Below are a few of the places I’ve enjoyed in Paris. The ones I look forward to revisiting when I travel there again. Keep in mind, this is by no means a comprehensive list or guide. More often than not, I run short on time, and never seem to make it through my travel hit-list. Instead, try to think of this as an ongoing, ever-evolving, all-in-one-place city page. I’ll update it after future visits. And, in the meantime, I’ll include links to other Paris guides I find inspiring.
View map: Heidi Swanson: Paris
To Eat and Drink
- Verjus: I could eat here, at the bar á vin, every night and be completely happy. For a more formal experience book a proper table upstairs.
- Rose Bakery: What I wouldn’t do to have a Rose Bakery in San Francisco.
- Le Garde Robe: Went on a recommendation from David L. on my last trip. A small, lovely wine bar with small plates and a focus on natural wines – perfect for solo nights, or a when you’re with pals.
- Le Bal: Smart cafe adjoining one of the best photo book stores in Paris.
- L’As Du Fallafel: Fallafel so good it will ruin you for all others. Order at the window.
- La Palette: This cafe was just around the corner from where I stayed the last time I was in Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Pres), and I spent a good amount of time there. Incredible interior, nice waiters, skip dinner and order an epic cheese plate and drinks.
- Cuisine de Bar: another favorite lunch spot – tartines, Poilâne bread, simple, perfect salads. Two locations in Paris.
- Poilâne: near Cuisine de Bar
- Du Pain et des Idees: If I have time to visit just one bakery…
- Kooka Boora: Best coffee I’ve had in Paris – drip or espresso.
To Shop and See
- Musée de l’Orangerie: Reason alone to visit Paris. Monet’s Nympheaus (Waterlilies)
- Galerie du jour Agnes B: A quick skip from the Centre Pompidou – gallery & book store.
- Musée d’Orsay: If you just have time for a short visit – fifth floor impressionists.
- Merci: a mash-up of amazingness in an old factory – housewares, clothes, used books, coffee, perfume, shampoo, paper, linens, bikes….
- La Grand Epicerie: For the spectacle of it all.
- La Tour Eiffel: I like going in the morning. Consider walking up to the observation level, it’s preferable to cramming in the elevator.
- Paris Flea Markets: (here’s how you get there)
- Atelier Brancusi: At the base of Le Centro Pompidou.
A Future Trip
- Spring
- Spring Wines – Hi Josh!
- Candelaria
- Le Citizen Hotel
- L’hotel
Other Inspiring Paris Links
- Guide to Paris: Remodelista
- David Lebovitz: My Paris | Cookware Shops in Paris | Paris Pastry Shop App
- Monocle | Paris
- GOOP | GO – Paris
- Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris