If Brussels is our yin, Paris definitely is our yang. Without either one of those cities, we wouldn’t be able to function. Even if the internet is overflowing with information and recommendations, we know that finding the nicest spots in a city as big as Paris can be a daunting task. But hey, we’re here to help! Let’s zoom in on Le Marais, one of our favorite neighborhoods in the city. We asked the teams in our Rue du Temple and Rue de Saintonge stores for their inside info and here’s what they came up with.
Bellerose Rue de Saintonge team
Bellerose Rue de Saintonge store, Paris
FOOD.
Paris has been called the world’s food capital and it’s easy to understand why. From your typical French bistrots and brasseries to quick snacks and everything in between, Paris has everything and then some.
Too late for breakfast, too early for lunch? Brunch it is! Republique of Coffee is a high-end brunch spot, ideal for lazy Sunday mornings with friends. Mems is a well-hidden local spot, calm during the weekends, with a sunny terrace and a brunch to die for.
Mems
Looking for a cool place to have lunch? Head to Season, which offers modern, healthy, seasonal food in a design atmosphere. Or try Muscovado, a cozy café with a relaxed vibe which serves breakfast and lunch, both sweet and salty. Kapunka is a small Thai spot, right in the middle of the city, that specializes in fresh, gluten free food. The avocado toast is delicious there! For street style food, go to Schwart’z a.k.a. hot dog heaven, with both classics and new interpretations on the menu.
Season
Schwartz’s
Still hungry? Let’s look at dinner options. One of our favorites is Au_Top, a rooftop restaurant in the heart of Le Marais, a guaranteed change of scenery. You’ll find yourself eating an amazing meal, surrounded by tons of green, with an incredible view over the city. Please do book in advance though. For something completely different, try Mancora Cebicheria, an amazing place that offers a modern take on Peruvian cuisine. Their ceviche is insane.
Au_top
DRINKS.
Even the city can feel like holidays, and Paname Brewing Company understood that perfectly. Drink one of their homemade craft beers and have some street food on their pontoon terrace, or even right next to the vats where the beers are being produced.
Beer is not your thing? Well, we’re in France, so no worries. Le Barav is a top notch wine bar, located in a nice and calm street. Get some cheese and cold cuts and raise your glass. If you’d fancy another rooftop, go have a drink on top of Hotel National des Arts et Métiers. Get there early as it fills up quickly.
Hotel National des Arts et Métiers
SHOPPING.
There’s no way that you haven’t heard of Merci – but just in case; this concept store has everything from decoration to fashion and is one of the go-to spots in Le Marais. While in the general area, we advise you to visit Kiliwatch as well. One of Paris’ most renowned vintage stores with a great selection of both second hand and new. Another favorite is Pretty Box, a thrift store with a nice range in different styles. Of course, we’d be foolish not to mention the two Bellerose boutiques in Le Marais, see intro for more info : )
Bellerose Rue du Temple
AND MORE.
If there’s one place we love strolling around in, it’s the Marché des Enfants Rouges, an indoor food market that has been there since 1615, offering a crazy array of fresh produce. With so much goodness around you, it’s tempting to have an impromptu snack.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
A grocery store, restaurant, wine cave and market all under one roof? That’s Maison Plisson, a premium spot for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. New in Le Maraisis Eataly, with its three floors dedicated to all things Italian. From butcher to baker, from cheese to pasta, it’s all there and it’s all great.
Maison Plisson
For a dose of culture, we can obviously recommend a few well-known destinations, such as the Picasso museum, Victor Hugo’s house or the Musée des Arts & Métiers, but we’d also like to highlight OFR, a state-of-the-art bookstore and gallery that often organizes unique exhibitions too.
OFR
If you enjoyed all of these and would like to know more, don’t hesitate to drop us an email or to stop by in one of our Parisian stores. A bientôt!
Pictures : Louis Vielle
Words : Charlotte Tuts & Bjorn Dossche
