Euro Away Days: A trip to pastry heaven in picture perfect Paris

After the gloom of winter, the Champions League makes a welcome return this week and that means our Euro Away Days are back with a springtime blossom too.

Chelsea fans may have been less than impressed when the draw for the last 16 pitched the Blues with PSG, with the two sides now about to meet for the third successive season.

Given the west Londoners’ form this season, they may not be returning to Europe’s premier club competition next term, so they’d perhaps better enjoy this run while it lasts.

Handily Paris has all the ingredients to make a fine away day, so here’s how to make the most of a midweek getaway to the wonderful French capital…

Food

You can’t go to Paris and not indulge in what France does best, and that’s breads and pastries.

Poilâne – along the Rue du Cherche-Midi – is one of the very best and is the original home of the eponymous bakers.

Step inside, take in that wondrous smell, and savour it all.

顔よりでっかい#カンパーニュ
一つ2㎏もあるみたい#poilane #bakery #france #paris #bread #morning #takeout #aki… https://t.co/ONuHQd5A3E pic.twitter.com/3LB7FnM14Y

— Pics from Paris (@ParisInstagram) October 2, 2015

The other side to Paris, that one you see in all the movies, is fine dining.

And it doesn’t get much finer than the works of legendary chef Guy Savoy. His restaurant in Monnaie boasts three Michelin stars.

Gordon Ramsay trained under Savoy and once you taste the artichoke soup with black truffle shavings, you’ll understand why it’s regarded so highly.

Drink

Did somebody say wine?

Whatever your persuasion – red, white, rose? – and whatever your budget, Paris will have endless venues for you to enjoy.

La Garde Robe, Le Baron Rouge and Chez Georges are just three of the more casual locations for some fine wine, and of course, a cheeseboard and selections of cold meats. What’s not to love?

If you’ve got the time, Albion and Frenchie are two other wine havens well worth a visit for a glass or two.

Nightlife

You’ve tried a few wines and now it’s time for cocktails and a dance floor. Where to?

The Experimental Cocktail Club and Le Crocodile are the places to go for every cocktail you’ve never heard of before.

The City of Light will keep you entertained long after the sun has set and whether it’s live music, full on dance clubs or just a late-night chill, you’ll be well catered for.

Head to the White Room to dance the night away while overlooking the Eiffel Tower, while you won’t find many nightclubs much like Chez Raspoutin.

At Showcase you’ll often find the next big thing performing live, before a live DJ takes you through to the early hours.

Culture

It’s not so much about what to see in Paris, it’s more about what you’ve got time to see.

You don’t need us to tell you about the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the Jardin du Luxembourg will provide some mega pics to throw up on Instagram.

And if you want to impress your mates and hit them with some knowledge, take a trip to the Musee d’Orsay where you’ll easily while away an afternoon admiring works from Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso among thousands of others.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.