YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT IN PARIS
WHETHER BUYING, SELLING OR RENTING
WHETHER BUYING, SELLING OR RENTING
The founder and CEO of VINGT Paris, Susie Hollands, has lived in Paris since 2003 – during which time she has advised countless clients not only on the best neighbourhoods but also where to enjoy… Read more
With the recent re-opening of legendary Paris landmark, the Lutetia, Yann Perreau traces the fascinating history of this iconic Left Bank hotel Read more
Here at VINGT Paris, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure our clients enjoy the very best of the city – from access to the leading sporting fixtures and invites to exclusive art previews to securing tables at the… Read more
One of the great Parisian institutions, the Moulin Rouge has been entertaining audiences since 1889 – and with photos inside strictly forbidden, it still retains a glamorous ‘Belle Époque’ allure even today. Here we bring… Read more
One of the best foodie streets in Paris, the rue des Martyrs has become a must-visit destination for those in search of the finest French fare. Here, long-time local resident Caroline Harrap picks out five… Read more
An award-winning war reporter, author and international speaker on foreign policy, Janine di Giovanni has lived in Paris for many years. The author of nine books, her last, The Morning They Came For us: Dispatches… Read more
Text: Anna Bromwich Paris has long had a fascination with all things Japanese, as borne out by the number of gardens in this style that are sprinkled across the city… Read more
Words: Rooksana Hossenally & Caroline Harrap If you want to escape the crowded parks when the sun shines, Paris has some lovely ‘secret’ gardens just waiting to be explored, such as this hidden gem tucked… Read more
Text: Emily Ruck Keene Image: Luciano Guelfi I’d been past this place so many times on my bike and wondered at the long lines of predominantly Asian and American tourists standing outside, but never once… Read more
Words: Sara Waldron Tucked away in northeastern Paris’ Ménilmontant neighbourhood is the Musée d’Edith Piaf, a small, unassuming collection of mementos of the singer’s life and work. Truly one of the city’s musées insolites,the only… Read more
Words: Tiffany Tang Image: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra Situated in the Louvre’s 19th-century Rohan and Marsan wings is the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, a museum of decorative art and design that houses over 150,000 objects, showcasing collections… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Perhaps it’s not technically a market, but the pedestrian thoroughfare near Villiers metro situated amongst the subdued chic of the 17th arrondissement definitely has a village feel. Weave amongst young families, nannies… Read more
Set in the opulent surroundings of the 17th-century place des Vosges, perched on the corner of Rue du Pas de la Mule beneath the vaulted arcades, Café Hugo reopened its doors to the public this… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Who would guess that this calm and stately quartier, cloistered between the 5th, 6th, 7th and 14th arrondissements around Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Rennes, was home to some to the city’s raging bohemian… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Susie Hollands Vingt Paris Magazine knows that there’s nothing quite like a local’s insider knowledge, so we go straight to source. Juliette has lived in the ‘lower’ Marais (around Saint Paul… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Karen For anyone with a major stationery fetish, if you haven’t already discovered it, Mélodies Graphiques may be your new mecca. This shop was a like a chimera for me –… Read more
Words: Jill Pope The Marais, which spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is far from a homogenous bloc, but a collection of neighbourhoods with their own character. The eastern part of the 4th arrondissement – that is, the… Read more
Words: Jill Pope With Emile Zola’s ‘belly of Paris’, Les Halles, reduced to a grim, labyrinthine shopping complex and a hunk of land permanently ‘under construction’, Parisians were in need of another market standard. Thus… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Comestibles et Marchand de Vins The best part of moving to a new neighbourhood is discovering the local haunts. The kind of places that might not necessarily be the first port… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Rui Ornelas Vingt Paris Magazine knows that there’s nothing quite like a local’s insider knowledge, so we go straight to source. To get the low-down on the northern part of the… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Aurélien Michaud There’s more to the 18th arrondissement than Montmartre and Pigalle! Head north from Sacre Coeur and discover the other side of the ‘butte’ – neighbourhoods like Clignancourt Jules Joffrin, huddled… Read more
Words: Jill Pope As soon as the sun starts shining the word on everyone’s lips is “terrasse”. Parisians are on a constant quest to discover the best place to soak up that prized Vitamin D,… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Images: Alex Leggett I imagine that journalists the world over are united in their trepidation of interviewing people who have reached “legendary” status. It’s hard to know how to probe beyond… Read more
Words: Jill Pope VDB is a bit of a sleeper. On a side-street off the more well-trodden ‘lower’ Oberkampf, of Aux Deux Amis et al, I had been meaning to check out this open-fronted cave… Read more
