The Insider’s Guide to Paris
“Don't plan too much and take at least one day or more to just let yourself slowly explore”
Paris based photographer and recent In Vibrant Company feature guest, Kate Devine spends a large amount of her time on foot, wandering and searching for inspiration in Paris. The city is a top global tourist destination and can feel difficult to discover or experience outside of the obvious clichés, touristy recommendations and super-crowded arrondissements. Kate was kind enough to share her suggestions on how to discover and enjoy this city from a local’s perspective. The 18th arrondissement inhabitant’s list is full of originality interspersed with a few classics.
Favorite Cultural Activity
My favorite cultural activity in Paris is walking. What could be more french than just letting yourself enjoy the luxury of being a flâneuse for a day?
#1 Suggestion for visiting Paris:
Whether for the first or the fiftieth time, it's this: don't plan too much and take at least one day or more to just let yourself slowly explore. Sit in a café and watch people over a coffee or a glass of wine. Walk down that dead-end street, wander into courtyards, check out the smaller parks, just see where the day takes you. Truly, I think this is the best way to feel really connected to this city and all it has to offer.
Also, Paris has unbelievable food and wine options but nothing beats a picnic along the seine with a good bottle of wine.
On Sunday, stroll the Marais -- unlike the rest of Paris a lot of things will be open.
Where to Stay
Air BnB
Being somewhat central is always nice. I'd recommend staying in the 9th or 10th arrondissements perhaps in the area along the Canal St. Martin or near République.
Hotels
2nd Arrondissement - L'Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
2nd Arrondissement - Le Tinah
2nd Arrondissement - The Hoxton
9th Arrondissement - Le Pigalle
18th Arrondissement - Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
Where to Shop
Clothing
My favorites include:
3rd Arrondissement - The Frankie Shop
10th Arrondissement - Le Centre Commercial
Homegoods
2nd and 6th Arrondissements - Astier de Villatte is my favorite for ceramics.
3rd Arrondissement - Merci , you can’t beat Merci.
10th Arrondissement - La Trésorerie
18th Arrondissement -I also highly recommend Maison Chateau Rouge which happens to be right next door to where I live.
Online only - La Chambre is my most recent discovery for bedding.
Beauty & Fragrances
6th Arrondissement - L'Officine Universelle Buly for fragrances and more.
Where to Eat?
Coffee
11th Arrondissement - Café Mericourt and its sister café, Café Oberkampf are also great.
11th Arrondissement - Dreamin' Man get the pudding.
11th Arrondissement - I also love Chambelland for amazing gluten free choices
18th Arrondissement - Ola's café is my go-to spot.
Épicerié (Gourmet Grocers)
My favorites if I want something special for entertaining or for food-related gifts:
3rd Arrondissement - Maison Plisson
6th Arrondissement - La Grande Épicérie
Restaurants
9th Arrondissement - L'Office is my go-to.
10th Arrondissement - Early June wine bar
18th Arrondissement - Les Petites Bulles is in my neighborhood and I return to it time and time again.
Wine Shops
18th Arrondissement - De Verre en Vers has a great selection from female winemakers.
19th Arrondissement - La Cave de Belleville
Art, Culture and Experiences
Museums
These the classics to hit:
7th Arrondissement - Musée Rodin
7th Arrondissement - Musé d'Orsay
16th Arrondissement - Palais de Tokyo
Views
16th Arrondissement - Avenue des Camöens Don't tell anyone I told you about this spot for an Eiffel tower view.
18th Arrondissement - Sacré Coeur If you're going to go "up" somewhere, I would suggest up here instead of the Eiffel tower.
20th arrondissement - Parc de Belleville I love the view from the top and not many people seem aware of this spot.
Gardens
6th Arrondissement - Despite the hype of the Tuileries, I'm a firm believer you can't beat the Jardin de Luxembourg for that "Parisian feel."
Market
Speaking of Sundays, the Marché de Bastille will not disappoint (but I also like the Marché d'Aligre).