Discover Paris: Tips on where to eat, drink & shop from a Parisian wannabe.

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my adoration for the French capital. I've been visiting since I was a little girl, and the magic of the city has never ceased to entice me. Each time I visit, I fall in love with a new sight, taste, and smell. Every arrondissement holds its own aura, each with distinct beauty, challenges, and surprises, and it's up to us to learn what each of these are.

The first time I went to Paris, I was 6, and as any 6-year-old would do, I was more interested in going to Disneyland than exploring the city. However, over the years, I have grown a real attachment and fondness for the city, even having the opportunity to work there during Paris Fashion Week recently. That experience allowed me to meet locals and see the fashion capital of the world in all its glory.

Although I have grown up a lot since I was 6, and with that, my appreciation for the arts has been further instilled in me, I do still have my moments that one could only surmise as those of a toddler. This leads to the story about how I may have fallen asleep against a 19th-century sculpture in the Musée d'Orsay ... this year ... at 26. In my defence, the sculpture was literally called "Hebe Sleeping" and depicted the daughter of Jupiter and Juno having a little snooze, so in fact, I believe I was just showing my deep understanding and admiration for the artwork. The security guard obviously didn't realise my commitment to the arts, as he awoke me very bluntly.

Now that story aside, Paris is an invigorating city with so much to explore, and I plan on keeping the Eurostar busy with my weekend trips from London. So you can fall in love with the city as much as I have, I've collated a list of my absolute favourite things to do in Paris, from the best places to have a picnic to where to eat among locals with a menu you will definitely need Google Translate for.

Eat (manger):

Brasserie Royal Turenne for the traditional French petit-dejeuner

To me, you can do no better than a traditional French petit-déjeuner, and Brasserie Royal Turenne is where you will find the best. In the warmer months, you can sit outside and watch the fashionable people of the Le Marais district, making mental notes of everything they're wearing.

Everything about this breakfast is perfect—the croissant buttery, the bread crunchy, the coffee strong, and the vibes oh-so-Français.

24 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France

La Maison Isabelle for the best croissant

There's a reason why La Maison Isabelle won the award for the best butter croissant in Paris in 2018. I truly believe heaven is inside this croissant, and I could very much settle for eternity within the walls of this buttery sensation. I will admit, though, I've never had a bad croissant in Paris, so you really can't go wrong with your local boulangerie. However, if you're a passionate croissant eater like yours truly, La Maison Isabelle is worth the trip to Saint-Germain.

47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France

Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges for truffle camembert

This might be my favourite thing to do in all of Paris... big call, I know. If you're looking for the ultimate picnic, head to Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges to pick up some truffle camembert from the cheese market stall, grab a baguette, and walk down the road to Place des Vosges. This park is the oldest planned square in Paris, built by Henry IV in 1612 and surrounded by trees and iconic orange buildings. You can choose to sit on one of the green benches or the grass and soak up the history whilst giving your taste buds a treat.

39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris, France

La Tour Montlhéry - Chez Denise to eat Authentic French food experience.

If you really want the local experience, dine among regulars at La Tour Montlhéry - Chez Denise. You will have to practice your French in the mirror at home before coming, though, as the menu is written in French on a chalkboard that they bring over to your table. We were recommended this restaurant by a family friend who has lived in Paris for 10 years and who is a regular herself, so we were lucky to not only snag a table without a reservation, but she also stayed to translate the whole menu and then order for us! We drank rich local red wine and ate flavourful dishes, and best of all, got to pretend we fit into the crowd of locals (although I don't think we were fooling anyone). Chez Denise is a great example of the array of authentic, charming French restaurants dotted throughout the city, and I couldn't recommend enough experiencing them for yourself.

5 Rue des Prouvaires, 75001 Paris, France

Carboni's For great pasta

Now, I know it's not hard to find good pasta in Europe; however, the dishes at Carboni's really did transport me to the terracotta streets of Italy. It's less of your traditional Nonna's pasta but still has the same authentic taste you're looking for in a comfort dish. The restaurant itself is nestled in Le Marais, on a quiet street that makes for the perfect post-dinner stroll.

45 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris, France

Pink Mamma for lets face it, a great photo opp.

