‘Gaux-To Paris: Our Guide to the City of Lights

‘Gaux-To Paris: Our Guide to the City of Lights

No European city screams food-and-wine-focused getaway like Paris. Regularly the most visited city in Europe year in and year out, the City of Lights is an absolute no-brainer for those looking to indulge in the best of French food, wine, and all around joie de vivre.

With international travel back in full swing, Paris remains at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists for the upcoming year ahead – and if you’re coming from the United States, getting to France’s capital city has never been easier. Many airlines have added direct flights from major cities all across the country, meaning your next wine-and-cheese laden apéro is just a few hours away.

For those who love food and wine but have never been to Paris, we can’t recommend it enough; gastronomy fans who’ve visited before, we’re certain you know why. However, as with any big city, Paris is home to a slew of restaurant tourist traps – a major no-no for us here at Argaux.

Though worry not! Our team has regularly visited the City of Lights (in fact, one of our team members even lives there part time) and has come up with this extensive list of unmissable wine bars, bistros, and authentic places to imbibe. Check it out here!

The Bigger Picture:

Paris is located in the northern half of France, about smack in the middle from its eastern and western limits. Home to over two million residents, Paris is regularly the most visited city in the world year in and year out – and if you’ve been before, you certainly understand why.

In addition to its bustling food and wine scene, Paris’ stunning architecture, countless museums, and endless exhibitions offer an unlimited supply of things to do. Whether gazing at centuries-old paintings, strolling through manicured parks, or perusing through local flea market offerings is more your thing, Paris has something to offer every type of traveler – and best of all, accessing wine regions all around the country via France’s TGV (fast train) system is incredibly easy.

Note: The city center of Paris is broken down into 20 neighborhoods, known locally as arrondissements. The numbers indicated next to each recommendation signify the neighborhood in which the establishment is located.

First Things First:

Paris and pastries go hand in hand, and no trip to France would be complete without a flaky, perfectly buttery treat. However, many of the capital’s boulangeries sadly serve up defrosted treats from the supermarket aisle in their display windows. For authentic treats to start your day, look to these local establishments:

• Terroirs d’Avenir – Perhaps the best pain au chocolat in Paris!
• Du Pain et Des Idées – Excellent pastries, do not skip on the escargot, their signature chocolate and pistachio treat
• Mokonuts – Unbelievable coffee and cookies
• Chambelland – The best gluten-free bakery in the city
• Mamiche – Savory cinnamon buns that promise to blow your mind
• Poilâne – Local favorite for bread, butter cookies, and more

Ready for Round Two:

Here at Argaux, we never recommend skipping lunch – especially if you plan on sipping on wine all the day long. Check out some of our favorite lunch spots here:

• Bistrot Paul Bert – Traditional bistro food with solid wine list (can be hard to get in for dinner, lunch is a no brainer)
• Juveniles – Wine bar near the Louvre with incredible (and affordable) three-course menu options
• Café Méricourt – Adorable café on a quiet street with eggs, sandwiches, and tasty coffee
• L’As du Falafel – You’ll definitely wait in line for a bit, but this is for sure the best falafel in town
• Clamato – Sister restaurant of Septime known for natural wine and seafood favorites
• Wild and the Moon – Disclaimer – this is not typically “French” whatsoever, but for those looking for a healthy reset (juices, smoothies, acai bowls, CBD-infused drinks), this is your spot

Wine Bars Galore:

What Paris lacks in vineyards it makes up for in wine bars. We’re confident in saying that it may just be the best city for drinking wine in the world. Here are our top places to imbibe:

