After providing guides for dining during Fashion Week in New York and London, it’s only fitting to offer one for Paris! Paris Fashion Week typically unfolds in prestigious venues, often including the Grand Palais, the Rodin Museum, and the Carrousel du Louvre, all conveniently located within a 20-30 minute walking distance from each other.
With that in mind, I’ve curated a selection of the finest dining options in the 8th, 7th, and 2nd arrondissements of Paris. This allows you to skip the metro and fully immerse yourself in a delightful Parisian walking experience.
So slip into your most comfortable shoes and enjoy Paris and its cuisines to the fullest!
For a Morning Runway :
- Café de Flore: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris (a 15-minute walk from the Louvre).
Café de Flore is open every day from 7:30AM until 1:30AM. This chic and quintessentially Parisian café boasts a rich literary history. A haven for numerous writers and artists, it’s the perfect refuge for fostering ideas and creativity. Here, you can savor freshly squeezed orange juice, buttery croissants, brioche served with jam, eggs, or even blinis. The menu offers a selection of typical French dishes; a must-try is the Croque Monsieur.
- Café Verlet: 256 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris (a 4-min walk from the Louvre).
Café Verlet is open from 10AM to 7PM. Let yourself be charmed by the delightful aroma of freshly ground coffee! This charming spot invites you to savor its richly brewed coffees and fragrant teas in a setting that evokes the charm of the 1920s. Among its array of offerings, don’t miss out on traditional French pastries such as their delectable éclairs. Vegetarian dishes are one of the many great bites at Café Verlet.
For a quick Coffee Break:
- Noir Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur : 9 Rue de Luynes, 75007 Paris (a 13-min walk from the Rodin Museum).
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Opens daily at 8 in the morning and closes at 6PM. Situated a mere 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, it’s the ultimate destination for coffee enthusiasts. Here, coffee is an art, set against an elegant interior with a warm and welcoming ambiance. You will be able to enjoy a broad selection of rich espressos, creamy cappuccinos, and of course, an array of pastries is always on hand! Multiple charming locations can be found throughout Paris, each offering a distinct and delightful atmosphere. Discover more on their website.
For a Viennoiserie Bliss:
- Au Petit Versailles du Marais: 1 Rue Tiron, 75004 Paris (a 10-minute Metro ride on Line 1 from the Louvre).
Open from 7AM to 8PM. This beautiful boulangerie is located just a 10-minute ride on Metro Line 1 from the Louvre. While its wooden façade and two vintage panels from the 1980s framing the door alone justify its historical heritage status, the interior is even more spectacular, and I’m not just referring to the pastries!
- Boulangerie Moderne : 123 Rue de 123 Rue de la République, 75011 Paris ( 33 minutes on foot from the Louvre, 22 minutes via Metro Line 7).
While this location is a bit farther from the shows, you will be pleased to learn that there are some other perks in store. Envision yourself dining in the very same bakery featured in the TV series “Emily in Paris”. Open from 7AM until 8PM, the famous Boulangerie Moderne lives up to its on-screen reputation. Located in the heart of Paris, this charming bakery offers the same warm and inviting atmosphere portrayed on the show. As you enter, the enticing smell of freshly baked bread and pastries envelops you. The interior effortlessly blends modernity with tradition, creating a cozy and Instagram-worthy ambiance. Le Pain au chocolat is a must-have!
For a Delicacy Delight:
- Cédric Grolet: Located at 35 Rue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris (a short 10-minute walk from the Louvre, or just a 7-minute ride on Metro Line 7).
You’ve probably come across Cédric Grolet’s pastry creations all over social media – those exceptional fruit pastries that resemble real fruit. Well, that’s him! His trompe-l’oeil pastries are a specialty that has earned him over a million followers on Instagram and the distinction of being named the world’s best pastry chef in 2018.
He recently shared a TikTok post with Blake Lively, where they created an XXL Red Fruits Charlotte together. I can only recommend trying this French specialty!
Pro tip: Arrive before 12 PM, as these pastries tend to sell out quickly.
- LV Dream: Located at 2 rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 (a 10-minute walk or 6-minute ride on Metro Line 7 from the Louvre).
This is the brand-new Café and Chocolaterie brought to you by the LVMH group, in collaboration with Maxim Frederic of Cheval Blanc. The café has emerged from the Louis Vuitton exhibition currently taking place in Paris. You’ll want to visit quickly, as it’s set to conclude on November 15, 2023! I mean, what better way to stay in fashion than to dine in fashion? The café is open from 11AM to 8PM, seven days a week. Best of all, it’s a free exhibition that offers a historical journey spanning 160 years of the Louis Vuitton brand, featuring a wide selection of historic models.
