Paris is always a good idea, so they say. There isn’t really a bad time of the year to visit the French capital. Here is our pick of where to eat, drink, and stay — and what to see this summer.
What to See
- Léonce Rosenberg’s apartment. De Chirico, Ernst, Léger, Picabia.. at Musée Picasso on display until the 19th of May.
- The Water Lilies by Claude Monet at Musée de l'Orangerie.
- Le monde comme il va at Bourse de commerce until September 2.
- Brancusi at Centre Pompidou until July 1.
Where to Stay
- Le Grand Mazarin is the latest outpost from the Maisons Pariente group and opened its Martin Brudnizki-designed doors last September in the Marais with all sorts of bells and whistles including a winter garden, an indoor swimming pool, and a secret cabaret bar. 17 Rue de la Verrerie, 4 arr.
- Chateau Voltaire is our favorite address to stay in the 1st arrondissement, 55-57, rue Saint-Roch, 1 arr.
- Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers offers innovative design, a great rooftop bar and restaurant, hidden behind a classic Haussmannian facade in the Marais. 243 Rue Saint-Martin, 3 arr.
- Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is an intimate address in the 18th, a haven of greenery and the former home of the Hermes family — it’s a slice of the French countryside in Paris. 23, Avenue Junot, Pavillon D, 18 arr.
Where to Eat
- Les Enfants du Marché is not new — it's been around for a while. What is new is the menu. Everyday. What's great is the vibe: casual, yet elegant with counter and high-top dining. On a sunny day, it can't be beaten, with excellent people watching and a cool team whipping up creative seasonal food not seen on every menu. Expect dishes such as asparagus with stracciatella and an apple-like citrus compote, alongside natural and conventional wines. Allow yourself at least an hour and a half here, then pick up fresh produce, bread, and groceries from the market shops. An afternoon very well-spent.
- Sushi Shunei is a unique dining experience in the heart of Montmartre. It has a minimalist design, featuring light wooden furnishings and a long counter facing the chef. There are two set menus you can choose from – one with a selection of nigiri sushi; while the omakase includes sashimi and grilled fish. 3 rue Audran, 18 arr.
A Few More of Our Favourites
- Pouliche 11 rue d'Enghien, 10 arr.
- Pompette 15 Rue Hippolyte Lebas, 9 arr.
- Le Saint Sebastien 42 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11 arr.
- Robert Restaurant 32 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 11 arr.
- Anne Meat restaurant, 28 place des Vosges, 3 arr.
- L'Ami Louis 32 Rue du Vertbois, 3 arr.
- Le Bar des Près Japanese, 25 rue du Dragon, 6 arr.
- Caviar Kaspia Sunday: Closed, 17 Place de la Madeleine, 8 arr.
French Classics
- La Poule au Pot 7 Rue d'Aguesseau, 1 arr.
- À L'Épi d'Or 25 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1 arr.
- Benoît 20, rue Saint Martin, 4 arr.
- Chez George 1 Rue du Mail, 2 arr.
- Aux Lyonnais 32, rue Saint-Marc, 2 arr.
- Le Petit Célestin Sunday afternoon, 12 Quai des Célestins, 4 arr.
- Aux Crus de Bourgogne 3 Rue Bachaumont, 2 arr.
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte 15 Rue Marbeuf, 8 arr.
- Fontaine de Mars (Obama's Favourite) 129, rue Saint-Dominique, 7 arr.
- Auberge Bressane 16 Av. de la Motte-Picquet, 7 arr.
Bar/Cafe/Breakfast
- Bar de La Croix Rouge in Saint Germain serves amazing sandwiches. 2 Pl. Michel Debré, 6 arr.
- Cafe Bonaparte is situated in one of the most picturesque squares in Saint Germain. Great for an easy lunch and people-watching. 42 rue Bonaparte, 6 arr.
- Cafe Charlot is our go-to spot in the Marais for breakfast and lunch. 38 rue de Bretagne, 3 arr.
Roland Garros 2024
- The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros is one of the most important tennis tournaments and is held over two weeks every year at the end of May. This year, it kicks off on May 20.
84 Rooms recommends: An Insider’s Guide To Montmartre, and The Parisian Hotels to Book now.