Paris and I have been in a long-standing love affair.
I lived in the capital for four years in my twenties, at a time when I was just starting my career. I was just a little girl from the countryside who had moved to Paris on my own to begin my adult life. And I loved it!
I loved the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, meeting new people, the feeling that there’s always something going on, and that incredible Parisian energy. Coming from the countryside, I quickly got caught up in the excitement of city life.
I’ve since left Paris, but it remains “the city closest to my heart.” I go back there very often, and I could definitely imagine moving back there someday.
So, naturally, over the years, I’ve gathered a few places that I particularly like. Some have been around for a long time, while others are lovely, more recent discoveries. And since I go to Paris regularly, I figured it was time to compile a list of them here for you.
But I have no intention of giving you yet another list of the capital’s must-see sights. You might find a few well-known spots, but mostly you’ll find places and ideas for things to do that I really love—whether it’s eating out, shopping, checking out an exhibit, going out, or just strolling around.
And besides, you’re starting to get to know me: I love places that tell a story. I’ve always been drawn to street art, cultural spots that are a little off the beaten path, shops that make us think about how we consume, and, more broadly, that way of traveling that’s more about experiencing a destination than simply visiting it.
So, if you’re coming to Paris soon—especially to see a Céline Dion concert— here are a few ideas for extending your stay and discovering my version of Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris: Live Like a Parisian
Let’s start with a pretty essential question for anyone coming to spend a few days in Paris: where can you stay without breaking the bank?
For us, the answer has been pretty obvious for several years now: home and/or apartment swaps through the HomeExchange website. Antony and I are big fans of this way of traveling. Paris, in fact, is one of the destinations where we particularly enjoy using this system.
The idea is simple: instead of booking a hotel room or an impersonal apartment, we stay in someone’s house or apartment while they’re away.
And, of course, that completely changes the experience.
We have a real kitchen, a living room, and sometimes a terrace or a balcony… We do our grocery shopping in the neighborhood, grab coffee at the local bakery, and come “home” after a day of exploring.
In short, we’ll live like Parisians for a few days.
Home exchanges also allow us to travel more affordably, since housing doesn’t cost as much as a typical trip to Paris. But that’s not the only reason we love this way of traveling: it’s mainly the feeling that we’re not just passing through.
If you want to find out why we’re still fans after more than 100 exchanges, I’ll tell you all about it in my dedicated article —and with my referral code, you can earn extra GP!
Why not give a next-generation hostel a try?
If home swapping isn’t your thing, or if you just can’t find a match for your dates, I have another idea for staying in Paris without necessarily spending half your budget on lodging: Next-generation youth hostels.
These new hostels feel more like real living spaces. Of course, they have dorms, but they also feature private rooms, common areas where you can work or read, coworking spaces, bars, rooftop decks, and sometimes restaurants—plus a full lineup of activities designed to help you meet other travelers.
That’s actually what I like about the concept: it captures a bit of that “around-the-world” spirit that I love so much about traveling, even when I’m just spending a few days in Paris. You can share a meal, chat with travelers from all over the world, have a drink at the bar, or just hang out in your own corner with your laptop.
And for women traveling alone, some even offer all-female dorms, which can be a good option for those who want to enjoy the hostel experience while having a space reserved just for them.
Here are a few places I recommend: The People Belleville, Bercy, or Jo&Joe Paris Nation
My Favorite Shopping Spots in Paris
You know that I’m becoming more and more interested in more sustainable fashion and that, whenever possible, I prefer to buy less but better or shop for secondhand items.
Paris is obviously a fantastic place to shop for this kind of thing. That’s why I’ve listed my favorite spots here—places I never fail to visit when I’m in the capital.
La Frange à l’envers: The Parisian Take on Thrift Shopping
I discovered this place thanks to “Dressing Leeloo,” a fashion influencer I’ve been following for a long time.
La Frange à l’envers is one of those thrift stores where you can really enjoy browsing. You’ll find brand-name items in excellent condition—sometimes barely worn—and, above all, that little thrill unique to thrift shopping: you never really know what you’re going to find.
I find this much more fun than scrolling through hundreds of new items on a website. If you love fashion but are also trying to change the way you shop, this is definitely a place to add to your list.
