Paris travel & market guide
I have always loved Paris. I hate to be a cliché, but there we are! The food, the architecture, the antique treasures, and, of course, the delicious sweet treats (my Achilles' heel wherever I am in the world) - it's just so good!
There are so many round-ups on where to go in this city, but if you like my kind of travel (authentic flea markets, shopping, French fries, and fizz), this one's for you. I'd also love to hear any of your recommendations, so please drop them in a comment (at the bottom of the page) or ask me a question if you'd like more details on anything!
Where to stay
Le Marais has always been my go-to neighborhood. I've stayed elsewhere in Saint-Germain and Montmartre a few times, but always find my way back to the 3rd arrondissement.
Annoyingly, finding a good airbnb has got trickier here since the French government reduced how often a home can be rented out. Last time we stayed in this place and it was great! Surrounded by cute cafés and shops, but set back from the street so it was quiet too. Here are a few others I've had my eye on:
As for hotels, I would suggest:
Where to eat
Cafés/cakes
Grave - delicious coffee with a side of soft serve if you so fancy. They have a different flavor basque cheesecake every day!
Partisan - full of trendy locals, in a good way. The coffee and cookies are so tasty!
French Bastards - the best pastries!!
Du Pain et des Idées - for the pistachio pastry.
Popelini - I love these. Get a box with a good mix of flavors.
PS, can you tell I’m more into a frosting pastry than lamination?
Restaurants
Septime - still trying to get in, but I try EVERY time. Let me know if you think it's worth it!
Parcelles - easily one of my favorite restaurants of all time, not just in Paris. A 10/10 for atmosphere, food, wine, and service.
Early June - a wine bar that hosts traveling chefs, so it's a new cuisine every few weeks. The food is always incredible and the atmosphere is great (if not a little on the loud side). You can't book for 2, so turn up early and leave your number.
Pluto - we haven't actually made it here yet as the fashion week crowds made it too hard to get a booking (top tip - avoid fashion week at all costs), but I've heard great things and will definitely be going next time.
Da Melo - If you're after a hearty hole in the wall, this tiny Italian is for you. It was 2 minutes from our airbnb and so delicious. Get the ragu!
Le Bon Georges - It's definitely on the more touristy side but for good reason. The French fries were out of this world.
Chez Janou - We were in two minds about whether to include this because it's gotten quite touristy and the service can be subpar. But the chocolate mousse is still the best I've ever had.
Where to drink
Aux deux amis - One of the most fun wine bars I've ever been to. Not the least bit pretentious and with
Folderol - wine and ice cream. What more could you want?
Chambre noire - delicious small plates and an amazing selection of well-priced wine.
Poney club - up in Montmartre, it's the perfect place to swing by after a trip to Objet qui Parle. They also do wine tastings which I'd love to try!
Le café noir - cheap and cheerful with a real neighborhood spirit. It's also one of the best people-watching spots ever!
Terra bar à vins - we happened upon this place because it was directly below another airbnb we've stayed in. The food here is exceptional!
Where to shop
Merci - this place has become insanely popular but I go back every time because it's so well-curated. Some of the best bags and bits I've bought over the years are from here!
Galerie Paradis - If you like vintage furniture and decor, it’s not flea market prices, but it is sooo well curated.
AXS design - an interiors store with a really great selection.
Antoinette Poisson - incredible wallpaper, fabrics and scents inspired by 18th-century designs.
Nose - I’m always scouting for new perfumes and this place has a great selection. It's just round the corner from le café noir (one of our favorite bars) and a whole street of great shops.
Loulou studio - it's on the pricier side but I absolutely love everything I've bought here. My latest purchase was a thick cotton trench with the best boxy but not too oversized silhouette. It's perfect for Spring.
Thanx God I'm a VIP - I could antique for hours but find vintage clothes shopping weirdly overwhelming. This place is color coordinated which feels so much easier, and there's loads of great stuff!
Closet 2 Closet - vintage and pre-loved luxury. You'll need to pre-book as it's private, but worth it!
La Grande Epicerie - because a bougie grocery store is one of my top (admittedly bizarre) favorite ways to pass an hour.
Maybe we got lucky cause it was fashion week, but the pop-ups were in a league of their own when we were there last. Keep an eye out for some really amazing, unique pieces.
Where to antique
Objet qui Parle - this little store always has the best antiques at such reasonable prices, especially considering it's in Montmartre. Some of our favorite ever finds are from here!
Quincaillerie Leclercq - antique hardware haven! A must-visit if you're renovating.
Marché aux puces de Saint-Ouen - it's popular for good reason. There are high-end sections and more affordable flea-market areas so you can find something for every budget.
Portes de Vanves - my personal favorite. It happens every weekend out in the 14th arrondissement and has a real neighborhood feel to it. Sometimes you'll find true gems, other times it's mostly tat, but that's all part of the fun!
Rue de Bretagne - Paris' biggest brocante which takes place twice yearly in the Marais. You can expect everything from Regency antiques to midcentury furniture and vintage Levi's.
Foire de Chatou - on the outskirts of Paris, this one is definitely on the pricier side but you can still find some good treasure if you search hand enough! Take cash and be prepared to haggle.
SHOP ANTIQUES
Our latest art collection comprises antique paintings and frames picked up from these very places. Some of our favorites are still up for grabs...
