Let’s Go To Paris!
I get the itch to head to Paris about every four months. I don’t always scratch it, for whatever reason, but the four-month rhythm is predictable. Even when I'm not hopping on a plane, I'm constantly planning my next trip.
As I sit down to share my latest thoughts and discoveries before the trip actually happens, I realize I’m feeling a bit hesitant about traveling to Europe right now.
In my lifetime, I've never felt nervous about jetting off to Paris due to political chaos. I've always been the person who heads to Paris on a whim—at the drop of a hat—or simply because a friend asked, “Want to go to Paris?” (My usual response: “Meet you at the airport.”). Politics, to the current extent, was never a deterrent.
I'm the quintessential American who fell in love with Paris as a high school exchange student (over 40 years ago)and has been convinced ever since that I was French in another life. Being a creative has made it especially easy to find an excuse (as if I really needed one) to visit the City of Lights whenever I crave inspiration, amazing fabrics, reflection, or just some excellent wine.
Lately, I've heard amusing—and sometimes not so amusing—stories of friends pretending to be Canadian (the Australian accent is too challenging to fake) or wearing T-shirts to preemptively announce their political stance. If the news is accurate, Europe seems caught between viewing the U.S. as a joke (how embarrassing) and feeling angry that their longtime ally has put a man in power who is tracking toward becoming the kind of autocratic tyrant, demagogue, or dictator (pick your word) still vividly remembered by many Europeans.
But I digress. This is intended to be a fun travel article. Yet, these concerns and thoughts are real, and I've reached the point where being silent about them no longer feels like an option.
I spent much of my younger life working with an international education company dedicated to making the world a smaller, more tolerant place through travel and learning. Exploring new cultures and meeting different people is in my DNA. So, I’ll continue traveling for as long as I can. I'll keep visiting Paris, even if it means repeatedly explaining my political views—I suppose I'll need to brush up on that vocabulary.
Here are the stops I want to make while in Paris. They're on my wishlist—maybe a bit quirky and design-focused because that is who I am—but here they are.
Things on my ToDo list in Paris April, May and June 2025
Paris Marathon April 13th - Not actually on my “to-do” list, but good to know!
Centre Pompidou - The Paris Noir show looks to be amazing. It is on my list! March 16 until June 30, 2025 - Book tickets in advance
The Urban Art Fair 4, Rue Eugène Spuller, 75003 April 24-27 The fair brings together French and international galleries and showcases the work of over 200 artists, including emerging and established ones. Program: Expect outdoor exhibitions, live performances, artist signings, lecture series, and short film screenings.
Révélations: International Fine Crafts and Creations May 22-24 at the Grand Palais. Four hundred fifty designers, craftspeople, factories, galleries, firms of excellence, foundations, and institutions present their creations at this event at the Grand Palais every two years. Révélations showcases artistic creation in all its diverse forms, offering visitors a new insight into issues linked to the art and design professions. The 4-day event also includes a cultural event program: exhibitions, educational workshops, guided tours, and a series of conferences and screenings. I have never attended this event, but I think it sounds amazing and is on my list.
Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature 62 rue des Archives 75003 This is one of my favorite, if not my all-time favorite, museums in Paris. It is beautiful! The exhibits are always entertaining and a great spot for adults and children to enjoy. They always have some sort of art exhibit going on, and I try to visit each time I am in Paris. It never gets old to me.
The French Open Roland Garros May 26 - June 9 This is a fantastic experience, even if you are not a huge tennis fan. The people watching the big matches are worth the price of admission. 😂
Notre Dame de Paris 6 Parvis Notre Dame 75004 I have been to the cathedral many times, but it had not yet re-opened when I visited in November. I would love to see the new interior - I have never seen it clean before! As I understand, you need to make a reservation because it is such a popular spot right now. It is on my list if I can snag a reservation.
The Food! This list is looking pretty long- like all I do in Paris is eat. Who am I kidding? That is all anyone should do in Paris.
Stohrer Bakery - 51 Rue Montorgueil 75002 Oldest bakery in Paris. Beautiful and delicious - it is truly a very bougie, fun Paris experience.
Les Resistants - 16-18 Rue Du Chateau D’eau 75010
Transparency in food at an affordable price. This place has gained popularity over the past few years since it opened. I want to give it a try. Looks very cute inside.
Breizh Cafe 23 rue Paul Bert 75011 - Amazing crêpes, and I believe they are mostly gluten-free if that matters to you, but check with them first. They also have an assortment of hard ciders that I find hard to resist! Never disappoints!
Le Bon Georges 45 rue Saint-Georges 75009
Bistrot food! Near Musee Gustave Moreau - classic bistro with a great following. Have never tried this one, but it is on my list.
Halle Saint Pierre 2 rue Ronsard 75018
The art museum, bookstore, and cafe are combined. If you are in the area doing the tourist thing, this is a great spot for a meal.
Poulette Restaurant 3 rue Etienne Marcel
Amazing interior, carefully curated seasonal menu - Again, this is one I have not yet tried, but I want to try it for lunch.
La Belle Hortense 31 rue Vielle du Temple 75004
The wine bar, which serves small plates from neighborhood restaurants, is open until 2 a.m. and features a new art installation in the back room every month. They had me at Bookish Vibe.
Brasserie Bellanger 140 rue du Faubourg Poissonniers
Brasserie reimagined—fresh ingredients on a weekly changing menu, affordable pricing. The decor is fun and welcoming, as are the staff and meals. Traditional brasserie food. In true Brasserie form, they are open all day. As much as I love finding the traditional “one owner” brasserie or cafe, it is getting difficult (at a reasonable price). This one fits all the criteria except that it is one of many owned by La Nouvell Garde. So, if you know that going it, set your expectations accordingly.
