Paris is all about blending the old and the new. It can be hard to choose from all of the exciting restaurant openings and museum exhibits, but don’t discount the landmarks, either. Is a visit to the City of Light really complete without stopping by the Eiffel Tower? Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, we compiled a list to help you plan the perfect trip, from a century-old cabaret to a contemporary French bakery where “haute couture meets pastry.” These recommendations include a mix of classic and avant-garde selections, something for everyone—and for every occasion. There’s an endless amount to see and do (and eat), and that is all part of this city’s allure. One thing is for sure: You will never be bored in Paris. Discover some of our favorite spots, and enjoy the fashion capital like a true local:
Restaurants and Cafés
La Halle aux Grains
2 Rue de Viarmes
On the third floor of the Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection, chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras invite you to discover a cuisine linked to the history of the building, the former “Halle aux blés.” The restaurant-café showcases a vibrant spirit, both through the design and tablescapes.
Mosuke
11 Rue Raymond Losserand
Mory Sacko is the new prodigy of fusion cuisine in France, and recently received the 2021 Young Chef Award from the Michelin Guide. His menus range from four to six courses. Don’t forget to book a table in advance.
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond
24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie
Travel back in time with traditional French dishes in this Art Nouveau restaurant, which is listed as a historic monument. Opened in 1879, it doesn’t get more classic than this. Enjoy their boeuf bourguignon or confit de canard. Arrive early (or late): There is often a queue, and no reservations. Service is offered from midday until midnight.
Rivié
30-32 Rue du Sentier
This all-day lively brasserie on the ground floor of The Hoxton serves modern, creative French cuisine in an elevated setting—with a superb glass roof and terrace to boot. The beef tartare is excellent, and a particular favorite is the ice cream.
Le Train Bleu
Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand hall 1
Le Train Bleu, the iconic French restaurant at Gare de Lyon, is a majestic place steeped in history. The cuisine is gastronomic, and the portions are generous. Perhaps above all, the service in the dining room is a real spectacle, with flambéing and carving carried out with precision and care by a team of maîtres d’hôtel.
Bakeries, Ice Cream Parlors, and a Chocolaterie
Berthillon
31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île
Established in 1954, Berthillon is the city’s most famous ice cream parlor and widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The shop is located on the Ile Saint-Louis, and serves up a host of delicious pastries, sorbets, and homemade flavors.
Stohrer
51 Rue Montorgueil
Stohrer is the oldest pastry shop in Paris, founded by Nicolas Stohrer, King Louis XV’s pastry chef, in 1730. Its sumptuous décor is listed as a historic site.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe
Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a divine dessert spot founded by artisan pastry chef Frédéric Vaucamps, who serves up merveilleux, a French-Belgian speciality. Discover his impressive craftsmanship with layered meringues encased in varying flavors of whipped cream. Choose from the minis as well as whole cakes to share, or try the popular cramique brioche.
Pierre Hermé
72 Rue Bonaparte
Pierre Hermé is famous for his macarons and is considered the Picasso of pastry. His boutiques are a world of discovery. Another favorite is the Ispahan, which boasts rose, raspberry, and lychee flavors. Expect a master class in taste.
L’Éclair de Génie
122 Rue Montmartre
Where haute couture meets pastry—and the éclairs should not be missed. This patisserie and chocolaterie offers fun, contemporary takes on French classics, in both flavor and design with made-in-France products.
Bars and Clubs
Cravan
165 Boulevard Saint-Germain
In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this new multifaceted venue, with exquisite décor by Ramy Fischler, houses three cocktail bars—each with their own theme and feel (the menu changes as you climb the floors). There is a Rizzoli bookshop and rooftop showing feature-length films projected onto the wall of the neighboring building.
Gossima Ping Pong Bar
4 Rue Victor Gelez
Whether you’re standing with a racket, a beer, or a cocktail in your hand—sitting on a sofa or around a table—you’ll enjoy a unique moment in a place that combines conviviality and good food. Conceived by former table tennis champions, this unique bar is the first of its kind in Paris.
