Neighborhooding: Le Marais, Paris

For first-timers to Paris, the Marais would be my recommendation for a home base. It’s walkable to the main tourist sights in the first arrondisement (Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Tuileries, Place de la Concorde) and the newly-reopened Notre Dame on Ile de la Cite, and it’s in a central spot to use public transportation to get everywhere else. Not to mention, it’s chock full of shops, restaurants and bars that ooze the exact vibe you’re looking for in Paris.

Where to Sleep

Les Bains: I’ve got a soft spot for Les Bains since it’s where Bill and I stayed during our first trip to Paris together, post our Bordeaux engagement. The rooms are great and the vibe is very sexy/fashiony. With a rollicking history as a former nightclub and bathhouse, Les Bains has a huge bar & lounge beyond the lobby and a subterranean club complete with swimming pool.

Eat Like an Olympic Sport

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Bouillon Republique: A working class restaurant serving top notch, authentic French food at a fraction of the price, a bouillon is a relatively new concept to me but they’ve been around for over a hundred years. At the turn of the 20th century, you could find 250+ bouillons in Paris. Today, only a handful remain but they’re incredibly popular. This one is a behemoth, spanning multiple floors and commanding a line that moves quickly thanks to sidewalk beers picked up nearby. This is where you come to try all the classic French dishes with very little risk, since the prices are insanely affordable. As in, most apps for $5 and entrees for $15. A great spot for a large group too.

Ober Mamma · Italian Restaurant · Paris 11th République

Ober Mamma: OK even though I’ve never been here, I’ve been to a couple other spots by this restaurant group and I have a feeling this one is more in line with the amazingly fun Palatino in Bordeaux than the hideously horrendous Pink Mamma in Pigalle. The design is over-the-top, ornate Italian maximalism and the truffle pasta is a delight.

Marché des Enfants Rouges — Market Review | Condé Nast Traveler

Marche des Enfants Rouge: Indoor covered market that is the oldest market in Paris, dating back to 1615. Come here for fresh produce, sandwiches and snacks from around the world.

Drink Like a Local

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Little Red Door: A serious cocktail bar that consistently makes the lists of the world’s best.

Candelaria, Paris, France - Bar Review | Condé Nast Traveler

Candelaria: Another “world’s best bar” contender, this Mexican taqueria speakeasy is delicious and fun.

Shopping

Paris' Canal Saint-Martin: A Complete Neighborhood Guide - Paris UnlockedCanal St Martin: This neighborhood surrounding a canal is packed with boutiques, restaurants and bars.

The BHV Marais is going to change ownership, what will change? -  Sortiraparis.com

BHV Marais: Classic department store.

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