Image: Passion Leica Where to go if you wanting to discover Paris’ most Asian-influenced areas – restaurants and shops to fill your stomachs and pantries with the best of the East. Nouveau Chinatown: The 3rd;… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Images: Hotze Eisma You would think, in a city teeming with immaculately groomed people, that good hair salons would be easy to find in Paris. Why is it then, that if I… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Jill Pope On an unassuming street in the 20th arrondissement lies a small outpost of modern bistro cuisine at seemingly impossible Parisian prices. Despite living just around the corner, it took… Read more
Words: Jill Diane Pope Image: In the Garden Sometimes it’s nice to escape the hectic pace of life in La Capitale and go, like the famous theme song says, somewhere where everybody knows your name.… Read more
Words: Jill Pope This is a caviste with a difference. For those who love drinking wine and saving the planet En Vrac provides an opportunity to combine those two worthy objectives in its small boutique… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Emilie Nielson Tucked away on Rue Dupetit-Thouars in the 3rd arrondissement sits the latest chapter in Paris’ coffee renaissance. Australian barista Chris Nielson, previously at Ten Belles, has opened his… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: David Rager Opening quietly over summer, new bar and restaurant Le Dépanneur has brought a touch of California casual to the 9th arrondissement. The original Le Dépanneur is fondly remembered through hazy… Read more
Words: Jill Pope Image: Chris and Emelie Nielson Ask any Australian living in Paris what they miss most about home, and they’re likely to tell you ‘breakfasts’. In the city where a croissant, cigarette and… Read more
Image: Flickr In “Little Jaffna“, around metros Gare du Nord, La Chapelle, and Louis Blanc, you’ll find shops selling handmade Saris (Saree Palace, 182 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis), cheap and cheerful supermarkets, jewellery shops, Indian… Read more
Text: Ndali Amobi Home to over 5 million people of African and Arab descent, France enjoys a rich culinary diversity; and where better to experience this than in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Paris. Stroll around… Read more
Words: Omid Tavallai Anna Trattles sits across from me at one of the handful of tables inside the high-ceilinged, white-walled, windowed room that is Le Bal Café. “You’ve got five minutes,” she says, constantly looking… Read more
Text: Emily Sands-Bonin The recently-refurbished Marché de l’Olive has been hailed as very “Baltard” by Bertrand Delanoë, mayor of Paris, an allusion to French 19th century architect Victor Baltard, designer of Les Halles, Paris’ mythical… Read more
Words: Richard Price Image: Le Tango Timing, as they say, is everything. At Le Tango, this could not be more true. On a recent Saturday night, my gal-pal and I arrived there at 23:30 and… Read more
Words: Omid Tavallai Image: Roberto Baibich In Paris, food is fashion. And just as fashion has its trends and fads, so does food. In January of this year, influential food critic François Simon (after whom… Read more
Text: Brendan Seibel Image: Dale Calder Today it’s hard to imagine Les Halles as anything other than an architectural disgrace. Centuries ago it was the “Belly of Paris”, but now teems with a distinctly different… Read more
Words: Omid Tavallai The story has almost become a cliché in what’s hot and exciting in Paris: A young upstart with no formal training. Someone who bailed on a corporate career to pursue an unrelated… Read more
Text: Brian Clark Image: Flickr Slipping into a small theatre at two in the afternoon to catch a beat-up 35mm print of an old movie is probably one of the most authentically Parisian activities still… Read more
Words: Sara Waldron At first glance, the Musée du Fumeur, a tiny museum near Père Lachaise, has a bit of a head shop feel – with cigarettes, lighters, and all manner of smoking contraptions for… Read more
Text: Anne Ditmeyer Image: Nordik Market Inspired by his travels and friends Guillaume Deroy made his long time dream a reality when he opened Nordik Market, a concept shop devoted to Scandinavian design. Coming from… Read more
Text: Philip Tonda The new Paris-based photo studio Atelier Boba does not only offer printing and technical advice on a high, professional level; they are also, unlike most printing places, very competent in giving artistic advice… Read more
Text: Brian Clark Image: Alaina Lele Upon taking a seat at Le Beverley Cinéma, the first thing I notice is that all of the patrons except my girlfriend and I choose to sit at the… Read more
Text: Anne Ditmeyer Image: Le Rocketship Part design boutique, part coffee bar, the location is prime in the 9th arrondissement, around the corner from Hotel Amour, a block from rue des Martyrs, and just a… Read more
Text: Anne Ditmeyer, Prêt à Voyager One of my favorite parts of events like Paris Design Week is discovering new venues. One of these discoveries was Le Lieu Design. Located at located at 74, rue… Read more
Words: Richard Price Image: Patrick Janicek There are times when you want to express your individuality and creativity. And then there are times when you just want to blend into the wallpaper. BHV Homme… Read more
Words: Omid Tavallai Coffee is Paris has taken a turn for the better in recent times. It seems a long time ago that people were slashing through the images of postcard-perfect zinc counter tops and… Read more
