My Paris Favorites - February 8, 2025

Bonjour bonjour,

And just like that, I turned 40!

Last Sunday was my birthday, and in France, that means Chandeleur, the official National Day of Crêpes. So, of course, I enjoyed plenty of crêpes, along with one of my favorite dishes: raclette (melted cheese with potatoes and charcuterie)!

I celebrated with friends, though I haven’t yet celebrated with family. When you read this newsletter, I’ll be with my family in Normandy, and I’m expecting a surprise. My sister was acting a bit odd on the phone about this weekend’s plans, so I know she’s preparing something special.

Before I move on to my Paris content, I want to thank all of you for your messages on my last newsletter. I truly appreciate everyone who took the time to share reviews, preferences, and ideas. Your kind words and constructive feedback mean so much, and I’m excited to work on new content for you! ❤️ Merci beaucoup!!

 

 

❤️ My latest favorites in Paris

Le Loir dans la Théière, 3 rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris.

My best friend and I both have February birthdays, so we always celebrate by going out to eat. I suggested we try this charming, cozy tea house. I was surprised she already knew about it but had never mentioned it!

She told me that every time she went there, there was a huge queue because the restaurant doesn’t take reservations. It’s a favorite local spot for weekend brunch.

When we went for lunch during the week, there was no queue at all, and indeed the place was fantastic. The food was excellent and reasonably priced (12€ for a salted pie and 9.50€ for dessert).

The dessert selection left us speechless; we had such a hard time choosing that we ended up ordering two desserts each! I’ll probably come back just to indulge in their amazing cakes and pies.

Pleincoeur, 64 rue des Batignolles, 75017 Paris.

This Thursday, I had a work meeting in Batignolles in the 17th arrondissement, a neighborhood I hardly know. Near this office, I spotted a bakery I had bookmarked a long time ago (I always keep a list of bakeries to try in Paris). I decided to take a 15-minute walk after my meeting to check it out.

First, I discovered that Batignolles is a very cute neighborhood. It’s filled with coffee shops, charming restaurants with terraces, and little parks for kids, a pure slice of local Parisian life! I plan to come back in the spring to make a video of the best spots; it’s a great place for tourists to experience Paris like a local.

Then I arrived at the bakery. And just wow, the bakery looks like a jewelry store for pastries! The treats are beautifully displayed under glass, and the viennoiseries and breads are simply brilliant. This family-owned luxury bakery offers something truly distinctive. Yes, the prices are higher than at a standard bakery, but they use special ingredients from French producers, and the head chef is the pastry chef from Cheval Blanc, the palace hotel. The recipes are unique!

I tried the charlotte aux poires (pear charlotte) and a pastry that mixes croissant dough with riz à lait (rice pudding), both were 5 stars. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if it’s a bit far from the touristy parts of Paris. Note: there isn’t a seating area inside the bakery, but on a sunny day, there’s a little park nearby where you can sit and enjoy your treats.

 

✨ My favorite links

With Valentine's Day approaching, I've curated a selection of links to some of the most romantic spots in Paris. Whether you're planning a quiet escape or a special date, these charming places will add a touch of magic to your visit.

      Merci beaucoup for reading and for being part of this lovely community! I’m so glad to share a bit of Paris life with you every time.
      Wishing you beautiful days, from Paris,

      Mathilde V.