LE CENTRE 104
Le cent quartre is funeral service building from the late 19th century turned art space. It is way up north in the 19th district of Paris. There are expos, a few shops and cafés and it is just a wonderful place to visit for a stroll. The space is beautiful and immense. You can check their website for information on expos. They also have a photobooth.
LA COULÉE VERTE
The flower walk is Paris’s Highline. It’s also know as La Promenade Plantée. It stretches from Bastille until the Parc de Vincennes, with ups and downs and a different perspective of Paris. It’s open daily from 9am to 9pm.
MARCHÉ AUX PUCES DE VANVES
This flea market is at Porte de Vanves, right outside Paris’s 14th district. It’s smaller than the Puces de Saint Ouen, but I always seem to find my favorite treasures there. You can access the flea market from the metro stop Porte de Vanves on line 13. It is on Saturdays and Sundays. Definitely worth a spin, and don’t forget to bid!
MUSÉE DE LA CHASSE ET DE LA NATURE
This museum is tucked in the Marais and features some pretty fantastic taxidermy. Founded in the 60’s, it holds collections illustrating ecology and that which humans use. The main collections include taxidermy and other beautiful pieces, but there are also some temporary installations at times.
MUSÉE DES ARTS FORAINS
This private museum is the mecca of all things carnival. The museum is a private collection of funfaire fabulousness: games, carousels and more. You can hop on some of the amusement rides that date back to 1850. By far one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in in Paris. Granted, I am somewhat obsessed with amusement parks and carnivals. Private tours only. For information on reservations, click here.
PALAIS DE TOKYO
Modern and contemporary art museum. There’s almost always something interesting to see here, an you can also snap a few photo strips in their vintage photobooth before or after an exhibition.
PARC DE LA VILLETTE
It’s a park that is in the boonies, but so lovely if you’re coming to Paris in the springtime. I just love parking by the Géode and picnicing. It’s the home of the Cité des Sciences. It’s probably not the best place to be at night… but in the summertime they also have an open air cinema here.
RUE DE LA BUTTE AUX CAILLES
A hidden street in the core of Paris’s 13th district with lovely cafés, bars and shops. Not too far from Place d’Italie and perfection on the afternoon of a sunny day. Has a cozy neighborhood feel. Metro Corvisart (line 6).
RUE DÉNOYEZ & BELLEVILLE
This street is filled with graffiti and is super photogenic. It is just so pretty and this lively neighborhood has got so much personality. There are wonderful cafés around there, as well as delicious asian food. It’s a unique neighborhood in Paris, that is very gentrified and culture-clashing in many good ways. It’s got so much personality and is always busy as can be. I feel like sometimes this is the true Paris.
LES SERRES D’AUTEUIL
To those who think the 16th arrondissement is lame or boring, you will no longer think that when you realize it’s right next to this fantastic place. Les Serres d’Auteuil is an open park and botanical garden that is more beautiful than I can express in a 4 line blurb. From tropical plants to cacti, and fish to birds, these greenhouses are full of surprises. Even go for a picnic amongst all of the flowers and beautifully intricate greenhouses. Sit on a bench an enjoy a good book. Truly a hidden treasure right outside Paris’s limits.
ACADÉMIE DE LA BIÈRE
A tarvern-like restaurant near the Luxembourg Gardens with typical pub food and moules-frites. Great list of Belgian beer in bottles and a couple on tap. A look at the place here.
AU PÈRE LOUIS
Perfect for a first time visit in Paris. A French restaurant and wine bar near Odéon with a little bit of spunk. It’s traditional but modern at the same time. I have nothing but good memories here with friends or family in town. I highly suggest it for dinner out in Paris when looking for traditional French dishes. Reservations recommended.
BISTROTTERS
Delicious French bistro in Southern Paris, with seasonal, quality and beautifully presented French dishes. Staff is super friendly and can help you pair the perfect wine with your table’s meals. A bit on the pricer side (entrée/plat/dessert + wine count about 50euros per person). Well worth it. Reservations recommended.
CAFÉ CONSTANT
A deux pas from the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant has you covered for your delicious (and affordable) French meal. Perfect for both lunch or dinner. Heads up, they don’t take reservations, try to avoid weekends and peak times if you don’t want to have a wait.
CHETTINADU
My favorite restaurant in Paris hands down. All I have to say is that if you want the best veggie samosa in France, this is where it is. I go here on average once every 2 weeks. It’s been 4 years. Let’s just say I’m a regular, and HIGHLY recommend it. Great option for vegetarian and vegan friends! I don’t suggest this place if you are not into [even lightly] spicy food.
COLOROVA
Right across from Ecole Grégoire Ferrandi is this little hole-in-the wall piece of wonderful. It’s a fab place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even just for high tea for a good chat. The déco is absolutely to die for with bright fabrics. The food is almost too pretty to eat.
CORETTA
Ne0bistro in the 17th, between Pont Cardinet commuter train stop and métro Brochant. A modern gem in the Parisian landscape, right next to the Martin Luther King Park. Appetizer/entrée or entrée/dessert for 25 bucks for lunch, prices slightly higher for dinner. Menu with varied with the perfect twist and top notch presentation (at least I thought so!). Cozy atmosphere with modern vibes: light wood, black leather, white marble and plants. Reservations recommended.
