When we talk about Paris, what comes first to mind are its famous landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sacré Coeur… and also the masses of tourists wandering through the capital’s wide avenues. In Summer especially, tourists go out to enjoy the summer heat and the streets end up busier than ever.
However, it is absolutely possible to discover Paris from another perspective, far away from the tourist masses. This will ensure you have a unique visit that will cause you to discover the authentic charm of the city of Paris.
Visit the Butte Bergeyre
The Butte Bergeyre is a secret that is well-kept by Parisians. This hill, located in the 19th arrondissement and close to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, shelters a calm and peaceful town. Here, you won’t find any shops, only the surrounding tranquility of the district!
To access this place, you will find a road and two staircases. After climbing for 5 minutes, you will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the capital which will make you forget this small effort.
The ideal moment to visit the Butte Bergeyre is at sunset, to enjoy an even more beautiful view. At night, from the summit of this hill, you will be able to confirm by yourself the reason why Paris is nicknamed the “City of Lights”.
Access:
– Metro line 7 bis, Buttes-Chaumont station
Our restaurant recommendation: La Forge
26 Avenue Mathurin Moreau, 75019 Paris
3 minutes away from the Butte Bergeyre is the La Forge restaurant.
This typical Parisian restaurant is located in a calm area, far away from the crowds of tourists.
At La Forge, you can enjoy a rich dish and the excellent quality of the meat! Here, everything is homemade and the warm atmosphere will remind you of your own home’s comfort.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
- LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.1/10
- Google’s Rating: 4.6/5
Average menu price of €23.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
Website (in French)
Our bar recommendation: Sunny
84 Avenue Secrétan, 75019 Paris
The Sunny bar is a 7-minute walk from the Butte Bergeyre. In a French-Californian style, this bar’s menu is fresh and original!
The relaxed atmosphere and the cosy decor make it a very nice place to get a drink during a cool summer night. It’s the ideal bar to refresh yourself after a walk.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
- Yelp’s Rating: 4.5/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.2/5
Average menu price of €25.
Opening hours: All week from 8:00am to 2:00am
Sip a drink along the banks of the Seine, close to the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand (BnF)
The banks of the Seine around the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand make a festive and lively place in the evening. Here, you will be able to enjoy a pleasant time away from tourists. Between barges and floating bars, let yourself be guided by this environment to discover a new aspect of the 13th arrondissement of Paris.
During the day, you can walk along the banks of the Seine but they are frequented much more by tourists. You would probably prefer a walk at the Canal Saint-Martin, which is quieter at this time.
Access:
– Metro line 6, Quai de la Gare station
– Metro line 14, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand station
– RER C, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand station
Our restaurant recommendation: Zaytoon
2 Rue Duchefdelaville, 75013 Paris
Zaytoon is a modern Lebanese restaurant, its cuisine combining both tradition and creativity. Come taste Lebanese dishes revisited with a hint of freshness by the restaurant’s chef.
The modern and clean decor goes hand in hand with Zaytoon’s menu. If you are a lover of Lebanese cuisine, don’t hesitate!
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 5/5
- LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.2/10
- Google’s Rating: 4.8/5
Average menu price of €20.
Opening hours:
– Monday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm
– Tuesday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
– Saturday: from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Facebook Page (in French)
Our bar recommendation: the EL ALAMEIN boat
Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris
With its unusual location, its ethnic interior and a terrace surrounded by plants, this purple barge welcomes you in the evening, which is perfect after a short walk on the banks of the Seine.
Seize the opportunity of this surprising place to order an original cocktail and enjoy a beautiful view of the Seine.
The EL ALAMEIN boat has a concert hall where numerous artists perform all week.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
- TimeOut’s Rating: 4/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.3/5
Price: around €7 for a cocktail
Opening hours: All week from 6:00pm to 2:00am
Website (in French)
Go around the Passage Brady for a total escape
The Passage Brady is covered passage situated in the 10th arrondissement.
