I'm often asked by visitors where they should eat and what they should do when they come into town. While I don't get out often, I do have a few places in my back pocket that I like to recommend to first timers and 50th timers.
Boulangeries
These are the ones that I think are exceptionally tasty:
Won a prize for best butter croissant in Paris 2018
47ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris
My family and I love all of the sweet stuff. They have a yummy pistachio chocolate "escargot" (it looks kind of like a big cinnamon roll). We also like the pistachio financier, and of course the butter and chocolate croissants are great.
16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
This place is really unique (and a little bizarre), but if you're planning on walking through Jardin du Luxembourg or by the Pantheon, I recommend popping in. We usually just get their butter croissants-- very different from any other croissant I've ever had, but tasty nonetheless.
243 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
Everything is delicious.
34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
Restaurants
Once again, my husband and I don't get out much, so I can only recommend a couple of places to you from experience, there are others that are on my "want to go to" list.
They're a bit pricey: about 45e per person, but it includes a tiny taster, usually a soup, the main course, a cheese course and dessert. If you want wine or coffee those are in addition. Definitely need to make a reservation.
30 Rue Gay-Lussac, 75005 Paris
Go here for a budget friendly menu with a traditional French "maman cuisine". There are other locations with a "belle époque" look to them if you're more into that kind of ambiance.
For a traditional meal, I recommend trying the escargot (bien sûr!), the Boeuf Bourguinon or blanquette de veau, and for dessert a baba au rhum or clafoutis aux cerises.
For a traditional meal, I recommend trying the escargot (bien sûr!), the Boeuf Bourguinon or blanquette de veau, and for dessert a baba au rhum or clafoutis aux cerises.
22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
Hands down, the best crepes I've eaten since living here for nearly two years. It's a popular place, so expect to wait in line during peak hours.
67 Rue du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris
Budget Friendly and/or Not French Food:
129 Avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
Tasty Nouilles-- handmade noodles, delicious soups
121 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris
With the best pizza you might ever eat, aesthetics on point, and a fun and lively crew, you really can't go wrong eating here. I recommend the double truffle pizza and for dessert, the profiterole napolitane. Don't forget to take a picture in the Photo Booth downstairs for just 1e! (also see other restaurants in the big mamma group)
111 Rue Reamur, 75002 Paris
Sweet Treats:
Angelina: for drinking hot chocolate...very thick and rich (multiple locations)
Cyril Lignac: amazing hot chocolate (my favorite, actually) and the best chausson aux pommes. ever. (multiple locations)
Gelati d'Alberto: frankly, I like it more than Bertillon. My favorite flavor is called "ali baba"-- a combination of sesame (barely detectable imo), and fleur d'oranger. Seriously, so good. Side note: apparently they originated the gelato rose.
45 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Bertillon Glacier: ok, but they do have a killer salted caramel flavor
29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004 Paris
A l'Etoile D'or: Cool chocolate shop with an eccentric owner who seems like a part of the city's history itself. If you can meet her, that will be the real treat ;)
30 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris
This is the original location and is a beautiful store. They have a large selection of chocolates and candies, all made in house. They have the most adorable gift boxes, which I think would make great souvenirs.
35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
Pierre Hermé multiple locations. Best macarons.
You can see some of the places I've visited HERE
Places to Go:
The Hamlet: If you're planning to take the trip out to Versailles, a full day commitment, you must see the hamlet. Maybe it's because we spent the whole day at Versailles and were constantly surrounded by people (like sardines in a tin can surrounded) that I think of this as the best place to see on the grounds... I'm not sure, but whatever the reason, I think you'll enjoy checking out this part of royal gardens that has a very interesting story behind it.
This museum has a collection of items from carnivals beginning from their genesis to now. I'm kind of a funny, whimsical person, so I thought it was amazing...and incredibly fun. You get to ride the rides (including a few carousels-- do not sit out the last one!), play old carnival games, and there are a few shows that they put on for you as well. The tour is available in French and English. Must reserve a spot online.
53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris
I've recommended this one to a few guests and they've all loved it. People often find it very pleasant and much more doable/less overwhelming than the Louvre.
Aside from the beautiful garden itself, there is also a museum of natural history, a gallery of mineralogy and geology, and a zoo. Not a great place to have a picnic in the grass, but there are plenty of picnic tables located on the premises.
A beautiful garden to walk around and have a picnic in: there is an area specifically designated for sitting in the grass. Luxembourg is also a wonderful garden for children. They can see a Marionette show, ride the carousel or swings, go on a pony ride, eat a gigantic barbe à papa (cotton candy), and try out the boats in the central fountain.
Parc de Bagatelle-- you can see a post a wrote about it HERE . It's situated outside of Paris (about 45 minutes to get there from central Paris), but is so beautiful, especially if you can go on a day with nice weather. Great place to go for exploring and picnicking.
Parc de Bagatelle, 42 Route de Sèvres À Neuilly, 75016 Paris
If you're looking for more off the beaten path things to do I recommend following the blogger @messynessychic. She has a book called "Don't Be a Tourist in Paris", which has an electronic edition, if that interests you.
I also go to David Lobovitz's blog for more restaurant recommendations-- he's good at keeping the list updated too.
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