An En-Route series spotlighting the plates, pours, and places worth unpacking for. From candlelit bistros to late night wine bars and the hotels you’ll dream about later – here’s where to check in, check out, and check the wine list in Paris. 

I’d always planned to take the last two weeks of July off, where, I wasn’t sure. I’d considered Europe, but with the euro’s not exactly doing Aussies any favours right now, I convinced myself I’d skip a year.

But in true Jo style, sometimes I’m as spontaneous as it gets, I booked a one way flight to Ibiza four days before flying out, with the plan to figure out the rest later. A trip that ended up being eight nights in Ibiza, followed by five magical nights in Paris.

Five nights in Paris is never enough. I’ve been before, but not for some time, and this trip…

The first three nights were solo, riding around, wandering and eating on my own – and now I am leaving with friends all over the world. One of my favourite solo nights was at Chez Janou, a Provencal Bistro I’d ridden past late one night and knew instantly I’d be back. The last two nights I spent with my friends Eloise and Matt, it was their eleventh time in Paris and they were the best tour guides I could ask for.

If you’re the kind of traveller who’d rather settle into a venue and soak it all in than tick off a list of sights, and you’re a self confessed foodie like me – this is the list for you. It sits outside the usual tourist trail, and it’s only a taste. My to hit list could go on forever. Check my Instagram for more.

Cafes & Bars

Aux Deux Amis

Dreamin Man Café

A cafe focused on good coffee (something I vouch for), and maybe a pastry on the side. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, and take it all in.

Folderol

Icecream and wine of the street, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Du Pain et des idéees

We walked all the way there only to find it closed for the summer, but it’s Eloise and Matt’s favourite boulangerie. Thats enough for me to trust it belongs on the list. Their pick is the pistachio escargot!

Septime La Cave

Just around corner from its big sister, a tiny wine bar where the bottles line the walls and you stand on the street with a glass in hand chatting. The perfect place to end your night!

LE CORNICHON

A Parisian bistro that feels like a traditional neighbourhood bar, with a menu of snack-style French classics. The kind of place you can drop into for a quick glass and a bite, and end up staying longer than planned.

Les Enfants Du Marché

Set inside the bustling Marché des Enfants Rouges, it’s the sort of spot you pull up a stool and sit right in the middle of it all. A menu that changes daily, a good looking natural wine list, and the buzz of Paris’s oldest covered market – dating back to 1615.

Restaurants 

Chez Janou

Chez Janou is one of those places you see and know you’ll be back. A Provencal bistro in the Marais with warm yellow walls, a buzzing bar, and one of the best chocolate mousses in Paris. Order the mussels, duck, mousse and let the staff choose your wine, then stay for the energy.

Le Doyenné

I had a booking for one this trip but ended up cancelling, it’s the kind of restaurant you want to experience with someone. Still on my bucket list, I’ll be back next Summer!

Racines

Hidden the Passage des Panoramas, this cozy Italian spots serves simple Italian dishes done exceptionally well. Silky pasta, authentic proteins and seasonal sides with a wine list that leans natural. A quietly unforgettable experience, that also ticked my Italian box, as I didn’t quite make it to Italy this year.

Septime

An experience that captures modern Parisian dining. Relaxed but the plate is at the centre. Seasonal produce, natural wine front and centre on the list and dining room with quiet confidence. Book ahead, as seats are hard to come by.

La Chateaubriand

A living room serving a daily changing menu built on seasonal produce, with a natural wine list to match. Unpretentious, energetic, and a favourite for many.

Le Clown Bar

Right next to my hotel, I walked past it daily but sadly closed for the summer while I was in town. A Paris institution I will be back for.

Hotels

Le Clarke Hotel

I did very little research into where to stay in Paris, when friends who have been x times send a recommendation, you put your trust in them. I stayed in Le Clarke Hotel, and would happily do it again. The rooms are small, but the location is gold. Walking distance to shopping in Marais and all of my favourite cafes, restaurants and bars.

Hotel Fabric

Matt and Eloise’s pick, just a across in the 11th. A good option if you want to stay close to the action but feel like a local.