A leading fashion capital, a gastronomic heaven and a brilliant hub of culture, history and art, Paris is always a good idea for those who love to travel. Between the sparkling Eiffel Tower and the romantic views of La Seine, the French capital boasts a plethora of new and old restaurants, très chic boutiques, charming book stores and gorgeous parks that beg you to slow down and relax.
Featuring recommendations by locals including colette co-founder and Just an Idea agency’s Sarah Andelman, KOCHÉ‘s Christelle Kocher, the BY FAR team and style maven Sabina Socol, our Paris travel guide highlights some of the coolest places to check out in the city. Continue reading to plan for your next getaway, and head here to discover more city guides.
Jardin du Palais Royal
A favorite of locals including Andelman, the garden of the former royal palace is known for its peaceful and picturesque setting perfect for an afternoon walk. Located around the corner from the Louvre, the courtyard is the place to be if you need to take a break from museum-hopping. For a quick coffee fix, make your way to Café Kitsuné that’s conveniently situated within the gardens.
Address: 2 Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
Centre Pompidou
Speaking of museums, a must-visit for art and architecture lovers alike is the Centre Pompidou. Designed with an “inside-out” facade where colorful pipes are exposed on the building’s exterior, the complex is one of the most iconic buildings in the French capital. From checking out exhibitions and guided tours, to catching movie screenings and live performances, you can easily spend a day here looking at works by some of the most famous artists in history.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Musée National Picasso-Paris
“Housed in an incredible, typical Parisian hôtel particulier, the museum has one of the best Picasso collections in the world.” — BY FAR team
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Square Maurice Gardette
“Paris is not missing parks. While this one isn’t the biggest nor the most attractive, hanging in parks is the average Parisian’s favorite activity when the weather allows it, and I have to say having a cute one like Square Gardette right down my place is quite a luxury in Paris. For those craving wider spaces, I’d recommend taking a trip to Versailles, or at least the Jardin du Luxembourg.” — Sabina Socol
Address: 2, Rue General Blaise, 75011 Paris
Le Monte-en-l’air
“This is one of my favorite bookstores in the 10th, close to the [KOCHÉ] studio. It always supports outstanding authors, like Alban Lefranc, a novelist I truly cherish. The photo books selection is also amazing.” — Christelle Kocher
Address: 2 Rue de la Mare, 75020 Paris
0fr. Paris
Another bookstore you should visit when in Paris is 0fr. Known for its well-curated selection of fashion magazines and art books, the shop doubles as a gallery space where exhibitions are regularly on display. You’ll also find a boutique within the store stocked with clothing and accessories.
Address: 20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris
Sébastien Gaudard Pâtisserie
“Not only is the location of the pâtisserie great (it’s near the Louvre), but the taste and the selection of its timeless, perfect pastries are also amazing.” — BY FAR team
Address: 1 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris
% Arabica and Barthélémy
For a great cup of coffee, or one the best matcha lattes you’ll ever have, look no further than % Arabica. Bringing its famous brews to the restaurant-packed Beaupassage in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the cult-loved Kyoto coffee shop has set up a stand in a cozy, open-air space within the foodie hotspot.
While you’re here, Andelman suggests also checking out Barthélémy, an authentic cheese shop that has existed for over 40 years.
Address: 53-57 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Maison Plisson
“Maison Plisson is the place where you can find the best vegetables, cheese and French charcuterie in town.” — BY FAR team
Address: 93 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Wild & The Moon
“This is Paris’ best spot for organic and healthy juices. The juice bar has a nicely designed interior as well.” — BY FAR team
Address: 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
CAM
“I feel thankful for being able to travel a lot and meeting some great chefs. I especially love the creativity of Chef Esu Lee at CAM. I am always astonished by the variety of his culinary proposals, the mix of cultures and flavors, always with a comforting feeling of delicacy, never too imperious. It is pure delight.” — Christelle Kocher
Address: 55 Rue au Maire, 75003 Paris
Kunitoraya
If you find yourself craving something warm and soupy to eat, have a taste of the homemade udon at Kunitoraya and you won’t be disappointed. Recommended by Andelman, the Japanese bistro is known for its signature noodle dishes served with crispy tempura, pork cutlet and seaweed.