Le Bon Georges 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 I am looking forward to lunch at the Bistrot—it is always a good choice- it’s just so…FRENCH! Near Musée Gustave Moreau - if that is interesting?
Mokonuts 5 rue Saint-Bernard 75011 This is a little gem. They are only open for lunch; you MUST make a reservation because it is tiny and popular. I learned about it from a French woman I know (she knows lots of good things), and we were lucky enough to snag a table when we were there in November. The owners could not be nicer, and I will just let you find out about the food. If I had just looked at the menu online, I might not have gone…but I am super happy that I did. Delicious! PS - they actually do serve private dinners for 8 guests. If you want to reserve - check out the website.
Clamato Wine Bar and Seafood 80 rue de Charonne 75011 - I have been to Septime for dinner several years ago, but I have never had a chance to get to Clamato, their raw seafood and wine bar. It has a reputation for being very crowded, so I am going to try and get in for lunch this trip! 🤞
As you might have noticed, I love to go out for lunch in Paris. It is a little less crazy and I am usually pretty hungry mid-day. My favorite thing to do is have a great lunch out and then eat at home for dinner - I love to munch on things from the local outdoor markets. Marché D’Aligre Marché Covert Beauvau in the 12th. Then I hit the streets again for a glass of wine and some people watching or an event that looks interesting.
Shopping Stops:
Even if I do not buy, I love to check out the shops in Paris. It is always a precursor to what we will see in the USA in a year or so. Also, it's just inspiring to see a shop that only sells one thing! Can you imagine? It is one of my favorite things about Paris!
Mercie 111 Blvd Beaumarchais 750003 has been all over social media; I have to check it out because… I am a slave to all things hot in Paris. The vibe looks super cute and fun. Great things to pack in your suitcase to take home. I hope it is worth the hype! I am also going to check out the always-popular @Boot Cafe that is nearby at 19 Rue du Pont aux Choux 75003. If you like interesting “stuff” that you might not be able to take home, check out
Tartaix Metaux Outillage down the street at 13 Rue du Pont aux Choux - if you are a designer, an architect, or anything related - you will see why I can’t resist this shop.
Le Bon Marché 24 Rue De Sèvres Paris 75007 This one is always on my list. Its not new but there is always something new to see and hopefully take home. They have fun in-store events and anything and everything I could dream of wanting…ah the wanting…sometimes it is more fun than the having!
While researching my trip, I read about a couple of spots that sound interesting to me because of their uniqueness, focused offerings, or history.
I love paper products! I will spend hours looking at even the most boring office supplies. So, when I have the chance to look at some really amazing, unique, and possibly hand-crafted paper products…oui oui oui! These are on my list to check out:
Papier Tigre 5 Rue des Filles du Calvaire 75003 (while over in this area, I always love checking out the Marchés Des Enfants Rouges (the oldest covered market in Paris) - especially around lunchtime…YUM!
Calligrane 6 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004
Melodies Graphiques 10 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004
Papier+ 9 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004 ( I can’t seem to verify if this one is still in business, but if you are in the neighborhood, have a look)
These two are on my list because I am trying to be a writer and publisher. I am attracted to all things bookbinding and tiny bookstores with interesting histories.
A bookshop Un Regard Moderne 10 rue Gites Le Coeur 75006
A Bookbinder Relma 3 rue des Poitevins 75006
Flea Markets and Garage Sales
Vide Greniers This is a website guide to all of the markets in Paris (and beyond) on any given day - even garage sales! Vide Greniers actually means garage sale in French. The website is only in French, and you will most likely need to google a few places if you are not familiar with the city, but it can be a fun way to see some things off the beaten path, local, and maybe pick up something unique.
Puces de Vanves Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue George LaFenestre 75014 This flea market operates every weekend of the year, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. I always say that the earlier you get there, the better stuff you find, but it is fun to just wander, people-watch, and take in the vibe. I have stuffed many unneeded treasures into my suitcase from this market!
Hotel Choices:
Hotel Adèle & Jules 2 et 4Bis Cité Rougemont 75009 This one is just adorable. If it is your first trip to Paris, I might not recommend the 9th arrondissement (there is nothing wrong with the 9th - I just find it a little less ‘walkable’). The 9th is home to the Opera (beautiful and worth a visit if there is something on that you want to see), close to the Place de La Concorde (where you can head up the Champs Elysee), and just south of Montmartre (which can get touristy but I love the village no matter how many people are swarming about).
Bonsoir Madame 6 rue Madame 75006 This one appeals to me because of the excellent reviews and because it has been a family-owned and operated hotel for over 30 years! They must be doing something right. I love the location, and it looks very cute!
Late addition… a good friend of my girlfriend told us last night that she is staying at
The Hotel Verneuil on the 6th. It looks adorable online, and she has excellent taste and a French connection, so I trust this recommendation. She will report back with details, but I would be inclined to give it a try if you are looking for a charming respite in the St. Germain neighborhood.
I have not actually stayed in a hotel in Paris for many years. I have stayed exclusively in AirBnB or VRBO because I like feeling like a local, having more space and the convenience of a small kitchen. There are some great options on both sites in all of the neighborhoods.
On my last few trips, I have stayed in the 11th Arrondissement, which is convenient for lots of things I like to do and see. Within walking distance to the left bank and many museums, lots of great restaurants, and close to lots of design/art stuff I like to look at. I have also stayed many times in the Marais for the same reasons, but I can usually get a bit more bang for my rental buck near the Bastille.
I hope this list inspires you to take advantage of a good flight deal and fall in love with Paris for the first time or all over again. À bientôt!
