Sip, Shop, & Savor: Best Kept Secrets of Paris for a Girls’ Getaway
By Alice Almeida
Paris is renowned worldwide for being the center of fashion, art, and culture. There are countless travel guides to discover high-end stores, tourist attractions, and Michelin-starred restaurants. But, what about the tourists that want to experience a weekend as Parisian locals? Look no further, after having lived in Paris for 10 years I have gathered some places that will make you feel like a local while still enjoying your holiday (don't worry none of these places will be crowded with sweaty tourists).
If you know where to go, Paris is the dream destination to spend hours at thrift shops looking for the perfect top, followed by evenings at a bistro lost in conversation with your friends. The city has an amazing local food and drink scene that does not come referenced in the tourist tour guides (please don't sit at the bar that faces the Eiffel Tower).
This guide will tell you where young Parisian girls spend their days, starting from where to find the cutest outfits to bistros and bars to show them off. Text your friends immediately and get ready to take another look at the City of Light.
thrift shops
Free ‘P’ Star
Free 'p' star is the go-to place for cheap second-hand clothes with prices ranging from 5€ to 60€ on average. There are clothes, shoes and accessories. You can find amazing pieces but the only catch is that you have to have the patience to look through piles of clothes. I recommend going during the week as it can be impossible to walk through the store during the weekend. There is an "Everything at 1€"! with great bargains if you are patient and have an eye for vintage pieces. There are 3 locations around the city.
OHR VINTAGE
This small store looks pretty normal from the outside but has great pieces on the inside. Located close to Les Marais it’s worth it to include it in your thrifting itinerary.
Shop Parisian Vibes
Predilection
This store offers postmodern pieces from forgotten designers. Everything is from second-hand sourcing! Predilection’s goal is to help you find that one statement piece that’s missing in your closet!
Vintage Shops
nuovo
Located in the heart of Les Marais, Nuovo offers the perfect selection of “date outfits”. Nuovo has the perfect curation of vintage pants, leather jackets and going out tops. To complete the outfit they also have a selection of amazing boots. The best part of this store is that no two pieces are the same and they get new pieces all the time.
Son et image
Son et image is heaven for fashion lovers. The store has an overload of jeans and leather jackets, the perfect one for each person if you look closely enough. Clothes, shoes, and accessories are from the 50s to the 80s. Prices range from 20€ to 200€ on average.
Bistros
L’Entrecôte de Paris
L'Entrecôte de Paris does come in most tourist guides but I couldn't help but mention it. The restaurant serves the same menu every day: steak with its famous sauce and fries that are to die for accompanied by red wine. And order the profiteroles as dessert. I'd recommend coming early as the line sometimes goes around the block.
Chez Janou
The atmosphere is full of life in this restaurant and the decor is very Parisian ancient bistro. The chocolate mousse is the most sublime experience the restaurant has to offer. If the weather is nice I’d recommend sitting outdoors as it is a nice place to enjoy the weather but also for people watching.
Chez savvy
Chez Savy is perfect for the typical French experience, both in cuisine and atmosphere. Traditional French dishes are served, watch out for much talked about snails. Don’t forget to order some wine to go along with your meal.
Renoma Café Gallery
Art gallery, café, and restaurant all in one? Only at Renoma Café Gallery in the heart of Paris. This hub of social activity offers a cozy atmosphere with a glimpse of New York street art. The place is very diverse, its contemporary setting works well for both a romantic dinner and a business lunch.
Bars
Le Musset
Le Musset is perfect for a break after spending the day walking around Paris. It offers amazing passion fruit martinis in a stylish ambiance. Plus, it’s right by the Louvre so it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day strolling around the museum.
Le P’tit bourg
Le P'tit bourg is a casual bar, perfect for meeting up with friends in the late afternoon. It has a fun seating arrangement and serves great cocktails. On Sundays, it also offers the perfect hangover brunch.
Café La Perle
This trendy café is known to attract many fashion lovers. It has sidewalk tables that on Fridays and Saturdays offer a great place to meet new friends or just talk the night away. When the tables fill up you’ll see plenty of people standing on the sidewalks and you’re more than welcome to join.
Aux Deux Amis
This charming small bistro/bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends on a warm summer evening. They have a great selection of cheese and wines.
L’attirail
If you’re looking for a cozy bar that feels like home, look no further than L’attirail. This picturesque bar offers homemade potatoes. The bar's walls are adorned with a charming collection of pictures, adding to the unique character and personality of the space.
While the previous recommendations provide an excellent starting point for planning the ultimate girls' weekend in Paris, one of the best ways to truly experience the city like a local is to simply wander and let serendipity be your guide. This organic, unhurried approach to discovery allows you to truly immerse yourself in the Parisian way of life, far from the crowds and queues of the major attractions. You never know what surprises will make for a lifetime of memories.