Three Famous Chefs Pick Their Favorite Places In Paris
For a first time visitor or a frequent traveler, Paris, the City of Light, can be confusing given its multitude of choices for dining, shopping, and selfies at the iconic sights. Once the cruise down the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, a stroll down the Champs Élysées, or window shopping on Fauberg St. Honore is done, where can tourists eat at any price point in this gastro hub of Europe while also experiencing the best of Parisian restaurants bars and lounges? Three prominent French chefs (all of whom head Michelin-starred restaurants) share some of their favorite bars, bistros, shops, and sights in Paris — in their own words.
The first chef is Alain Ducasse, who has eleven restaurants that range from the three-star Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athenee, to Restaurant La Meurice, Jules Verne, and his recently opened Champeaux.
L'Arbre à Café
One could spend a full day at L'Arbre à Café, a small coffee shop which boasts exceptional coffees from around the world. Owner Hippolyte Courty ensures that each variety tells a different story about its origins and the people behind them, which make the charm of the place.
10 rue du Nil, 2nd arrondissement, 75002 Paris, +33 1 84 17 24 17
Frenchie | Frenchie To Go
Whether it's Frenchie To Go for a sandwich reminiscent of upscale street food, Frenchie Bar à Vins for a nice glass of wine and small bites, or the original Frenchie for a cozy dinner where London, New York, and Paris converge on the plate, there's something for every mood featuring Gregory Marchand's excellent, contemporary cuisine.
5 Rue du Nil, 2nd arrondissement, 75002 Paris, +33 1 40 39 96 19
Terroirs d'Avenir
Still on the same street are three small shops under the name Terroirs d'Avenir, offering products usually reserved for restaurateurs: the grocery store where you can find the best regional products and seasonal vegetables, as well as a fish store and a butcher, offering natural fish and meats from small French producers.
6-8 rue du Nil, 2nd arrondissement, 75002 Paris, +33 1 85 09 84 00
Café de Flore
Breakfast on the terrace of Café de Flore consists of a perfect cappuccino with foam that rises like a soufflé and a buttered slice of Parisian baguette.
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement, 75006 Paris, +33 1 45 48 55 26
Marché Raspail
A market that stretches the length of Boulevard Raspail, you can eat three full meals there. From homemade English muffins to fresh vegetables and an array of farm cheeses, meats and seafood.
116 Boulevard Raspail, 6th arrondissement, 75006 Paris, +33 6 08 43 90 23
Au Bain Marie
As one of the finest kitchen supply stores in Paris, Au Bain Marie carries unique items. From an English duck press to a 1920s picnic case and some lemon shaped citrus squeezers from the late 19th-century, owner Aude Clement is a curious traveler and collector, with an array of impressive objects from all over.
56 rue de l'Université, 7th arrondissement, 75007 Paris, +33 1 42 71 08 69
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse — Manufacture à Paris
A paved courtyard in the 11th arrondissement leads to the original location of my bean-to-bar chocolate shop in Paris. We source and roast the beans, grinding them to produce smooth chocolate bars, candies, and other products. The bitter and rich smell of raw chocolate when you enter the shop is bewildering.
40 rue de la Roquette, 11th arrondissement, 75011 Paris, +33 1 48 05 82 86
Le Baratin
Le Baratin is an intimate yet inviting restaurant where simplicity is key. You might eat monkfish liver terrine, mackerel sashimi, horseradish and fresh raspberries, which are just a few of the dishes that represent Raquel's personal and perfectly disciplined cuisine.
3 rue Jouye-Rouve, 20th arrondissement, 75020 Paris, +33 1 43 49 39 70
La Canopée – Forum des Halles – Porte Rambuteau, 75001 Paris, +33 1 53 45 84 50
Next up is Chef David Toutain of Restaurant David Toutain
Le Malabar
I like Le Malabar, where I go after school with my six-year-old son for a hot chocolate and spend some special time with him.
88 Rue Saint Dominique, 75007 Paris, +33 1 45 51 31 44
Chez L'Ami Jean
Chez L'Ami Jean is a restaurant close to my home and my own restaurant where I enjoy the delicious food and friendly atmosphere.
27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris, +33 1 47 05 86 89
Le Coq Rico
Le Coq Rico, which is my wife's favorite restaurant that we frequent often.
98 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, +33 1 42 59 82 89
Parc des Princes
Parc des Princes to see a football game, since I am very fond of football and the Parisian team PSG.
24 Rue du Commandant Guilbaud, 75016 Paris
Workshop of Patricia Vieljeux
I love to go there, touch the materials, choose my new plates, decide my dishes with her. It's quiet and very peaceful.
21 Rue Godefroy Cavaignac, 75011 Paris, +33 1 46 59 04 10
Finally, we have Chef Anne-Sophie Pic of Le Dame de Pic
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The selection of perfumes by this perfumier often bring me to this boutique.
Place Vendôme, 5 rue d'Alger, 75001 Paris, +33 1 42 60 07 07
One of my favorite places to sip a cup of Japanese tea and to discover their latest offerings.
(The teas are also served at her two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant in the Beau Rivage, a hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland)
95 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, +33 1 46 33 94 90
Louve Museum
As an art and history fan the Louvre Museum in Paris is one of my favorite places to spend some quiet time.
75001 Paris, +33 1 40 20 50 50
Bon Marche
Though my professional life keeps me very busy, when I find time to shop for pieces from Brunello Cucinelli, I head to the famous Parisian Bon Marche department store.
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, +33 1 44 39 80 00