After a Decade in France: Discover 12 Hidden Gems in Paris

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Living in France for over ten years, with a significant portion spent in Paris, the city’s depths remain as enigmatic as ever. Each of the 20 arrondissements presents a unique blend of neighborhoods, rich with varied cultures and distinct architectural styles. In my home area of Belleville, the birthplace of the iconic Édith Piaf and a vibrant Chinese community, there’s always something new to discover.

Friends and fellow writers frequently reach out for recommendations during their Parisian visits. Popular inquiries include the best places for croissants, where to find the finest cocktails, and a top-tier dining experience. Social media trends have brought certain once-hidden gems to the forefront, often resulting in long wait times. However, if you’re in search of authentic local spots, away from tourist traps, we’ve compiled a selection of experiences that truly encapsulate the Parisian lifestyle. After consulting with expert travel advisors, accomplished chefs, and respected authors, we’ve put together a list of the twelve essential spots that will make you feel at home the moment you arrive.

Plume – An Authentic Neighborhood Restaurant.

The 7th arrondissement, known for its attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay, can make finding a genuine dining experience a challenge due to a plethora of tourist-oriented options.

“Plume, located secretly behind Le Bon Marché and Balenciaga’s offices, remains an undiscovered gem to tourists—known primarily to local residents and nearby workers,” shares Pamela Shein Murphy, travel designer at Wandrist Travel. “The restaurant’s interior has minimalist Scandinavian decor, providing a tranquil setting for Chef Youssef Gastli’s impressive dishes. The clientele is a mix of local regulars and discerning visitors who have researched their dining options.”

Shinya Pain Montmartre – A Sourdough Artisan.

In a city renowned for its boulangeries, I often face the question of which bakery is the finest. While I jest that the best is just around the corner from my Belleville home, a few bakeries stand out as must-visit destinations. “Local gourmands flock to Shinya Pain Montmartre, a small bakery established in 2020, nestled among the quaint streets leading up to Sacré Cœur,” notes Lindsey Tramuta, who has published several works about Paris.

Shinya Inagaki, the owner and baker, specializes in “peasant breads” made from ancient grains and natural sourdough, which sell out quickly during short operational hours (Thursdays to Sundays, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). “There are cookies and cakes available, but you won’t find any traditional baguettes,” adds Tramuta. “This spot is a treasure for sourdough enthusiasts—cash only!”

Jardin du Palais Royal – A Serene Oasis Near the Louvre.

While the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg offer well-deserved fame as favorite Parisian parks, locals often seek refuge in the Jardin du Palais Royal, a serene locale for reading and relaxation, devoid of the usual crowd noise.

“I love to sit in one of the green chairs, each etched with a poetic reminder of liberty,” remarks Sophie Carbonari, founder of her own skincare brand, whose treatment space overlooks this royal garden where Louis XIV spent his childhood. “On spring mornings, the light has a special quality, balancing the coolness with early warm rays. It’s a moment when I feel a profound sense of privilege just being here.”

Rosa Bonheur – A Lively Dance Venue within Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

The residential 19th arrondissement’s Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is where Parisians from all over gather during warm weather, turning the park into a hub for picnics.

It’s a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Living nearby, I stroll through its charming paths with my dog, Indiana Jones, nearly every morning. On weekends, friends and I enjoy drinks and dancing at the open-air guinguette (bar) Rosa Bonheur, a welcoming destination for families during the day and the LGBTQ+ community at night. Arriving early for the lively Sunday dance event is advisable, as it draws a crowd quickly.

Parc de Belleville – The Highest Park with Stunning Eiffel Tower Views.

Perched atop Parc de Belleville is the Belvédère, a pavilion adorned with mosaics and street art that offers breathtaking panoramic views, including the Eiffel Tower and Tour Montparnasse. Located near the Buttes Chaumont, this park is a hidden gem, making it one of the prime locations to watch fireworks on Bastille Day, July 14.

