I love L’Hôtel for its discreet charm—it has a very French XIXth century aesthetic, and it feels like staying in a secret Parisian home. The rooms are very theatrical with their silk fabrics, rich wallpapers, and other luxurious materials. They give off a romantic feel, which is rare for newer boutique hotels. La Cour des Vosges It has a luxurious, quiet feeling and an amazing view over one of Paris’s most beautiful streets. The decor is a perfect blend of XVIIe century details and touches of ‘70s—it’s a very specific blend. If I want something a little more intimate, then I’ll return to Hotel Massé For its effortlessly stylish Parisian Spirit. The scene is very artsy—think: Fashion Week visitors, artists passing through, photographers, designers… the list goes on.
Château Voltaire I love this place for a romantic weekend away. It is bold, artistic and all of the objects have been carefully selected. The interiors are what make it romantic: custom-made carpets and vintage hardware. If you’re planning to spend some time outdoors. Saint James The hotel is famous for its beautiful gardens. You feel as if you are in the countryside despite the fact that you are in Paris. The sprawling gardens surrounding the hotel, designed by Xavier de Chirac, complement the building’s majestic architecture—Irish yews, white hydrangeas, azaleas and rhododendrons, and Japanese maples, to name a few mainstays. The last place I’m always drawn to is Hotel Rochechouart Art Deco and authentic neighborhood spirit are what make this area so special. In the 9th you will find a lot of great restaurants and bars, as well as Montmartre.
This small shop, owned by a Japanese pair, offers great coffee and seasonal pastries. I always go for the orange-ricotta pancake and a matcha latte—you can even get a bento box to go, freshly made each day.
Enjoy a seasonal lunch sourced from the farmer’s markets in an area that is loved by locals. The meal reveals itself in three courses: an entrée, a side, and a dessert that changes every day. I remember the vibrant chorizo fish and beans dish that I had once.
Here, you’ll find classic French comfort food done right—exactly what you want for dinner. From the zinc bar to its Parisian bistro table, it is a true representation of the French bistrot aesthetic. It’s a small, intimate space but I would cross Paris to taste their homemade cordon blue.
The lunch menu at this effortlessly cool restaurant changes every day. The bar offers one of the most comfortable seats in the restaurant, with its mirrored walls. Vermouth is a cocktail that you should try. The wine list has a lot to offer. The menu has Basque influences.
JJ Hings I love to stop by for ice-creams at the Canal St Martin. My favorites are sweet corn soft serve and peach sorbet. Once you’ve secured your cone, take a walk around the Canal St Martin—you can stroll all the way up to the 19th arrondissement. There are lots of terraces and cafés all along the path, but I recommend taking a break to lie down on the grass at Jardin Villemin or even play a round of ping pong at the public table. On the Rue de Marseille, you’ll find cute shops.
You can expect bold flavors, comforting with a bit of a punk edge. Expect to be surprised by the food. The food? Very acidic and spicy, which is rare to find in Paris—we generally cook more rounded flavors. To start off, you can get a shot margarita and a spicy oyster. The music has a lively vibe and the staff are super friendly.
It’s the perfect way for you to end your day. You can sit at the bar or the counter. There are about 30 seats. Orange blossom concoctions with rum, milk and a touch of orange blossom are my favorite drinks.
The matcha is authentic Japanese, and you should pair it with the chestnut and pistachio flour cookies. They also make fresh daifuku and mochi—I love getting a strawberry one in the summer.
Head to this spot for one thing: paté en croûte (pâté encompassed in a layer of crusty dough). This is a perfect gift for foodies, as medieval French cuisine was known to use this dish.
A classic Parisian institution, this is where French President Jacques Chirac would eat—and that’s only the beginning of its guest list (Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Hemingway…). It’s a very famous spot, much in part because of the “garçons de service” in uniform. I usually order Tartare, fries and a drink.
The shop has a wide selection of ceramics that have been made in Paris for over 30 years. Astier de Villatte has been a Parisian company for over 30 years. They are known for their handmade ceramic tableware. Each piece is created using traditional techniques, in a tiny workshop. Also available are curated home fragrances, stationary, and items inspired by French heritage, travel, and art.
Korean fine dining is featured here. I fell in love with the crab tteok-bokki—they make wood-fired rice cakes with steamed crab meat and crab head sauce, topped with fermented chili paste. The five-course menu is a great choice if you are looking for something extra.
You’ll stay here until late at night if you like cocktails and dimly lit rooms. Cravan has a strong cultural component. Blending mixology, design, and publishing—it curates its own magazine dedicated to cocktail culture.
