Paris: Restaurants, Hotels, Shopping
Paris feels like home. I spent my childhood years there, long before I ever set foot in the US. Paris taught me how to eat, how to wander, how to linger at the dinner table. As an adult, I have rediscovered the city of my youth and each visit is a blend of coming home and discovery. Here are my faves…
Where to Eat: Restaurants & Bakeries & Cheese Shops
La Petite Chaise - traditional French food in the 7th
Parcelles - a stylish and beautiful spot in the Marais for contemporary French food
Fana - way off the beaten path modern French food Michelin Bib winner
Les Enfants du Marche at the Marche des Enfants Rouges - No reservations food booth with incredible food and wine. Went back for lunch 3 times the last time I was in Paris.
Lulu Creperie - Sure you can get crepes anywhere on a street corner, but this stall at the Marche des Enfants Rouges takes crepes to a whole new level of authenticity.
Tonton des Dames - Great steak-focused local restaurant that just rebuilt after a fire.
Le Relais de Venise - L’entrecote - Although L’entrecote has become really touristy, I can’t take it off this list. The only question they ask is how you want your steak cooked. It comes with a mystery nutty green sauce but they’ll scold you if you don’t finish your salad first. Don’t skimp on dessert.
Angelina for the Chocolat Chaud - Has also become ridiculously overrun by tourists but the hot chocolate is a must have at least once in your life.
Fati - Maison des Gyros - This is a tiny restaurant on the super touristy but fun Rue de La Huchette across the street from Notre Dame. Steve and the kids still talk about the gyros with a dreamy look. No reservations needed. Just walk and let your mouth guide you.
Mamiche Boulangerie de Quartier for Croissants and baguette but expect a long line as this is a hot place on TikTok and Insta.
Fromagerie Jouannault - near the Marche des Enfants Rouges - will vacuum pack butter and cheese for you to bring home.
Where to Sleep: Hotels & Airbnbs
La Chambre du Marais - adorable boutique hotel with great bar, breakfast, bath products and location
Hotel Henri IV - Great location with beautiful rooftop views, right next to Notre Dame.
Hotel de Lutece - On the Ile St Louis. Dreamy location with great prices and nice rooms.
AIRBNB 3BR Listing - 3 bedroom apartment in Le Marais - so charming, can’t wait to go back.
AIRBNB 4BR Listing - 4 bedroom apartment near la Place de la Republique and the Marais.
Where to Shop: Clothes, Purses, Housewares, and more
Gai Jin - vintage and second-hand Japanese blouses - tiny and so gorgeous. Reasonably priced.
La Tresorerie - Kitchen items and tableware. Across the street is their bath store.
Kate Lee Handbags - Beautiful colors and designs. Really reasonable prices.
Mes Demoiselles - colorful designs and gorgeous fabrics.
Flabelus - Beautiful and colorful Spanish brand of Mary Janes. The summer shoe you covet.
Agnes B - can’t get more classic and timeless as a French designer.
Galleries Lafayette Gourmet - If you have a sweet tooth, you have to spend a little time in this food court that brings together the greatest bakeries and chocolatiers of France.
Culture: Museums, Galleries, and Gardens
In Paris I love the small museums and tend to steer clear from the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. There is so much art everywhere in Paris, I prefer these smaller settings that are not overrun with pushy crowds. If you happen to be there when a smaller church is doing a classical concert, I can’t recommend that experience enough.
Musee Rodin - My favorite Paris museum with its gorgeous garden filled with Rodin statues.
Musee de L’Orangerie - spend time surrounded by Monet’s Water Lillies in wrap around rooms
Cathedrale de Notre Dame - just re-opened, didn’t get a ticket, the stand by line took 30 minutes. The pristine beauty of the renovations made me cry.
Musee Picasso - Small museum with multiple floors that really let you take in the different Picasso periods.