wabisaviSay bonjour to the finer things in life. France is set to romance you with remarkable architecture, art, and fine dining
The Sweet Life in Paris
Paris
I love reading travel stories almost as much as I love my fantasy and sci-fi. And 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘇 makes a fine art of bringing the well-dressed, chocolate-scented, sometimes illogical world of Paris to life through his funny and often irreverent commentary, sharing mouth-watering recipes all along the way. I definitely recommend you check out 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴. Here is a list of some of the places he mentions in the book that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds.
Updated 3 years ago
11Ever since Anton Rumpelmayer opened 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮's doors in 1903, this classy pastry salon has attracted fashionable Parisians with its heavenly French pastries, Anton's 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁-𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰 quickly becoming its signature dessert: crunchy meringue and a cloud of Chantilly concealed under a blanket of chestnut cream. Perfect in its original simplicity, pastry chef Christophe Appert has over the years developed an array of seasonal variations too. Turn a chilly November afternoon into a cozy memory by pairing the Mont-Blanc with 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘥, rich and velvety hot chocolate recommended by Lebovitz. At Angelina, hot chocolate is made à l’ancienne (the old-fashioned way with real cocoa, as Lebovitz explains in his book 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴), using a mix of African cocoas and a century-old secret recipe. https://www.angelina-paris.fr/
- +33 1 42 60 82 00
226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France
- https://www.angelina-paris.fr/en
10
𝗟'𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘂 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁 offers handmade chocolates crafted with traditional techniques from the expertise of 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 Serge Andrieu (founder) and Andrien Helfer (creative director). Treat yourself to a box of rustic bonbons, a bouquet of chocolate tailored to a special occasion, or just indulge in one of their many chocolate bars. Lebovitz highlights the 𝘱𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥'𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 bar, which pairs L'Atelier's signature Kiretsa dark chocolate with warm notes of smoked chilli powder. If you're heading to Bayonne, don't miss the chance to visit L'Atelier's chocolate factory (by reservation only), where you can learn the history and secrets of chocolate making at their museum and experience the process first-hand in their lab. Did I mention the tour ends with a tasting session? In the (unlikely) chance you have chocolate lying around waiting to be used up, head over to their website to find a selection of lip-smacking recipes to inspire you: https://www.atelierduchocolat.fr/fr/
- +33 1 53 63 15 23
89 Rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris, France
- https://www.atelierduchocolat.fr/fr/
6In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴, Lebovitz shares a recipe for a chicken apricot tagine that is swoon-worthy. In case cooking with a gazillion spices is not your thing, fret not, and head over to his favourite North African restaurant in Paris. At 𝗟'𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀, owner and chef Benjamin El Jaziri will be happy to introduce you the regional flavours of his Country, from Moroccan starters, couscous, tagine to a selection of traditional pastries. http://www.latlas.fr/
- +33 1 46 33 86 98
12 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France
10When you imagine stepping into a French-styled 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦, there are high chances your mind conjured a place that matches the gorgeous interior of 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗕𝗼 to a T. Their creations all look stunning and delicious. Traditional French pastries take innovative spins and the oriental inspiration of some of the breads come from the co-owner having worked in Japan and being married to a Japanese. And if you ever get bored of old plain baguette (is that even a possibility?), try their signature squid ink that has everyone talking. Check out their IG page and feast your eyes: https://www.instagram.com/boulangeriebo/
85 Bis Rue de Charenton, Paris, France
- http://boulangerie-bo.wixsite.com/boulangerie-bo
3Established by Xavier Ruel in 1852, the 𝗕𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗲 𝗹'𝗛ô𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 with its 6 floors of goods, is now one of Paris's shopping meccas, where you can find (almost) anything under the sun. Lebovitz recommends the well-supplied kitchenware and hardware departments.