Text: Aran Cravey Image: Yoon Viak Studio Beyond the basic plate/bowl/cup trio of everyday tableware, I’m a mere Simpleton when it comes to the subject of ceramics. The finer points of teapots and terrines are… Read more
Text: Aidan Mac Guill Image: Gaîté Lyrique The Théâtre de la Gaîté Lyrique first opened in its current location on the rue Papin in 1862. That incarnation was itself a reconstruction of the original Théâtre… Read more
Text: Aran Cravey Image: Jennifer Vinopal The airy, tri-level store on Rue de Sèvres in the 6th arrondissement was originally created to house the swimming pool for the Hotel Lutetia during its grand dame era… Read more
In the unlikely event that Paris is beginning to get tiresome, art correspondent Lilianne Milgrom offers two very different art experiences outside the Paris metropolis. Here she offers a classical option of Chantilly's Musée Condé. Read more
In the unlikely event that Paris is beginning to get tiresome, art correspondent Lilianne Milgrom offers two very different art experiences outside the Paris metropolis. Here she offers a contemporary option at Vitry-sur-Seine's outstanding contemporary… Read more
Text: Aran Cravey With over a hundred museums, Paris is the undisputed capital of artistic institutions. And while it can boast more than it’s fair share of publicly funded, pillars of art history, it’s contemporary… Read more
On a narrow cobblestone street in Paris' Beaubourg district, Simon Thillou is slowly fomenting revolution. Or fermenting, rather... Mild-mannered and extremely friendly, he explains in fluent English, "Paris is not a beer place. It's difficult… Read more
Text: Carly DeFilippo Image: Kevin Walsh If E. Dehillerin is not the most practical place to shop for kitchen equipment in Paris, it’s certainly the most nostalgic. The vintage, forest-green storefront spans the corner of… Read more
Text: Aran Cravey Spreading the artistic wealth has been a part of France’s cultural history for centuries. Since the early 19th century, the Louvre has been loaning out its masterful treasures to regional museums within… Read more
Text: Aidan Mac Guill Image: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra On the corner of Boulevard de la Chapelle and Boulevard de Magenta, at the heart of noisy, relentless Barbès, stands a building. Amidst the clatter of the overground… Read more
Text: Nick Forrester Image: Katte Bellatje Le Verre Volé, on Rue de Lancry, has a rustic French charm, which belies its relative youth. One of the pioneers of the ‘neo bistrot’ scence which swept Paris in… Read more
Text: Brendan Seibel Image: Au Petit Tonneau Nestled amongst the glitz and glitter of the 7th Au Petit Tonneau brings the neighbourhood back to Earth. Walking inside this unassuming restaurant is like crossing the threshold… Read more
Text: Nick Forrester Image: Ricardo Although you’re unlikely to see any of the grey flannel suits and pencil moustaches that one might associate with the Parisian Jazz scene there are a number of cafes and… Read more
Words: Richard Price Image: Stéphanie Moisan If you are a true food-lover, upon entering la Grande Epicerie de Paris, it feels as if your head might explode at any moment. They have so much and… Read more
Text: Brendan Seibel As the luxury coach pulls away, leaving you to stand in the middle of Saigon, expect to be surrounded by restaurants resembling Lac-Hong. Authenticity hounds would flee from the faux-traditional facade… Read more
Text: Boris Petrovic Image: Lee McCoy Pralus is one of the three producers in France to go ‘from bean to bar’; he uses nothing but noble ingredients, only pure chocolate butter, no preservatives, E’ numbers… Read more
Text: Susie Hollands Image: Hotel Thérèse Hotel Thérèse is situated in a fabulous quartier of Paris in a typical building from the 18th century looking onto one that is even more exquisite. This 3 star… Read more
Text: Boris Petrovic Image: Robyn Lee Like all fine chocolate artisans serious about their craft, Michel Cluizel has his own series of ‘Premier cru’ tablets, meaning that these chocolates come from a single cocoa bean… Read more
Text: Nick Forrester L’étoile du nord is a small theatre in the 18th arrondissement boasting an eclectic mix of performance, music and contemporary dance – sometimes of a challenging nature. L’étoile du nord 16, rue… Read more
Text: Anna Bromich Photograph: Eric Laignel My dog-eared street map of Paris, printed in 1984, lists the U-shaped building opposite Gare de l’Est as a hospital, causing momentary confusion as I navigate my way… Read more
Text: Susie Hollands Image: Le Petit Paris Le Petit Paris is a great mid-priced hotel options in one of the most sought after areas of the city. The old Relais de Poste is perfectly situated… Read more
Text: Joel Ma In the 21st century everyone knows at least one graphic designer. They usually have a keen eye for visual metaphor, impeccable personal hygiene and may or may not wear slim rectangular,… Read more
Text: Sarah Moriarty Image: La Conserverie The eclectic bar-restaurant, La Conserverie, at 35 bis rue du Sentier in the second arrondissement, serves some of the best cocktails in the city. This is big praise for… Read more
Text: Chris Holt Image: Mertxe Iturrioz Paris is home to dozens of museums catering to all tastes and interests. Those passionate about hunting and nature should most definitely visit the Musée de la Chasse… Read more
Text: Joel Ma Image: Valentin Ottone For those who acquaint themselves with a city by the pulse of its live music, Paris can leave the average punter a little cold. Openied in 2008 and located… Read more
Text: Tiffany Tang Developed as one of the cultural projects by the Mairie de Paris with the vision of reviving the city’s contemporary art scene, Le Centquatre – its name taken from the street number 104, Rue d’Aubervilliers… Read more
Text: Anna Bromwich Image: Flickr Alongside London, Paris is one of the most multi-cultural cities in Europe. Unlike London, it is not often viewed as such by the outside world which prefers to focus on… Read more
Image: Au Bonheur du Jour An intimate art gallery Au Bonheur du Jour, directly opposite the site of mythic brothel Le Chabanais, is run by dedicated historian of French erotic life – Nicole Canet. The gallery… Read more
Text by Anna Bromwich If you don’t have the time to embark on an architecture tour of France, an afternoon at Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine works just as well. The three galleries in… Read more
Text: Susie Hollands Image: Ayus Tety Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach, bring cash and be prepared to queue (you can’t reserve in advance). Rest assured its well worth the wait, nowhere does… Read more
Housed in two former hôtel particuliers, the Musée Carnavalet documents the life and times of Paris, from the middle ages to the present day. There are brocade and tapestry laden interiors from the 17th-19th centuries… Read more
Text: Will Best If you allow yourself to meander down the Canal St Martin, you’ll stumble upon the industrial arts hub (plus restaurant plus bar) Point Ephémère. Once a factory, Point Ephémère now boasts performance spaces, 5… Read more
Text: Philippa Brangam Image: Wally Gobetz Henry Miller aptly described Shakespeare & Co as a wonderland of books. On stepping through the door out of the hustle and bustle of the busy Latin Quarter it is… Read more
Text: Anna Bromwich Maison des Métallos is perhaps best described as a cultural venue with a social conscience. It’s various spaces stage exhibitions, theatre and concerts with strong political themes and host creative workshops for… Read more
Text: David Britain Although its location inside Forum des Halles is not the most desirable, Forum des Images is the gem of this underground maze. Nowhere else will you find such an enormously varied… Read more
Text: Anna Bromwich Perched on Quai D’Austerlitz on the old industrial banks of the Seine is a 21st century Emerald City. The Cité de la Mode et du Design is a converted storehouse wrapped in… Read more
This very tatty old bar once frequented students from L’Ecole internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq next door. After a big revamp it became one of the right bank hang-outs for the arty-fashion-gay crowd. The bar… Read more
A “hole in the wall” Ethiopian restaurant in the 11th arrondissement with some outstanding flavors. The main course is served on a single large plate whether you order one or several dishes. Try the Yebeug… Read more
Image: CD Fr The perennial darling of stylists and the fashion crowd, Merci is as good for browsing as actually buying. The 1000m2 multi-level loft comprises a literary café, a florist, a combination of furniture… Read more
Herboristerie de la Place de Clichy has one of Paris’ most beautiful shop facades. The wooden interior from the 19th century will take you back in time and houses 900 different types of plants to… Read more
Stanislaus Branle is a producer based near Lyon who supplies fruits and vegetables to some of the city’s restaurants. Each Monday night he sets up a small ‘pop up’ fresh food market, selling out the back… Read more
Located inside the Buttes-Chaumont park, this bar/restaurant is Paris outside of Paris, an ideal place to go to watch the sun set over the city. You can either sit on the grass with your friends… Read more
Text: Will Hutchins If you’ve failed in your bid to find that Senegalese 1969-1972 funk rarities compilation you’ve been searching for in your local Fnac, then you’ll have better luck at Ground Zero – formely tucked… Read more
This is one of the best places to go for healthy vegetarian fast-food. Get your wheat-grass drinks and smoothies, and menus including salads and sandwiches at the ‘original’ canal-side location Bob’s Juice. Big brother Bob’s… Read more
A normal looking pharmacie on the albeit chi-chi rue Jacob. Behind these doors a wealth of the normal fun things you find in a french chemist/drugstore, but there’s more. Mme (Annie) Zagorski, the owner, is… Read more
Text: Adrian K. Sanders There’s a lot going on outside the périphérique, but it can be hard to know where to go. Some of the most interesting events and contemporary artists in France are either based or… Read more
Words: Daniel Scheffler In the epicenter of Parisian trendiness comes a truly unashamed Italian bistro offering freshness and understated simplicity. Dark rocket leaves, many tomatoes and shavings of parmesan cover an eclectic plate of Southern Italy.… Read more
What do our fellow Parisians think about our city’s oldest market* ? The hedge fund controller says: “First we can find you. Second you’re multicultural.” The graphic designer says: “The italian shop /… Read more
Words: Daniel Scheffler Image: Flickr With sanctuaries like these, the trick is to keep breathing. The light knight has saved me to a place beyond. Some of the best coffee in Paris, the darkest chocolate… Read more
Walking down Rue Vieille du Temple on a crisp Sunday afternoon, I spotted Breizh Café. The atmosphere looked so warm and inviting from the outside, I let myself in to indulge in a hot crepe.… Read more
Image by Susie Hollands Recently given a facelift by the crew behind ‘La Jeune Rue’ and designer Maud Bury, the new Anahi is a slick, modern eatery that has kept its Argentine roots with… Read more
