… a lovingly curated selection of the essentials you need for living in the City of Lights – prepared by people in the know.
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: 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: Charles Michels (line 10) Other ways to get there: CLICK HERE
Underground parking and valet parking available.
The spanking new Beaugrenelle shopping center is one of our favorite one-stop destinations in central Paris: a 50,000m2 modern shopping center and cinema complex in the 15th arrondissement. Shoppers, You’ll find some of your favorite brands. Hungry? Try the food court which offers a range of family-style restaurants.
A multiplex Gaumont Pathé cinema offers online bookings with your choice of seating–including love seats for snuggling up to someone.
Want to drop off your kids while you shop? Viens Jouer à la Maison offers workshops and an indoor playroom with regular activities to keep your little ones busy on Wednesdays and weekends!
Look for more activity ideas in our Guide to After School and Weekend Activities or in 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
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: Franklin Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)
Fiery-hot Northern Chinese food, smack in central Paris. Serves mainly Pekingese and Sichuanese regional specialities including soups, dumplings, seafood (marmite of spicy prawns) and poultry (try the crispy spicy chicken and their scrumptious Peking duck), meat dishes like Shanghainese lion’s head, water-cooked beef, and braised pork with vermicelli noodles. Casual atmosphere. Conveniently located near the Champs Elysées.
17 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, France
An authentic American diner serving breakfast all day, juicy hamburgers, homemade chile con carne, bagels, and much more!
READ MORE IN OUR “Top 15 Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris” article!
Metro: Pont de Levallois Bécon (line 3)
Located on a tiny island 5 minutes by car from Étoile in Paris, this spacious loft style brasserie is housed in a 19th-century building with a dinosaur skeleton suspended above the entire dining room. They also offer a weekend brunch menu with freshly squeezed juices, mini viennosseries such as “feuilletée au Nutella” for chocolate lovers, an appetizing selection of antipasti and Italian desserts.
Read about this and more weekend brunch spots in our weekend brunch roundup!
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 !
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: 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: 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.
We adore this charming, chalet-style restaurant and event space on its own island in the Bois de Boulogne in the West end of Paris. The voyage there itself is unique – you can row, yes we said row, your way across the lake. Or, you can park and then take a ferry from the public parking area (free for restaurant goers, 1,50€ round-trip for island hoppers). On fine days, you can pack a picnic and find a spot of grass to spread out. Or, you can book a brunch at their elegant restaurant.
For more brunch recommendations, read our article: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”!
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: Porte de Choisy (line 7 and T3)
An authentic Chinese “dim sum” restaurant that’ll transport you back to the big banquet halls of Hong Kong, with pushcarts that circulate the dining tables offering dozens of dainty, traditional bite-sized delicacies for you to choose from. Try steamed, fried or stuffed. Rely on old favorites like: steamed shrimp dumplings (Har Gao), steamed pork brioches (cha siu bao), stuffed raviolis and sticky rice in lotus leaves. It’s noisy and crowded, but definitely kid-friendly!
For more brunch recommendations, read our article: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris”!
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: 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: 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: Corentin Cariou (line 7)
A large, banquet hall-style restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, from classic seafood and meat courses to gastronomic specialities like abalone and sea cucumber, as well as some Thai and Japanese dishes.
28 Rue Vignon, 75009 Paris, France
The first bakery in Paris to offer traditional French pastries 100% Gluten-free. Run by husband and wife team François and Marie, the bakery is warm and inviting and their pastries will have you coming back for more.
Read full review here of gluten-free bakeries in Paris by INSPIRELLE contributor Chloe Martin.
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: St-Georges (line 12), Pigalle (line 2 and 12)
When INSPIRELLE recommends breakfast at Hotel l’Amour or “Hotel Love”, it should be a late romantic breakfast for two. In fact, why not get away for a weekend with your partner and reserve one of the intimate hotel bedchambers?
FIND MORE brunch recommendations in our: “15 Best Weekend Brunches in and Around Paris” article
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
Metro: Wagram (line 3)
The Salésienne is a French cultural and sports association for children and adults in Paris, offering a wide range of activities for adults and children throughout the year, including performing arts (dance, singing, theater) and sports (basketball, football, pilates, tennis, yoga and more). They also run popular camps during the school holidays. Consult their website for details and enrollment.
Charlotte Debeugny is a UK-Registered Nutritionist providing nutrition and health advice for individuals, groups and companies in the Ile-de-France region. She is a published author, and an authority on nutrition, health and diet. Charlotte co-authored the best-selling 5:2 Lifestyle: More Than 100 Recipes Plus 4 Weeks of Menu Plans and Comment J’ai décroché du Sucre.
