3 Must-See Spots in Paris: Hidden Gems for Food Lovers, Local Vibes, and Artistic Charm
The city of love needs no introduction, but sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to spend your time in a city with so many options. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning for another stay, here are 3 of my favourite spots in Paris that I make sure to get to every time I’m passing through.
Paris is a city where food is at the heart of everything—whether you're picking up fresh produce from a bustling market, enjoying a pastry at a corner bakery, or sitting down for a meal at a classic brasserie. The food culture here is an essential part of daily life, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of it all. While the iconic sights are worth exploring, some of the best parts of Paris are found in quieter, less touristy spots, where you can really feel the city’s charm.
One of those places is Rue Montorgueil, a lively street that’s packed with food shops, cafés, and a true Parisian vibe. The Luxembourg Gardens offer a peaceful break from the city with wide paths, shady spots, and people enjoying the outdoors. And Montmartre, with its winding streets and local cafés, still carries the spirit of the artists who once lived there. These areas give you a more relaxed side of Paris, where you can take your time and enjoy the city’s unique charm away from most of the usual crowds.
RUE MONTORGUIEL
All the highlights of French food and cafe culture on one charming street.
Rue Montorgueil (where -gueil is pronounced like the -goyle in the word gargoyle) is one of Paris’s oldest market streets, with roots dating back to the 13th century when it served as a key route for transporting goods to Les Halles. Today, it’s a lively pedestrian street that blends the old and the new, with traditional storefronts sitting alongside modern cafés and specialty shops. The atmosphere is laid-back but always buzzing—locals pop in for their daily errands, office workers gather for lunch, and visitors stroll through, soaking it all in. It’s a street that invites you to slow down, take a walk, and see a slice of everyday Paris beyond the usual landmarks.
It’s also the perfect place to get a taste of Paris’ incredible food culture and history, with some of the oldest purveyors of traditional pastries nestled beside fromageries stocked full of cheeses from the country over, and some of the neighbourhood’s most well known cafe brasseries serving steak frites and wines all day long.
BOULANGERIES, FROMAGERIES, PATISSERIES, AND PLENTY MORE.
What makes Rue Montorgueil special is how it brings together some of the best of France’s food traditions in one place. France is known for its deep agricultural roots, and you can see that pride on display at the grocers lining the street—stalls piled high with seasonal produce that looks like it was picked that morning. Just next door, fromageries offer an overwhelming (in the best way) selection of cheeses from across the country (with some even displaying maps of the country with drawings and diagrams showing where different French cheeses originate), each with its own regional story. The boulangeries are a dream for bread lovers—warm loaves coming out of the oven, crusty on the outside and perfectly soft inside. I honestly don’t think bread gets better than it does in France. And then there are the pâtisseries, where delicate pastries and rich sweets tempt from behind glass displays. Stohrer, the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, has been perfecting its craft since 1730, when it began baking for the royal family, and it still draws people in with treats that are as much a part of history as they are delicious.
THE BEST SPOTS TO SHOP FOR PARISIAN GOODS
Patisserie: Stohrer
Boulangerie: Eric Kayser
Fromagerie: La Fermette
BRASSERIES AND PARISIAN CAFE CULTURE.
The brasseries on Rue Montorgueil are easygoing spots where you can grab a seat any time of day. They follow the French tradition of service continu, serving from morning through late evening, so whether you’re after a quick coffee, a midday plat du jour, or a late-night drink, you’re covered. Brasseries have been part of French dining culture since the 19th century, originally places where people came for beer brewed on-site—though these days, you’re just as likely to order a glass of wine or a kir. Inside, there’s usually a comforting mix of tiled floors, mirrored walls, and no-nonsense service, while outside, tables face the street (because people-watching is practically a pastime here). On Montorgueil, they’re gathering places for everyone—office workers on lunch breaks, friends catching up over steak-frites, or solo diners taking their time with a book and a glass of something cold. It’s casual, welcoming, and built around the simple idea that you should be able to sit down and enjoy yourself, no matter the hour.
MONTORGUEIL BRASSERIES
Cafe du Centre
L’Escargot Montorgueil
Le Compas
GETTING THERE.
Rue Montorgueil is located in the 2nd Arrondissement of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine and is a mostly pedestrianised street.
BY METRO | There are multiple metro lines with stations close to either end of the street
Sentier: Metro line 3 (Olive Green)
Étienne Marcel: Metro line 4 (Purple)
Chatelet-Les Halles: RER Lines A/B/C *the Chatelet-Les Halles station complex can be quite confusing to navigate, so I typically recommend other stops
ON FOOT | There’s no better way to explore any city than while getting the step count up
Around 15 minutes from the Louvre Pyramid
Around 20 minutes from the Notre Dame Cathedral
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Paris' perfect spot for a stroll, picnic, or just a break - for locals and new faces alike.