For a Terrace Brunch:
- Le Café de la Paix: 5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, (a 15-minute walk or a 6-minute metro ride on Line 7 from the Louvre).
This establishment is open continuously from 8AM until 11PM. Le Café de la Paix is a true Parisian gem, situated across from the Opéra Garnier. Its decor is a blend of Belle Époque and Napoleon III styles, adorned with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and artistic frescoes. The ambiance is elegant and steeped in history, making it perfect for a memorable experience. The Café’s menu offers French cuisine featuring seafood, meats, and the renowned Tarte Tatin as a specialty.
Be prepared for a moderate budget when dining in this prestigious setting.
For a Runway Lunch:
- Le Voltaire: 27 quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris ( a 10-min walk from the Louvre)
It’s open from noon to 3 pm and again from 7 pm to 11 pm. Frequented by journalists, writers, creators, and more during Fashion Week, Le Voltaire delights with its classic Parisian ambiance. On the menu, you can savor dishes like garlic-buttered escargots, meunière-style sole, beef bourguignon, roast chicken with fries, and profiteroles for dessert. You can make a reservation here.
Alternatively, in the event that the sun makes an appearance, you can make a quick stop at the nearest boulangerie and have a picnic at the Jardin des Tuileries or along the Quai de Seine!
For a Crêpe Detour:
- Le Chalet: Crêperie du 8 Commandant Rivière, 75008 Paris, (approximately a 30-minute walk or an 18-minute metro ride on Line 1 from the Louvre).
This charming creperie offers a warm and rustic atmosphere inspired by a mountain chalet. You’ll be surrounded by wooden furniture, Alpine details, and a friendly ambiance that transports you to the French mountains. The menu at this crêperie highlights the traditional delights of Brittany, with a wide selection of savory and sweet crêpes. Among the must-try options, you’ll find ham and cheese crêpes, butter and sugar crêpes, and, of course, Nutella crêpes. They are open from around 11:30/12 PM until 10:30/11 PM, offering a delightful dining experience just in time for the cozy embrace of the upcoming fall and colder weather.
For a Runway Dinner:
- Le Petit Châtelet: 39 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris (a 20-min walk or 10-min Metro ride on Line 7 from the Louvre).
Le Petit Châtelet exudes a typical Parisian charm with its exposed wooden beams, red and white checkered tablecloths, and intimate atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for an authentic Parisian bistro experience. The menu features French culinary classics such as gratinéed onion soup and crème brûlée for dessert. It is open from noon to 3 pm and then again from 7 pm to 11 pm.
For a Dinner with the Stars:
- Loulou : 107 : Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, (a 2-minute walk from the Carrousel du Louvre)
Loulou is open every day from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM for lunch and from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM for dinner. Renowned for its elegant and contemporary setting, Loulou is situated within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Jardin des Tuileries, making it an ideal spot for both an aperitif and dinner. The menu features Italian influences such as the Pizza with truffles, and the signature Pavlova dessert with red fruits. Loulou is a popular spot, especially during Fashion Week, attracting a fashionable crowd. It’s known to be frequented by celebrities like Selena Gomez, who was even there yesterday! I would highly recommend making reservations in advance.
For a Post-Show Celebration:
- Vivant 2 : 3 rue des Petites Écuries,75010, Paris ( a 30-min walk or a 17-min metro ride on Line 7 from the Louvre).
Closely located from the bars and clubs that host the FW after-show parties, Le Vivant 2 is open from 7 p.m. until midnight. Here, you can explore their impressive collection of wines, including whites, reds, oranges, bubbly, and alcoholic beverages, all at fairly reasonable prices! What better way to unwind after a long day or kickstart an endless night out? The choice is yours.
For a 007 Parisian Adventure:
- Le Lavomatic – 30 Rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris
Feeling adventurous? Le Lavomatic is not your typical bar; it’s a speakeasy where gaining access involves passing through, yes, a fake washing machine! As you pass through this whimsical portal, you’ll be transported to an intimate and retro haven with dim lighting that creates a mysterious atmosphere. Here, you’ll discover creative and refined cocktails, where the bartenders will be delighted to craft personalized drinks based on your preferences. In the world of bars, this destination will not only quench your thirst but also wash your troubles away, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
For an All-Night Afterparty:
- L’Arc de Paris: 12 rue de Presbourg, 75016 Paris.
Primarily open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, L’Arc is a globally renowned luxury club, especially popular among celebrities. This establishment has earned its reputation as a favorite among stars like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Selena Gomez who frequent it for after-parties. A special treat for the ladies, it’s free on Thursdays from 10 pm. At this pace, we can’t help but dress to impress and hope to break a heel into DiCaprio’s arms…
#XOXO #yourfashionbestie
