Paris Like a Local

Apéro along Canal Saint-Martin

There’s nothing more Parisian than gathering a bottle of wine, olives, and a baguette and settling along the Canal Saint-Martin at golden hour. It’s relaxed, youthful, and effortlessly cool, the kind of evening that turns into hours of conversation.

Exploring northern Montmartre

Skip the crowded steps of Sacré-Cœur and wander the quieter northern streets of Montmartre, where ivy-covered houses and hidden vineyards feel worlds away from central Paris. This pocket of the 18th arrondissement feels like a village suspended in time.

A workout at Reformation Pilates or Dynamo

I love weaving movement into my Paris days with a reformer class at Reformation Pilates or a high-energy cycling session at Dynamo. It’s a fun way to tap into the city’s wellness scene—very local, very chic.

Specialty shop picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

I’ll spend an afternoon collecting cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and pastries from neighborhood specialty shops before heading to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. With its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views, it’s one of the most beautiful (and least touristy) picnic spots in the city.

Running or biking in Bois de Boulogne

For a breath of calm, I head to Bois de Boulogne for a long run or bike ride under tree-lined paths. It’s expansive, peaceful, and feels like a secret escape from the rhythm of the city.

Vintage shopping at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen

The thrill of the hunt is real at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Paris’s legendary flea market. From antique mirrors to designer vintage, it’s a treasure trove where patience and curiosity are always rewarded.

Discovering smaller museums like the MEP

Beyond the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, I love spending an afternoon at smaller institutions like Maison Européenne de la Photographie in the Marais. The contemporary exhibitions feel intimate and thought-provoking, and it’s the kind of cultural pause that makes a Paris day feel layered and intentional.

Mokonuts

A tiny, wildly beloved café in the 11th arrondissement with globally inspired flavors and some of the best cookies in Paris. It’s intimate, creative, and feels like you’re in on a secret.

Vivant 2

Natural wine, inventive small plates, and a buzzy atmosphere make this a go-to for a lively dinner. It’s the kind of place where you linger over multiple bottles and share everything.

Le Grand Bain

Seasonal, vegetable-forward small plates with bold flavors and an effortlessly cool vibe. It’s vibrant without being pretentious, a true local favorite in the 20th arrondissement.

La Buvette

This tiny wine bar in the 11th arrondissement is charming, intimate, and perfect for a relaxed apéro. The curated wine list and simple plates make it feel distinctly Parisian and personal.

Le Goncourt

More café-bar than restaurant, this corner spot near Canal Saint-Martin is perfect for people-watching over coffee or natural wine. Casual, local, and effortlessly cool.

Recoin

A small, chef-driven bistro with seasonal menus and a thoughtful wine list. It’s intimate and quietly sophisticated, the kind of place locals don’t broadcast widely.

Le Saint Sébastien

Creative small plates, a strong natural wine program, and a warm, neighborhood atmosphere. It’s stylish but welcoming, ideal for a relaxed yet elevated dinner.

Delicatessen Place

Connected to a neighborhood wine shop, this is the kind of hyper-local apéro spot where people spill into the street with small plates and glasses in hand. It’s casual, convivial, and perfect before dinner.

Maison Sota

A refined yet relaxed Japanese-French fusion bistro in the 11th arrondissement, known for beautifully composed plates and a thoughtful wine list. It’s elegant without being formal, ideal for a polished but understated dinner. Ask to sit at the chef's counter!