Hotel Rochechouart
55 Boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart
This Art Deco hotel sits at the foot of Montmartre. Its rooftop offers an exceptional 360-degree view, with the Sacré Coeur taking pride of place on the skyline. Open until midnight, with no reservations, be sure to arrive just in time for golden hour.
Matignon Paris
3 Avenue Matignon
The menu is pricey at Matignon Paris, but it is worth it for the décor by Jacques Garcia. The music in the dining room is upbeat, and by the time your meal is over, you will be dancing and singing. But that’s no problem, because just downstairs there is a club, designed by Charles Tassin, that opens around 11 P.M.
Maxim’s de Paris
3 Rue Royale
For 120 years, Maxim’s was the mecca of Parisian nightlife, the place to be for socialites, cocottes, politicians, kings, and celebrities from all over Paris. Closed since 2010, this legendary address has just reopened. The iconic Art Nouveau interiors have been reimagined by Cordelia de Castellane. The menu includes frogs’ legs with parsley, Henri IV chicken, and American-style lobster, to name a few items.
Vintage and Boutique Shopping
Goodjo
8 Rue Dupuytren
An excellent vintage shop focused on luxury pieces, Goodjo has treasures from all the top fashion houses, including Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Celine. For those who can’t wait, peek at what’s on offer on its website beforehand.
Jérôme Dreyfuss
111 Rue de Turenne
Famous for their soft shape and lightweight, Jérôme Dreyfuss bags and accessories are specifically designed to suit the Parisian woman’s lifestyle. With the principal material being leather, the artisanal bags are long-lasting and will evolve as you live with them.
Petite Mendigote
74 Rue du Cherche-Midi
Petite Mendigote is a French designer with the desire to enable her customers to go from work to dinner in the same outfit. The pieces are very feminine, and there’s a second-hand store online, too.
Repetto Paris
22 Rue de la Paix
Handcrafted in France, with a background in the world of dance, Rose Repetto first created shoes for her son, Roland Petit, a choreographer and ballet dancer at the Paris Opera. The brand’s iconic shoes include the Cendrillon ballerina, originally created for Brigitte Bardot, and the Zizi, worn by Serge Gainsbourg his whole life. They feel like a second skin. (Trust us.)
Rouje
11 bis Rue Bachaumont
Rouje makes women’s clothing, and everything is designed by women. Brought to life by Parisian It-girl Jeanne Damas, it’s the ideal wardrobe for us all. For those visiting Paris, this is the place to go. It is so chic and Parisian in every way. The designer has revamped many ’90s styles and is also not afraid to experiment with colors and patterns.
Spas, Salons, and Perfumeries
Maison de Beauté Carita
11 Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré
This iconic Parisian beauty spot has recently reopened, featuring a hair salon helmed by John Nollet. It also happens to be the ultimate destination for beauty treatments. In the stunning marbled house, book a private consultation for expert advice, and enjoy luxury treatment rooms that use cutting-edge technologies and professional formulas.
Spa Clarins & myBlend
Hôtel Raffles Le Royal Monceau 37, Avenue Hoche
With its spectacular 23-meter pool bathed in natural light, this luxurious spa offers a unique experience from a range of made-to-measure treatments, high-tech tools, and highly concentrated myBlend products. You’ll also find the essential Clarins range of body treatments, massages, and facials for both men and women.
Delphine Courteille
28 Rue du Mont Thabor
Hairdresser Delphine Courteille has worked with Jennifer Lawrence, Sofia Coppola, Inès de la Fressange, Juliette Binoche, and Robin Wright. She captures the latest trends in her intimate, boudoir-like haven, listening to your every need.
Nose
20 Rue Bachaumont
Nose is an avant-garde beauty concept store, with a twist. Blindly trust, literally, the team of perfumers to guide you through an olfactory diagnosis: a short questionnaire followed by blind-testing fragrances. Dedicated to niche perfumes, and finding the scent that is truly you, they also advise on candles and diffusers for your home.
OH MY CREAM!
