A Mini Paris Guide
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Paris is always a good idea, right? It had been far too long since I’d spent any quality time in this beautiful city, so my knowledge of the latest hotspots was rusty to say the least. After consulting you guys on Instagram, and doing a bit of Googling, I’d created a map for myself, full of ideas on where to eat and shop when we were in the city of light.
I like to create these maps not as a checklist, but as reference for wherever I end up in a particular city. If I see a bunch of reccomended places in one area, I know to dedicate time to explore there. My maps are total lifesavers whenever I’m travelling, and I add to them each time I’m visiting a city. I hope that some of the places below tickle your fancy enough to add them to your own itineraries. Without further ado…
Le Pigalle
We made Le Pigalle our home for the duration of our stay. I based booking this spot on pictures I’d seen – a record player at the end of your bed? Yes please. It’s a spot with a lot of personality and very comfy beds.
It’s surrounded by some great restaurants, so you can roll out of bed after a late-afternoon nap and straight into the queues for some of the most popular places in town.
It’s location right next to Pigalle station is extremely convenient, and it’s just less than a 20-minute walk from Gare du Nord if you’ve only got hand luggage on you.
9 Rue Frochot, 75009
Buvette
The Paris outpost of Buvette is a bustling small space. We were squeezed in (literally – it’s not uncommon for wait staff in Paris to have to play Tetris with tables in order for you to reach your seat!) for a late lunch and opted for an extremely tasty Croque Madame. Not a bad way to start a trip to Paris!
Plus, they don’t close over lunchtimes like most restaurants in the city, so you can rock up at 3 and fill up! Note – the desserts are equally as yummy.
28 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
We made our way up to the flea market in Sain-Ouen over the weekend. They are totally right when they describe this place as a maze. Here you’ll find various vintage and secondhand markets bunched together. Whilst some sections have high-end furniture, paintings and clothes, others will have phone chargers and old VHS tapes. It was the streets with the latter that we didn’t feel 100% safe in, as people pointed out our cameras and asked for pictures. It’s an area of town you could feel a little out of place in if you take a wrong turn, so do your research before you go!
132-140 Rue des Rosiers, 75018
Merci
Merci is a beautiful boutique department store set across three storeys. I have no doubt you’ll have seen their iconic red Fiat over on Instagram at some point. You’ll find beautiful things in just about all the departments here.
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003
Pink Mamma
You can’t ask for recommendations for Paris without someone mentioning one of Big Mamma’s Italian restaurants. They have seven in total across the city, as well as a bar and food market. We went to Pink Mamma, as it was just around the corner from our hotel. I mostly knew what to expect from the food as I’ve gorged at Gloria in London on several occasions, and it didn’t disappoint on that front. Burrata, please!
Unfortunately though, we did experience particularly slow service, something I’m not usually bothered, but in this case we didn’t even get asked if we’d like a drink until 30 minutes after we’d been seated. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, as they have beautiful restaurants and great food, but just thought it worth mentioning.
20bis Rue de Douai, 75009
Rouje
I was excited to have a good nose around the Rouje store after spending so much time online ogling their wares. The clothing label run by French style icon Jeanne Damas is the epitome of Parisian cool. I didn’t look too closely at the gorgeous pieces as I’m on a shopping ban and didn’t want to fall in love with anything, but damn, I wouldn’t have minded coming away with half the shop.
11 bis Rue Bachaumont, 75002
DonAntónia Pastelaria
I was recommended this place by a few of you guys that obviously know me very well…! This Portuguese pastelaria is a great place to pick up Natas and other baked goods if you’re looking for a sweet, eggy fix. I took Miguel here the morning of his birthday to pick up pastries for breakfast.
8 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010
Circus Bakery
It’s probably not an exaggeration when I say I’ve thought about the cinnamon bun I ate from Circus Bakery almost every day since. UGH! It was so good. Fresh from the oven, still warm, soft and gooey on the inside. Do yourself a favour and hit it up for breakfast one morning, and savour it as you walk along the Seine.
63 Rue Galande, 75005
Photobooths
Amélie fans will already associate Paris with photobooths, which is why I love the fact there are so many of these 4-pose film strip booths hidden around the city. We got a little overzealous in the Montmatre booth (it’s easily to get carried away when they accept contactless payment and you don’t have to fish around in the bottom of your bag for change) on Rue de Trois Freres. Check out the Fotoautomat website where they’ll tell you where to find the others.
Les Fleurs
I think the shop I fell most in love with in Paris was Les Fleurs. Everything in there was gorgeous, from basket bags to vintage furniture. You can get a good idea of the things they stock in their online shop- it’s such a treasure trove full of beautiful things for the home.
5 rue Trousseau, Passage Josset et 6, 75011
L’Appartement Sézane
I couldn’t possibly go to Paris and not visit Sézane! I stalk their website more than I care to admit, so already knew exactly what I’d be finding there, but incase you are uninitiated, Sézane are a brand that stock ever-changing small collections of clothing inspired by classic French style, and are increasingly eco-concious.
It was great to be able to see their Parisian home. It’s must-visit!
1 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 75002
Bistrot Paul Bert
I knew I had to get a good steak when visiting Paris (it’s just the rules) so did a bit of Googling. As soon as I saw a picture of the filet mignon swimming in a pool of pepper sauce, my search was over. It was decided, Bistrot Paul Bert is where we’d head. Nestled in the unassuming restaurant amongst tables full of locals (always a good sign), Miguel and I went to town with steak and frites. There was a lot on the chalkboard menu that looked appetising, but we knew why we were there and it didn’t disappoint.
18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011
The Places We Missed…
As I said, I’d prepared a full map of places to see, things to eat, shops to visit thanks to your suggestions, but it was impossible to hit them all. So, consider these things saved up for next time:
A stroll in Père Lachaise Cemetery (Miguel wasn’t exactly feeling like mulling on the afterlife on his 30th birthday…), a drink and cake at Dreamin’ Man, bread from Poilâne with salty French butter, a pit-stop at Fragments Cafe and dinner at Septime.
As always, I’m keen for you to add your own recommendations over in the comments to help out anyone planning a trip. As I’ve said before, I don’t claim to be an expert on the cities I visit, but love to share the places that I enjoy during my time in them. I hope this helps you plan your next adventure!
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