Living nearby, I particularly enjoy socializing with friends over chilled drinks and sea salt-topped chocolate chip cookies at Candle Kids or savoring spritz cocktails on the sunlit terrace of Moncœur Belleville, followed by taking in the sunset views over the Eiffel Tower from the park.

Marché d’Aligre – A Market Where Chefs Shop.

Each Parisian neighborhood is home to its own market, bustling with abundance. However, Marché d’Aligre, located near Bastille, stands out with its vibrant energy, surrounding vendors, and relaxed atmosphere.

Chef Arnaud Donckele, who leads the kitchens at Cheval Blanc Paris, highlights its lively vibe: “It’s a wonderful experience to see market vendors in their element, showcasing just how vital Paris is in terms of gastronomy. You can also grab a glass of wine paired with fresh oysters at one of the small cafés. This market encapsulates everyday Parisian life—full of spirit and joy.”

De Vie – An Innovative Cocktail Dining Experience.

As a food writer who has sampled the best in fine dining across Europe, few new establishments impress as much as the 18-seat Comptoir de Vie. Under the guidance of talented bartenders Alex Francis and Barney O’Kane, this establishment combines an innovative cocktail bar with fine dining, partnering with emerging Irish chef Adam Purcell to craft a menu focused on seasonal and local ingredients.

The dining experience features a five-course tasting menu, showcasing dishes such as cured sea bream with fermented radishes and seaweed-baked beets, all served at a communal counter. Bar de Vie, launching soon, will offer classic cocktails presented in artisanal ceramics from local studio Beramics, using unique hand-blown glassware from nearby La Soufflerie. While renowned restaurants like La Tour d’Argent and L’Arpège maintain their stature, the emergence of such inventive concepts is an exciting addition to the Paris culinary landscape.

Officine Universelle Buly – A Perfume Boutique and Café.

In Paris, perfume is an essential part of the culture, and Officine Universelle Buly is where discerning Parisians go to select fragrances and personalized combs—mine bears my initials and is perfect for travel. Additionally, their Caribbean sweet potato and Afghan carrot body oil utilizes ancient sesame oil as a moisturizer, blending history with luxury.

Les Maquereaux Rive Droite – A Floating Bar on the Seine.

As spring introduces warmth, Parisians flock to the Seine’s banks for wine and picnic spreads. While many riverside cafés cater to tourists, a hidden treasure is the barge Les Maquereaux Rive Droite, a péniche that operates only on weekends from May through October. This has become our go-to spot for apéro, where we indulge in freshly shucked oysters and prawns right from the waterfront stand, while enjoying the picturesque setting.

Harry’s Bar – A Time-Honored Cocktail Institution.

A personal favorite, Bar Hemingway inside Ritz Paris, is known for its exquisite cocktail offerings, particularly when the legendary bartender Colin Field entertained guests. While tourists gravitate towards the celebrated dry martinis, locals often prefer the elegance of Harry’s Bar—renowned for its warm ambiance, turning into a lively piano bar later in the evening. Here, a classic New York-style hot dog pairs perfectly with a spicy bloody mary.

Marché des Enfants Rouges – A Culinary Market in the Marais.

The enchanting streets of the Marais are adorned with some of the city’s finest eateries, including my favorite spot for exceptional wine and small plates, Le Mary Celeste. However, there’s an undeniable charm in visiting the historic covered food markets, and Marché des Enfants Rouges—Paris’s oldest market—offers a diverse range of cuisines. Enjoy Moroccan couscous, or indulge in hearty steak and thick croque monsieur sandwiches at the Butcher of Paris, where the natural wine list is exceptional.

La Gare/Le Gore – A Jazz Club with a Unique Concept.

Many iconic jazz venues such as Le Caveau des Oubliettes and Le Caveau de la Huchette can be found in the atmospheric Latin Quarter. In contrast, La Gare/Le Gore offers a modern twist, blending jazz with club culture in the less traversed areas near La Villette. Set in a repurposed train station, live performances range from renowned jazz artists to student-led jam sessions from the Paris Conservatory. Night owls can dance to techno and electronic music until dawn, as the cellar is open every night of the year.

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