Nicknamed “Little India”, this place is full of Indian, Pakistani, Mauritian and Reunionese shops.
You will be able to enjoy a sweet-flavored break in one of the many traditional restaurants that are in the Passage Brady.
It is composed of two parts: one is covered by a glass roof and the other is open, which is nice for bathing in the summer sun.
Not very known by tourists, this spot is perfect in the evening.
You will have the possibility to eat a spicy dish at a very comfortable price, which can be followed by a shopping session in the many shops at the Passage Brady.
Access:
– Metro lines 4, 8 and 7, Strasbourg Saint-Denis station
– Metro 4, Château d’eau station
Our restaurant recommendation: Pooja Namo
91 Passage Brady, 75010 Paris
Come discover India’s many flavours in this specialized restaurant at the Passage Brady. Authentic and traditional, this restaurant is a guaranteed culinary trip where all dishes are homemade, all the way to the spices!
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
- LaFourchette’s Rating: 8.3/10
- Google’s Rating: 4.1/5
Price: between €10 and €30.
Opening hours: All week from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Our bar recommendation: Le Syndicat
51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris
A few steps away from the Passage Brady, between two narrow alleyways, you will find the Le Syndicat bar. This bar is just like hidden treasure, and it offers new experiences by changing its menu every 6 months.
Le Syndicat will suit people seeking a bit of privacy, away from the racket of the street bars. The dimmed lights and the contemporary-style sleek interior will make it easy for you to relax and take a break.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
- TimeOut’s Rating: 4.2/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.5/5
Price: around €13 for a cocktail.
Opening hours: All week from 6:00pm to 2:00am
Website (in French)
Visit the Bastille and Oberkampf districts
Bastille and Oberkampf are peaceful during the day and not populated by many tourists, which will allow you to enjoy the pure Parisian experience.
When night falls, these districts become very lively and festive: with bars and cafés representing different countries, you can discover world cuisine through this trendy district!
We recommend that you eat in one of the numerous restaurants that specialize in national cuisine, like Patchanka (TripAdvisor Page) for South-American specialities or Les Artistes Gourmands (Facebook Page, in French) for a mix of Italian and French cuisine, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea.
You can also take this opportunity to shop around in the small shops of these Parisian districts that still have a small town atmosphere in the middle of Paris.
To enjoy these districts’ lively atmosphere by night and their calmness during the day, there are a lot of hotels nearby. Don’t hesitate to book a room, as you don’t want to miss out on these districts!
Access:
– Metro lines 5 and 9, Oberkampf station
– Metro line 8, Filles du Calvaire station
Our restaurant recommendation: Patchanka
33-35 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
This Argentinian restaurant will make you travel far away from the capital. The decor, heavily inspired by South America, will make you feel just like you’re in Argentina.
Freshness and quality guaranteed, it’s a culinary experience not to miss in the district of Bastille – Oberkampf!
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 5/5
- LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.6/10
- Google’s Rating: 4.9/5
Price: between €15 and €50.
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
– Saturday: from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Our bar recommendation: L’Autobus
1 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
Here’s a little bar that is very frequented by the local Parisians. L’Autobus is a simple bar, without any fuss!
Very friendly, this place is perfect to meet new people in the most natural way. Also, you’re sure that your glass will never be empty here.
This bar’s charm resides in its very relaxed atmosphere.
- Yelp’s Rating: 4/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.1/5
Price: around €5 for a drink.
Horaires d’ouverture:
– Monday to Saturday: from 9:00am to 2:00am
Go for a walk at the Butte aux Cailles
This area that looks like it doesn’t belong in Paris has kept its town-like charm.
When you come around the Butte aux Cailles, it’s not to visit historical monuments or to shop.
You can relax amongst the reigning serenity, the greenery and the peaceful atmosphere of this haven of peace, all this while escaping tourists.
Very calm during the day, it become more lively by night thanks to the local people.
The many bars and terraces offer the possibility to enjoy a pleasant moment!
