2nd Arrondissement

Walking through the heavy doors on this quiet, skinny alley in the 2nd and into the restored courtyard of the Hoxton is like finding a secret club.

As in the Hoxton outposts in Amsterdam, Brooklyn, and London, the lobby here is massive. And in this case, it's also built into a courtyard. Velvet sofas, natural light, and gorgeous decorative features (like a 300-year-old spiral staircase) make for an absurdly pleasant place to spend a few hours. For a change of scene, move on to the Hoxton’s Jacques Bar and its floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly onto the rooftops of Paris. The Moroccan-influenced cocktail list includes the Postcard from Marrakech, made of orange blossom and gin—it tastes like summer in a glass.

First, a disclaimer: Stohrer is closed the first two weeks of August, however, that last hot-as-soup fortnight is ripe for sugar-loading. Proof that treat trends are pretty consistent, the shop was founded in 1730 as the official pâtissier for Louis XV. The same cream-stuffed éclairs, delicate crème Anglaise tarts studded with berries, and rose macarons have been devoured by the French for the last 300 years. The bakery is theatrically beautiful, with glass-paneled walls (giving patrons near 360-degree views of all the sweets), chandeliers, and a full frescoed ceiling—an especially delightful experience for little ones.

Chez George is hyper traditional, a little overpriced, and exactly the kind of place where one wants to eat dinner in Paris. A classic bistro in every sense, down to the mirrored walls and too-small tables. As can be expected, steak frites and boeuf bourguignon is the way to go. Unlike some of the other old-world bistros in Paris, the food here is legitimately very good and the atmosphere delivers every time.

Rivié, one of the two bars in the Hoxton, has a wonderful brasserie, a lovely outdoor garden, and scattered here and there, relaxing little nooks with armchairs and nice lighting. But never mind-skip all that. Head straight for the bar. The bar bar. Settle into the velvet barstool, order a glass of Billecart-Salmon (a rosé champagne) or, depending on your day, a dirty martini. The staff is friendly, the vibe is chill, and as evening slips into night, remember only two very important words: truffle fries.

Much like the Cantonese-style dumplings that are its claim to fame, this restaurant is compact but mighty. The house-made dim sum (mushroom, shrimp, lacquered pork, and more) is steamed and then immediately served by the basket and accompanied by salad and rice. Lest you forget you’re still in Paris, the steamed brioche buns make for the perfect dessert. Since this restaurant is always packed, you can also check out their second location in the 9th arrondissement.

Blackboard menus in Paris are always a good omen as they’re a sure sign the chef is creating new dishes based on market ingredients each day. At this buzzing little nouveau-bistro tucked away in Sentiers, the self-trained Argentinian chef turns out exactly that, with fantastic, meaty dishes on the menu paired with a small selection of great value wines. Venture here in late August, as they’re closed through the 22nd.

This fantastic little travel bookshop is owned by the major travel agency across the street. While this may seem like a clever sales ploy, that doesn’t detract from the selection. Here you’ll find novels and nonfiction from around the world—some in English—along with maps, city guides, and a considered edit of handsome and practical travel accessories. Pop in at the ever-changing pop-up next door and you might pick up a jacket or home accessory, too, from some far-flung brand or workers cooperative.

Once a public bathhouse frequented by the likes of Marcel Proust, then resurrected as a fixture of the ’80s and ’90s club scene, Les Bains lives again as a late-night fixture and luxury design hotel. The glossy U-shaped cocktail bar downstairs and the club below tend to host a fashionable crowd, lured in by the serious mixologist-made cocktails. Meanwhile, the whitewashed and elegantly minimal rooms offer a nice counterbalance to the moody, dark interiors below. Hit the restored basement pool—a remnant of its club days—or opt for a suite with a hammam for the full “bains” experience.

Lina's is a chain but you wouldn’t know it, biting into their famous turkey club. Fresh and delicious, it’s the perfect inexpensive meal to have while walking through the streets of Paris. There are also two locations in the 8th: One on Rue Marbeuf and one on Boulevard Malesherbes.