August 5: Secondhand Finds Recommended by Roxane
For this new secondhand spot, I’m handing the floor over to Roxane, my friend who runs La Ritournelle, the consignment shop right next to the apartment. She obviously knows a few great spots for hunting for treasures, and she was the one who suggested I check out Cinq Août, which has been in the Batignolles neighborhood (Paris’s 17th arrondissement) since 2018. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to go because it was on the other side of town from where we were staying, but I’ll definitely check it out next time!
At 108 Rue Legendre, Anne-Lise offers a carefully curated selection of contemporary women’s fashion: clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, featuring lovely brands such as Sézane, Ba&sh, Sessùn, Balzac Paris, Soeur, and Isabel Marant. Here, there’s no need to spend hours rummaging through random racks: each piece is chosen for its style, quality, condition, and materials. The selection changes as items are dropped off and new arrivals come in, which naturally makes you want to stop by regularly.
Sézane: a must-visit for fans of the brand
It’s hard to talk about shopping in Paris without mentioning Sézane. Even if you’re already familiar with the brand, stopping by one of its Parisian locations lets you immerse yourself in its world and experience the collections in person, rather than just on a screen.
And speaking of which, if you haven’t checked out the brand in a while, there’s something new! In mid-August 2026, Morgane Sézalory announced a new chapter for Sézane, featuring a new logo and a deliberate shift in its brand identity toward a bolder aesthetic and a more fashion-forward, assertive wardrobe.
And personally, I love this turn. I particularly identify with the cleaner lines and silhouettes the designer offers today. These pieces may seem fairly simple at first glance, but their cut, proportions, and details are precisely what give them so much personality.
And it also aligns much more with the way I approach fashion today. I’ve gradually changed the way I build my wardrobe: I now prefer to have fewer pieces, but ones that are more timeless— clothes that I truly love and will want to wear for a long time.
I’m no longer necessarily looking for that little top or dress that catches my eye in the moment. I’m more interested in a beautiful cut—a piece that I’ll be able to mix and match easily and still find in my closet years later without thinking it’s completely out of style.
That’s also why I still love popping into Sézane stores whenever I’m in Paris. Because beyond the clothes themselves, I like to take the time to look at the fabrics and the cuts, to try things on, and to ask myself: Will I really want to wear this piece over and over again? It’s a simple question that has ultimately changed the way I shop.
Make My Lemonade: Color and Conviction
Every time I pass by the Canal Saint-Martin, there’s one little habit I find hard to break: popping into Make My Lemonade. I’m a huge fan of the world created by its founder, Lisa Gachet—that cheerful, colorful, and bold wardrobe that immediately makes you want to step away from black, beige, and the same old basics.
But the reason I love this store so much isn’t just because of the clothes. It’s also because of the values the brand stands for. Make My Lemonade has chosen to manufacture nearly all of its products in Europe—specifically in Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, and even Paris—and regularly visits its workshops. As for the few products manufactured elsewhere, the brand explains that it prioritizes expertise that is not available in Europe or whose cost would make the product unaffordable.
Rue de Charonne: The Hotspot for Fashionistas
For fashionistas, head to the 11th arrondissement—specifically Rue de Charonne! It’s one of those Parisian streets where you can easily plan a little shopping trip without having to rush from one arrondissement to another. Over the course of a few hundred meters, you’ll find brands such as COS, American Vintage, Sœur, Ysé, and Bellerose, each with very different aesthetics and styles.
Personally, I always pop into Bellerose, a Belgian brand whose style I really love: easy-to-wear pieces, beautiful fabrics, slightly offbeat cuts, and those little details that make a basic piece never quite a basic. My only regret is that they don’t produce more of their items in Europe. So, when I fall in love with a piece, I take the time to check the label and where it was made before heading to the register.
And when I can’t find what I’m looking for, or when I want to shop differently, I head over to their “Second Hand” section, where you can buy and resell Bellerose items. I think it’s a really great initiative for keeping clothes in circulation and giving them a second life.
Montreuil: Hidden Gems Discovered by Chance
To wrap up this section, since we were staying in Bagnolet, we took advantage of our trip to explore the surrounding area a bit and discover parts of eastern Paris that I actually knew very little about. And that’s how we ended up in Montreuil, where we discovered La Venelle, the community-based reuse village, at 198 Rue de Paris, just a stone’s throw from the Robespierre metro station.
I immediately liked the concept: nine organizations dedicated to reuse are brought together in one place, offering secondhand items—furniture, home decor, fashion, sports gear, appliances, and more… In particular, you can browse at Emmaüs Défi, which offers a selection of secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories.
