… a lovingly curated selection of the essentials you need for living in the City of Lights – prepared by people in the know.
Metro: Arts et Métiers (lines 3 and 11)
It’s not often that you walk into a restaurant that looks like you’re in a shabby chic, Parisian apartment; but when you do, you’re in for a real treat. Here, you’ll find guests drinking, dining and flirting in the bedroom, living room, dining room or boudoir, making themselves quite literally “at home”. There’s even a Ping-Pong table and a smoking room hidden behind a mirrored wardrobe… très chic.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11)
We could spend hours in one of Paris’s original department stores, where you can find everything from high-end art supplies and stationery to an eclectic selection of lighting for your home, to curtains and doorknobs, or specialty items for home maintenance, decoration and repair, to clothing, shoes and accessories for the whole family. And in the summers you can enjoy evening drinks on the rooftop at the Perchoir Marais (entrance at 37 rue de la Verrerie)
30 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
10 Boulevard de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Homesick Brits love this popular, English style bakery-cafe with four establishments around Paris serving a wide variety of homemade cakes, scones, quiches and fresh bread. A favorite treat is the carrot cake with icing made from organic quality ingredients. They also serve organic salads and soups and brunch on weekends. The original Rose Bakery is located on the rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement, a street made popular by its numerous resident artisans and specialty shops.
For more brunch recommendations, read our article: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”
Metro: Iéna (line 9)
The first Chinese restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in France, this is the place to splurge on special occasions when you want to treat yourself to fine, Cantonese cuisine in a refined, elegant setting. Chef’s recommendations include: BBQ Iberian pork with honey, sautéed sole filet with XO sauce and Lobster prepared any one of eight ways. Thinking of their Peking Duck has us drooling, and we love their dim sum lunch, with two set menus for 52€ or 72€. Savor. Every. Morsel.
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent (line 5)
Holybelly is owned and operated by Sarah Mouchot and Nico Alary, who together create a new menu every month – a mix of classic French and Western comfort food, based on what products are in season. Their staple: Sunday breakfast.
Metro: Wagram (line 3)
A true family-run restaurant, loved by the locals and off the beaten path in the 17th arrondissement. Here you will find authentic southwestern French dishes such as foie gras, or duck and bean cassoulet.
On top of the typical fare and relaxed atmosphere, you will love their boutique at the entrance of the restaurant for something, including bottles of fine Armagnac, to take-away.
Metro: La Muette (Line 9)
An elegant Chinese restaurant hidden on a small street near the busy rue de Passy. We love their crispy Peking duck lunch (98€ for 2 people), which features a yummy variety of dim sum, half a crispy duck per person, served 3 ways, rice, and dessert. And, unlike most other restaurants, there’s no need to order the duck in advance!
Metro: Parmentier (line 3), Oberkampf (lines 5 and 9)
Another hip and must-visit gluten free bakery in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Their pastries are to die for and you just have to try their famous rectangular bread!
Read full review here of gluten-free bakeries in Paris by INSPIRELLE contributor Chloe Martin.
Metro: Odéon (lines 4 & 10)
La Jacobine is a tiny cafe tucked away in the Passage des Arts. Their Aztec hot chocolate is absolutely to-die-for – it’s unbelievably smooth, not too rich and just sweet enough! You can order it plain, with whipped cream, or with a ball of vanilla ice cream.
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Metro: Porte de St Cloud
Known for its crispy Peking Duck served over several courses, the Palais du Bonheur serves up typical grilled and steamed Chinese dishes — all for a reasonable price, with a welcoming smile! Our faves: Peking duck of course, salt and pepper shrimp, ma po tofu, braised eggplant and hot and sour soup!
Metro: Grands Boulevards (lines 8 and 9)
This restaurant and épicerie (grocery) offers a unique and tasty experience for those gluten-intolerant, yet discerning gourmets. Some of their dishes are also lactose-free and/or vegetarian.
Read full review here of gluten-free bakeries in Paris by INSPIRELLE contributor Chloe Martin.
Metro: Odéon (lines 4 & 10)
Located in the same gorgeous passageway as La Jacobine, Un Dimanche à Paris (A Sunday in Paris) is well-known for its luxury hot chocolate. Chocoholics will love its concept store dedicated entirely to chocolate! The concept includes; a boutique, a chocolate bar, a restaurant, a chocolate salon, a chocolate lounge AND cooking and baking classes.
You can pop in anytime between 3pm and 6pm to grab a hot chocolate and warm up in their cosy and delightful tearoom. Their luxury hot chocolate includes a dash of cream and is flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. It’s a little on the pricey side but it’s definitely worth it.
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate craving.
If you’re passing through Giverny, Le Jardin des Plumes is a boutique hotel featuring Art Deco and contemporary furnishings as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant. Less than an hour from Paris, this is the ideal place to relax in any season. With a very welcoming, young team at the reception, you’ll feel like a special guest every time.
Metro: Goncourt (line 11), République (lines 3,5,8,9,11)
Soya is a BIO Cantine that offers a great selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food.
