ONE perfect day in Paris
A day with Marion Dufour in Paris
Marion Dufour lives in Paris and works as an illustrator and graphic designer. She has created a series of illustrations for the lounge and meeting rooms at our Motel One Paris-Porte de Versailles: black-and-white images that depict scenes from everyday life in the French capital in a poetic and humorous way. Small, typical moments of Parisian life from morning to night, starting with croissants, strolling in the park and chatting at sunset.
To go with this, she has shared her very own tips for a day in Paris with us: hidden places, charming cafés and little gems away from the well-known sights. In our interview, she talks about her favourite places, which are likely to surprise even those who know Paris well. And as the icing on the cake, she has also illustrated these places for us with great attention to detail! A visual journey through Paris...
Croissant and coffee
Start the day at a leisurely pace with a coffee and a croissant in the lobby of the Motel One Hotel Paris-Porte de Versailles. Enjoy the first rays of sunshine streaming through the large windows, listen to the soft murmur of voices and wake up with the city.
Le Musée d'Orsay
First stop: the majestic Musée d'Orsay with its impressive art collection. Here, I like to immerse myself in the Impressionist paintings. Statue or student: between the sculptures, art students eagerly drawing are playing a game of hide-and-seek, so watch out!
Le quartier piéton de Montorgueil
At lunchtime, we look for a café terrace in the Montorgueil district. It's a wonderful place to watch the passers-by and listen to the laughter and snippets of conversation drifting over from the neighbouring tables – I love the energy there!
Artazart bookstore & gallery
Always a must-see: the Artazart gallery bookshop with its beautiful red façade. A lively place full of ideas and images that inspire you to get creative yourself... or simply gather inspiration.
Canal de l'Ourcq & Canal Saint-Martin
Strolling along the Canal Saint-Martin to the Canal de l'Ourcq, you can relax for a moment, watch the barges on the water and observe the dancing reflections of the city all around in the canal.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
In the afternoon, climb up a hill in Buttes-Chaumont! Find a spot in the grass, and I would take out my notebook or tablet and start drawing. But of course, you can also just relax and unwind! Some people are reading, others are sleeping in the sun, children are playing... It's lively, it's relaxed. It's Paris.
La Villette & Philharmonie
Another good idea as the day draws to a close is to go dancing to jazz music in La Villette... or attend a performance at the Philharmonie. The sprawling area in the north-east of Paris, in the 19th arrondissement, combines music, art, green spaces and leisure in its own unique way and is one of the most diverse places in the city. The atmosphere is cheerful, almost electric. The best thing to do is simply let yourself be carried away.
Le quartier de Jourdain
Be sure to enjoy a drink in Jourdain in the evening. This charming neighbourhood in the heart of the 19th arrondissement feels like a village within the city. With its cosy cafés and lively bistros, Paris shows its authentic and unspoilt side here.
Le parc de Belleville
Finally, make one last stop at the Belleville viewpoint. The light is particularly beautiful there at sunset, and the city lies virtually at your feet.
And when the evening chill sets in, it's time to hop on your bicycle (or the train) and ride back to the hotel in a relaxed manner.
And when the evening chill sets in, it's time to hop on your bicycle (or the train) and ride back to the hotel in a relaxed manner.
Illustrious illustrations
What would Marion be without her own illustrations of her favourite places? She has drawn her personal highlights for us – so you can be inspired!
Canal de l'Ourcq
Canal Saint-Martin & Buttes-Chaumont
Le Musée d'Orsay
Le quartier piéton de Montorgueil
La Villette & Philharmonie
Le quartier de Jourdain
Le parc de Belleville
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