Chez Prune
The quintessential Canal Saint-Martin cafe-bar, a boho institution where Parisians spill onto the canal-side terrace for coffee, wine and people-watching from morning to late. Order a plate of cheese and settle in.
Paris
Marché aux Fleurs
A charming, partly-covered flower market a step from Notre-Dame that has traded on the Île de la Cité for over a century. Wander the rare and unusual blooms and soak up the scents even if you are not buying.
Chez Paul
A classic French bistro near Bastille with a simple recipe: quality produce, generous servings and good wine in a relaxed, elbow-to-elbow room. Ask for a Patxaran digestif and save room for the profiteroles.
Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte)
A 4.7 km linear park built atop a disused railway – the world’s first, and an inspiration for New York’s High Line. It starts elevated on the Viaduc des Arts from Bastille, crosses the Jardin de Reuilly, then drops to ground level. Tranquil benches and treetop views.
Le Marché de Belleville
A cosmopolitan open-air market along Boulevard de Belleville every Tuesday and Friday – souk-like and great value, with stalls of fruit, veg and exotic produce ringed by Chinese and North-African shops and eateries. Tip: grab a sweet at the oriental patisserie “Nani”.
Le Piano Vache
A wonderfully dark, poster-plastered student bar in the Latin Quarter, going since 1969. A convivial mix of students, young professionals and a few travellers, with free jazz manouche on Monday nights (drinks cost a little more then). Tip: don’t talk over the music.
Printemps Rooftop Terrace
Ride the lift then escalator to the top of Printemps for a free, breathtaking 360° panorama of Paris – Montmartre on one side, the Eiffel Tower on the other. Grab simple café food or a drink among the rooftops. Note: no step-free access.
La Jacobine
A hidden tearoom tucked in a quiet passage near Odéon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Locals come for delicious pastries and a famous Aztec hot chocolate; it doubles as a restaurant of traditional French dishes. Tip: the raspberry macaron is superb.
Veja Store
The French sneaker label built on fair-trade Amazonian rubber and organic cotton, with in-store repairs.
day by day
A zero-waste grocer selling everything loose – bring your own container and buy exactly what you need.