- +33 9 77 40 14 00
52 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France
- https://www.bhv.fr/
6I love anything lemon-glazed, and dainty shell-shaped 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 are high on the list of my favourite snacks when feeling fancy. I was star-eyed when Lebovitz shared his recipe for lemon-glazed madeleines. But in case you are like me and baking is not quite your thing, head over to 𝗕𝗹é 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗿é to get your hands on "Paris's most perfect lemon-glazed medeleines". These dainty cakes are created by the skilled hands of pastry chef Patrice Le Bourdat, who worked at a 3 star Michelin restaurant before opening Blé Sucré. In case baking is indeed your thing, check out their website to steal some authentic French 𝘱â𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦 recipes: https://blesucre.fr/?fbclid=IwAR1ajJGnr6YSp1NNMoJqps1Raqn6WroZlyojBl-rnfk2hEcltJbvOIQvXgw
- +33 1 43 40 77 73
7 Rue Antoine Vollon, Paris, France
- https://blesucre.fr/
8Every morning, artisanal boulangerie 𝗔𝘂 𝟭𝟰𝟬's team of 4 bakers, 2 pastry chefs and 1 quartermaster fire up the wood ovens to churn out what Lebovitz recommends as "some of the best breads in Paris". Their attention to ingredient selection and slow kneading won Au 140 the 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘹 𝘥𝘦 𝘭𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 in 2001. https://www.au140.com/
- +33 1 46 36 92 47
140 Rue de Belleville, 75020 Paris, France
- https://www.au140.com/
4Boulangerie Au 140's partner pastry shop, 𝗣â𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗹’É𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 has a long history of creating award-winning desserts, such as their chocolate éclair. Their pastries are tailored to the changing of the seasons, and they have a selection of gluten-free cakes to choose from too. http://www.demoncy-vergne.com/
- +33 1 46 36 66 08
10 Rue du Jourdain, 75020 Paris, France
4La Brûlerie de Jourdain is a family-run café which has been delighting Parisians since 1955 with its coffee made from beans roasted right on the premises. Teas, honeys, pollens and other accessories can also be found in their shop. https://www.facebook.com/bruleriedejourdain
- +33 1 47 97 92 77
140 Rue de Belleville, 75020 Paris, France
- https://www.facebook.com/bruleriedejourdain/
6One of the three historical Parisian cafés alongside Angelina, 𝗖𝗮𝗳é 𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 in its early days was a hub of poet and painters, gathering on the Left Bank to sip on thick hot chocolate while shaping the future of the artistic scene. Fancy people-watching from the same seats once occupied by figures such as Appolinaire, Descartes and Picasso? "Be prepared to pay for the privilege". https://cafedeflore.fr
- +33 1 45 48 55 26
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France
- https://cafedeflore.fr/
How best to enjoy crusty baguettes topped with savoury, creamy cheeses (or chocolate!), than to pair them with some French wine? 𝗡𝘆𝘀𝗮, located in the 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩é d’Aligre is one of Lebovitz’s favourite wine “caves”. Worthy of note, the owner speaks fluent English, so don’t be shy and have him recommend the best wine for you. https://nysa.fr/
- +33 1 43 43 34 26
3 Place d'Aligre, 75012 Paris, France
4
If you’re looking to try one of Lebovitz’s favourite North African restaurants in Paris, alongside L'Atlas, plan a visit to 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘇 𝗢𝗺𝗮𝗿. The 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 (steak & fries, a common dish among French 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴) are "the most authentic in town". Try their Moroccan cuisine and couscous. No reservations, so be ready to wait.
- +33 9 86 39 91 14
47 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris, France
4
José Da Rosa has turned his profession into his passion, traveling the world in the endless pursuit of exquisite, unique and traditional products that will fill the shelves of his shop, 𝗗𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮. Feast on the same hams, olive oils, preserves and other specialties that are supplied to French chefs and make their way onto the tables of some of Paris’s finest restaurants. Slather your baguette with handmade butter from Jean-Yves Bordier. Pair it with a generous heaping of jam made by famous 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘴𝘦 Christine Ferber. Lebovitz recommends Da Rosa as a great spot for a light lunch or dinner. https://www.darosa.fr/
- +33 1 40 51 00 09
62 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, France
3
When chocolate was introduced to France in 1615, many medical properties were associated with its consumption. Former pharmacy 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘂𝘃𝗲 & 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝘀 still sells 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵é, flat disks of chocolate to be consumed for "health". Taste the shop’s signature 𝘗𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦-𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦, chocolate medallions created for the Queen of France by royal pharmacist Debauve. Take a step back in time at Paris’s “oldest, most historic and most expensive chocolate shop”. http://www.debauve-et-gallais.com/
- +33 1 45 48 54 67
30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris, France
4
When it opened in 1898, 𝗟𝗲 𝗗ô𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗳é was a first in its kind, an Anglo-American café where the famous intellectuals of Montparnasse gathered to discuss the future of the arts. Today it has transformed into a beautifully decorated upscale seafood restaurant, awarded with 1 Michelin star, beloved for its "oversized trays of 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘳, heaped with oysters and chilled shellfish". The menu changes on a daily basis, but here are some classic highlights to try: 🔸 Oysters, take your pick of the wide variety offered, from sweet to nutty. 🔸 Plateau du Dôme, the massive tower-like shellfish tray that comes with a giddy pricetag but looks ridiculously delicious. 🔸 Bouillabaisse, a traditional fish and vegetable stew haling from Marseille. 🔸 Mille feuille, a dessert made of pastry cream sandwiched between layers of flaky puff pastry and the house special. 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲. The peak of the oyster season in France runs from September through December. While navigating the selection, keep in mind that oysters are assigned numbers from 0 to 5, the bigger the number the smaller the oyster. http://www.restaurant-ledome.com/?fbclid=IwAR1S6-_h1Afwtx6ScDieBFlgLFeX60jgsOj4P-LrZ8N9GJxWfr50x5N_Mzk
- +33 1 43 35 25 81
108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France
Eric Kayser, born to a family of bakers, had always been a strong believer that high-quality French bread made of carefully selected ingredients would one day win over the masses. The brand he has built today stands to testify the success of his quest. The Monge baguette, with a generous crumb and crunchy crust, is this bakery's flagship product. Lebovitz praises 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗞𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗿 for the reliable quality of its exceptional bread. He also recommends the financiers and pastries. 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲. Some of this boulangerie's locations offer gluten-free products. https://www.maison-kayser.com/gb/
- +33 1 44 07 01 42
Maubert-Mutualité, 8 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France
3𝗔 𝗟'𝗘𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗱'𝗢𝗿, Madame Denise Acabo has created a truly unique candy shop where you will be drawn into a magical wonderland lined with vintage jars filled with sweets, marshmallows, jellies and chocolates. Among the highlights (too many to list them all!), let yourself be tempted by Henri Le Roux's salted butter caramels, Jacques Genin's mango-passion fruit caramels, or a bar of exclusive (and elusive) Bernachon chocolate.