Creative flavor combinations, made with delicious super-fresh ingredients and sporting clever names like the Basquiat, the Bjork and the Ghandi, served in a cheerful, kitsch atmosphere. The original location is a stone’s throw from the… Read more
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
Image: Susie Hollands Hark back to a time when your favourite films were not accessible at the click of a button. JM Video has survived (so far!) the internet age and is one of the oldest video… Read more
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
Text: Ana Lee Luxury depot vente (second hand shop) in the 17th above Parc Monceau. Here you’ll find last season’s Chloe bags, Dior ties (at 40 euros), and exceptional vintage Chanel jewelry. Used designer clothing… Read more
Text: Ana Lee Exceptional Japanese cuisine in the heart of Montmartre, the Guilo-Guilo is held by renowned Kyoto chef Eiichi Edakuni. Unique menu composed of little dishes (tempura de figues, sashimi de thon rouge sauce… Read more
Text: Ana Lee A Marais stalwart, from what appears to be an oriental épicerie on the outside, inside you’ll find an eccentric bar and eclectic mix of pop art and Moroccan deco. Wahloo also includes… Read more
Text: Ana Lee Image: Vincent Noel The Piscine Pontoise is one of the most legendary pools in Paris. Built in the 1930s, this historical landmark has attracted stars such as Commander Cousteau and swimming champion Johnny… Read more
This hotel (in a house that once belonged to the Hermés family) features five suites (4 junior, one deluxe) and two large bedrooms by renowned contemporary artists; owner and manager Morgane Rousseau is a well-known… Read more
Image: Jean-Vier Jean-Vier linen is part of the heritage of the Pays Basque, where in the olden days fabric was cultivated and woven to create SAÏAL, a strong fabric cover used to protect the cattle… Read more
Text: Jayson Harsin From the vantage point of Pere Lachaise in the 20th, in the closing pages of Balzac’s delicious Pere Goriot, the hero Rastignac looks down into the mudpit of Paris, seething with moneylust… Read more
The Centre musical Fleury-Goutte d’Or-Barbara aims to accompany artists, and schedule, coordinate and broadcast slam, rock, pop, reggae, rap, funk, R&B, gospel, electronic music, popular French music and blues. With a surface area of 1,500… Read more
Shoe designer Pierre Hardy has achieved something incredible, his shoes are sexy and comfortable, the mark of a genius! This former accessories designer for Hermès has a sense of the elegant without being stuffy and… Read more
Image: Flickr Undoubtedly one of Paris’ most famous pâtissiers – the macarons are the most celebrated offering but the whole selection and presentation is delicious. Constantly updating his flavours means there is real innovation. Some… Read more
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
Image: Jan Marlyn Reeseman Jackie O, Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn were Porthault addicts. If you enjoy getting up close and personal with high thread count bedsheets follow in their kitten heeled footsteps down… Read more
Words: Pamela Price A quirky gallery in the 14th dealing with (mostly) works on paper, and especially lithography, that’s easy to walk by – but take the time to stop and examine the treasures inside,… Read more
Words: Sarah-Neel Smith Visible almost as soon as you exit the Belleville metro, this neon-lit cafe is a microcosm of the diverse, constantly-in-flux neighbourhood it’s located in. A little rough around the edges, it is… Read more
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
Stroll into the wonderful Palais Royal, a few steps from the Louvre but quite off the tourist beat; in the Galerie de Valvois running down one side is Les Salons du Palais Royal. Here you… Read more
Studio Le Regard du Cygne encourages research, experimentation, creation and dialogue between amateurs and professionals. Specifically created for a community of dancers and choreographers in the 1980s by Amy Swanson and Fabrice Dugied, the first… Read more
Cité U ‘s eclectic campus houses around 5000 foreign university students, researchers, artists and trainees of around 132 different nationalities. Spread over 34-hectares of wooded grounds 37 houses, foundations or colleges, each with its own… Read more
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
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
Words: Pamela Price When I first moved to Paris my roommate saw me sitting on the couch, wondering what to do on my Thursday night. “You like jazz?” he asked, and handed me a piece… Read more
Image: Pierre Numérique Le Georges V is a fabulous art déco landmark hotel dating from 1928, just off the Champs Elysées. This meeting place for business or perhaps pleasure is the favoured spot of well-heeled… Read more
The François-Truffaut cinema library in the Forum des Halles, is part of the architectural project “avenue du Cinéma” which also includes the redesigned Forum des Images cinema. The centre is part of the network of… Read more
The Musée d’art et d’histoire du Judaïsme is the successor to the Musée d’art Juif de Paris, established in 1948 by a private association to pay homage to a culture that had been destroyed by… Read more
Image: Grand Palais This restaurant sits slinking under the colonnades of Le Grand Palais when. With its contemporary décor and cuisine, by triple starred Eric Frechon and Stéfane d’Aboville, it’s a hit with those searching for… Read more
Words: Pamela Price The historic theatrical structure, Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, has endured its struggles with survival. Now thriving under the direction of Micheline Rozan and Peter Brook, the two picked the theatre out… Read more
