I loved the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, meeting new people, the feeling that there\u2019s always something going on, and that incredible Parisian energy. Coming from the countryside, I quickly got caught up in the excitement of city life.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n So, naturally, over the years, I’ve gathered a few places that I particularly like.<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n But I have no intention of giving you yet another list of the capital\u2019s must-see sights. You might find a few well-known spots, but mostly you\u2019ll find places and ideas for things to do that I really love<\/strong>\u2014whether it\u2019s eating out, shopping, checking out an exhibit, going out, or just strolling around.<\/p>\n And besides, you\u2019re starting to get to know me: I love places that tell a story. I\u2019ve 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\u2019s more about experiencing a destination than simply visiting it.<\/strong> <\/p>\n So, if you’re coming to Paris soon\u2014especially to see a C\u00e9line Dion concert\u2014 here are a few ideas for extending your stay and discovering my version of Paris.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n For us, the answer has been pretty obvious for several years now: home and\/or apartment swaps through the HomeExchange website. <\/strong>Antony and <\/strong>I are big fans of this way of traveling. Paris, in fact, is one of the destinations where we particularly enjoy using this system. <\/p>\n The idea is simple: instead of booking a hotel room or an impersonal apartment, we stay in someone\u2019s house or apartment while they\u2019re away.<\/strong><\/p>\n And, of course, that completely changes the experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We have a real kitchen, a living room, and sometimes a terrace or a balcony\u2026 We do our grocery shopping in the neighborhood, grab coffee at the local bakery, and come \u201chome\u201d after a day of exploring.<\/p>\n In short, we’ll live like Parisians for a few days.<\/strong><\/p>\n Home exchanges also allow us to travel more affordably, since housing doesn\u2019t cost as much as a typical trip to Paris. But that\u2019s not the only reason we love this way of traveling: it\u2019s mainly the feeling that we\u2019re not just passing through.<\/strong> <\/p>\n 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<\/a> \u2014and with my referral code, you can earn extra GP!<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2014plus a full lineup of activities designed to help you meet other travelers. <\/p>\n That\u2019s actually what I like about the concept: it captures a bit of that \u201caround-the-world\u201d spirit that I love so much about traveling<\/strong>, even when I\u2019m 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. <\/p>\n And for women traveling alone, some even offer all-female dorms<\/strong>, which can be a good option for those who want to enjoy the hostel experience while having a space reserved just for them.<\/p>\n Here are a few places I recommend: The People Belleville, Bercy, or<\/a> Jo&Joe Paris Nation<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Paris is obviously a fantastic place to shop for this kind of thing. That’s why I’ve listed my favorite spots here\u2014places I never fail to visit when I’m in the capital. <\/p>\n I discovered this place thanks to “Dressing Leeloo,” a fashion influencer I’ve been following for a long time.<\/p>\n La Frange \u00e0 l\u2019envers<\/a> is one of those thrift stores where you can really enjoy browsing. You\u2019ll find brand-name items in excellent condition\u2014sometimes barely worn\u2014and, above all, that little thrill unique to thrift shopping: you never really know what you\u2019re going to find. <\/p>\n 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n For this new secondhand spot, I\u2019m handing the floor over to Roxane, my friend who runs La Ritournelle<\/a>, 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 Ao\u00fbt<\/a>, which has been in the Batignolles neighborhood (Paris\u2019s 17th arrondissement) since 2018. Unfortunately, I didn\u2019t have time to go because it was on the other side of town from where we were staying, but I\u2019ll definitely check it out next time! <\/p>\n At 108 Rue Legendre, Anne-Lise offers a carefully curated selection of contemporary women\u2019s fashion: clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, featuring lovely brands such as S\u00e9zane, Ba&sh, Sess\u00f9n, Balzac Paris, Soeur, and Isabel Marant. Here, there\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to talk about shopping in Paris without mentioning S\u00e9zane<\/a>. Even if you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n And speaking of which, if you haven\u2019t checked out the brand in a while, there\u2019s something new! In mid-August 2026, Morgane S\u00e9zalory announced a new chapter for S\u00e9zane, featuring a new logo and a deliberate shift in its brand identity toward a bolder aesthetic and a more fashion-forward, assertive wardrobe.<\/strong> <\/p>\n And personally, I love this turn. <\/strong>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. <\/p>\n 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<\/strong>\u2014 clothes<\/strong> that I truly love and will want to wear for a long time. <\/p>\n I\u2019m no longer necessarily looking for that little top or dress that catches my eye in the moment. I\u2019m more interested in a beautiful cut\u2014a piece that I\u2019ll be able to mix and match easily and still find in my closet years later without thinking it\u2019s completely out of style. <\/p>\n That\u2019s also why I still love popping into S\u00e9zane stores whenever I\u2019m 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? <\/strong> It\u2019s a simple question that has ultimately changed the way I shop.