There's no shame in admitting you're going somewhere just because you saw it on Instagram. If there was, then I'd be doing the walk of shame a lot. That's exactly why I went to Pink Mamma in Montmartre. You might come for the photo op, but you'll stay for the delicious food. Once you take in the stunning ambiance of the restaurant, you can take in the aromas coming from the kitchen. I have definitely fallen victim to going to a restaurant just because it looks pretty, but the food ends up being overpriced and lacklustre (cough Bambini in Palais de Tokyo cough). However, Pink Mamma does not fall into that disappointing category. The pizza was delicious, and the cocktails were sweet. Pink Mamma is the perfect spot to take a date, your mum, or a friend—you can't go wrong.

20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France

Drink (Boire):

Café de la Mairie to sip espresso with the locals.

Sometimes you just have to indulge in your fantasy of being a resident of the 6th arrondissement, and sipping espresso at Café de la Mairie allowed me to live out that, well, delusion. I sat there and eavesdropped on the conversations of the businessmen beside me (unfortunately missing out on any trade secrets as I didn't understand them) and admired the fashion show the locals decided to give me outside the window. I concealed my excited smile behind my coffee cup, because I'm a native and this is just a regular occurrence for me, remember? Some call the 6th arrondissement the 'quintessential Paris neighbourhood,' and although I am partial to Le Marais, I do get what the fuss is all about down in the 6th.

8 Pl. Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris, France

Café Marguerite for Aperol Spritz

After spending all day shopping along Rue des Martyrs (see the Shopping section below!), you will absolutely need—and deserve—an Aperol Spritz. Café Marguerite is perfectly placed in the centre of the hill, allowing you to watch all the action while you sip. You can take in the mixture of tourists experiencing the street for the first time and locals buying their produce from their regular butchers and grocers. This is not a spot to sit on your phone and have a quick drink; instead, sit in the moment and enjoy the magic that is Rue des Martyrs.

28 R. des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France

Sevenly Heart for a unique selection of wines.

Wine bar Sevenly Heart offers an intentional and thoughtful list of wines for you to choose from, ranging from deep reds to sweet naturals. The staff are eager to help you choose the perfect glass, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a charming candlelit cottage in the countryside (how's that for alliteration!). If you're after a unique and calming space to enjoy a glass, this is one to add to your list.

55 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France

Carette for chocolat chaud.

Carette is another well-known "must-do" in Paris, but in my opinion, it's worth it. When I went, I didn't have to line up to get a table, which was a bonus, so if you're thinking of going, try to go at off-peak times like I did. Once there, order their famous "Chocolat 'Carette' avec de la chantilly," which is hot chocolate with cream, and prepare to be wowed. There's just something about French hot chocolate that is superior, and Carette is a prime example.

Place du Trocadéro, Place des Vosges and Place du Tertre

Shop (Boutique):

Flea markets for unique finds

Everyone knows Paris is a great city to shop in; that's not exactly groundbreaking information. However, if you really want to impress people with your holiday finds, look no further than the copious flea markets scattered around the city. These vintage stalls can be found throughout, selling everything from home decor, art, and clothing to my personal favourite, jewellery. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s oh-so-satisfying to respond to someone’s question about where your pieces are from with, "Oh, I picked it up at a flea market in Paris" (they don’t need to know it was only 5 euros and very possibly belonged to a recently deceased French lady).

My favourites were along Rue de Rivoli near Saint Pauls and along Avenue Trudaine.

Along Rue des Martyrs for vibrant city shopping

There is no shortage of cute boutiques along Rue des Martyrs, and if you're anything like me, you'll be popping your head into each and every one. The road is filled with such intoxicating vibrance that you'll want to spend the whole day wandering up and down the hilly street—and that's exactly what I did. In between the row of clothing boutiques, you'll find patisseries and boucheries (butchers), making this a meeting ground for tourists and local Parisians alike. Rue des Martyrs is really something special and a must-add to any Paris itinerary, and if you're lucky, you'll hear some live accordion music like I did!

Start at the carousel at 60 R. des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France and walk down the hill.

Fleux for all things colourful

When thinking about design, I originally didn't give Paris much credit when it came to colourful home decor. Instead, my mind was fixed on the classic French Gothic and Rococo styles. However, after stepping into Fleux, all my misconceptions were swiftly corrected. This store has everything from candles, vases, and plates to art—essential pieces for your home (sure, an iron might be essential too, but until I can find a cute pink one, I'm not interested). Fleux is the perfect place to buy unique gifts for loved ones or, just as importantly, for yourself, because quite frankly, you can never have enough colourful glassware.

39 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France

If I go missing, you can be sure that I'll be in Paris, wandering the streets with a croissant and café in hand (and please don't come looking for me for a few weeks...)

Bisous bisous,

Maggie