BENSHEN IN PARIS
Image: Cover of the Paris Review NO.241, Fall 2022 by Danielle Orchard
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Particulier Montmartre: This hotel gives a lesson in “parisian hedonism” with its lush interiors, swanky bar, and a bar nestled in greenery. There’s only five rooms, so even if you end up not staying, definitely peep in just to see “the last relic of the scrubland of Montmartre.”
Hôtel Costes: Divine, graphic, impactful—this multisensory hotel defines itself as “one address, three worlds.” Explore the grounds, book yourself a spa treatment, or sip a Caipirinha in the bar where a different DJ spins every night.
Hotel Amour: Very chic hotel in the 9th arr. featuring a private collection of furniture and art—ask ahead and you might get the room with the disco balls
Hôtel HoY: This “sanctuary” is full-throttle wellness, sans TVs but stacked with amenities you’ll actually want like incredible spa treatments and a delicious plant-based hotel restaurant.
++AIRBNB
There are plenty of options on Airbnb for you to choose from! We love the Marais but a quick search on Airbnb and you can find your Parisian dream stay!
RESTAURANTS
Clamato: Owned by the same people who’ve brought us Septime, this is a must-go experience for primo seafood (apprpro since it’s named after the tomato-clam juice mix made for Micheladas)
Loulou: A Mediterranean restaurant part of Musée Des Arts Decoratifs, this spot is all about the dolce vita
Paul Bert: Classic French bistro and known for their impeccable ingredient sourcing
Chez Janou: A 3rd arrondissement favorite, these Provençal-style dishes are group-friendly
L’Avant Comptoir: In Saint-Germain, this jaunty hors-d'oeuvres bar is delicious—try the Corsican charcuterie or truffled croque monsieur
Ora: Expect vibrant plant-based meals and a menu that evolves weekly based on the seasons
Ober Mamma: Part of the “Big Mamma” restaurant group, this sexy cocktail bar has two wood ovens designed to make perfect Neapolitan pizza
La Fontaine de Mars: This is an institution (opened in 1908) and is mere steps from the Eiffel Tower…get the île flottante, an airy meringue
Les Antiquaires: Rave reviews for this brasserie—a gorgeous experience and ask to sit inside to bask in the full ambiance
Django Pigalle: Nestled in a street with guitar shops (and named after a famous guitarist) this 9th arrondissement spot has natural wine and draws a young crowd who likes organic ingredients and small plates.
Bouillon Julien: Come for the stunning, patina-hued interior—it’s well-preserved from its 1906 construction—and stay for the well-priced steak frites
Bulot Bulot: An oyster bar that’s got delicious wine and impeccable service
Pink Mamma: Italian trattoria that occupies a whole building, decked out with a pink façade, there are four dining rooms, one on each floor, with a specific décor. The one on the top floor is the highlight, surrounded with plants under a massive glass roof.
Ogata: Linger for hours at this gorgeous Japanese teahouse, restaurant, confectionary, art gallery, and housewares store.
Le Servan: In the 11th arr., a very cool French lunch bistro
Ellsworth: Beloved for its fried chicken, it’s been ranked as one of the “38 Essential Paris Restaurants” by Eater
Robert et Louise : For quintessential French fare in a quaint dining room that feels like an old-style cottage.
Soma: In the heart of the Marais fashion district, the haute Japanese vibe is divine
BARS
Septime La Cave: The “hip younger sibling” of Septime, La Cave has 10 rotating wines by the glass—think: small producers, biodynamics, and natural wines from around Europe.
Sotto: Bar hidden underneath yum Italian Carbonis, this speakeasy plays vinyl all night and seduces you to dance
Early June: You’ll absolutely want to check out this bar that hosts traveling chefs, and offers incredible natural wines
Serpent A Plume: A chrome-brushed resto. A velour cocktail bar. This Marais spot is made for dinner and late-night dancing.
Favela Chic: Lively bar and club that spins records and shakes up the friskiest of cocktails
Levain, Le Vin: Minimalist and charming, this wine bar celebrates two of our favorite things: wine and bread
Clown Bar: In the heart of le quartier Latin, this natural wine spot is lush with character…and the coffee’s phenomenal too.
