.

I think your idea sounds really intriguing

Settings..

Things like..

pretty soap and folded towels,  beautifully decorated lounges, things arranged as aesthetically as possible

Table

=======

Even when having a simple meal, the settings can be really important.  So layout a nice table..

Flowers in a bowl or vase, linen napkins, silver cutlery (if available), elegant wine glasses (one or 2 each, depending on what wines you are having) even add crystal knife rests (if you have them)... basically go all out here.

food....

breakfast is often simple....

Croissant and coffee  (with selection of jams,preserves, honey, marmalade) - is there a balcony or a cafe nearby where you can indulge in this along with people watching...

You could get a bit fancier with any of..french toast, fruit or vegetable juices, omellete, hot chocolate in a soup sized bowl, muffins, eggs, ham.

lunch

simpler....

*salad topped with fresh tarragon, walnuts, crumbly goats' cheese tossed in home made vinaigrette

*with.... provincial rose

(from almost french)

Or go on a picnic with

cheeses, fruit , bread (baguettes and boules (round loaves))

and maybe a terrine or pate

(from edible paris tour)

or

sandwiches, baguettes & cheese etc., baguette sandwich

Some lunches, especially on the weekend are a much larger affair that can go for a couple or more hours.

"When entertaining at home, the hosts pride themselves on making mealtime a memorable and positive experience. For everyday lunches and dinners, four courses are typically served: salad, main dish with meat, cheese with bread, and dessert. Bread and water are always served. Special occasions include even more courses such as an appetizer of savory pastries, or other finger foods. This is normally served with an alcoholic beverage, often French wine. Several bottles of wine may be served with the meal. Coffee is also served."   - from foodbycountry.com

Dinner ideas (3-5 courses):

=======================

terrines (eg. fish) /pate/soup/snails

stew (eg. rabbit, potatot and carrot)

green salad

cheese platter

dessert (fancy cake or one of the many other fancy desserts or pastries)

http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/2008...

all the dinner dishes can be served as a separate course, although they can also serve rice

If you want more scenery, you could have your computer on with screens of live paris...

http://www.paris-live.com

Buy beautiful chocoloates for your weekend, you can also have specialty icecreams.

Transport around could be walking, cycling, motorbikes or rollerblading - otherwise a taxi or car.

Paris is small enough that people walk to many places and they frequent parks as their outdoor space - many of their parks are very aesthetic with amazing views, they may have little lagoons with small sailboats for hire to children to float on the lagoons.

You could also go to little local markets, if you have them around and buy lovely fresh fruit and veges, in baskets to enjoy in your meals.

Of course if you have time before you go, try and read "almost French" and watch "Babette's feast", "chocolate" and

Actually I know a nice little cafe that I might just head down to now after thinking about this.......enjoy

Answer 2

Jazz, champagne, and lots of good food.