Address: 5 Rue Villédo, 75001 Paris
Chez Loulou
“There are a ton of good and cool restaurants in Paris, so naming one as one’s favorite isn’t an easy task. With that being said, if I were visiting Paris for one night and had to narrow it down to one, it would be Loulou for sure. It’s located inside the Tuileries Garden, and has a beautiful terrasse that oversees the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramide du Louvres. The crowd is fashionable and [the restaurant] serves Italian food. What more could you ask for ?” — Sabina Socol
Address: 51 Rue de Montreuil, 75011 Paris
Paperboy Paris
A popular brunch spot in the city, Paperboy is adored for its delectable sandwiches that range from salmon and avocado buns, to unique breakfast sliders filled with layers of fruits and peanut butter. Other classic morning dishes such as Eggs Benedict, granola and vegan salad bowls are also available on the menu.
Address: 137 Rue Amelot, 75011 Paris
La Boule Noire
“I particularly enjoy their live music. They always offer a rather interesting program. They are good at revealing hidden treasures. I enjoy following whatever comes up these days.” — Christelle Kocher
Address: 120 Boulevard de Rochechouart, 75018 Paris
Grand Amour Hotel
“Located in the trendy Quartier Saint Denis, this hotel is where the Parisians meet to discuss gossips over dinner.” — BY FAR team
Address: 18 Rue de la Fidélité, 75010 Paris
Rosa Bonheur
“Situated at the very top of the Buttes Chaumont, Le Rosa Bonheur is one of the most free, generous and crazy spots I know here in Paris. Its founder, Zouzou has become a close friend of mine, and I’ve been bringing my studio [staffers] here for celebration nights. We even hosted our last private sale here. I’ve never spent a bad night here.” — Christelle Kocher
Address: 120 Boulevard de Rochechouart, 75018 Paris
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées
“Not that I specifically enjoy hanging out in a department store, but in terms of shopping experience, the new Galeries Lafayette has done a wonderful job. It’s the perfect addition of what was missing to Paris since colette closed, but better, because the selection is even wider. The temple of every little thing you spot on Instagram IRL.” — Sabina Socol
Address: 60 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Citron and OURSIN
At the end of your shopping spree, make sure to treat yourself to the desserts at Citron, located on the first floor of Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées. A partnership between designer Simon Porte Jacquemus and cult-loved Parisian eatery Caviar Kaspia, the café has quickly become one of the trendiest attractions for fashion lovers since it opened doors in March, 2019.
For bigger plates, head to the second floor to visit OURSIN, Jacquemus and Kaspia’s Mediterranean restaurant. Led by former Septime group chef Érica Archambault, the menu features mouthwatering seafood dishes, pasta, salads and more.
Address: 1er Étage (Citron)/ 2ème Étage (OURSIN), 60 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
A.P.C. Surplus
A.P.C. devotees and minimalists alike, here’s one shop you need to include in your Paris itinerary. From the brand’s leather accessories and handbags, to its denim range and footwear, find stylish treasures at slashed prices here, with discounts up to 70-percent off. You’re welcome.
Address: 20 Rue André del Sarte, 75018 Paris
Astier de Villatte
“They have amazing candles and the finest, French handmade modern porcelain pieces.” — BY FAR team
Address: 173 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Pigalle Basketball
Teaming up with Parisian creative agency ill-studio, Pigalle has designed perhaps the most Instagrammable basketball court in the world. Stop by to play a game, or to simply admire the beauty of the court’s smooth gradient of colors.
Address: 17 Rue Duperré, 75009 Paris
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