Metro: Courcelles (line 2)
Conveniently located in the 17th and steps from the EIB International School, this British-born GP, has regular daily office hours here, as well as at the Franco-British hospital once per week. Over the past 2 decades, she has served the expat and French community with a smile and an understanding of both English and French medical trends.
6 Avenue Van Dyck, 75008 Paris, France 0.4 km
9 Rue Villaret de Joyeuse, 75017 Paris, France 1.27 km
Ecole Internationale Bilingue (EIB) Paris is a bilingual network of schools which welcomes international students of more than 70 nationalities in its 5 co-educational and secular schools, located in central Paris. EIB offers a bilingual education to students from Preschool (Maternelle) through High School, according to the British, American and IB qualifications.
EIB’s four campuses in the 8th and 16th arrondissements follow the official program of the French Ministry of Education (hence it is sous-contrat with the State and tuition is partially subsidized), with daily lessons in English at various levels.
EIB Victor Hugo campus follows an English-language, international curriculum, with daily French lessons at all levels, and in September 2015 they introduced a new curriculum taught in English, French and Russion for Middle School Russian speaking students (aged 11 to 14).
Contact individual schools for further information.
Sacrebleu Paris is an incoming travel service company, started by the vivacious native Parisienne Stéphanie Boutet-Fajol. They offer a unique set of VIP services along with quality personalized assistance to meet the demands of discerning travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences, in English, French and Chinese.
Specialist children’s hairdressers with TVs at each seat, a playroom for waiting, and a small toy when finished. They’ve been a fixture in the 17th near Parc Monceau for 15 years and are now in the 7th and 9th arrondissements . Also, the owner recently designed her own children’s clothing line which is available for purchase in the salons.
Metro: Villiers (lines 2 and 3)
This 50+ year old London sensation can be found here in Paris, too! Many of the top hairdressers have been trained in London and speak English. See other locations in Paris on website.
Launched in 1993 by Philippe Daraux, Mis en Demeure collections offer a high-end vision of decoration based on a rich heritage of craftsmanship. Building unique ambiance with classical roots and multiple references to the French Decorative Arts, their new designs are adapted to contemporary expectations.
Showroom locations worldwide.
Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (lines 1,2,6 and RER A)
Step into a haven of tranquility and escape the hustle of the city at the first Spa My Blend spa by Clarins, which boasts 1,500 sq m of space to offer a full range of exclusive beauty treatments, as well as a fitness room, hammam, laconium room, sauna and a 23-meter infinity pool — all housed inside the luxurious Hotel Royal Monceau. Free access to the Spa for all appointments of over 2 hours. Club membership packages also available if you want regular access to their fitness and spa facilities.
“More than simply a Law Firm”, P3B AVOCATS is comprised of 5 partners with differing practice experience to create a unique, high-quality, full-service firm. Their structure leverages each partner’s acknowledged practice area of expertise, enabling them to provide legal advice to the highest level.
Most of the partners are bilingual English and French speakers. Helpful for start-ups in small business and the media and tech industry.
Metro: Periere (line 3), Porte Maillot (line 1), RER C
Harvard-trained, English-speaking Dr. Bendahan will put your kids (and you) at ease with his friendly and laid-back demeanor. He can look after your whole family’s teeth, and also provides Invisalign clear braces as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
Metro: St-Phillipe-du-Roule (line 9)
A social and cultural club open to women who are, or who are married to, British or Commonwealth nationals. Their clubhouse in the heart of Paris includes a lending library of English books for its members, as well as space for their many regular weekly activities.
Extensive menu of sushi, sashimi, bo bun, and yakitori. Fast and friendly delivery all over Paris.
Make your own salads at Jour’s numerous locations in Paris including 8 shops in the 8th arrondisement (see all locations on their website). You can also order online for delivery.
Metro: Brochant or La Fourche (line 13)
Learn French cuisine in a cooking workshop, Les Secrets Gourmands de Noémie. Noémie Fournier has been passionate about food ever since her grandparents invited her to her first gourmet restaurant at the impressionable age of 12. After graduating from the reputable Lenôtre Cooking School in Paris, Noémie opened up her kitchen, where she offers French pastry classes and cooking workshops in English, and visits to a quintessential French market to learn how to select the best seasonal produce. Classes and workshops are available to both novices and connoisseurs, and perfect to do in groups of two or more!
Metro: Charles de Gaulle Étoile (lines 1,2, and 6, RER A)
Open daily 24 hours. International team of multilingual pharmacists located in Publicis building next to the Arc du Triomphe. All their staff speak English.
Craving crumpets and scones, beer-battered fish and chips or Chicken Tikka Massala to take home? M&S now has 6 Food Halls in and around Paris to satisfy your British food cravings! After all the shopping, in some locations, you can enjoy a sample of the takeaway foods in their café/restaurant.