On my most recent visit to Paris (April, 2025) — my third time in this magical city — I stayed in the 10th arrondissement, and I honestly think it might be one of my favourite areas yet. Lively and buzzing with a local charm, the 10th has no shortage of cozy bakeries, bustling cafés, and tucked-away restaurants. It felt like I got a small taste of what it might be like to actually live in Paris.
I stayed in a charming Airbnb that was absolutely awesome. Tucked in a historic building, it did come with a narrow, old spiral staircase, so be prepared to climb — but hey, it’s all part of the experience, and I’d say it was definitely worth it. The host was incredibly kind and responsive, everything was spotless, and I felt completely safe and comfortable during my stay. You can check it out here.
I also spent a lot of time in the Marais (4th arrondissement), or SoMa (South Marais), and I cannot say enough good things about this area. It’s relaxed but still upbeat, modern while staying effortlessly chic. Yes, there are some touristy spots, but where isn’t nowadays? The Marais offers everything: boutique shopping, amazing food, contemporary art, live music, and just an overall beautiful vibe. I’d 100% recommend staying there or at least spending a good amount of time exploring it.
As for classic tourist attractions, I only did one this time: Notre-Dame. Having visited Paris before, I’d already checked off most of the big sights, but Notre-Dame was special this time. When I last came, it was closed due to the devastating fire in 2019. Now partially reopened, it felt amazing to walk through it again and appreciate its rich history and stunning architecture — from the stained glass windows to the gothic stonework. During my visit, the Crown of Thorns was on display and a church service was in progress, which made the moment feel all the more meaningful.
Of course, no Paris trip is complete without plenty of dining and shopping — though I mostly kept it budget-friendly, with a couple little splurges here and there.
Restaurants I Loved:
- Le Petite Louise (10th): My absolute favourite spot. Cozy, delicious, and super welcoming.
- La Rose de France (Île de la Cité): A bit pricier but worth it for the setting and the best crème brûlée I’ve ever had.
- Brasserie Gisele (4th): Perfect lunch stop, and I highly recommend ordering a panaché.
- Les Enfants du Marché (Marais): A trendy food market with great vendors and pop-up restaurants.
- La Siffiotte (10th): Amazing food and great value.
- Boulanger Pâtissier El Hafidi Abed (10th): This place deserves a paragraph of its own. The jam-filled doughnuts were truly life-changing. They also have cream and plain ones, but trust me, the jam is the one you want.
Shopping Highlights:
- Merci Paris: A trendy concept store with a mix of souvenirs, fashion, home goods, and more. On the pricey side, but fun to browse or splurge in.
- Shakespeare and Company: A must-visit for any book lover (especially if you’re a Before Sunset fan).
- Bobbies Paris: Stunning shoes and accessories.
- Vintage Pop-Up Shops: More on these in a separate post soon — so many fun finds.
- Thrift Stores: I scored a gorgeous trench coat for just €20, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.
Paris never disappoints. Whether you’re sipping wine at a café in the Marais, climbing a crooked staircase in the 10th, or discovering your new favourite bakery, the city continues to offer something new every time. Stay tuned for more posts from this trip — especially the pop-up shopping breakdown!
Halfway to Somewhere 