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I previously published a comprehensive guide to Paris. This guide is more specific.
Not exactly the French classics. Here are my recs for the cool spots in Paris where you can truly feel the vibe of the city and its people, particularly in the summer. Perfect for your third trip and beyond!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
WHERE TO EAT
DINNER
⭐ Jaïs - ($$) a classic French bistro in the 7th with young, lively energy. The tables are on top of each other and the vibe is hectic in the best way. Perfect for a date night or dinner with a friend.
⭐ Clamato - walk-in only place. Experimental seafood dishes that are refreshing. Put your name down early and spend your time waiting at Septime La Cave across the street.
Amagat or Cache - sister restaurants with an amazing, shared courtyard. Amagat is more casual, serving Spanish tapas. Cache is more sophisticated with mediterranean food and an industrial setting.
Soces - Reminds me of my favorite candle-lit wine bars in Fort Greene, Margot in particular.
Septime - ($$$) Incredible food for the ultimate foodie [It’s hard to get a reservation, but you can often get lucky off the waitlist]
Onii San - (For lunch or dinner) Casual japanese spot serving an amazing wagyu sandwich.
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WINE
Deviant - side-walk seating and great natural wines. I love their website quote:
Sharing is caring plates.
Cocktails that make you go “oooooh”.
Wines that make you go “aaaaah”.
Makes-you-wanna-dance soundtrack.
Folderol - a family-owned ice cream shop and wine bar. This place went viral on tiktok (against the family’s will) and they banned photography in the space 🫢
Septime La Cave - Grab a glass of wine (or 8) and take outside onto the sidewalk. The people working here are incredibly sweet. If you’re adventurous with your wines, let them make the selections for you. Many expats here! I’ve made many many friends here!
LUNCH
⭐ Loulou - Come here right off the plane, sit in the outdoor patio, enjoy a large glass of white wine, and be instantly reminded you’re in Paris. Certainly filled with tourists, but still a spot I love.
⭐ Chez Georges - this is a cozy old-school place I come back to every time I’m in Paris. Order the Lentil Salad and be pleasantly surprised.
⭐ Square du Temple - A garden in the 3rd arr. with a great lawn for a picnic. I lived right across the street from here and some of my best memories in Paris are around 6/7 pm aperitif in this little garden.
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Miznon - You know this place, but it hits the spot every time for a quick lunch.
Kaito - Standing handroll bar. Great for a quick, light, and delicious lunch in the 6th.
Cafe Charlot - their food isn’t anything special, but this corner might be the best sunlight seating in the 3rd.
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JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY
Le Doyenné - a really lovely experience and probably the longest meal I’ve ever had in my life. I enjoyed every second of it. If you’ve been to Paris a few times and want to travel outside the city, Le Doyenné is about a 45-minute train ride away. It is a restaurant, guesthouse, and farm set within the historical grounds of the Château de Saint-Vrain.
Book a reservation for lunch well in advance. Reserve your car transport from the train in advance as well.
For me, this was more about the quality of the produce, beautiful setting, and ability to disconnect than the actual dishes themselves.
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THE PLACES I COME BACK TO EVERY TIME
MUSEUMS
Fondation Louis Vuitton (check before if there’s a exhibition you’re interested in).
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SHOPPING
⭐ Pretty Box - A treasure chest of vintage Celine, Chanel, Versace, etc. Nicolas, who runs the shop, doesn’t let just anyone in. At first glance, the vibe is very grunge and intense. But do some digging - you’ll find the most special vintage pieces you’ve ever seen. This is one of my favorite places to shop in of all time!
The Broken Arm - maybe my favorite concept store to ever spend time in.
The Parisian Vintage - great curation of vintage Courrèges, Paco Rabanne, Gaultier.
Boys Don’t Cry - Men’s clothing store but there are a lot of unisex pieces. Carrying - Bode, Second Layer, James Perse.
BOOKS
GOOGLE MAPS
PARIS 1
*The all-encompassing guide to Paris.
PARIS 2
*A niche map of Paris than the one in my previous guide. There are barely any touristy/first timer in Paris pins.
SHOPPING MAP
*All of the best places to shop in Paris for men and women.