Curator’s statement
Paris holds a special place in my heart as it was the first European city I explored during a university exchange program. Famed for its exquisite cuisine and culinary history, Paris offered a taste of France's celebrated culinary legacy and the quintessential French 'joie de vivre.' Strolling through charming streets and lush parks was mesmerizing. Each step through its charming streets felt like taking part in an open museum filled with history and beauty, truly making Paris an unforgettable part of my journey.
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Things to do in Paris
Architecture: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Why: An iconic example of French Gothic architecture and rich in history.
Insider Tip: Don't miss the climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris.
Website: Notre-Dame Cathedral - notredamedeparis.fr
Museums: Musée d'Orsay
Why: Houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world.
Insider Tip: Visit on a Thursday evening when the museum is open late and less crowded.
Website: Musée d'Orsay - musee-orsay.fr
Gardens: Luxembourg Gardens
Why: A perfect blend of French and English garden styles and a serene escape in the city.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a leisurely picnic and watch the world go by.
Website: Luxembourg Gardens - parisinfo.com
Historic District: Montmartre
Why: Known for its artistic history, charming streets, and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur.
Insider Tip: Explore the lesser-known streets to find hidden gems and avoid the crowds.
Website: Montmartre Guide - montmartre-guide.com
Gourmet Experience: Le Marais Food Tour
Why: A unique way to explore French cuisine and culture through a guided food tour in the historic Le Marais district.
Insider Tip: Come hungry and be ready to try everything from pastries to cheese!
Website: Le Marais Food Tour - secretfoodtours.com
River Cruise: Seine River Cruise
Why: A relaxing way to see many of Paris's landmarks from a unique perspective.
Insider Tip: Opt for an evening cruise to see the city lights.
Website: Seine River Cruises - bateauxparisiens.com
Shopping: Galeries Lafayette
Why: An upmarket French department store known for its fashion, beauty, and gourmet food.
Insider Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace for a stunning view of Paris.
Website: Galeries Lafayette - galerieslafayette.com
Theatre: Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris
Why: A 1,979-seat opera house, famous for its architecture and the setting for “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Insider Tip: Book a guided tour to explore its rich history and intricate interiors.
Website: Palais Garnier - operadeparis.fr
Nightlife: Moulin Rouge
Why: World-famous cabaret known for its spectacular shows and Belle Époque decor.
Insider Tip: Book in advance and dress up for the occasion.
Website: Moulin Rouge - moulinrouge.fr
Unique Experience: Catacombs of Paris
Why: An underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people; a haunting yet fascinating experience.
Insider Tip: Purchase skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.
Website: Catacombs of Paris - catacombes.paris.fr
Day Trips:
Versailles: Renowned for its majestic Palace of Versailles, this excursion provides an insight into French royalty's lavish life. Explore its grand palace, stunning gardens, and Hall of Mirrors - this trip provides an experience you won't soon forget.
Giverny: Experience the home and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny to see his most iconic paintings derived from its beautiful landscapes.
Champagne Region: Wine lovers won't want to miss this trip through France's Champagne region! Tour vineyards, learn about champagne-making processes, and experience samplings throughout this unforgettable journey.
Loire Valley: Famous for its picturesque castles and vineyards, the Loire Valley is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Renaissance castles such as Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau during your exploration.
Normandy Beaches: For an immersive and historically significant tour experience, take this tour to visit World War II D-Day landing beaches like Omaha Beach and Normandy American Cemetery.
Each day trip offers an unforgettable experience that complements Paris' urban charm, providing a deeper insight into France's rich history and culture.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
Breakfast
Ob-La-Di
Location: 54 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris
Unique turquoise and white decor and delicious homemade food make it a popular spot in Marais district. Specialties: Homemade foods including avocado toast, organic granola, and banana bread
Insider Tip: Enjoy coffee made by the friendly Australian barista, Lloyd.
Boulangerie Chambelland
Location: 14 Rue Ternaux, 75011 Paris
Oberkampf District offers a delicious array of gluten-free baked goods. Here lies an oasis for gluten-free baked treats!
Unique Offer: 100% gluten-free menu, perfect for celiac and gluten-sensitive diners
Specialties: Gluten-free Village Bread, chamberlains, and Foccacia
Judy Cantine
Location: 37 Rue d'Assas, 75006 Paris
Health-focused, vegetarian, and gluten-free cuisine in an idyllic setting near Jardin du Luxembourg.
Concept: 100% vegetarian and gluten-free
Specialties: Fluffy banana pancakes, French toast, and wellness bowls
Insider Tip: Grab a breakfast to-go and enjoy in the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg.
Season Marais
Location: 1 rue Charles Françoise Dupius, Paris
Known for its chic ambiance and seasonal, health-focused menu items, including vegan options.