L’ATELIER DE SAINT GEORGES
Not your average burger joint. This spot serves burgers with a French touch, décomposé with the top slightly to the side, and with unique flavor combos – in the perfect portions. I loved the daily special when I popped in, with asparagus, creamed parmesan, roquette and olives. The decor isthe perfect mix between Parisian traditional and contemporary vintage with large mirrors and bold 60s lights.
PAPERBOY
Wonderfully simple place on rue Amelot. I suggest it for lunch as their sandwiches are just delicious. Friendly staff. Also nice for a coffee and snack if you’re just passing by.
PINK FLAMINGO
If you’re craving pizza, this is the place to go. There are several of them in Paris, with deliciously unique pizza. In the summertime you can go and order your pizza at the one in the 10th, they’ll give you a pink balloon and you can hang by the Canal Saint Martin and they’ll deliver your pizza to you… how cute is that?
LE RICHER
Great lunch or dinner spot in the 9th. Colorful and modern take on French cuisine in a stunningly tasteful environment. They don’t take reservations so prepare to avoid spot-on dinner times. .
SUGAR DAZE BAKE SHOP
The most delicious cupcakes I have ever had in my entire life. Tucked up on rue Henri Monnier there is a little American haven, with a fabulous zebra walls covered with vinyls and the scent of freshly baked cakes. The cupcake flavors vary day to day but there are always at least 8 or 9 choices. They are all mouth watering. Custom order cakes are also a win.
ANGELINA’S
A must if you’re a gal traveling to Paris. Pop into picturesque Angelina’s on rue de Rivoli for a hot cocoa and a dessert of your dreams. The Mont Blanc will blow your mind. Prolong your experience with a hot cocoa to go and a stroll through the Tuilerie Gardens.
CAFE DE FLORE
A classic. The historical hub on Boulevard Saint Germain has kept it’s original allure and is a marvelous place for a hot cocoa en terrasse, despite the fact that it’s overpriced.
LILY OF THE VALLEY
A Fern Gully wonderland for high tea. Opens early, delicious variety of cakes to pair with their epic variety of tea. In the heart of the Upper Marais by métro Temple.
LOUSTIC
Super cozy and charming café with friendly staff, great coffee and a stellar menu (notably the chai tea latté , it’s to die for) near the Pompidou. Heads up, they don’t to decaf. A peek at the fantastic the deco is here.
MAMIE GÂTEAUX
This half-coffeeshop/tearoom half-brocante is one of my favorite spots on the left bank. Not far from the Bon Marché, Mamie Gâteaux is the perfect spot for either lunch, or for an afternoon tea or coffee and slice of cake. Floral tablecloths and precious vintage knick-knacks, it’s the type of cozy place that makes you feel like you’re far from the city.
COPPERBAY
Cocktail joint near Strasbourg Saint-Denis. Delicious an beautifully crafted cocktails (and other things if you prefer, obvi). Around 10euros per cocktail, varied menu and snacks. Always seems to have space which is a big plus in my book.
DIRTY DICK
Sit here with a bowl of punch with friends and you’ll feel like you’re back in the 60’s. You’ll even feel like you’re in Mad Men on vacation in Hawaii. This bar is fantastic and precious as can be, from the wallpaper to the lighting to the stools. I highly suggest it for a cocktail or punch. Best earlier on, not as top top when it’s crowded. Their music playing includes chart toppers from the Beach Boys, The Surfaris and Aki Aleong & the Nobles. Dive in.
LA BUVETTE (RUE SAINT MAUR)
Hole in the wall cave with some spots to sit and enjoy of couple of glasses over nibbles. Simple and natural décor, awkwardly cozy and just perfect for wine lovers looking for something a little less bling bling and a little more local.
LE KITSCH
One of Oberkampf’s quirkiest spots, on the divy side but still great. The décor is unique and full of random surprises, so you should go and check it out yourself. They’ve got a mean happy hour as well, so give the Shrek a try.
LES TROIS 8
Organic wine and artisanal beer bar in the 20th, at Ménilmontant, serving various French and European artisanal beers. They have a wonderful meat and cheese platter as well, which is worth it if you plan parking yourself there for a little while to try all their beers. Laid back ambiance with a great (and always changing) draft beer menu. Occasional live music, if not, good tunes, and this is truly my favorite place for a drink in this city.
L’EXPRESS DE LYON
A whole in the wall brasserie near Gare de Lyon with a surprisingly fantastic list of craft beers, and around 15 beers on tap.
THE CLUB
Club sandwiches, delicious cocktails and a black SMEG fridge. BINGO! This lovely spot is also fabulous for groups might I say. You can reserve the basement. The staff is always so friendly and boy do they make damn good cocktail suggestions.
AU PETIT BONHEUR LA CHANCE
From old school posters to enamel teapots to vintage children’s toys, this little gem of a shop on rue Saint Paul has the most wonderful little things to feast your eyes on.
LA CHAMBRE AUX CONFITURES
Precious shop with unique-flavored jams, chutneys, honeys, chocolate sauces and caramel sauces. I find them to be perfect as little gifts from Paris.
LE SEPT CINQ
This boutique sells products by French creators, from letterpress cards to jewelry to booties. They have stunning trinkets, and also a little café/salon de thé in the back. Highly recommended for little gifts.
MOUSTACHE BLANCHE
Beer shop next to Bastille with a great selection of artisanal and craft beers from Belgium, France, Europe as a whole and beyond. The guy running the shop, Guillaume, knows his stuff and has great recommendations. Also open all day Sunday which is pretty fantastic.