Travel Guide 04: Summer in Paris
Where to sip, snack and soak up the sun in Paris
Dear friends,
Naïké here, GB&C’s partnerships person and highly opinionated ex-Parisian.
There’s always chatter in the British food press about whether French food is in or out. We’re not sure we have the answer, but one thing’s for certain: a Parisian getaway will always be in. At GB&C, at least one person is in Paris at any given time. (If you know anyone who can sort us out with a corporate Eurostar discount, get in touch).
I love London, of course, but I’m not sure anything beats a 6€ glass of wine on a sunny terrace, or a simple Prince de Paris ham and Comté baguette. Paris offers more than its clichés, but I always come back for those (and a lot of other favourites I’ll share in this list).
There are of course many, many more places than what’s included here, but this guide has been curated specifically with those brave summer tourists in mind, who hope to explore the city at its best: when the locals are off to Biarritz and Marseille.
TERRACED BISTROS
Tiny but mighty! Le Verre Volé is a legendary institution; one of the first caves à manger (wine shops that also serve great food). It might not sound revolutionary today, but it definitely was 25 years ago. Expect everything from classic homemade terrines, confit duck and beef tartares to ceviche verde and clams in dashi.
Honourable mentions: Café des Ministères, Paloma, Café Les Deux Gares
SANDWICHES ON THE GO
Rotisserie Segar is a modern rotisserie that turns leftover roast chicken into an outrageous Caesar-style baguette sandwich with parmesan, Caesar dressing, and a life-changing extra touch: crispy chicken skin instead of croutons.
Honourable mentions: Chez Aline, Benchy, Ten Belles, Banh Mi Angela, Le Favori, Olga
FOR ALL YOUR PASTRY CRAVINGS
Bontemps might look a bit kitsch and over-the-top, but don’t be fooled - it’s fantastic. Linger in their courtyard terrace or grab a few pastries to go, specifically the gianduja sablés and lemon cake.
Honourable mentions: Tapisserie, Mamiche, Norma, Pilos, Ronnie Bakery
ICE CREAM DE LA CRÈME
Café Isaka initially went viral for their deep-fried scoops, but even without it, it’s arguably one of the best ice creams in town. The owner is Folderol-trained so they’re silky, creamy and delicate, but with Asian-inspired flavours like pandan, Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea. Grab a cone and enjoy at the Jardin du Palais-Royal nearby.
Honorable mentions: Folderol, JJ Hings, La Combine
COCKTAILS AND DRINKS
Kissproof is one of Beirut’s best exports. Great absinthe-based cocktail list, but their classics are also spot on. They only have a couple of tables outside and it’s usually packed, but always with such great energy, and the best staff of all time.
Honourable mentions: Le Cornichon, Bar Principal, Café des Délices, Combat, Le Mary-Celeste, Fréquence
WINE BARS AND PETIT PLATES
Les Oeillets is the place for natural wine, creative tiny plates, random conversations with strangers, and a little bit of chaos. Rotating chef residencies and no wine list (they go off what you like), so it's a little bit unpredictable, but definitely a fun time. (Just make sure you ask for the price otherwise you might be in for a surprise!)
Honourable mentions: Les Vins du Matin, Rori, Buttes, La Cave Paul Bert, Sobremesa, Lolo Cave à Manger, Passerina, Recoin, Chambre Noire Studio, Helios, Septime La Cave, Bar Principal, Early June
EXPERT WINE SHOPS
I love Rerenga Wines. Low-intervention wines, incredibly engaged staff, and a mix of feminist, queer and anti-fascist literature.
Honourable mentions: Cave Canaille, Goûte, Sémélé, Soif
OTHER CUISINES (FOR WHEN YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH RATATOUILLE)
The BangBang guys turn up the heat with influences from Thailand to Colombia. Dishes are always bold and spicy - think papaya salad with chicharron, bbq-grilled octopus skewers, barbacoa empanadas and curries. It's great.
Honorable mentions: Abri Soba, Localino, Passerini, Chi’s Viet Food, Etsi
CAFÉS AND COFFEE SHOPS
Paris was late to the specialty coffee game but it’s catching up fast, with a new Nordic-style coffee shop opening every week. Mardi Café is doing it right with well-crafted coffee, delicious cakes, fun seasonal specials, and regular collabs and events.
Honourable mentions: Tram Café, Café Compagnon, Partisan, Telescope, Mardi Café, Dreamin Man, Ten Belles 10, Pontochoux Café, Candle Kids
Still hungry? Return to Paris in the autumn for a saucisse-purée at Les Arlots, xiao long bao dumplings at Le Royal China, life-changing skewers at Le Rigmarole, a 20-course meal at Le Clarence, a crying tiger at Lao Siam, a squid ink pizza at Oobatz, a ham and comté crêpe at Tanguy, or mapo tofu agnolotti at Cheval d’Or.
Which city should we feature next? Leave your thoughts below.
Love, Naïké and team GB&C