Our Top 5 Must Visits: Paris, France
Tired of the same tourist traps? Us too! We're always on the hunt for the hidden gems that bring out the true spirit of a place. Traveling isn't just about checking destinations off your bucket list, it's about collecting memories that spark joy and add value to your story. We can promise, after all the decades of traveling the world we’ve found it’s much better to deviate from the norm and let curiosity be your compass. From hidden gems to cultural immersion, there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored beyond your wildest dreams. Here are (in no sequential order) our top 5 “must visit” places in the wold renowned, Paris, France.
Maison Aleph
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Levantine bakery specializing in pastry nests, unique flavored ice creams, and elixers!
We stumbled on this tiny high-end shop and now rarely visit Paris without dropping in. Our favorite finds here include Rose de Damas Yaourt de Brebis, Café Cardamome glaces, and Lebanese blackberry boissons over ice or in a latte, and also any of the pastry nests— you truly can’t go wrong!
2. Caves Legrand
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A gorgeous wine bar, cellar, and restaurant in the historical Galerie Vivienne, Paris.
We discovered this place on accident, snooping down Parisian galeries we saw several windows filled with rare and vintage wines laying in velvet displays and decided to pop in for a glass. The Maison Legrand is the heir to a know-how and a philosophy that have stood the test of time. The historic heart of the House, the Cellar now includes a boutique, a restaurant and private lounges inside the splendid Galerie Vivienne, a listed historic monument in Paris' 2nd arrondissement. If you want a quiet tucked away experience of truly great wines, this is your spot. They even have a wine school!
3. Costês
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THEE hotel, bar, restaurant, and spa. A succession of cozy dining rooms, velvet curtains, long galleries bathed in light, where you can see without being seen, and of course, the terrace, an Italian-style patio, which has become one of the places to be in Paris…
There are few greater things in the world than Costês. There’s no argument to that. But, if you only visit for the night, you’ll first be swept up by the fragrant velvet halls — the scent is unforgettable and you can buy their perfumes and room sprays at the hotel lobby! Now, the dining experience, please don’t leave without ordering the escargot and finish the night with their cheesecake— it’s unlike any other.
At Hotel Costes, meals are served all hours of the day and night. Jean-Louis Costes has created a menu that includes his favorite dishes. The results? Simple, fresh, and compelling, the restaurant’s traditional gastronomy combined with a contemporary gourmet approach has proven to be a booming success. Enjoy dining while listening to DJ sets that create a relaxed and glamorous musical atmosphere.
4. Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
High-end luxury chocolate manufacturers.
It took one time for this chocolatier to make an impact on me. Now I bring little boxes of chocolate as gifts to business partners, family, friends on my travels and they keep well in the suitcase! (That is, if I don’t eat them before we get there).
Known best for radical choices, almost raw at times, work focused on the essentials, a quest that is more original than original: Alain Ducasse chocolates fully bear witness to the fact that craftsmanship is quite an art.
5. Mariage Frerés
Tea as far as the eye can see…from around the world since 1854. Tea emporium, restaurant, & tea salon.
This isn’t necessarily an unknown tea house, however it still really does a great job and you can find fascinating teas here in an enchanting library-like display. This is a great item to bring home, as it will last you and take you back to Paris every time you pour a cup!
