Top Eight: Unique Paris Places Part One
I thought I would share some really cool, different spots to do/see/shop for your next visit, or even if you live here! An almost daily discussion with my friends in the creative space both here and abroad is how many things are regurgitated on the internet, the term “hidden gem” is grossly overused, and things here can frankly just not live up to the hype sometimes! This leaves tourists disappointed or because of overexposure, formerly chill places can become overrun with selfie sticks and people not truly enjoying what is around them. There is definitely a corner of the internet for everyone and what one person sees all the time, another might not have ever encountered. I have tried to compile a little starter list of great highlights this city has to offer!
#1 - Roger Viollet
This photography archive and exhibition space is a perfect way to spend a rainy day on the left bank when cafés get crowded and a museum just won’t cut it! After enjoying the temporary exhibits here, you can browse the catalogued photography and even order prints for the perfect gift.
#2 - Musée Zadkine
A little hidden museum tucked away at the edge of the 6th, is this former home and workshop of sculptor and artist Ossip Zadkine is a little oasis away from the crowds. A lovely garden you can relax in definitely adds to the experience.
#3 - M.P. Samie Porcelaine
This super cool blue building on the corner of a fairly busy street in the 14th arrondissement is SUCH a delight to behold, even from the outside. Even though the inside is a bit warehouse-like, it is packed with rows and rows of beautiful Limoges porcelain in every iteration you can imagine, from the elaborate to the simple. You can buy pieces individually and create your own place settings or just add a few coffee cups for your cabinet. The prices are extremely reasonable and quality is top-notch. Stop here if the brocantes left you empty handed or you need a perfectly unique souvenir to bring home!
#4 - Baxter
A beautiful print shop awaits you on a smaller street just off Boulevard Saint Germain - they specialize in antique prints and they are all organized by subject matter for you to browse through with ease. I love the animal ones for my children’s room and the florals are perfect for a bathroom pop of design! This is a nice alternative when a brocante is too overwhelming or yields no results after a long morning searching for the perfect thing.
#5 - Ciasa Mia
This is possibly my favorite restaurant in Paris for it’s authentic Italian/French cuisine in a Michelin-level inventive way. Chef Samuel and his wife Francesca are incredibly talented and hard working - they love making every client feel welcome. The interior is an ode to their Dolomite-region roots and wine list is thoughtful and unique. I love the quiet side street it is on in the 5th, just in the shadow of the Pantheon. Lunch here is quieter and they offer a beautiful three course lunch for 45 euros! Please add this to your list on your next trip and I promise it will be a favorite for years to come!
#6 - Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Epices
Paris has no shortage of specialty shops and it is something they definitely excel at here! Nestled in the very famous Place Furstemberg in the 6th arrondissement, is this amazing spice shop specializing in pepper and salt blends. Various spice related kitchen accessories are a highlight and I purchased several pepper blends and a nice grinder for my husband this Christmas as he does almost all the cooking in our house. For the cook in your life, I highly recommend this unique shop!
#7 - Yomokoï
There is seemingly no end to the amount of vintage and second-hand shops in Paris and lists detailing “the best” can sometimes feel daunting. I chose a favorite of mine for this list in a cool location in the 3rd arrondissement, a boutique founded by Parisian fashion enthusiast and vintage collector Franny of the instagram handle @frannyfyne She has always been a favorite follow and styles things with an ease and unique edge. Come visit her world on your next visit!
#8 - Chez Papa
A fun evening activity here is definitely hanging out at a jazz club post dinner and there are many across the city to enjoy. A personal favorite is this left bank institution, Chez Papa. Intimate tables, lovely atmosphere and a comfortable volume of live jazz are why I love this place, along with “Papa” himself and his son and daughter who help him run it. There is a small cover charge depending on whether you eat dinner or just have drinks, but it is entirely worth it. They only take cash, so be mindful.
