PARIS, FRANCE
The best-kept secrets in Paris — this isn’t just clickbait. I’m for real for real.
It’s a city I’ve travelled to often and the first European city I ever traveled to sans parents when I was 15. It will always remain special and I can see us having a pied à terre there one day.
STAY
Hotel Opéra Liège
Remember that best-kept secret? Here she is: the suite with private terrace. It’s where Ash and I stayed when we celebrated our engagement and our one-year wedding anniversary, and my 30th and our 4th wedding anniversary. Yes, we love Paree a lot.
Château Voltaire
Great location, beautiful boutique hotel — plus, the spa is STUNNIN’.
Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
Yesssss, if you watch Emily in Paris, you will recognize this as the Savoir offices. Sigh — haven’t stayed there since 2019, but it’s nice and well-located.
EAT
Chez Julien
Charming terrace, historical monument, amazing food. This bistro is one of my favourites in the city! The coq au vin is definitely one of my faves.
Buvette
Rustic-chic café, great spot close to the hotel.
Loulou
I suggest going here for lunch after a visit at the Louvre or for sunset overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries. Depending on where you’re sitting you may even see the Eiffel Tower light show.
Clown Bar
Really enjoyed this restaurant and the food was so great! Definitely a cool scene.
Claude Coulliot
Very sweet family-run restaurant in the 4th. We went here after a little bit of shopping in Le Marais and really enjoyed it + it’s on a quiet street, so eating outside was super pleasant.
La Bourse et la Vie
Josephine Chez Dumonet
If you’re looking for boeuf bourguignon; look no further.
Les Deux Magots
Just a classic brasserie with good food
Le Bon Saint Pourçain
Very cool and different specials every night! One of my fave restaurants in Paris.
Four Seasons Hotel George V
If you don’t eat here, at least go for a glass of champagne before dinner! Iconic art-deco landmark is a must.
Hôtel Costes
MUST! I loved the vibe here, very artistic, young and hip. The food was amazing and the nights get wild. I only have this blurry film photo (but it also proves my aforementioned comment).
Café Kitsuné
Coffee and a stroll through the Jardin du Palais-Royal = my heaven.
Hoxton
It’s a beautiful hotel and I definitely would’ve loved to eat here, but we didn’t have the time. I went for coffee one morning during my Chanel press trip.
Dumbo
Smash burgers have crossed the pond and made their way to Paris.
Django
Awesome Mediterranean food, small shareable plates.
Frenchie
Amazing small plates that are ideal for sharing. I LOVE PIGALLE.
Restaurant Voltaire
More of a classic French restaurant — our group had lunch here and it was good.
Rue Ste-Anne
Putting a street vs a restaurant because this is where you’ll find awesome ramen — there are multiple locations and they just hit the spot on a cold winter day!
DO
I think all the museums are a must, so I won’t list them here.
Bateau Mouche
Boat ride on the Seine during the Tour Eiffel light show, definitely would recommend this! Plan it so you’re there for the light show (9-11 PM).
Jardin des Tuileries
Jardin du Palais-Royal
Paris has such wonderful outdoor spaces and sitting by the fountain for coffee or taking a stroll by the dog park is so calming.
Rent a Yego
Paris traffic is pretty bad lately, so Ash and I rented Yegos (you can easily download the app and ride — just a hot tip that it takes a few hours to activate an account since you’re uploading driver’s license info, so I’d create a profile as soon as possible once you’re in Paris).
SHOP
Shakespeare & Company
Librairie du Passage
Merci Used Book Cafe
Gallerie Vivienne Book Store
Le Marais
Great neighbourhood for vintage! Merci is also a great concept store.
BHV
Sale season = worth it.
Boulevard Haussmann
Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Citadium are some of my favourite department stores.
Vintage System Shop
Ran by an angel from LA, this is a great vintage shop. I always find unique pieces and this time, I snagged a mini purse that’s très à la mode.
Mad Vintage
This is great if you’re looking for denim or leather jackets. It’s more of a rocker feel, but I definitely suggest checking out one (or all!) of their locations.
Bobby
I saved the best for last. Amazing vintage with a focus on high-end pieces. I’ve found vintage Chanel and vintage Hermes here and can spend hours in the two-storey shop.
Retro Paris
Palace Callas
Sapeur Vintage
Chinemachine
chercheminippes
In general, I find the 3rd arrondissement and the 8th have the best vintage shopping, whether it be thrift or high-end consignment, so I’ll break both neighbourhoods down with my favourite shops in each arrondissement.
3rd Arrondissement
Nuovo Paris
Charly’s Garments
Compil Store
Gaijin
Japenese, gender-fluid
Relique
70’s vibe
Nice Piece Vintage
8th Arrondissement — very high-end consignment
Just Looking Dépôt Vente
Amazing selection!
Valois Vintage
LOVE this place
11th Arrondissement
Ultra Violet
Lapin Vintage
Vintage Clothing Paris
Puces de Paris St Ouen — iconic flea since the 19th C!
Puces de Vanves — less pricey that St Ouen
