Madeleine-Monceau Circuit

This circuit is for those who already know the essentials and want to stroll in other neighborhoods of Paris.

I do this regularly, and it's part of my morning walks to counterbalance the gastronomic indulgences of the previous day.

After a stroll around Madeleine Square and a quick glance at the delightful windows of Fauchon, Hédiard, Maison de la Truffe, the wonderful Baccarat chandeliers, and Burberry trench coats, I continue down Boulevard des Malesherbes to Parc Monceau.

I love this elegant avenue, with its buildings dating back to Baron Haussmann, its classic shops, and the air of times gone by. Entering the tea shop Betjeman & Barton or Mettez, the brand specialized in hunting apparel, feels like a swift return to the 19th century. By the way, Mettez's raincoats are wonderful and remind me of characters from English literature.

I cross Saint Augustin Square and its church and walk another 4 or 5 blocks to the first entrance of Parc Monceau, located on the small Vélasquez Avenue.

This is one of the most pleasant parks in Paris. It's part of every Parisian's dream to own an apartment with direct access to its gardens.

Monceau features faux Roman ruins, a bizarre detail that enhances its charm.

At the end of the day, we have the ritual of nannies and children making their last exit before family dinner.

After a complete circle, I take the same route back and, if I have time, I stop by the Cernuschi Museum located on the same Vélasquez Avenue or the Nissin de Camondo Museum, which is also nearby. These two museums reveal the interiors of the mansions of great French families from the time when the park was built.

The Cernuschi Museum was the mansion of the Italian, Paris resident, Henri Cernuschi. After his death, the Paris City Hall inherited the property and his collection of Asian art. This museum, opened in 1898, is one of the oldest Parisian museums, the second Asian art museum in France, and the fifth Chinese art museum in Europe.

I return along Avenue Malesherbes and, from time to time, turn right onto Boulevard Haussmann to make a quick stop at Caves Augé.

I take this chance to mention this cellar, one of the best in Paris. The owner, Marc Sibard, a former sommelier at Fouquet's, has become an advocate for small producers who practice viticulture that yields delicious wines, distinct from those prevailing in the international market.

And if hunger strikes on the way back, I have countless options, including a Pierre Hermé chocolate from Boulevard Malesherbes.

Or lunch at Maison de la Truffe, which offers a menu for 29 euros including amuse bouche, daily dish, and coffee gourmand.

This circuit is small and I complete it in 1h15m. A longer variation would be to leave Parc Monceau via Boulevard de Courcelles, walk to Ternes Square, then take Avenue Wagram to the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysées. It's a two-hour walk. But it's worth it!

Mettez, 12 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008.

Betjeman & Barton, 23 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008.

Musée Cernuschi, 7 Avenue Vélasquez, 75008.

Musée Nissin de Camondo, 63 Rue de Monceau, 75008.

Caves Augé, 116 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008. Open Saturday to Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Pierre Hermé, 89 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008.