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Every time I pass by the Canal Saint-Martin, there\u2019s one little habit I find hard to break: popping into Make My Lemonade<\/a>. I\u2019m a huge fan of the world created by its founder, Lisa Gachet\u2014that cheerful, colorful, and bold wardrobe that immediately makes you want to step away from black, beige, and the same old basics. <\/p>\n 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\u2014specifically in Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, and even Paris\u2014and regularly visits its workshops.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n For fashionistas, head to the 11th arrondissement\u2014specifically Rue de Charonne! It\u2019s 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, S\u0153ur, Ys\u00e9, and Bellerose, each with very different aesthetics and styles.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n 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\u2019s how we ended up in Montreuil, where we discovered La Venelle, the community-based reuse village<\/a>, at 198 Rue de Paris, just a stone\u2019s throw from the Robespierre metro station.<\/strong> <\/p>\n I immediately liked the concept: nine organizations dedicated to reuse are brought together in one place, offering secondhand items\u2014furniture, home decor, fashion, sports gear, appliances, and more\u2026 In particular, you can browse at Emma\u00fcs D\u00e9fi, which offers a selection of secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories.<\/strong><\/p>\n And of course\u2026 I couldn\u2019t resist! I found some real gems there\u2014clothes I\u2019d been looking for that ended up in my bag! That\u2019s also why I love thrift shopping so much: there\u2019s 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\u2019re going to find. <\/p>\n 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!<\/strong><\/p>\n Paris, of course, is also all about restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and brunch.<\/strong><\/p>\n And once again, I prefer places that offer that little something extra.<\/p>\n Among my favorite brunch spots in Paris, Ap\u00e9go<\/a> is exactly the kind of place I like because it checks off quite a few of my boxes.<\/p>\n People come here for gourmet, healthy, and largely vegetarian cuisine<\/strong> inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Levant. Above all, Ap\u00e9go 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n And that’s exactly what I love: enjoying my food while being a little more mindful of what I eat<\/strong>. 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n And if you like to take your time, the place also doubles as a coffee shop<\/strong>: perfect for extending your stroll over a cup of coffee, a matcha, or a little treat.<\/p>\n This is a place I particularly like because it offers a complete outing.<\/strong><\/p>\n People don’t just come here for brunch, dinner, or a drink: the restaurant and comedy club<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n The concept I particularly like is the Comedy Brunch: we start with brunch, then move right into a show at the Paname Comedy Club.<\/p>\n But you can also opt for the Comedy Dinner: a three-course meal featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, followed by an hour-long show.<\/p>\n What I like most of all is the idea of turning a night out at a restaurant into a real experience. It\u2019s not just about eating and then going home\u2014you spend a few hours in a lively setting, discover comedians, and share a moment that\u2019s a bit different from the traditional \u201cdinner-and-a-movie\u201d routine. Le Paname has, in fact, become a major hub for the Parisian stand-up scene and also hosts the \u201cLabo du Rire,\u201d 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. <\/p>\n I love these places that manage to take you on a different kind of journey\u2014simply through a plate of food and the surroundings.<\/p>\n At Kodawari Ramen<\/a>, people obviously come for the ramen, but also for the experience<\/strong>. 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\u2019s the ramen: fragrant broths, noodles, generous toppings, and intoxicating, savory aromas. <\/p>\n For a good pizza in Paris, Faggio<\/a> 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n The oven is actually the centerpiece at Faggio: it runs entirely on beechwood, which gives the pizza<\/strong> that distinctive bake and that subtle smoky flavor I love so much.<\/strong> 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\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2026 The menu makes you want to come back and try several of them!<\/p>\n Paris is probably one of those cities where you could go out every day and never do the same thing twice. And that\u2019s exactly what I love about it. So since it was hard for me to choose, I\u2019ve listed my favorites here\u2014the places I could visit or revisit without ever getting tired of them. <\/p>\n If you enjoy photography, I also recommend stopping by the Jeu de Paume<\/a>, located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden.<\/strong> It\u2019s 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a place I particularly love because the exhibitions often introduce visitors to very different photographers and worlds. And it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n During our last visit, for example, we discovered Martin Parr\u2019s work through the exhibition *Global Warning*. I really liked his perspective\u2014which is at once funny, colorful, and sometimes downright offbeat\u2014on our lifestyles. Through his photographs, he focuses in particular on mass tourism, consumerism, and our relationship with living things. <\/p>\n That\u2019s 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n The lineup changes regularly, so this is the kind of place I keep in mind whenever I return to Paris: we check out what\u2019s on and let ourselves be tempted by the current exhibition.<\/p>\n And since you\u2019re already at the Jeu de Paume, just walk through the Tuileries Garden to explore its neighbor: the Mus\u00e9e de l\u2019Orangerie<\/a>. The two museums are literally across from each other, and if you love art, it\u2019s hard not to take advantage of their proximity to extend your stroll. <\/p>\n The Orangerie is home, among other works, to Claude Monet\u2019s majestic *Water Lilies*, displayed in two large oval rooms designed specifically to house this monumental collection<\/strong>. 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\u2019s garden. <\/p>\n 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, C\u00e9zanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Soutine, among others.<\/strong><\/p>\n A little cultural detour that\u2019s especially nice after a stroll through the Tuileries\u2026 and a lovely way to keep exploring Paris beyond its shops!<\/p>\n Another idea for a night out in Paris that I really love: the Burlesque Cabaret<\/a>. And if, like me, the word \u201ccabaret\u201d sometimes makes you think of something a little too traditional or conventional, let yourself be surprised! <\/p>\n What I particularly love about this show is how completely offbeat it is. Feathers, sequins, retro costumes, striptease\u2026 but always with plenty of humor, self-deprecation<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n Above all, I really love the feminist aspect of the show<\/strong>. The bodies are showcased, but never in a way that strikes me as vulgar or degrading<\/strong>. On the contrary, there\u2019s a genuine sense of freedom, of playing with one\u2019s image, and of reclaiming one\u2019s body. It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for an outing that\u2019s a real change from the usual dinner or drinks with friends, Perpette<\/a> is an experience worth checking out. I discovered it while looking for an original and unusual gift idea for my stepson, who\u2019s a police officer. Naturally, the prison theme was something he found pretty amusing! <\/p>\n 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.<\/strong> <\/p>\n It\u2019s a mix of immersive theater, a cocktail bar, and a night out with friends. And you don\u2019t need to be particularly comfortable with improv or want to be the center of attention: everyone participates at their own level. It\u2019s exactly the kind of experience I think is fun for a birthday, a bachelorette party, or a bachelor party. In short, it\u2019s an idea to keep in mind when you\u2019re looking to do something a little different in Paris\u2014and, above all, to share a good time rather than just visit a new place. <\/p>\n Another place in Paris that I find quite fascinating is the Maison Gainsbourg<\/a>, on Rue de Verneuil in the 7th arrondissement.<\/strong> And here, you don\u2019t just come to visit a museum dedicated to an artist. You truly step into his world\u2014and, in a way, even into his private life. <\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Paris: Live Like a Parisian<\/h2>\n
![\"HomeExchange](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/home-exchange-795-x-596.jpg\" "\\"HomeExchange")
<\/p>\nWhy not give a next-generation hostel a try?<\/h3>\n
My Favorite Shopping Spots in Paris<\/h2>\n
La Frange \u00e0 l’envers: The Parisian Take on Thrift Shopping<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"La](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0911.jpg\" "\\"La")
<\/p>\nAugust 5: Secondhand Finds Recommended by Roxane<\/h3>\n
S\u00e9zane: a must-visit for fans of the brand<\/h3>\n
Make My Lemonade: Color and Conviction<\/h3>\n
![\"Make](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0876.jpg\" "\\"Make")
<\/p>\nRue de Charonne: The Hotspot for Fashionistas<\/h3>\n
Montreuil: Hidden Gems Discovered by Chance<\/h3>\n
![\"Montreuil](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0869.jpg\" "\\"Montreuil")
<\/p>\nMy Favorite Places to Eat in Paris<\/h2>\n
Ap\u00e9go – Paris, 7th arrondissement<\/h3>\n
Paname Art Caf\u00e9 in the 11th arrondissement: brunch and comedy club<\/h3>\n
![\"Paname](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0874.jpg\" "\\"Paname")
<\/p>\nKodawari Ramen: A Little Trip to Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
And when you’re in the mood for pizza: Faggio<\/h3>\n
My Ideas for Outings and Visits<\/h2>\n
The Jeu de Paume: For Photography Lovers<\/h3>\n
Mus\u00e9e de l\u2019Orangerie: Lose Yourself in Monet\u2019s Water Lilies<\/h3>\n
Burlesque Cabaret: Glamour, Humor, and Lots of Satire<\/h3>\n
Perpette: A Totally Quirky Evening<\/h3>\n
![\"Perpette](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/perpette-795-x-596-e1790410286778.jpg\" "\\"Perpette")
<\/p>\nThe Gainsbourg House: A Glimpse into an Artist\u2019s Private World<\/h3>\n
![\"Gainsbourg](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0954.jpg\" "\\"Gainsbourg")
<\/p>\n![\"Blondie](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0951.jpg\" "\\"Blondie")
<\/p>\n![\"Canal](\"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC_0890.jpg\" "\\"Canal")
<\/p>\n