The Butte aux Cailles is also full of Street Art works, as it is chosen as a playground by many artists.
Access:
– Metro line 6, Corvisart station
– Metro line 7, Tolbiac station
Our restaurant recommendation: Chez Mamane
27 rue des 5 Diamants, 75013 Paris
Chez Mamane is a Moroccan restaurant close to the Butte aux Cailles. Come taste a traditional couscous here, which is the specialty of the restaurant.
The simple and warm welcome makes this restaurant very family-driven and friendly, so don’t hesitate!
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
- Timeout’s Rating: 5/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.5/5
Price: between €12 and €18 for a meal.
Opening hours: All week from 7:00pm to 2:00am
Our bar recommendation: La Folie en Tête
33 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013 Paris
This bar incarnates the typical atmosphere of the Butte aux Cailles: relaxed, natural and friendly.
It’s a very lively district that attracts all type of people. The bar’s decor is quite unusual: musical instruments are hung on the wall.
The music played at the bar goes hand in hand with the musical feel of La Folie en Tête.
- TimeOut’s Rating: 5/5
- Yelp’s Rating: 4.5/5
- Google’s Rating: 4.3/5
Price: cocktails starting at €6.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: from 5:00pm to 2:00am
Website (in French)
Ménilmontant and Belleville: trendy and cosmopolitan districts
Ménilmontant and Belleville are two popular Parisian districts, but much less frequented by tourists than the capital’s huge tourist districts.
In Ménilmontant’s district, you will enjoy looking at the scenery in front of you: traditional houses, paved roads… If you are a little bit hungry, you will be pleased by the bars and restaurants this districts has. Also, take this opportunity to take a look at the big fresco signed by the French Street Artist Tarek Benaoum!
What’s more, these districts also testify to the cosmopolitan nature of Paris. In the streets at the south of Belleville, nicknamed “Babelville”, you will find many restaurants specializing in Asian cuisine, various spices and affordable clothes shops. You’ll be able to enjoy a lot of various shops here after a good meal.
In the Sainte-Marthe street, far from the bustling flow of people walking in the capital, you will be able to choose between either French cuisine, Moroccan, Brazilian, Rwandan or Chilean food!
Access:
– Metro line 2, Ménilmontant, Couronnes or Belleville stations
– Metro line 11, Belleville station
Our restaurant recommendation: Les Canailles Ménilmontant
15 Rue des Panoyaux, 75020 Paris
Les Canailles Ménilmontant offers typical traditional French cuisine. Come for a lunch or a dinner in this Parisian bistrot, featured in the 2019 Michelin Guide. The tender and flavorful food won’t let you down.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
- LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.4/10
- Google’s Rating: 4.8/5
Price: between €17 and €30 for a meal.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and from 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Website (in French)
Our bar recommendation: Le Perchoir
14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
This terrace bar is situated high up and has a view on Paris’ rooftops, which gives the opportunity to see a beautiful sunset on the horizon.
If you’re searching for a place where you can enjoy a drink with your friends, then Le Perchoir is probably the place made for you. The interior and the lightning installed on the terrace will make you forget that you are in Paris.
- TripAdvisor’s Rating: 3.5/5
- TimeOut’s Rating: 4/5
- Google’s Rating: 4/5
Price: around €30 for a dish and an appetizer.
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: from 6:00pm to 1:30am
– Friday: Closed
– Saturday: from 4:00pm to 1:30am
– Sunday: from 2:00pm to 10:00pm
You can also enjoy the view from the Perchoir’s other locations in Paris:
- Le Dôme: 54bis Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004 Paris
- Le Pavillon Puebla: 39 Avenue Simon Bolivar, 75019 Paris
- Le Perchoir de l’Est: Place du 11 Novembre 1918, Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010 Paris
- Le Perchoir Marais: 37 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
- Le Perchoir Porte de Versailles: 2 Avenue de la Porte de la Plaine, 75015 Paris
Find more information on their website and their Facebook Page
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
