THE CONCIERGE : PARIS GUIDE
one of my favourite places to visit, it really never gets old. each time i go to paris i have a handful of places i return to every time and always try to find some new spots too. i love to explore paris on foot and often spend days walking miles (sneakers are a must!) heres a little round up of my top places in this beautiful city.
EATING & DRINKING
i paid my first visit to this boulangerie/patisserie this spring, stopping by on my last day before heading to catch the eurostar to load up on pastries to bring home. oh my, they did not disappoint! i got; eclaire chocolat, pain suisse, babka canelle & flan vanille.
another great place for a classic french bistro meal, again for a very reasonable price, even so that in 1906 the founder said ‘ here, everything is beautiful, delicious & great value’. the art deco interiors are stunning, deep coloured wood surrounded by soft green walls, beautifully tiled floor and decorative stained glass ceilings. i came here for a simple crepe with chantilly creme but the savoury dishes looked great and all the locals were ordering Saucisse Purée.
a really great modern italian restaurant; delicious food, lovely service and great ambience. there is also a snug cocktail bar in the basement for pre or post dinner drinks which was a real vibe. my favourite was the starter of focaccia with whipped ricotta & anchovies. this restaurant is nestled in le marais, which is a cool neighbourhood to take a mooch around after dinner.
i love this little boulangerie/patisserie and always visit when staying in pigalle. it’s on a road with some really great vintage and second hand stores too if you fancy a spot of shopping! each weekend they do a different flavoured beignette which are delicious, and their lunchtime sandwiches are popular among locals too.
i had two meals at bouillon on my last trip because the food was so damn good, and so reasonably priced. a typical french bistro menu with all the classics such as beef bourguinion and french onion soup. both visits i went to the restaurant in republique, but they also have a spot in pigalle - i would recommend making a reservation.
if you’re a lover of gelato like me then make this a pit stop, absolutely delicious ice cream in an old and very beautiful shop. its also easily walkable from sennelier & buly (recommended below) so you can grab a scoop en route!
a very cool cocktail bar beneath the restaurant, with low lit royeres sconces hanging on the walls, a winding white leather de sede snake sofa , checkerboard flooring and… a jacuzzi… if you’re feeling wild. check their instagram to find of what nights they have live jazz or dj’s playing vinyl.
a nice little coffee shop with great interiors, sculpted wavy plaster pink walls, soft red marble counters, mirrored side tables and dusty pink velvet upholstered scalloped benches. they have a few spots in paris, most with interesting interior, i visited their shop in concorde but their shop in victor hugo (16th) looks cool too.
honestly somewhere i visit every time i’m in paris because its endlessly inspiring, and its also free admission! this recreation of romanian sculptor Constantin brancusi’s atelier is right next to the pompidou, which is also a must visit if you enjoy modern art. the light filled space is filled with sculptures in wood, brass & stone, a sea of neutral toned iconic shapes, textures and scale.
i think the building of this museum is very beautiful with lovely gardens and courtyards that surround the property, its in a great neighbourhood too so you can easily team it up with a lunch stop and some shopping. alongside the permanent picasso collection there is always a guest exhibition so it’s a nice opportunity to see some other artwork you may not have originally intended to.
swimming is one of my favourite activities, and on holiday i love trying out local pools. this one is on the river, and its futuristic glass covering opens up on sunny days so you are swimming alongside the seine. for anybody fancying an a refreshing morning dip this is great spot, don’t forget your swim hat!
SHOPPING
visiting the original buly apothecary in saint germain is a must, and if you decide to treat yourself you will enjoy the asmr experience of watching them wrap your item with absolute care and perfection, using traditional japanese paper folding techniques with soothing classical music playing gently in the background. the interiors are beautiful, stunning cabinetry and marble countertops display the collection of tortoiseshell combs, perfumes, oils etc. its a perfect place for gifting and most pieces can be monogramed, if you ask nicely you can get yourself some little samples too.
another place i visit regularly is the original sennelier shop situated along the seine in saint germain, also a short walk from buly so you can do both in one outing! my all time favourite oil pastels are by sennelier, which were developed in 1949 for picasso (a loyal sennelier customer) for him to use on a variety of surfaces without cracking & fading. the shop feels like an old library and is packed from floor to ceiling with the best artist materials.
jacquemus is one of my favourite designers and i love how his aesthetic and creativity comes to life in everything he touches, outside of just his clothing brand. his store in paris is like a gallery in its own right, often with interesting window displays and beautiful pieces of art within the store amongst it’s simple, sculptural interiors.
i know, i know aesop isn’t anything new, but hear me out - the interiors of this particular shop are worth the visit. fabricated by vaelntin loellmann from laminated pieces of wood, sculpted into curvaceous shelving and cabinets. the shop is like being inside a huge sculpture, its honestly stunning - watch the process of how the space was created here