And of course… I couldn’t resist! I found some real gems there—clothes I’d been looking for that ended up in my bag! That’s also why I love thrift shopping so much: there’s no collection to follow or specific item to hunt down, just the joy of rummaging through the clothes and that little thrill of never knowing what you’re going to find.
So if you’re in the Bagnolet or Montreuil area and you enjoy hunting for bargains, be sure to make a note of this address!
My Favorite Places to Eat in Paris
Paris, of course, is also all about restaurants, cafés, and brunch.
And once again, I prefer places that offer that little something extra.
Apégo – Paris, 7th arrondissement
Among my favorite brunch spots in Paris, Apégo is exactly the kind of place I like because it checks off quite a few of my boxes.
People come here for gourmet, healthy, and largely vegetarian cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Levant. Above all, Apégo pays close attention to what goes on the plate: organic and seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers whenever possible, with a focus on short supply chains.
And that’s exactly what I love: enjoying my food while being a little more mindful of what I eat. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on indulging! The brunch features a wide selection of vegetables, legumes, mezze, organic eggs, artisanal cheeses, breads, pancakes, and other homemade dishes.
And if you like to take your time, the place also doubles as a coffee shop: perfect for extending your stroll over a cup of coffee, a matcha, or a little treat.
Paname Art Café in the 11th arrondissement: brunch and comedy club
This is a place I particularly like because it offers a complete outing.
People don’t just come here for brunch, dinner, or a drink: the restaurant and comedy club are all in one place. The venue is open all day and transforms over the course of the day into a bar, then a restaurant, and finally a full-fledged stand-up comedy venue.
The concept I particularly like is the Comedy Brunch: we start with brunch, then move right into a show at the Paname Comedy Club.
But you can also opt for the Comedy Dinner: a three-course meal featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, followed by an hour-long show.
What I like most of all is the idea of turning a night out at a restaurant into a real experience. It’s not just about eating and then going home—you spend a few hours in a lively setting, discover comedians, and share a moment that’s a bit different from the traditional “dinner-and-a-movie” routine. Le Paname has, in fact, become a major hub for the Parisian stand-up scene and also hosts the “Labo du Rire,” where you can see comedians testing out their new jokes. Several now-well-known artists, such as Fary, Paul Mirabel, and Nordine Ganso, cut their teeth there.
Kodawari Ramen: A Little Trip to Japan
I love these places that manage to take you on a different kind of journey—simply through a plate of food and the surroundings.
At Kodawari Ramen, people obviously come for the ramen, but also for the experience. The decor immerses you in the atmosphere of a small Japanese neighborhood, giving you the rather fun feeling of leaving Paris for the duration of a meal. And then there’s the ramen: fragrant broths, noodles, generous toppings, and intoxicating, savory aromas.
And when you’re in the mood for pizza: Faggio
For a good pizza in Paris, Faggio is also one of my favorite places. What I love about it is the attention to the simple things: good dough, authentic wood-fired baking, and, above all, carefully selected ingredients.
The oven is actually the centerpiece at Faggio: it runs entirely on beechwood, which gives the pizza that distinctive bake and that subtle smoky flavor I love so much. And behind the pizzas lies the true expertise of a pizzaiolo, with carefully crafted dough and a constant quest to perfect the recipe. What I also love is the restaurant’s philosophy when it comes to ingredients. Faggio states that it works exclusively with products from organic or sustainable farming, prioritizing fresh, high-quality, and seasonal ingredients.
And you can really taste it in the pizzas: a simple Margherita, a Norma with Sicilian eggplant, a Genovese with homemade pesto, or even the Mortazza with mortadella, stracciatella, and Parmesan… The menu makes you want to come back and try several of them!
My Ideas for Outings and Visits
Paris is probably one of those cities where you could go out every day and never do the same thing twice. And that’s exactly what I love about it. So since it was hard for me to choose, I’ve listed my favorites here—the places I could visit or revisit without ever getting tired of them.
The Jeu de Paume: For Photography Lovers
If you enjoy photography, I also recommend stopping by the Jeu de Paume, located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden. It’s an art center dedicated to the visual arts in all their forms, with a program that gives pride of place to photography, as well as film and new forms of visual art.
It’s a place I particularly love because the exhibitions often introduce visitors to very different photographers and worlds. And it’s not necessarily the kind of place where you go to see an exhibition just to admire pretty pictures: the artists featured often encourage us to look at our times, our societies, and our daily lives in a different light.