Image: Serge Melki Lebanese cuisine is a favorite in Paris. Lebanon was a French UN mandate from the end of WWI until WWII, (Beirut was nicknamed of “Paris of the East”) and the cuisine has… Read more
Image: Fondation d’Entreprise Ricard This space shows young French contemporary artists and curators working in the field of plastic arts. Exhibitions are accompanied by a programme of talks and discussions in the evenings, conferences and… Read more
Image: Alain Bisotti A burst of colour and invention in a world of heavy sauces and (well-loved but) dull staples of French Cuisine. Sometimes one yearns for something more fresh, light and modern in… Read more
Text: Jayson Harsin Nestled in the briar patch of branchitude at 114 rue Oberkampf is a former 1930s cabaret. The building later became an artist atelier. Then in 2001 it opened as home to what… Read more
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
The Ecole des beaux-arts is Paris’ prestigious Fine Arts academy. At the end of their period of study, students receive a diploma (diplôme national supérieur d’arts plastiques), after presenting their work to a jury largely… Read more
Words: Pamela Price “Guignol, Guignol, Guignol, Guignol!!!” My ears ring with the sounds of children screaming French comments at the puppet characters on stage. No this is not a nightmare, it’s the adventures of babysitting… Read more
The Fondation Cartier – one of the many Paris museums dedicated to contemmporary art – puts on consistently good shows and invests in young artists, as well as some more established international names. The beautiful building… Read more
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
Image: Martyn Davis In the Parc de la Villette, which was the site of Paris’ old abattoir, you’ll find a multitude of things to do. The area was part of a local urban regeneration plan… Read more
Image: Aux Crus de Bourgogne Want to eat where the Parisians do? This is the place – a bistro dating from 1900. More foie gras and lobster than you can shake a stick at. Aux… Read more
Paris’ erotic bookstore is just the thing if you feel like some titillation. It’s all here: essays, novels, bande dessinée (French comic strips) and nude and erotic photography, (both gay and straight versions). La Musardine… Read more
A menu of dishes based on the shop’s Spanish hams, cheeses and premium canned goods. Not only does it sell little treats (try the madeleines), but it is also an upscale tapas bar. The main… Read more
Image: Aisling Chin-Yee Celebrate your Marais purchases with a stiff drink at La Perle. A Parisian classic, the bar spills out onto the street on balmy summer evenings – after all these years it’s still a place… Read more
Simon-Pierre Rosset-Gaulejac carrries on the family tradition of fine jewelery. His claim to fame – engraving clients’ fingerprints or handwriting on gold necklaces, bracelets, pendants and charms. Rousset-Gaulejac Joaillier 23 Rue Jacob, 6th Ph. 01… Read more
This legendary shop has been crafting signet rings and official decorations since 1803. One of creations is “Lune de Miel”, a gold disk that can been worn as a bracelet, necklace, pendant or ring. He… Read more
It’s a bit like a canteen but the food is divine at one of the most prestigious culinary schools in Paris. There are two restaurants in the same building, Le Premier and Le 28. They… Read more
A cute Baba-Cool (French for “hippie”) brand from the 70s when their shop began life in Les Halles – it has now evolved, (like those Baba-Cool people) to the chi-chi environs of St-Germain-des-Prés. “Upla”… Read more
It’s really sexy inside – a long illuminated bar flanked by Louis XV-style metallic stools and small Murano glass lights above. On the walls are a series of large paintings with frames so deep you… Read more
There is a great selection of hard-to-find art books and the best place for anything on “arts premiers” – ancient and indigenous art from around the world. Librarie Fischbacher 33 Rue de Seine, 6th Ph.… Read more
Text: Stephanie Micci Hotel du Nord has played many roles over the years, with its origins as a hotel dating all the way back to 1885, to its role as the setting of 1938 film… Read more
One of the cutest spots behind the Sacre Coeur in the village-like Lamarck Caulaincourt. A concise, but decent food selection and drinks! A true locals hide-out. Chez Francis Labutte 122 rue Caulaincourt, 18th Ph: 01… Read more
Cute stop-off around Ledru-Rollin, the grand fin-de-siècle interiors and terrace make it a popular choice for locals and visitors to the area. Their food might not be at the same level as other local heavy-hitters,… Read more
Fauchon is one of the best shops to browse for jams, mustards, fine teas and other gourmet treats. They also have a great cave à vins with helpful staff, a bakery, and a salon de the/restaurant.… Read more
After his original flagship store opened on the Champs Elysées in 1982, Armand Hadida has created quite a fashion empire around Paris. Now you can find a varied ‘en point’ collection of international designers all around… Read more
Text: Susie Hollands Image: Ed Porras A popular way of winding down in Paris is to hit the Hammam. It’s a type of relaxing steam bath that was imported here from the Maghreb (North Africa)… Read more
Tiny (about 30m²) bookstore packed to the rafters with the most amazing selection of rare treasures: comics, magazines, erotic literature and graphic novels – and all this a stone’s throw from the hordes at St… Read more
