4th Arrondissement

Le Marais, Île Saint Louis

From the Grand Palais and Grands Boulevards to the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur, the Rive Droite is filled to the brim with some of the most historic attractions in the world – but most of us locals have been there and done that. Some of us maybe even have the t-shirt. So where is the best place for local (yet central) stylish spots? Easy: the 4th Arrondissement.

Serving as the meeting point between the Seine and the North-Eastern hinterlands, the 4th is one of the most popular hubs for Parisians. Further into the arrondissement sit a bunch of brilliant ports of call: from traditional cafés and quirky bars to luxury boutiques and even premium falafels.

So herewith, VINGT’s selection of the best places to see in the 4th. Just make sure you’re wearing your best Paris gear upon arrival.

Fragonard

Image: Flickr Looking for a Paris souvenir that has it all, then head over to Fragonard. Founded in 1926 in Grasse, France’s perfume capital, the shop sells loads of fabulously chic yet reasonably priced items:… Read more

Breakfast in America

A 50s diner, no big deal – but a 50s diner in the midst of Paris offers a surreal, Lynch-like experience. Brunch Transatlantic style (pancakes, bacon, eggs, a “Bottomless Mug O’Joe”…) is served at all… Read more

Sacha Finkelsztajn

Text: Ana Lee If you’re strolling around rue des Rosiers and you don’t feel like felafel, Sacha Finkelsztajn’s (the yellow bakery) is a great Marais stalwart, filled with rib-sticking Yiddish delicacies from bureks, cheesecake, poppy… Read more

La Belle Hortense

  A Marais go-to, this bar is famously the place where Catherine Millet’s “La Vie Sexuelle de Catherine M” was launched.  Combining books (it’s also a librairie) and wine is a classic French combination, plus there… Read more

Calligrane Stationery

Calligrane is devoted to beautifully manufactured writing implements and paper, but you can also find briefcase and desk essentials as well as special papers from far-away lands and notebooks covered in ostrich skin. Calligrane 4-6… Read more

Thé Mariage Frères

Image: Robyn Lee This famous company carries exclusive teas with great packaging and a huge range of flavours. Try Thé du Nil or “Marco Polo” (mélange parfumé fruité). Not only is it a fantastic place… Read more

Maison Européene de la Photographie

Words: Sarah-Neel Smith  The Maison Européene de la Photographie hosts a new round of photography exhibitions every three to four months. Drawing on its own significant permanent collection and from other collections worldwide, it consistently delivers… Read more

Jeu de Paume

Focusing on photography, video and film, the Jeu de Paume also offers talks, lectures and courses in addition to its always engaging program of exhibitions. Originally the royal tennis courts, this light and airy museum is… Read more