During our last visit, for example, we discovered Martin Parr’s work through the exhibition *Global Warning*. I really liked his perspective—which is at once funny, colorful, and sometimes downright offbeat—on our lifestyles. Through his photographs, he focuses in particular on mass tourism, consumerism, and our relationship with living things.
That’s exactly what I love about photography: an image can make us smile in the moment and, just a few seconds later, make us think about what it’s really saying. And with Martin Parr, there was inevitably a bit of a connection with my own way of traveling and the questions I ask myself about tourism and consumerism.
The lineup changes regularly, so this is the kind of place I keep in mind whenever I return to Paris: we check out what’s on and let ourselves be tempted by the current exhibition.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Lose Yourself in Monet’s Water Lilies
And since you’re already at the Jeu de Paume, just walk through the Tuileries Garden to explore its neighbor: the Musée de l’Orangerie. The two museums are literally across from each other, and if you love art, it’s hard not to take advantage of their proximity to extend your stroll.
The Orangerie is home, among other works, to Claude Monet’s majestic *Water Lilies*, displayed in two large oval rooms designed specifically to house this monumental collection. Eight panels, totaling nearly 91 meters of painting, natural light streaming in through the ceiling, and that rather incredible sensation of finding yourself literally immersed in Monet’s garden.
This is the kind of place where I really recommend that you take your time. Sit down, look around, and let the colors envelop you, rather than rushing through the rooms with your phone in hand. And if you still have a little time, head downstairs to explore the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Soutine, among others.
A little cultural detour that’s especially nice after a stroll through the Tuileries… and a lovely way to keep exploring Paris beyond its shops!
Burlesque Cabaret: Glamour, Humor, and Lots of Satire
Another idea for a night out in Paris that I really love: the Burlesque Cabaret. And if, like me, the word “cabaret” sometimes makes you think of something a little too traditional or conventional, let yourself be surprised!
What I particularly love about this show is how completely offbeat it is. Feathers, sequins, retro costumes, striptease… but always with plenty of humor, self-deprecation, and tongue-in-cheek wit. The Burlesque Klub troupe plays with all the conventions of neo-burlesque, featuring acts that are poetic, funny, kitschy, or more politically engaged.
Above all, I really love the feminist aspect of the show. The bodies are showcased, but never in a way that strikes me as vulgar or degrading. On the contrary, there’s a genuine sense of freedom, of playing with one’s image, and of reclaiming one’s body. It’s glamorous, sometimes sexy of course, but always with that slight twist and a lot of irony that completely changes the way you look at it.
The troupe performs, among other places, at La Nouvelle Seine, on a theater barge moored at the foot of Notre-Dame. And with about thirty artists from very different backgrounds, the show can vary from one performance to the next.
Perpette: A Totally Quirky Evening
If you’re looking for an outing that’s a real change from the usual dinner or drinks with friends, Perpette is an experience worth checking out. I discovered it while looking for an original and unusual gift idea for my stepson, who’s a police officer. Naturally, the prison theme was something he found pretty amusing!
Perpette transports you to a 1960s Parisian prison, at the heart of a smuggling story. Upon arrival, you even put on an orange jumpsuit before heading to your cell. For about an hour and a half, the actors draw you into their story and engage the audience, all while enjoying cocktails and vegetarian tapas.
It’s a mix of immersive theater, a cocktail bar, and a night out with friends. And you don’t need to be particularly comfortable with improv or want to be the center of attention: everyone participates at their own level. It’s exactly the kind of experience I think is fun for a birthday, a bachelorette party, or a bachelor party. In short, it’s an idea to keep in mind when you’re looking to do something a little different in Paris—and, above all, to share a good time rather than just visit a new place.
The Gainsbourg House: A Glimpse into an Artist’s Private World
Another place in Paris that I find quite fascinating is the Maison Gainsbourg, on Rue de Verneuil in the 7th arrondissement. And here, you don’t just come to visit a museum dedicated to an artist. You truly step into his world—and, in a way, even into his private life.
Serge Gainsbourg lived at 5 bis for 22 years, first with Jane Birkin and later with his family. The house, purchased in the late 1960s, was at once his home, his source of inspiration, and his creative space. After his death in 1991, it remained virtually frozen in time, preserved by his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg along with its furniture, personal items, and the very distinctive decor that was an integral part of his world.
