Paris

A guide to some of our favorite spots by neighborhood.

Left Bank (South of the Seine)

Saint Germain

Stay:

If you want to feel like a local during your trip to Paris, St. Germain is the neighborhood for you. Specifically, the Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain. This charming, boutique hotel is walking distance to many of the city’s main attractions and surrounded by some of Paris’s best shopping and cafes.

Eats:

• Atlas and Maison Sauvage  - both are located on Rue de Buci (a popular street in St. German lined with restaurants and cafes) and are great spots for dinner

• Le Procope - the oldest cafe in Paris, stop in here for some traditional desserts

• Le Hibou - trendy atmosphere and popular with the locals

Drinks:

• Da Rosa - casual spot for a pre-dinner glass of wine

• Alcazar - for when you’re craving a fancy cocktail

Explore:

• Evening river cruise on Seine - There are many boat cruise options for tours along the Seine, but Vedettes du Pont Nef is the boat tour company we prefer. No reservations are required for this hour long cruise touring Paris’s highlights. The tour starts at 1 Square du Vert Galant and is perfect for every season and day or night. Be sure to arrive early to pick up some champagne and small bites for the ride.

• Jardin du Luxembourg - if you’re in Paris in the spring/summer, a picnic at the Luxembourg gardens is a must.

Latin Quarter

Neighboring Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter is lively and full of late night bars and lots of jazz. It is also home to three of our favorite restaurants we always come back to when we are in Paris:

• Bistro des Augustins - charming, tiny cafe located along the Seine

• Chez Fernand Christine  - traditional French restaurant

• Le Petit Chatelet - located next to the Shakespeare Book Store with chalkboard only menus, this little restaurant boasts views of Notre Dame

Right Bank (North of the Seine)

Montmarte

On top of a large hill showcasing the famous Sacré-Cœur, this neighborhood is not one to miss. The area close to the basilica is full of character and an artist hot spot. It is definitely worth the hike up the hill to sit in the main square and enjoy lunch overlooking the artists at work. Grab an outside seat for lunch at La Mere Catherine or Au Cadet Gascogne to enjoy the views.

Le Marais

Originally the city’s Jewish quarter, this trendy area is now home to some of the city’s best boutique shopping. Two of the most popular streets are Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue des Rosiers. Fleux was a fan favorite for our family, with plenty of home good options. We also stumbled upon Les Etages which had the best cocktails to reward yourself after a long day shopping.

Champs-Elysées and Royal District

With the Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées featuring many high-end shops, this area is a treat especially around the holiday season. Always make sure to do your research before you travel, as any political protests typically happen in this area.

• L’Avenues - high end shopping with Christmas decorations, where the Dior store typically does something special for the holiday season

• Tuileries Gardens - outside the Louvre, these massive gardens are the idyllic place for a picnic if you’re in Paris in warmer weather. Around Christmas, these gardens are home to Paris’s largest Christmas Market.

• Ritz Carlton - Even if you aren’t staying at the Ritz, you can still check out Bar Hemingway where famous patrons include F. Scott Fitzgerald and of course, Ernest Hemingway

• Galeries Layfette - this French department store is always worth a visit, especially during the holidays. Besides the Christmas window displays, the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann shows off a giant Christmas tree with a new theme each year. You can also go to the Boulevard Haussmann location for rooftop views on its top floor.