Bonjour, my fellow adventurers! I often get asked for a list of my favorite Paris recommendations, so finally put together a comprehensive list of all my favorites. I have read through countless blog post myself for locals' tips to different travel locations, and I am always distracted by all the fluff, so this one is straight forward for you. In order of my favorite, I've listed and linked all the restaurants, bars and activities that I know you won't want to miss on your next jaunt to Paris...
Restaurants
- Vantre - best overall food + wine hidden gem experience. Owner Marco will select bottles from his cellar for you if you ask
- Allard - classic French bistro, great for lunch or dinner
- Le Grand Colbert - classic French Bistro (featured in films)
- Parruch - casual rooftop restaurant with beautiful view
- Langosteria - best Italian in the city - beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. You can just go for drink or make dinner reservations
- Le Relais Entrecote - best steak frites in town. Casual and inexpensive. Be prepared to wait in line if you go during peak hours
-
Laudree - bakery for best macaron bakery. Don’t go through the main entrance on Champs-Elysees to wait in line for a table. Go in the side entrance on Rue Lincoln and sit at the bar for macarons and champagne.
- Hotel Providence - great for afternoon aperitif or dinner. So adorable!
- Poilane - incredible bakery
- Chez Janou - small quaint local dinner spot
- Girafe touristy, but great views of the Eiffel Tower
- Le Petit Lutetia classic French restaurant
- Pierre Sang - Asian cushion locals favorite. He has multiple restaurants on the same street. All good - locals favorite spot
- Fulgurances - cool experimental restaurant. Menu changes daily. Hidden gem
Bars
- Bar Hemingway- Classic Parisien moody bar. In the Ritz
- Wilde’s - swanky bar in L Hotel with great cocktails and live music
- Septime La Cave - locals favorite wine bar
- Cafe Marly- great for afternoon drinks with views of the Louvre
- Le Bal Blomet - city’s oldest jazz club
- Huitrerie Régis - great little oyster bar
Activities
- Boat along the Seine River:
- Weboat.fr - private boat tour of the Seine
- bateauxdeparis.net - larger boat tour
- Luxury Boat - very swanky and a little pricey, but worth the money. Classic private boat tour of the Seine. Very classy!
- Walk through Tuileries garden, through to Champs Elysees and all the way to the Arc de Triomphe
-
Farmers Market - shop like the locals
- Walk around Montmarte and see the wall of love and Sacre Cœur church
- Visit famous bookstore near Notre Dame: Shakespeare & Co
- For touristy Lunch in the Eiffel Tower restaurant Le Jules Verne
- Picnic at the Eiffel Tower (get wine from cavevinosapiens.com)
Tours
*I highly recommend a private tour guide for any museum! You skip the line, get to the good spots and hear the behind the scenes history no one knows about. You can see the Louvre, Musee d’orsay, catacombs, landmarks, etc. They design it for what you want. Here are two fantastic recommendations.
I hope these help! And don't forget, when it doubt, order an Aperol Spritz at one of the thousands of little cafes that line the quaint Parisian streets... My fave!
I am always adding to this list, so let me know if you find any hidden gems for me to test out on my next trip!