Read full review here of gluten-free bakeries in Paris by INSPIRELLE contributor Chloe Martin.
Metro: Opéra (lines 3, 7 & 8)
Just a few meters away from the beautiful Opéra Garnier, the Grand Hotel serves a delicious hot chocolate in its adjoining restaurant and bar, Café de la Paix. You can ask for the chocolate to be fort en goût (very strong) or touché delicate (delicate touch) depending on your preference. Hot chocolate is served all day and even late into the evening, so it’s perfect for that late night craving. It’s another pricey venue but the place itself is stunning and the hot chocolate is wonderful.
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate craving.
Metro: St. Augustin (line 9), Miromesnil (line 9 and 13)
Crom’Exquis is a gourmet restaurant in the 8th arrondissement, which serves up traditional French food, using the finest produce, including its own garden products such as pea shoots, red shiso and cress. On Saturday evenings, we highly recommend you join the chef, Pierre Meneau, at his table d’hôte (host’s table) where he indulges his creativity. Only three tables are available, so book ahead! Read our review of Crom’Exquis here!
Metro: Pigalle (line 2), St-Georges (line 12)
Café Marlette is an adorable, quirky place where you can find homemade BIO food, gluten free cakes and delicious coffee. They also do incredible BIO breakfasts, brunches and lunches as well as snacks for l’heure du goûter
Read full review here of gluten-free bakeries in Paris by INSPIRELLE contributor Chloe Martin.
Metro: Concorde or Tuileries (line 1)
For over a century, Angelina’s has built a reputation as a place of sophistication and indulgence. Its renowned African hot chocolate is so thick that you almost feel like you’re digging into a bowl of soup. It’s made from three types of African chocolate from Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast and is made especially for Angelina’s. It is a beautiful place where the likes of Proust and Coco Chanel frequented. While you’re there, be sure to try the Mont Blanc, Angelina’s trademark pastry since 1903!
Read The Hot Chocolate Challenge for other great spots to satisfy your chocolate craving.
Other Angelina locations on website.
METRO: Cardinal LeMoine (Line 10) or Place Monge (line 7)
The perfect bistro for any occasion! Simple, fresh and homemade, what more do we need to say !
7 Rue Gustave Courbet, 75116 Paris, France
46 Rue de Sablonville, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Once known as the original American diner in Paris, Coffee Parisien now boasts 3 restaurants, with talk of a fourth opening! Count on American staples like eggs benedict, bagels with cream cheese and lox or French toast with grapefruit. For a French touch, enjoy a big cup of café au lait.
FIND MORE brunch recommendations in our: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris” article!
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
One of the city’s most eccentric and hip bars for single people, The Experimental Cocktail Club is proof that Paris has finally taken a leaf out of New York’s classy and creative cocktail bars book. This cocktail bar is one of the city’s most sophisticated places to mingle and serves delicious, unique cocktails that will blow you away. Forget mojitos and Cuba libres, this bar creates cocktails that you couldn’t even dream up!
If you love some of INSPIRELLE‘s portraits and Paris photos, turn to professional photographer Alexis Duclos. One of our most fervent supporters, Alexis is an experienced award-winning photographer and video cameraman who can capture your individual and family portraits for business or personal use as well as produce corporate videos to enhance your company websites.
To consult his versatile work visit his website: http://www.alexisduclos.com
The American School of Paris (ASP) in Saint Cloud, a western suburb of Paris, is a great place for families to find innovative activities and holiday camps in English. Through its Extension Program the private, international school opens its world-class facilities to external students aged 4 to 18 during school vacations as well as Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the school year.
Camps and year-round activities led in English include basketball, tennis, soccer, coding, science, fashion design, filmmaking, theatre and more. Kids looking to improve their English skills have a choice of English immersion classes and even intensive workshops to prepare for the English BAC exam or the SAT American college entrance exam. At ASP, there’s bound to be a camp or workshop right for your child.
Check out their WEBSITE for all the details!
Metro: Arts et Métiers (line 3)
A wonderful little museum exhibiting over 2,400 inventions, from scientific instruments to energy to communication and transportation. Guided tours and numerous demonstrations and workshops are organized regularly throughout the year.
Metro: Rambuteau (line 11)
Make a dream come true for doll lovers by taking them to the Musée de la Poupée in the Marais. Imagine finding over 500 of the finest French dolls, from 1800 to today, on display in their best finery and accessories! Admire the furnished miniature dollhouses. From baby dolls to Barbie, learn about the evolution of the doll and understand why she is your little girl’s eternal best friend.
As mentioned in our Guide to After School and Weekend Activities and 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
Metro: Rambuteau (line 11)
Try Riad Nejma in the heart of the 4th arrondissment of Paris for a hot, cold and sugary brunch buffet Middle Eastern style. Buffet means you can try all the delicious offerings from Barh’il (thousand hole crepes) to Seffai (sugared semoule with almonds and raisins, and briouats (flake pastry filled with tuna, cheese or chicken) as well as a variety of salads.
For more brunch recommendations, read our article: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”!