All the food is completely fresh from local suppliers and the wine is natural. It’s in a great part of town too, behind Bonne Nouvelle and the Grands Boulevards. There is a warren of streets… Read more
Image: Stephen Coles Diptyque was created in 1961 by three friends who were linked by their love of fine arts and fine décor; Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiana Gautrot and Yves Coueslant. Their now legendary boutique on… Read more
On a budget? This cute and rumbunctious little Breton dive in the Marais might be more about atmosphere, but it’s a rare reasonably-priced option amongst the prime real estate of the Marais. Don’t get it confused… Read more
Deliciously heavy on the fat content but very atmospheric – it’s as if the gastronomic renaissance in this neck of the woods has happened all around this place. A great place to take visitors who… Read more
A meat-focused (sometimes even offal-focused) menu with a killer natural wine list, this is a very sought after address that even after several years remains very hip with the East Parisian bobo crowd who love… Read more
Image: Alain Roy In what was formerly the gay heartland of le Marais (and still is in some ways), this bookshop is dedicated to all things queer, with an emphasis on male homosexuality. A homey… Read more
A kind of locals rock-a-billy dive bar with posters of great musicians all over the nicotine stained walls; Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger and other greats. Le Fanfaron 6 Rue de la Main d’Or, 11th Métro:… Read more
Goyard, THE place for travel bags, older than LV, rarer and more desirable. You can’t get much higher than this when it comes to class: try a suitcase that unfolds into a food and water… Read more
Played a key role in Christian Vincent’s film La Discrète. More reasonably priced than Café Flore and in a more discreet neighbourhood, this is a very typique Parisian restaurant that appears to have been frozen in… Read more
The Louvre. Need we really say more? Get there early to avoid the queue or even better, head to the nocturnes Wednesday and Friday nights. Read more
The saying goes: “Never eat oysters in a month without an ‘R’ in it.” or as P.J. O’Rourke put it “Never serve oysters in a month that has no paycheck in it.” When you have… Read more
Patrick Roger flavours his ganaches with lime, basil, jasmin, quince and Szechuan pepper corns – amongst other things. A mix of classic and innovative, there is something for all tastes here. He also creates chocolate… Read more
Most beautiful art-nouveau decor and a great lunch time prix-fixe. Bouillon is ancient term for brasserie – this one was built in 1906. A tribute to the history of fine dining in this city. Bouillon Racine… Read more
Old favourite, popular with Ecole des Beaux-Arts students and the local Galeristes. Bit of fun on the left bank, with lots of chinos and pink sweaters. It is a ‘site classé,’ which means that the… Read more
Photo: Jean-François Chaput A petite folie built in honour of the wife of the entrepreneur who opened Le Bon Marché. In the thirties the building was turned into a movie house that shows international films. It… Read more
Words: Pamela Price Canal Danse is a creative association that hosts various workshops and performances involving dance. Patricia Brouilly is the director of this artistic organization, which is centered around the performing arts. The idea… Read more
The Suisse Cultural Center (Centre Culturel Suisse) is one of the best central locations (in the heart of the Marais) to see unique contemporary art exhibitions. Featuring artists working in forms such as installation, sculpture,… Read more
Image: Little Italy It’s not large but this Italian café next to busy rue Montorgueil offers a haven for anyone starved of decent Italian food, which isn’t as easy to come by as you’d think… Read more
A mythic “after” bar for night-owls. Carmen presides over this boisterous and eclectic mix – woe betide anyone who tries to change the music! Part living room part dive bar, this is somewhere where you… Read more
Text: Carly DeFilippo If your cooking seems a bit bland, spice it up with some of the best herbs and spices. There are several shops that can supply you with all of the zesty flavors… Read more
Operating as the Nouveau Latina for many years, this small independent cinema in the Marais has returned to its original name the Luminor Hôtel de Ville – from when it opened in 1914. Its… Read more
You’ve just seen an exhibition at Pompidou or caught a film at MK2 Beaubourg? This is a good little spot to debrief, grab a coffee, drink or something to refuel. A typical bistro with a… Read more
France’s doyenne of Design, André Putnam, renovated the mythic L’Institut Guerlain, which is credited with being the first modern day spa, inaugurated in 1939. Read more
Covered passages can be found peppered through the 1st, 2nd, and 9th arrondissements, but if you’re not on the lookout, you can easily miss these beautiful shopping walkways that are perfectly preserved snapshots of Parisian… Read more
The kind of 19th arrondissement dive bar where you never quite know what will happen. It’s guaranteed you’ll have a night full of surprises and get to know the locals. Rock, rap, jazz, electro…even tarot… Read more
Ever wondered where Catherine Deneuve comes to have her hair coloured? You can try and get that essential blonde colour with Christophe. Colorist and creator for the laboratories of L’Oreal Paris, Christophe Robin develops colors… Read more
You’re unlikely to bump into someone with the same scent while you’re shopping here. Created and conceptualized by father and daughter Francis and Olivia Giacobetti, IUNX carries a wide variety of high range, exotic as… Read more