The Luxembourg Gardens, or Jardin du Luxembourg, have been a beloved part of Paris since the early 17th century, when Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, commissioned them as the grounds for her new palace. Inspired by the gardens of her native Florence, she created a space that blended French formality with Italian touches. Over the centuries, the gardens have evolved but remain a cornerstone of Parisian life—part royal history, part public retreat. While the Luxembourg Palace now houses the French Senate, the gardens are where people come to relax, catch up with friends, or just enjoy a bit of green in the middle of the city.
The gardens are easy to explore and offer something for everyone. At the center, the large pond is a favorite spot for kids sailing toy boats and people lounging in the iconic green chairs. Wander a little further, and you’ll find quieter corners like the Medici Fountain or the orchards and beehives tucked away in the southern section. There are wide paths perfect for a stroll or morning run, open lawns where you can stretch out on the grass, and plenty of shaded spots when you need a break from the sun. For those looking to do more than just sit back, there are playgrounds for kids, tennis courts, and even chess tables where locals gather for a game.
GETTING THERE.
Rue Montorgueil is located in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris, on the left bank of the Seine. It is free to enter the garden grounds.
BY METRO | There are multiple metro lines with stations close to park entrances
Odeon: Metro line 4 (Purple) or 10 (Yellow)
Rennes: Metro line 12 (Green)
Luxembourg: RER Line B (Blue)
ON FOOT | There’s no better way to explore any city than while getting the step count up
Around 5 minutes from the Pantheon
Around 20 minutes from the Notre Dame Cathedral
MONTMARTRE
Exploring the quirky, artistic heart of Paris.
Montmartre, perched on a hill in the city’s north, is one of Paris’s most recognizable neighborhoods. It’s no secret that it draws crowds—between the sweeping views from Sacré-Cœur and the maze of cobblestone streets, it’s a tourist favorite. But there’s still plenty of charm if you take the time to wander. Montmartre feels like a village tucked inside the city, with winding lanes, vine-covered houses, and unexpected quiet corners. Even with all the visitors, it manages to hold onto its unique, slightly quirky character that sets it apart from the rest of Paris.
THE ARISTS’ SQUARE.
Right near the top of the hill, you’ll find Place du Tertre, the famous artist’s square. Back in the early 1900s, this was the heart of Montmartre’s creative scene—painters, poets, and musicians gathered here, drawn by cheap rents and a lively café culture. These days, artists still set up their easels, sketching portraits and selling their work to passersby. It’s touristy, sure, but the atmosphere is fun and full of life. Most of the restaurants around the square cater to the crowds, but Chez Eugène is a solid exception—friendly vibe, good food, and a great spot to sit back and watch the world go by.
WHERE TO EAT, AWAY FROM THE TOURIST TRAPS.
If you head away from the busy centre, Montmartre slows down. The quieter streets are where you’ll find a more relaxed side of the neighbourhood, with local cafés and small shops that give you a feel for how Parisians really live in the area. Here, it’s less about the tourist crowds and more about the everyday moments—people stopping for a quick chat with their neighbours, enjoying a leisurely coffee on a terrace, or simply walking through the peaceful, tree-lined streets. It’s the perfect place to explore if you’re looking for a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path Montmartre experience.
WHERE TO EAT | Some of my favourite spots for a meal in Montmartre
Maison Rosé: With a menu focused on seasonal and local ingredients, “The Pink House” is famous for its facade and fascinating history as a once a popular haunt frequented by some of Paris' greatest artists – including Pablo Picasso. Unfortunately the secret is out, and this restaurant can get quite busy - reserve a table if possible
Le Poulbot: A small, charming restaurant with tables spilling out on the street and an eye-catching painted facade
The Hardware Societé: As an Australian I absolutely have to mention Hardware Societé, which serves Melbourne-style breakfast with a French twist. Amazing coffee and excellent food
WHAT TO TRY | Parisian classics that a trip to France would not be complete without trying
French Onion Soup: A comforting dish made with slow-cooked caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread
Roast Duck: Typically served with a flavourful sauce (such as canard a l’orange), is a tender and succulent Parisian classic
Beef Bourguignon: A slow-cooked stew of beef, carrots, onions, and mushrooms in red wine, bringing out the depth of traditional French flavours
GETTING THERE.
Montmartre is located in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris, on top of the tallest hill in the city. Many of its streets are on the steep slopes of this hill, so wear comfortable shoes when planning on going exploring.
BY METRO | There aren’t any stations servicing the top of the hill of Montmartre, but you can still get quite close
Abbesses: Metro line 12 (Green)
ON FOOT | If you’re comfortable with getting a little sweaty, there aren’t many feelings of satisfaction better than reaching the steps in front of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, the famous white church overlooking the city
Walking up the hill from Anvers metro station (line 2 - Blue) will take about 15 minutes and will involve 270+ stairs to reach the top, where you’ll be greeted by one of the most spectacular views over Paris