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
One of the city’s most eccentric and hip bars for single people, The Experimental Cocktail Club is proof that Paris has finally taken a leaf out of New York’s classy and creative cocktail bars book. This cocktail bar is one of the city’s most sophisticated places to mingle and serves delicious, unique cocktails that will blow you away. Forget mojitos and Cuba libres, this bar creates cocktails that you couldn’t even dream up!
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (line 1)
The Centre Danse du Marais offers over 40 different dance disciplines for children and adults, from beginners to the most advanced dancers. Choose from Classical ballet, African, Bollywood, Balinese, Belly dancing, Tap, Flamenco, Salsa, Tango, Hip Hop, Martial arts, Pilates, Yoga and much more. English is spoken.
Get more ideas about after-school and weekend activities in our ultimate guide to kid’s activities!
Metro: Sentier (line 3) Etienne-Marcel (line 4)
This is a great stop for pastries and during the summer, a wonderful stop for ice cream. Just like the pastries, Fou de Patisserie offers a unique selection of ice cream from all the top chefs in Paris!
Metro: Sentier (line 3), Bonne Nouvelle (line 9), Les Halles (line 4)
You may think it’s hard to imagine why anyone would crave American food in Paris, a city known for its scrumptious and refined cuisine. But sometimes there’s just no substitute for the nostalgic associations that come with savoring certain culinary mainstays—like a perfectly baked American-style cookie. And we know just where to find them in Paris!
Read INSPIRELLE‘s interview with owner and extraordinary cookie baker, Jean Hwang Carrant HERE.
Metro: Sentier Line 3
Boneshaker serves up not-just-any-ordinary donuts. We’re tasting and talking about plump, hand-rolled sweet pastries with flavors ranging from a simple sugar glazed to inventive maple syrup and bacon. READ MORE ABOUT BONESHAKER HERE
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8)
This trendy concept beauty and nail bar is favoured amongst the Marais’ trendiest fashionistas and it promises an extra special experience you’ll want to share with all the girls in your life! In addition to the traditional manicures and pedicures, Gloss-Up organises a range of special events for groups.
This large chain with 250 stores in France and around Europe, offers a huge variety of styles for all your home decorating needs. Whatever your preference the Maisons du Monde’s own team of furniture designers imagine their exclusive and unique collections of furniture and decor each year in 3 different catalogues – indoor, outdoor, and junior.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (line 2)
If you are looking for an artisanal ice cream shop that still makes ice cream by hand and is run by one of the best ice cream craftsmen in France, then Une Glace à Paris is the place for you! With flavors like Smoked Vanilla Bean from India, Avocado, Baba au Rhum and Thé Vert Matcha, one has a hard time choosing !
Homesick Brits love this popular, English style bakery-cafe with four establishments around Paris serving a wide variety of homemade cakes, scones, quiches and fresh bread. A favorite treat is the carrot cake with icing made from organic quality ingredients. They also serve organic salads and soups and brunch on weekends. The original Rose Bakery is located on the rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement, a street made popular by its numerous resident artisans and specialty shops.
For more brunch recommendations, read our article: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”
Metro: Bonne Nouvelle (lines 8 and 9)
The largest in the family of Viva Fiesta stores, this location has three floors packed with all of your favorite party costumes and themed party decorations. Whether you’re looking for a generic disguise or superhero characters, or famous cartoon character costumes for you or your kids, they have a wide selection for you to choose from. Perhaps you prefer to mix and match to create your own look? No problem, you’ll find plenty of wigs, make-up, and even special effect contact lenses. Order online for home delivery (4.99€ or free over 40€) or pick-up in the store.
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8)
A small Mexican restaurant in the third arrondissement where the lack of space (and maybe the strength of the frozen margaritas) means that you naturally get to know your neighbor. There is even a small speakeasy hidden at the back of the restaurant behind a white, unmarked door.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet (lines 1, 4 and 7)
You’ll find all your costume and party supply needs in this jam-packed little gem in the heart of the Marais district, just beside the BHV department store. Look through their online catalogue first, then go imagine yourself dressed as a banana at your next side-splitting party!
Metro: Sentier (line 3)
For a unique spa experience, try Spa Dans le Noir, where trained personnel with sight disabilities perform massages and spa treatments in the dark. The concept began in 2004 with Restaurants in the Dark and now includes spas in Paris and Bordeaux.
Tarifs: 49€ for 30 mins, 90€ for 60 mins and 135€ for 90 mins.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11)
We could spend hours in one of Paris’s original department stores, where you can find everything from high-end art supplies and stationery to an eclectic selection of lighting for your home, to curtains and doorknobs, or specialty items for home maintenance, decoration and repair, to clothing, shoes and accessories for the whole family. And in the summers you can enjoy evening drinks on the rooftop at the Perchoir Marais (entrance at 37 rue de la Verrerie)
Metro: République (lines 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11)
Missing those tea and crumpets from back home? Located on the east side of Paris, this specialty grocery store offers more than 800 products not only from the British isles, but also some well-liked yearned for American specialities. The boutique was established in 1993 and now offers online shopping, too.