- +33 1 48 74 59 55
30 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris, France
7Lebovitz describes 𝗚𝗼𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝘁 as a "true mecca for spice-lovers", and mentions how their saffron is well worth a hike across Paris. The 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻 family, who opened shop back in 1809, are the most ancient producer of saffron in the world and have been recognized with the prestigious title of 𝘔𝘢𝘪̂𝘵𝘳𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘯. Apart from the golden saffron and the many products they produce with it, at Goumanyat you will also find a wide selection of other fragrant products not limited to dried fruits and flowers, specialty teas and syrups, and other snacks. Browse around their website for the full product catalogue and an extensive collection of tantalizing recipes: https://www.thiercelin1809.com/
3 Rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003 Paris, France
- https://www.thiercelin1809.com/
3When looking for organic dry goods and specialty foods, Lebovitz recommends visiting José Ferré's 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵é. Crossing the threshold into this quaint shop feels like taking a step back into vintage Parisian days. Stock up on dried beans, grains, seeds, flours, jams, old-fashioned French candies, fragrant nut oils from Huilerie J. Leblanc and tantalizing Dijon 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘥'é𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 from Mulot & Petitjean. https://www.facebook.com/jojo.kawa.ferre/
- +33 1 43 43 22 64
8 Place d'Aligre, 75012 Paris, France
4𝗟𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 is located in a building whose original construction began in 1637 and was later sold to Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louise XIV's famous minister. Major reconstructions saw it reopen in 1828 first as a gallery, then a novelty store until it finally transformed into a restaurant. Today you can dine in a Belle époque dream, surrounded by Pompeiian-style paintings and precious mosaic floors. In 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨'𝘴 𝘎𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves dine here on 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻, which she had claimed to be the best in the whole of Paris. As the story goes, Le Grand Colbert did not originally have a roast chicken dish on their menu, but they created one after the popularity of the movie. The restaurant's main attraction is still its delectable seafood selection. Gluten-free and vegetarian option available. https://www.legrandcolbert.fr/en/
- +33 1 42 86 87 88
2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France
Situated right next to Bon Marché, 𝗟𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 is one of Paris’s grand department stores for everything food, offering a wide selection of French and imported specialty products, and a growing organic line. Lebovitz recommends checking out the 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 aisle, “a great place to stock up on tablets from across France”. Boxes, bars, truffles and cocoa powder, there is everything you need to satisfy those chocolate cravings (including some of Angelina’s exclusive spreads). https://www.lagrandeepicerie.com/en/lge-home-page/lge-home-page.html
- +33 1 44 39 81 00
38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
At 𝗛ô𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝟵°, sip absinthe in the authentic bar of the former Don Juan Cabaret and explore the history of the ritual that swept over the Belle Époque intellectual scene, enticing artists like Van Gogh and Baudelaire. Step back into carefree, anise-scented 19th-century Rue Fromentin, where “the Green Fairy” was the most fashionable drink of the time and offered at every corner. The absinthe served at Royal’s Fromentin carefully preserved lobby is free from the most harmful ingredients that had it eventually banned in 1915, and is seeing a new age of revival. Get inspiration for a full artistic pilgrimage around the district on their website: https://www.hotelroyalfromentin.com/en/pages/absinthe-and-history-of-the-district
- +33 1 48 74 85 93
11 Rue Fromentin, 75009 Paris, France
Established in 1878, Huilerie Leblanc has been a family business ever since, currently run by the founder’s grandson Jean-Charles Leblanc. To this day all their nut oils and vinegars are made in their proprietary factory in small batches, using selected high-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers and traditional extraction methods. “Aks for a sniff of each, the aromas will knock your socks off”.
- +33 1 44 07 36 58
12 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris, France
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