• Chambre Noire – Popular industry spot for late-night hangs
• Septime La Cave – Popular expat hang for natural wine and by-the-glass pours
• Bonvivant – Do not sleep on this Left Bank gem; great cheese boards and excellent wine list
• Willi’s Wine Bar – Hidden gem in touristy part of town; great Northern Rhône selection (Alyssa’s favorite!
• Le Barav – Well-located wine bar with great bottles and extensive outdoor seating
• La Cave de Belleville – Wine bar / wine shop with massive cheese / charcuterie boards, tapas, and a solid wine selection
• Cave à Michel – Hole in the wall spot near the canal with plenty of sidewalk standing room
• La Cagouille – Pricey, but solid wine list focused on incredible white Burgundy with some of the most strictly allocated producers in the world
• Au Sauvignon – Grab a glass of Sancerre and pair with their warm goat cheese salad, you won’t be disappointed
• Le Comptoir des Caves Legrand – Arnaud Tronche’s remarkable wine program featuring producers that are usually hard to find – they also offer closer to retail pricing (instead of restaurant which is usually 3x markup). Win, win!
• Lapérouse – great wine cellar in the 6th with a ton of hidden gems. Very historic place!
• Au Petit Rozey – A hub for all the hippest locals in Paris. Ask them for the wines they’re loving now—they always have something fun behind the bar.

Dinner; The Best Meal of the Day:

Dining in Paris may just be our favorite activity, especially when the evening calls for a slow and savory meal (laden with copious amounts of wine, of course). Here are a few of our current places to dine with friends – we recommend making reservations:

• Vantre
• Le Saint-Sébastien
• Le Servan
• Early June
• Septime
• Aux Bons Crus
• Arpège (for a splurge!)
• Frenchie Bar à Vins – 2nd
• Le Bon Georges – 9th
• GEGEOR – Caviste & Restaurateur – 9th

Night Caps for All:

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to drink in Paris than delicious wine. The city is home to one of Europe’s most bustling cocktail bar scenes. Be sure to grab a nightcap at one or more of the following places:

• Le Mary Celeste – Open late night / 7 days per week
• Little Red Door – Popular, award-winning speakeasy
• Bluebird – Retro vibes and creative drinks served up beside a massive fish tank!
• Le Perchoir – Pricy, but worth it for the rooftop views and party vibes
• Dirty Dick – Dim dive bar with Polynesian cocktails
• Arbane – Left Bank gem

Our Go-To Places to Picnic:

Sipping and snacking doesn’t necessarily mean heading to a local wine bar or restaurant. Do as the locals do and have your apéro (pre-dinner drink and snack) in one of Paris’ many lush parks and gardens. Here are a few of our preferred spots:

• Luxembourg Gardens
• Canal Saint-Martin
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Parc Montsouris (underrated Left Bank spot where the locals hang)
• Parc Monceau (also underrated, tucked away in quiet, residential neighborhood)

Additional Things to Do (beyond eating and drinking):

• After checking the Louvre and Orsay off of your bucket list, check out some of the city’s smaller museums, including the Orangerie, Musée Rodin, Musée Carnavelet, Musée Gustave Moreau, and more
• Pay a visit to the former home of Victor Hugo, located in the beautiful Places des Vosges
• Head to the upstairs reading room at Shakespeare & Co for a break with your current book
• Have a run (or walk) along the Seine
• Head to the gritty-yet-exciting Saint-Ouen flea market, located just outside of Paris
• Take an hour-long bâteau-mouche cruise along the Seine and learn a thing or two about Paris (yes, it’s touristy, but it’s totally worth it – and in English!)
• Window shop through the gorgeous boutiques of Saint-Germain
• Imbibe in local brews at Les Cuves de Fauve (okay, this involves drinking… but it’s worth it!)
• Plan a day trip to Chartres, Reims (hello, Champagne!), or other nearby cities

A Little Rest and Relaxation:

Although Paris is home to countless luxurious accommodations, we recommend renting an Airbnb for an authentic, local experience. Here are a few of our most-loved neighborhoods:

• 11th (particularly near Oberkampf, Republique, or Charonne)
• 3rd (near Republique / Haut-Marais)
• 4th (Marais area)
• 6th (quiet yet beautiful Left Bank neighborhood)
• 10th (near the Canal Saint-Martin – think Goncourt or Jacques Bonseargeant metro stops)

No matter what type of traveler you are, one thing’s for sure: Paris is always a good idea. Cheers!