We thus step into the house just as it was left, with its black walls, the objects that have accumulated over the years, its furnishings, and all those little details that ultimately reveal as much about the man as they do about the artist. The house has also been awarded the “Maison des Illustres” designation, which recognizes sites of particular historical and cultural significance.
What I also find particularly touching about this story is thatit took more than thirty years for Charlotte Gainsbourg to agree to open this house to the public. It’s not just a museum she decided to create in honor of her father—it’s a part of her childhood home that she chose to share. Charlotte has, in fact, spoken on several occasions about the very personal connection she has with this place. She spent part of her childhood there, particularly on weekends and during vacations with her father after her parents’ separation. In 2026, during a photography exhibition dedicated to the house, she spoke once again about how closely the objects and their places in the house were tied to her memories of her father.
The tour itself is quite intimate: for about thirty minutes, an original soundtrack created by Soundwalk Collective in collaboration with Charlotte Gainsbourg accompanies visitors through the house and guides them through the various rooms. The tour then continues to the museum, located at 14 Rue de Verneuil, which traces the life and work of Serge Gainsbourg. At the end of the tour, in the gift shop, you can even find collectible items such as the artist’s favorite pieces of clothing (shirt, jeans, jacket) reissued by various brands. You’ll also find the iconic Zizi Richelieu shoes from Repetto.
If you’re a fan of Serge Gainsbourg, of course, this is a must-see.
And if you’re looking for a place to have lunch before your visit, I highly recommend Blondie Coffee Shop, located at 14 Rue du Bac, a 5-minute walk from the museum. We loved their fresh sandwiches made with whole-grain bread. Their pastries are also indulgent and delicious, especially when paired with a chai latte made with coconut milk.
Strolling Through Paris: My Favorite Spots
To wrap up this article, I’ll end by talking about those times when I just don’t feel like sightseeing at all—I just want to walk, wander, and let myself be carried away by the atmosphere. This is probably one of my favorite ways to explore Paris. And when it comes to strolling around, I do have a few favorite spots:
The Canal Saint-Martin: Strolling Along the Water’s Edge
I really like the Canal Saint-Martin for a stroll through Paris with no particular destination in mind. That’s exactly what I love about this neighborhood: you walk along the water, cross the little footbridges, watch the boats go through the locks, and, above all, take the time to look at your surroundings.
If you’re looking for a quick break, Chez Prune is a neighborhood institution. Located at 36 Rue Beaurepaire, this bistro overlooks the canal and features a charming little Parisian terrace—the perfect spot to stop for a drink or a bite to eat while watching the neighborhood come to life.
And then there are the famous three Antoine & Lili stores, which are practically part of the canal’s scenery with their ultra-colorful facades. Located at 95 Quai de Valmy, they’re right next to each other, each in a different color: pink for women’s fashion, green for children’s wear, and yellow for home goods. You can’t miss them!
Even if you haven’t planned to go shopping, I think their storefronts really add a splash of color to the stroll. These little details give a neighborhood its personality and make you want to take out your camera.
You can then continue walking up the canal, lose yourself in the surrounding side streets, and take a few detours to check out the neighborhood’s independent shops and cafés. Ultimately, a stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin is best enjoyed when you’re not necessarily trying to see everything.
And if, like me, you love street art, be sure to keep your eyes open: the neighborhood is full of murals and small works of art scattered throughout the streets. It’s another way to discover Paris—just by looking up a little more often.
Covered walkways
I’ve always loved Paris’s covered walkways. They offer a glimpse of another side of the capital—one that’s quieter, sometimes a bit out of time, far from the hustle and bustle of the grand boulevards.
The Passage des Panoramas, the Galerie Vivienne, and the Passage du Grand Cerf are perfect for a stroll with no particular destination in mind. You can admire the store windows, the architecture, the details… and then just keep walking.
The Tuileries Tunnel: 800 meters of street art beneath the riverbanks
Here’s a discovery that should particularly appeal to street art enthusiasts. Beneath the Quai des Tuileries, this former road tunnel has been transformed into an impressive, ever-evolving urban art gallery. Now reserved for non-motorized traffic, the tunnel features approximately 800 meters of colorful, monumental murals created by various artists.
So that’s my list of Parisian favorites—it may change as I continue to explore the city. So, if you’re heading to Paris soon for a concert, an exhibition, a weekend with friends, or just because you feel like it, I hope this little selection gives you some ideas.
And feel free to share your favorite spots and recommendations with me in the comments, too!
See you soon for new adventures.
