A Parisian Affair

An unrivaled destination, symbol of timeless French art de vivre, Paris is a myth that’s hard to rewrite. But for those who prefer cities on the little crazy side, cities that are chaotic, troubled, and always looking for bust, boom, and late nights, the French capital might be a good idea. So, to serve you better, I hopped on my vélo (the latest trend in transport here), got lost in the streets searching for hotspots and rediscovering the most iconic ones.
Here’s your easy guide to navigating the City of Light, the Parisian way.

 

WHAT TO DO

RIDING THE CAPITAL

Between the crowded metros and endless traffic jams, getting around Paris can sometimes feel like a hassle. That’s why I highly recommend the most quintessentially French mode of transport: le vélo. There’s nothing quite like pedaling through the streets, like Rue de Rivoli, once dominated by cars and now yours to cruise at your own pace, taking in the beauty of the city’s landmarks. Ride along the stunning Seine, starting from Place de la Concorde and looping through Ile de la Cité. You’ll pass by some of Paris’s most iconic spots: the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, Châtelet, Pont Neuf, the Pont des Arts, and the Musée d’Orsay, finishing your ride on the charming Ile Saint-Louis. Trust me, gliding along the Seine is a feeling like no other, the wind brushing against your skin, that fresh breeze that hits you as you coast by the water. Plus, it’s not just good for your soul, it’s a mental refresh, too.
You’ll thank me later.

WATCHING AN OLD MOVIE

It’s impossible to visit the French capital, the epicenter of the seventh art and an absolute paradise for film lovers, without catching a movie in one of its many historic cinemas. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. One legendary address is Christine 21, tucked away in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This gem is dedicated to showcasing repertory cinema for a discerning and curious audience: restored classics, thematic cycles, retrospectives, and festivals. The Christine Cinéma Club’s lineup features the best of French and international repertory films, with a particular focus on Italian, American, and Asian cinema.  

Don’t miss it: 4 rue Christine, 75006 Paris"

VISITING THE HOUSE OF GUSTAVE MOREAU

At 14 rue Catherine de La Rochefoucauld, French painter Gustave Moreau gathered the majority of his paintings (1,300 in total) towards the end of his life. Why? To create a museum that would ensure his legacy endures. Inside this quaint house, where he spent his childhood, the artist sacrificed his second-floor studio to build larger, glass-roofed ateliers, all while organizing his archives. One hundred and twenty-six years after his death, nothing, not even a teaspoon, seems to have changed. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in a very French atmosphere.  The must-see decor piece? The elegant spiral staircase leading up to the third floor.

WHERE TO EAT

Food in France is more than just sustenance, more than even pleasure, it’s a religion. Much of life is spent buying, preparing, enjoying, and even talking about food (it’s not uncommon for French people to discuss what they’ll have for dinner while eating lunch). This doesn’t mean, however, that Parisians are always munching, au contraire, there’s a set rhythm to when meals happen. Here’s my recommendation for where to be introduced to the bon goût of Paris at just the right time, following French tradition.

BREAKFAST 

In the morning, people tend to have a small breakfast at home or sometimes in a café. And to start your day in the Frenchest way possible, I recommend the best croissant in town at La Boulangerie Terroir d’Avenir. Everything here is delicious, from the baguette to the viennoiseries. Plus, this spot is praised by a host of renowned French chefs.  

3 rue du Nil, 75002 Paris.

LUNCH
Just steps from the Eiffel Tower, on a small square, La Fontaine de Mars is a Parisian institution. This bistro-brasserie has preserved its moldings and red leather banquettes while offering authentic cuisine, masterfully crafted by chef Pierre Saugrain, who has been at the helm for nearly 30 years. Here, the greatest statesmen and movie stars rub shoulders with illustrious unknowns in a chic bistro atmosphere, maintained by Christiane Boudon, the heart and soul of the restaurant.
Signature dish: chicken with morels.

Must-try: 100% Parisian egg mayonnaise.

129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris

LE GOÛTER

In the afternoon, (children) have a sweet snack (goûter) around 4:30 p.m. The rendez-vous is set at 48 Collagen Café, the capital’s first glow café. It’s a must-visit spot when passing through Paris, standing out with its disruptive wellness approach and industrial architecture. Each concoction has been carefully crafted to boost natural collagen. On the menu, you’ll find multicolored smoothies and collagen elixirs for a doll-like skin effect, antioxidant drinks like hydrogen water, and delicious energizing snacks. A boost of energy and plumped skin guaranteed.  

Crush on: The Earth Latte.
48, rue La Fayette 75009 Paris

DINER
The gastronomic table at 'Les Confidences' in the San Régis Hotel is a knockout, even for the laziest of palates. On the menu? A lineup of perfectly crafted dishes: beef tartare with oyster leaf and rye, creamy risotto with black truffle… Each plate is a love letter to France, sweeping you into pure bliss. And if you’re up for more? The desserts are seriously addictive, like the pecan Paris-Brest that will set the standard for all future desserts.  
Crush on : Christophe and José, the iconic duo who have been running the show for decades, sharing the funniest anecdotes.
Don’t leave town without surrendering to the guilty pleasures of this spot.
12 Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris