French Food Experiences: Paris

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When in comes to any trip to France, you can’t miss out on the French food! For me, experiencing a culture comes down to what you eat and drink. I mean, what’s not to love about a Sangria in Spain, or a Bratwurst in Germany, Fish and chips in England or a slice of Pizza in Italy! It doesn’t get better than eating local while abroad. 

Here are my must-have’s for any trip to Paris!

| Cheese & Wine by the Eiffel Tower |

Quintessentially French and DEFINITELY Parisian. Scoffing some brie/camembert whilst guzzling French wine (Rose/Champagne for me!) on the Champs de Mars is my favourite thing to do in Paris! Reasons why? It’s cheap (I love coming home from a trip UNDER budget!) & it’s delicious (there’s nothing better for dinner than breakfast food or cheese boards. Nothing.)

Yes, you’ll be amongst 3,000 of your closest pals whilst you picnic by the Eiffel Tower. But when those lights start to sparkle and the hum of “Ooooh”s and “Aahhh”s mirror your own, it’s a little bit special, and all of those annoying tourists become your homies.

| Fatten up on Pastries |

I’d love to be able to say “lose weight on pastries” but alas, they are chock full of sugar and fat. That being said, who’s ever gone on vacation and not indulged? It’s time we all just accepted that holiday weight is a real thing and with that, eat the pastries.

In Paris, you are in for a real treat, with Laduree being scattered around the city, serving up classic macaroon flavours and all kinds of other pastry goodness! Another macaroon shop to try is my favourite – Pierre Herme. My god can this man come up with tasty flavour combo’s! My personal favourite is the Celeste macaroon (Passion Fruit, Rhubarb & Strawberry).

For a typical French pastry – the humble eclair – look no further than the not-so-humble Le Eclair de Genie for the ULTIMATE in eclair flavour madness and pandemonium. There are SO many flavours you can try, you’d never have time to see any of Paris’ lovely highlights however there is a tasting-box of mini-eclairs which you can purchase and take away with you. We ate our box at the Champs de Mars & I wished I hadn’t shared.

| Cocktail with a View |

When I drink a cocktail, I usually don’t care about where I am – I’m usually just pretty happy I’m drinking a cocktail! However, when travelling (specifically to Paris!) you can’t miss the opportunity to pair your drink with an epic view.

One of the best views in Paris comes from the Terrass Hotel in the Montmartre district. My first sighting of the Eiffel Tower on my most recent Paris trip was upon being seated on the roof-top. The cocktails were delicious and we shared some guacamole which was quite sensational (though not French – ooops!). Highly recommend this funky bar for your Paris to-do List.

| Brasserie Dining |

If there was only one meal I could eat for dinner for the rest of my life it would be steak & frites. Such a classic meal, and one that can be found almost anywhere in Paris! The only trouble you’ll have is fitting enough meal times into your day where you can eat it.

Not only is the food delicious in a good Parisian brasserie, but brasseries are the hubs of the city. You’ll find anyone and everyone sitting out front dining on the street, under romantic lighting, enjoying the company of friends or lovers.

| People-watch on a Terrace |

Brasserie terraces are also great for people-watching! I think I could spend hours and hours sitting with a glass of wine on a street corner somewhere in Paris, watching the world go by. Make sure you take every opportunity to sit outside along the street for your meals – it really is a true Parisian experience.

| Creme Brulee |

I can’t do a Paris food post without including my favourite dessert, the creamy custard creation – Creme Brulee. In fact, have you even been to Paris if you’ve not eaten a Creme Brulee? Okay, so some of you may not be dessert people, or got too full eating all day, but don’t let that stop you. Eating Creme Brulee in Paris is like inviting Heaven and Sugar to have a party inside your mouth. Make sure you let that party happen!

| Dine atop the Eiffel Tower |

During my first trip to Paris, I was lucky enough to dine at 58 Tour Eiffel with my mother and grandmother. This was before our night show of Feerie at Le Moulin Rouge (which I may have fallen asleep during) – I blame the wine! The best thing about eating inside the Eiffel Tower is not having to pay to visit the Eiffel Tower. We could skip the lines and go straight to the floor of the restaurant.

The Eiffel Tower really does have wonderful views of the city, but above all, the food really does taste better up there!

| Street-side Crepes |

Everyone needs and DESERVES crepes. The fact that these bad boys are local street-food and found everywhere is a testament to how wonderful Paris is. No, you will not be heading to the local McDonald’s for some late night cravings – off to the crepe cart you’ll go!

| Exquisite Coffee |

If you don’t already know – I’m a total coffee snob. I’m addicted to the stuff, and I can’t stand not having high quality coffee when at home or abroad. One of my first missions in any new place is to find the best coffee so I have to give a shout out to Cuillier. The coffee in this small coffee bar was second-to-none & the guys behind the machine were completely lovely.

| Bonus (non-French): Enjoy the Best ice cream outside of Italy |

Berthillon is a Paris institution and it’s not hard to see/taste why! Located on Rue Saint Louis in the 4th district of Paris, Berthillon serves up 70 different flavours of creamy gelato and sorbet.

Have a Favourite French Food? What’s your favourite Paris eating experience?! Let me know in the comments below.

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About Lesley

Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!