Ambiance: Chic hipster with spacious and minimalistic décor
Specialties: Seasonal açai or matcha bowl, Green Pancakes
HolyBelly 5
Location: 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, Paris 10E
Popular for its American-style breakfast and quality coffee in a warm, industrial-chic setting.
Atmosphere: Warm, industrial-chic décor
Signature Dish: Savory Stack – American-style pancakes with fried eggs and bacon
Lunch
Le Clarence
Location: 1 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris
Offers an unforgettable sensory dining experience with a luxurious ambiance and a seasonal menu.
Ambiance: Luxurious with crystal chandeliers and neoclassical paintings
Specialties: Tempura shrimp, baby eels, and grilled red mullet with bone marrow
Insider Tip: Conclude your meal at the private hideaway bar by the fireplace.
Le Doyenné
Location: In the countryside of Essonne - 5 Rue Saint-Antoine, 91770 Saint-Vrain
Its countryside setting and focus on locally sourced ingredients provide a unique dining experience.
Concept: Focus on locally sourced ingredients
Specialties: Grilled veal steak with sides like purslane and grilled green beans
Restaurant Le Servan
Location: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
Delivers a mix of French and Asian cuisine in a beautifully decorated location.
Ambiance: Gorgeous with ceiling mouldings and vintage fresco
Cuisine: A blend of French and Asian, like grilled sweetbreads with phrik phao
Wine: Carefully selected, heavy on Burgundy reds and whites
Clamato
Location: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Known for its fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and ever-changing menu.
Concept: Seafood-focused with a menu that changes daily
Specialties: Spicy Oléron cuttlefish, mullet ceviche with butternut squash
Dinner
Le Mermoz
Location: 16 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris
This restaurant is recommended for its innovative French-Asian fusion dishes in a stunning setting.
Ambiance: 60s brasserie setting with mosaic floor and opaline chandeliers
Chef: Californian chef Thomas Graham
Specialties: Mackerel in zucchini flower, roasted lamb medallions, samphire risotto
Wine: Curated list featuring a load of natural wines
Septime
Location: 80, rue de Charonne, Paris 11
A Michelin-starred gem in Paris, Septime offers an ever-changing seven-course culinary journey in a chic, London pub-like setting, where the fusion of innovation and tradition delights the palate.
Insider Tip: Reservations open every day at 10 am for the next three weeks, so plan ahead.
Specialty: Michelin-starred cuisine with a seven-course menu that changes every three weeks. Highlights include dishes like pearly scallops paired with bone marrow.
Les Enfants du Marché
Location: 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Nestled in the bustling Marché des Enfants Rouges, Les Enfants du Marché surprises diners with its avant-garde cuisine and natural wines, blending the charm of a market stall with the sophistication of fine dining.
Insider Tip: The dining counter is set within the open-air Marché des Enfants Rouges and is known for its natural wine and avant-garde cuisine. Arrive early as seats are in high demand and not reservable.
Specialty: Surprising small dishes that evoke a fine dining affair despite the casual setting.
Mokonuts
Location: 5 Rue Saint-Bernard, 75011 Paris
A cozy and trendy spot, Mokonuts captivates with its blend of French Lebanese and Japanese American influences, serving flavor-packed dishes and exquisite desserts in a quaint, studio-sized space.
Insider Tip: Popular for both lunch and breakfast, with bookings filling up weeks in advance. They host private dinners for a minimum of 8 guests.
Specialty: Creative dishes infused with Middle Eastern spices and delightful desserts like satsuma mandarin almond cake and sesame halva cookies.
Drinks
Scilicet
Location: On the Seine - 134 Voie Georges Pompidou, 75001 Paris
A fantastic riverside location with affordable drinks and a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Ambiance: Outdoor seating with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Specialties: Cheese platters, fish and chips
Open: From midday on weekends
Le Perchoir Ménilmontant
Location: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
Offers stunning rooftop views and original cocktails, perfect for evening relaxation.
Feature: Rooftop bar with spectacular views
Specialties: Original cocktails made with local ingredients
Experimental Cocktail Club
Location: 37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris
Known for its craft cocktails and unique atmosphere, making it a standout in the Parisian bar scene.
Reputation: Famous for kickstarting Parisian craft cocktail craze
Specialties: Inventive reinterpretations of classic cocktails
Ambiance: Velvet chaise longues, comfortable armchairs, dim lights
Le Syndicat
Location: 51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris
Focuses on French spirits and apéritifs in an industrial-chic setting.
Concept: Focus on local French spirits and apéritifs
Ambiance: Industrial space with old school hip-hop
Le Barav
Location: 6 Rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003 Paris
Renowned for its exceptional wine selection and cozy, friendly atmosphere.
Concept: Wine bar with an unconventional wine list
Specialties: Small plates and a mystery wine challenge
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Travel Advisor
David Sornberger
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Christina Gales's guide, Three Days in Paris - Getting the Most Out of a Short Parisian Adventure.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris.