The Beat That My Heart Skipped – A blog dedicated to daily design inspirations. By Rohini Wahi.

Image from Flickr

Narrow, romantic, cobbled streets that make you want to invest in a moped or maybe more vertical stripes in your wardrobe – tick
Falafel, falafel, falafel – did I mention falafel? – tick
Beautiful tea houses and cafés to while away the hours? – tick

Oh Paris, I truly love this city. Perhaps, too much, having returned six times since my first visit in 1996. About once every two months, I have severe pangs of regret, when I wish my mum (who is fluent) had taught me French when my mind was young and spongy. But alas, each time I visit, the Parisians patiently listen to my high school French and then reply in English.

I’ve decided it’s best to cover Paris by districts – so the first is the Marais, translated as ‘the marsh’ in English. The Marias is in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, on the right bank of the Seine. The area’s Jewish influence is prevalent, with bookshops, small synagogues, prayer rooms, and kosher boulangeries and charcuteries dotted around the narrow streets.

One of the highlights of the Marais is L’As du Falafel. Here, you can find, hands down, the best falafel outside Istanbul. Found on rue des Rosiers, it’s one of the cheapest meals in Paris. Luckily, it’s also one of the best. For around €6, you’ll get a large pita filled with falafel, hummus, grilled eggplant, cabbage, radish, tomato and cucumber. And, if there’s enough space on top, help yourself to the jar of red peppers and hot sauce. You can eat in, but this falafel is best experienced on the side of the road, watching the world go by.

If you need a break in between your walking tour of the Marais, get lost in the cobbled streets and discover some of the trendiest boutiques in Paris such as Noir Kennedy, A.B.C. and Bless

The list truly goes on forever, but somewhere to definitely check out if you’re wanting a Paris ‘moment’ is Maisons de Thé Mariage Frères [30, rue Bourg Tibourg]. Here, you’ll find more than 400 different teas in this gorgeous shop. I don’t usually use words like ‘gorgeous’ but this place deserves it. Admittedly, I don’t even like tea that much, but I really like tea shops; there’s something magical about them. Mariage Frères also offers brunch on Sunday mornings but make sure you book in advance.

Next on the must eat list is La Victoire Supreme du Coeur [29, rue du Bourg-Tibourg]. It’s a fantastic vegan restaurant. I love anything sweet for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, but sometimes, I feel the urge to eat some tasty, healthy food while on holiday. Just around the corner from L’As du Falafel, you’ll find this gem, and after five minutes in this zen like environment, you’ll be feeling at peace with life and how many pastries you’ve eaten since arriving in Paris. The quiche was delicious, but I think it’s safe to say, anything on the menu will be brilliant.

- Vanessa