BREAKFAST - PASTRIES/JUICE/COFFEE/TEA
Wild & The Moon: This 100% plant-based, organic, gluten-free cafe, is amazing for a lighter bite in between all the pastry shops
Coutume: With four locations around Paris (the original at Rue de Babylone being the most famous), Coutume is renown for upscale coffee meets industrial-chic café design
Holybelly: Friendly hangout, laidback & casual brunch with plates like egg dishes, granolas, oatmeals, and the best pancakes
Paperboy: Famous for its online offering of men's contemporary fashion and streetwear, Paperboy’s brunch location in Le Marais is popular for its sandwiches, coffee and teas, and other brunch favorites
Café Méricourt: With its bright green facade and earthy interiors, Cafe Mericourt is perfect for casual, all-day brunch and coffee
Du Pain et des Idées: Bite into pastries in Paris, plus see a hand-glass painted ceiling that’s listed as a national monument
Mamiche: Recommended by many a beauty editor, the standouts here are the croissants and the pain au chocolat
Cafe Charlot: Truly divine petit-dejeuner and coffee… you’ll surely brush shoulders with chic people sipping coffee here
PARKS/SHOPS/EXPLORE
Palais-Royal Garden: Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, and spectacular gardens, all across the street from the Louvre
Jardin du Luxembourg: The famous Jardin du Luxembourg, in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, is a sprawling green oasis favored by Parisians and visitors alike. While the overall effect of the gardens is quite grand and regal, there are still intimate corners to be found. Don’t miss the Fontaine Médicis (Medici Fountain), which dates back to the 17th-Century.
Parc Monceau: Widely regarded to be one of the most attractive parks in the world; even Claude Monet painted this park no less than five different times.
Paris Flea Market: Marché aux Puces Saint-Ouen de Clignancourt - The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puces (The Fleas). It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world, with over 3,000 vendor boutiques, stalls, and showrooms packed along a maze of lanes and alleys plus cafes, bars, and sidewalk vendors.
Shakespeare & Co: Nestled on prime real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, it's part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The shelves are a mix of current favorites, Paris-inspired must-reads, and antiquarian gems that would make any bibliophile drool.
Officine Universelle Buly 1803: Originally founded in 1803, it was known in the olden days as a perfumery, but now serves as a go-to for 17th century aesthetic French toothpastes, body washes, fragrances, and hand creams. Best spot for souvenirs and bringing gifts home to friends/fam.
Musée National Picasso-Paris: One of the best single-artist museums we've ever known of, you can really become acquainted with Picasso and his artworks. Located in Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining.
The Centre Pompidou: Called ‘the undisputed grande dame of the Paris contemporary art scene’, the Pompidou is Paris’s MOMA equivalent in Le Marais.
Atelier Brancusi: While you’re in Le Marais, Atelier Brancusi’s exhibition of Constantin Brancusci’s 20th Century sculpture work is a must-visit.
Musee Rodin: Another beautiful single-artist museum, Musee Rodin is located in an 18th-century mansion & sculpture garden, where you’ll see Rodin's influential works (most famously, The Thinker).
SPAS
Spa at HoY Hôtel: In the 9th arrondissement, the treatments here are on the leading edge of the Parisian wellness movement.
La Maison Dr. Hauschka: Recharge your batteries and escape the bustle of Paris for just a moment with firming, toning, and revitalizing facials.
En Spa: Enjoy this spa entrenched in Eastern philosophy and medicinal techniques.
Spa Charme d'Orient: Enjoy a Turkish bathing ceremony here or a treatment called “Thousand And One Nights” which sounds potent and Venus-y.
Buly 1803 Treatment Room: Whether or not you squeeze in a treatment here, the chic hand creams and toothbrushes here make for idyllic gifts from your travels.
Maison Suisen: Very close to the Picasso museum, this Japanese parlor is set up like a ryokan, or a traditional Japanese inn—every product here is organic and breathwork is incorporated in the treatments.