51 Rue de Saintonge
Dedicated to providing customers with clean beauty routines and personalized expert advice, OH MY CREAM! is innovating the beauty scene. Across its 14 boutiques dotted around Paris, you’ll find a wide selection of leading beauty brands, plus a few treatment cabins. Book a consultation, and get started with a healthier and more sustainable approach to skin care.
Workout Classes and Gyms
Dynamo Cycling
5 Rue Dupin
Dynamo is the Parisian leader in indoor cycling. You choose your limits and style, from the signature session combined with dumbbells and abs, to a yoga-inspired session, to the extreme “dynamo hero.” No membership fee, just reserve your choice of class and coach.
La Montgolfiere
25 Rue Yves Toudic
Flooded with natural light through the towering glass roof, this airy space offers all kinds of classes. You can test out all the different ones with a day pass. After your workout, there is a relaxation area, with two saunas and two hammams. For post-relaxation, head to the café.
Outboxe
13 Rue de la Sourdière
Outboxe is an all-muscle rigorous workout, with classes open to all abilities. Opt for either a “wall spot” or a “bag spot,” depending on your preference. First-timers benefit from a pack of two classes, which can be shared with a friend. Do not forget to wear boxing wraps (you can purchase them on-site). There is also a concept store and juice bar on the first floor.
Yuj
11 Rue Edmond Valentin
Yuj is the first-ever yoga studio in France to use infrared light. Inspired by the discoveries of Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa in Japan, this unique practice heats up muscular tissue to help cleanse the body of toxins and improve flexibility. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, it hosts classes for all levels in cozily-lit studios.
Fashion Museums and Olympic Exhibits
La Galerie Dior
11 Rue François 1er
With its unique narrative and scenography, La Galerie Dior symbolizes the spirit of Parisian haute couture and bears witness to the bold vision of Christian Dior and his six successors. After the tour, enjoy a “filet au poivre frites du défilé” (the couturier’s favorite post-show meal) at the Monsieur Dior restaurant (led by Jean Imbert, just next door).
Musée Marmottan Monet
2 Rue Louis Boilly
Paul Marmottan’s magnificent mansion, with its well-preserved décor, houses his Haute Époque (paintings, sculptures, illuminations) and Empire collections. It is home to the world’s largest body of works by Claude Monet and Berthe Morisot, and functions as a major center for Impressionism. Don’t miss its special exhibit “En Jeu! Artists and Sport (1870-1930),” on display from April 4 until September 1. It traces the visual history of sport between 1870 and 1930, all the way to the advent of Cubism.
Monnaie de Paris
11 Quai de Conti
From March 27 until November 3, Monnaie de Paris, one of the oldest French institutions, will show an exhibition dedicated to the Olympic medal: “Gold, Silver, and Bronze. A History of the Olympic Medal.” Since 1896, when the first medal was produced by Monnaie de Paris, these accolades have been awarded to the world’s best athletes. Have you seen an Olympic medal up close? Here is your chance.
Musée Nissim de Camondo
63 Rue de Monceau
Discover this secret museum, an 18th-century aristocratic residence, on the edge of the pretty Parc Monceau. Moïse de Camondo was a passionate collector who brought together furniture, paintings, carpets, tapestries, porcelain, and silverware of exceptional quality.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
5 Avenue Marceau
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris exhibits the couturier’s work in the historic setting of his former fashion house. The newest fashion exhibition, “Sheer: The Diaphanous Creations of Yves Saint Laurent,” is open until August 25. On display will be archival pieces, including the iconic 1968 “see-through blouse” accessories, sketches, photographs, as well as works by other artists that echo the designs.
Produced in collaboration with ELLE International. Additional reporting by Jimmy Adam-Yamps, Ana Afonso, Simon Balloch, Linda Bergmark, Lisa Calas, Charlotte Deffe, Sophie Duarte, Alice Govart, Caroline Gremillot, Johanna Jegou, Maximillian Kletzlen, Nicolette Noce, Caroline Pardigon, Sylvie Pelc, Yannick Selva, and Cassandre Viger.
