I was raised in a world of food and the art of the table, which shaped my love of storytelling, craftsmanship, and savoir‑faire. I trained in design and communication in Paris, worked internationally as a food stylist and on a culinary TV show, produced events for Le Fooding for two years, published a cookbook in 2021, and co‑founded TABLE, a brand focused on artisanal tableware. Below is my three‑day route for eating, walking, and shopping around Paris.—Alice Moireau, TABLE co‑founder
Where to stay
L’Hôtel — discreet, theatrical rooms with romantic 19th‑century flair.
La Cour des Vosges — serene luxury overlooking a lovely square, a mix of 17th‑century bones and ’70s touches.
Hotel Massé — small, effortlessly Parisian, popular with creative visitors.
Château Voltaire — dramatic, curated interiors with soft lighting and collected objects.
Saint James — a gardened retreat that feels like the countryside inside the city.
Hotel Rochechouart — Art Deco charm in an authentic neighborhood near Montmartre.
Day 1: Le Marais
Breakfast: Dreamin’ Man
A tiny café run by a Japanese couple with excellent coffee and seasonal pastries. I love the orange‑ricotta pancake and a matcha latte; they also make daily bento boxes to grab and go.
Morning: Souvenir shopping
Wander Le Marais’ narrow streets and pop into small shops for ceramics, textiles, and edible treats to bring home.
Lunch: Recoin
A neighborhood favorite that follows the market—expect a thoughtful set lunch that changes with what’s fresh, with memorable, inventive combinations.
Afternoon: Vintage shopping
Le Marais is full of curated vintage boutiques—perfect for one‑of‑a‑kind clothing and home finds.
Dinner: Bistrot des Tournelles
A proper French bistrot with comfort cooking done well—zinc bar, close tables, and reliably great dishes. Their homemade cordon bleu is worth the trip.
Evening: Delicatessen Place
A warm natural‑wine bar with an interesting list by the glass and bottle. I often choose wines from Alsace or the Jura to end the night.
Day 2: Belleville
Breakfast: Le Petit Grain
Home to some of the best croissants and standout pastries—don’t miss their buckwheat‑and‑chocolate cookies.
Morning: Parc des Buttes‑Chaumont
One of my favorite parks for a morning wander—rugged paths, cliffs, and elevated views that feel more natural than the manicured gardens elsewhere. Great at sunrise or sunset.
Lunch: Le Dauphin
An effortlessly cool place serving a daily menu with Basque influences. The mirrored interior and bar create a lively midday energy—try a Vermouth cocktail.
Afternoon: Canal Saint‑Martin and ice cream
JJ Hings makes seasonal ice creams I adore (sweet corn soft serve, peach sorbet). With a cone in hand, stroll the canal, rest on the grass at Jardin Villemin, play ping‑pong, or poke into the shops on Rue de Marseille.
Dinner: Cendrillon
Expect bold, acidic, spicy dishes with a punkish attitude—rare and exhilarating in Paris. Start with a spicy oyster or a cheeky margarita shot; the vibe is lively and fun.
Evening: Combat
A neighborhood bar with about 30 seats—sit at the counter or in the back. My favorite is an orange‑blossom cocktail with rum and milk. It’s a great way to feel the more local, less touristy side of Paris.
Day 3: Saint‑Germain
Breakfast: Wani Coffee Shop
True Japanese matcha and delicate sweets—pair matcha with a pistachio and chestnut‑flour cookie or a seasonal daifuku.
Morning: L’Astre Sans Apostrophe
A specialty shop to buy pâté en croûte—an evocative, old‑school culinary souvenir rooted in medieval French tradition; perfect for foodie friends.
Lunch: Brasserie Lipp
A Saint‑Germain institution with scruffy glamour and theatrical service. It’s classic—tartare and fries are my go‑to.
Afternoon: Astier de Villatte
Browse handmade Parisian ceramics and objets d’art. Pieces are crafted with traditional techniques and make beautiful, lasting souvenirs.
Dinner: Orson
Korean fine dining with refined, wood‑fired flavors. The crab tteok‑bokki—rice cakes with steamed crab and crab head sauce—is unforgettable. Opt for the five‑course menu for a special evening.
Evening: Cravan
A low‑lit cocktail bar that doubles as a cultural space and even publishes a magazine about cocktail culture. It’s thoughtful and ideal for lingering over well‑made drinks.
Practical notes
– Walk between neighborhoods when you can—Paris reveals itself through side streets and small discoveries.
– Book restaurants in advance when possible, especially for dinners and tasting menus.
– Bring a small cooler or check wrapping rules if you plan to carry home charcuterie or pâté.
– Embrace apéro culture: many great nights begin with a glass and a small plate and then unfold into the evening.
This three‑day loop mixes beloved Parisian institutions with neighborhood gems, giving you time to taste, browse, and breathe in different parts of the city. Slow down at cafés, linger over meals, and let the city’s details work their magic.
