La Mosquée de Paris Restaurant is our go to for vibrant Moroccan food, great tea, and a rejuvenating spa experience. The hammam, a traditional Islamic bathhouse, is extraordinary. I lived down the street in my early 20’s and would come and luxuriate here often. During my last visit to Paris, I got to bring Astrid here for the first time—a beautiful full circle moment. Once you’ve steamed, soaked, and exfoliated, you can lounge around in the beautiful tea salon. The space is heavily decorated with vibrant colors, tiles, and intricate hand painted designs. If you get thirsty, you can drink straight from the ornate fountain in the middle of the court, or better yet - indulge in a cup of sweet Moroccan mint tea. Go upstairs for a lavish oil massage, and then slowly make your way to dinner next door. There’s no alcohol served, so consider this your destination for recalibrating your system before going back out on the town.
Café de Flore is a classic, beloved coffeehouse serving traditional French fare. Long known for its reputation of attracting the most forward-thinking types, this café was once frequented by the likes of Descartes, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, and Trotsky. Order a coffee and a bite, and indulge in one of the best spots for people watching.
La Chambre Noir is a great place for a casual late night bite and a glass of natural wine. Their menu is straightforward and approachable, with a selection of natural wines poured by the glass and satisfying small plates to accompany. The space is cozy and the walls are worn with a beautiful patina.
Au Bourguignon du Marais is a chic and polished destination for classics like escargot and beef bourguignon. We always prefer to sit outside, and my family especially loves the bourguignon.
Mariage Frères in the Marais is a lovely place to visit for a cup of afternoon tea and a delicious pastry. When we lived in Paris during our youth, my brother and I used to meet there for tea often, so it has a particularly nostalgic air for me. My favorite is the Paris Marais location—I recommend their Marco Polo, it’s a wonderfully fragrant, floral and fruity black tea, as well as their Fleur d’Orient, a jasmine flower blooming tea.
Café Beaubourg is a classic, design-forward brasserie. Situated next to the Centre Pompidou, this is an excellent location for people watching and a great spot to stop for lunch before an afternoon spent taking in the expansive wonder of the Pompidou.
Bouillon Julien is the antidote to the hip, new-age restaurants you’ll find on everyone’s list. Bouillon Julien is timeless and iconic, with elaborate art nouveau decor. Come to marvel at the space, and stay for a leisurely lunch of decadent French classics.
SEE
Le Jardin de Plantes has it all: gorgeous gardens, ornate greenhouses, inspiring galleries, and even a zoo! This is a perfect family destination, and a great afternoon activity if you need a respite from the buzzing energy of the city’s center. If you go, make sure to also visit the Grand Mosque across the street.
Atelier Brancusi is a small museum in front of the Pompidou, featuring marvelous sculptures from the late Constantin Brancusi.
For any bonafide Picasso fans, you can’t miss the Picasso Museum; it houses the largest collection of his work. If you go, stop for a delicious crepe or classic galette at Breizh Cafe.
A trip to Paris in the summer is not complete without going to the fair at the gardens of Tuileries. Our children Astrid and Dimitri adore it. It’s so charming and beautiful with hand painted rides and all the cotton candy or barbe á papa, one can eat. Don’t miss out on the little sailboat races at the main fountain.
SHOP
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