The Palais de Tokyo’s unique book store carries catalogues of the museum’s current exhibitions, artists’ DVDs, coffee-table books, gifts and cards, novels, the latest theoretical opus on contemporary art, and the art, design, lifestyle and… Read more
A specialist bookstore like only Paris knows how to do – this one stocks an impressive array of volumes relating to the theatre, opera, dance, music, mime and cinema. For those interested in the performing arts,… Read more
Since January 2002, the Frac Ile-de-France has been in charge of Le Plateau, a contemporary arts centre located near the park Buttes-Chaumont, mixing together arts, dance, and music, with a particular focus on promoting works… Read more
One of Paris’ top chocolatiers, JP Hevin’s signature store on the rue Saint Honoré, also has a sophisticated Salon de Thé, which is great for a lunch entre copînes, it’s not too expensive. With additional boutiques… Read more
This bookshop is dedicated to contemporary art, architecture and design and you’ll find over 14,000 titles, from France and abroad. They also have a great programme of events, run a small magazine and manage a… Read more
Frank has his own parlour dedicated to the art of being blonde – perhaps reminiscent of Marilyn’s dressing room which seems to have been the inspiration. And he takes hair seriously, in an altogether French… Read more
In this tiny shop you can buy sexy underwear, high-priced one-off items by trendy French designers and glam-trash jewelry by London duo Tatty-Devine. More of an NYC or London vibe than Paris. Madame André’s husband Monsieur… Read more
Self confessed sybarite, Frédéric Malle is the son of the creator of Dior perfumes. He grew up appreciating the good things in life and is now one of the ‘new generation’ of master perfumiers,… Read more
A small concept store on La Butte Montmartre, Spree stocks APC, Isabelle Marant, Cacharel and Commes des Garçons. Nice selection. Good accessories – bags, shoes, belts and jewellery. 16, rue la Vieuville, 18th Ph. 01 42… Read more
French lingerie with a twist, Chantal Thomass‘ lingerie is hip and seductive with intricate and unique designs. Each piece of lingerie has its own personality. If you’re looking for something to match your corset and… Read more
You have a passion for shoes and handbags. What, really? Well you’re not the only one in this town. MODA is a clandestine chausseure operation. The exterior windows are stacked high with shoe boxes; the owner… Read more
3 to 5 metres deep, 300 km long, the city of Paris is sitting on a lacework of stone, much of which was used as a crypt when cemeteries were at breaking point. Delve deep… Read more
A gallery and bookshop dedicated to the documentation of the artistic pursuit. Besides the programme of exhibitions, you’ll find a treasure trove of books and videos from an extensive collection of French and foreign artists.… Read more
Image: Erotokritos Greek-Cypriot designer Erotokritos makes some of the best clothes in Paris. After capturing the Paris Trentaine style he launched a men’s label. Erotokritos studied fine art and textile design in San Francisco and… Read more
This is a type of French garage sale (or car boot/jumble sale if you’re British)– the phrase vide grenier means”attic clearance”. Read more
The Delaville Cafe is an ex-brothel with its beautiful mosaic ceiling and floor intact. It offers free wireless and is a good pit stop for a drink before catching something at the Grand Rex. 34… Read more
La Bellevilloise in Gambetta is the kind of community-driven performance space Paris excels at. A café, terrace and lots of gigs with local and international acts. La Bellevilloise 19-21 Rue Boyer, 20th Ph: 01 46… Read more
The place to have your hat made in Paris. Estelle Ramousse has worked for years in the theatre and has an artist’s eye for the suave and sophisticated, the colourful and eccentric. From a traditional… Read more
The atmosphere in this bar on the edge of La Butte Montmartre is unlike any other in Paris. This bar/restaurant is named La Fourmi, a tribute to La Fontaine’s famous poem. It’s a big jumble… Read more
Image: Matthew Black My world expanded somewhat when I found out about Paris’s libraries. And all for free. There are even specialist Libraries in different arrondissement – 1er Music, 4eme Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, History of… Read more
If you are looking for the ultimate coffee table book, you’ll probably find it here. Along with other sybaritic treats like leather bound suitcases containing bound Assouline editions and one-off jewelry and furnishings. Assouline 35… Read more
Planète Mars was the scene of many escapades as it is situated right next to the original Vingt Paris Galerie at 25, rue Keller. Efix and Cedric brought their punk sensibilities to this superior pick… Read more
Image: Jori Avlis Flea markets are a Paris institution. The love of antiques and vintage items – not to mention the treasure trove that some people with family heirlooms are sitting on – make these… Read more
Text: Ana Lee In the heart of the Marais, you’ll find one of Paris’s most famous museums – known to locals as Beaubourg although its official name is the Centre national d’art et de culture Georges… Read more
Heels get ruined here in Paris in no time. Robert Clergerie’s chunky yet elegant collection should help – shops on Rue Cherche-Midi or Rue Grenelle (6eme) and Le Bon Marché (7eme) plus the main department… Read more
Words: Susie Hollands If you are desperate for a drink in the Latin Quarter you can always count on this bar, it’s a mecca for anglophone bar staff from other pubs in central Paris, sells… Read more
