> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A former Parisian's Guide to Paris - URL: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/insiders-guide-back-to-paris-edition/ - Published: 2025-11-07T11:04:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-29T07:46:24.000Z - Description: Insider's Guide: I was back in Paris for my birthday, rediscovering old favourites, new stays, and why the city still feels like home. - Author: Jess - Tags: Paris, Travel, France, Newsletter *Hey there, I’m Jess* ✨*. On* [***The Signature***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/about-me/)*, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th.* [***You're welcome to join***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/)*.* --- Well, life is on the move and I am moving with it as well! After spending a month in Europe, I took the opportunity to **head back to** [**my old home city of Paris**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/tag/paris/) **for my birthday week in October**! Nonetheless, I am writing you today from the most gorgeous hotel in Zimbabwe in the middle of a 2-week African vacation that feels like our [second](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/the-signature-6/) (or [third](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/luxury-road-trip-portugal-lisbon-douro-serra-estrela/) or [fourth](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/our-stay-at-mont-rochelle-in-franschhoek/)!) [**honeymoon**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/our-honeymoon-safari-zanzibar-tanzania/). More about this trip on December's mailer. In the meantime, let's do things in order and head back north to Paris for chronological purposes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/11/eiffel-tower-at-night-paris-2025.jpg) **Eiffel Tower at night - October 2025* I was absolutely delighted to be back to France's capital city after [**our January trip**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/ringing-in-the-new-year-in-paris-and-7-other-things-we-are-so-grateful-for/), running errands, being with my family, talking to people in french, having proper coffee and bread, being surrounded by culture, books, history, the best shopping and all under the rhythm of Autumn, the leaves falling, greens hues embracing the orange and brown... All of this represents everything that makes me very happy! I lived in *Paree* for almost a decade before leaving in 2012\. Those were the most formative years of my life, from working at my first internship (which turned into my first real job), having my own place, finishing my Masters Degree... I am forever a Parisian at heart! Paris is still one my favourite places to go back to. When I am back, I have to accept some places from the past do not exist anymore or the vibe is completely different from what I used to love in the 2000s. Nevertheless, I am not scared of venturing into new things in my old city. So consider today's mailer as an ***Ode to Paris***, as someone who goes back often and is always trying old and new things, not discovering the city with new eyes. [Travel Non-Negotiables from a Frequent TravelerI was two months old on my first transatlantic trip. 40 years later, I might know a thing or two about travelling![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-4966374f-86d3-43f1-8f86-4871c7be9933.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3341-1-1-134393b0-6edd-45ce-96cf-2fd40a1ca9d0.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/my-controversial-travel-opinions/) ## Accommodation People used to ask me "*Where should I stay in Paris?*" a lot when I lived there and I just could not respond as I had never stayed at a hotel there before. But things have evolved as I now live on the other side of the world and [**we have stayed at several hotels in Paris**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/where-to-stay-when-in-paris/) in the past. [Paris | Where to stay in the City of Lights?My honest review of tried and tested accommodations in Paris: Newhotel Roblin by Madeleine, Mama Shelter close to Père Lachaise and Maison Albar Le Diamond by Saint Lazare & the Galeries Lafayette![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-472.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1541371763992-a9d00e78b865-3)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/where-to-stay-when-in-paris/) ## Books It's so easy to stroll in Paris and stumble into a person with a book in hand, ready to dip into the depths of the earth and commute via metro whilst reading. September is the best literary month in Paris with loads of freshly published books so the shelves are currently bursting with great finds. Here are a few books I have read and loved, that showcase life in the past and in the present in Paris. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/10/eleganceherisson.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/10/crocodilespancol.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/10/sarahskey.jpg) **Muriel Barbery's L'Elegance du Herisson - Katherine Pancol's Les Yeux Jaunes des Crocodiles - Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key, which she wrote in English* I am currently reading ***The Paris Apartment*** by **Lucy Foley**, although it has a British standpoint, is set in the inner secrets of a complex Parisian building. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/10/the-paris-apartment-lucy-foley-mountains.jpg) **The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley from* [**Casa de São Lourenço at Serra da Estrela, Portugal*](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/luxury-road-trip-portugal-lisbon-douro-serra-estrela/) ## Culture You don't need a whole new article about visiting museums in Paris, that is a given. Or not! I lived there for a decade and only went to the Louvre once and close to the end of my journey. But there are still things to discover such as [**my first time at the Crazy Horse Paris**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/paris-is-the-crazy-horse-show-worth-it/) in January. If you want a closer to the real Parisian theatre experience and you are not fluent in french, I recommend **Olivier Giroux**'s [***How to become a Parisian in one hour***](https://oliviergiraud.com/en/show-in-english-paris/?ref=thesignaturejess.com), a long run english-speaking one man show. I have been to the show several times in my life and love it every time. I swear I could head there again today as it's so good to get into the Parisian vibe with loads of laughter. I recommend it to all! [Paris | Is the Crazy Horse show worth it? (2025 review)We were more than happy to experience Paris at the Crazy Horse cabaret! With a bottle of champagne in hand, vibrant performances, and stunning dancers, we enjoyed a dazzling 90-minute show and so should you.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-468.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/20250103_215428-2-4.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/paris-is-the-crazy-horse-show-worth-it/) My siblings surprised me with a [Drone Art Classical Music Show at **Hippodrome de Vincennes**](https://thedroneartshow.com/paris/en/?ref=thesignaturejess.com) \- if you never visited, you must, as well as the one in Longchamp - and I absolutely loved it. I love violin quartets in general but **Vivaldi**'s ***Four Seasons*** \- especially the ***Spring*** concerto - is my favourite. The show honoured it beautifully in the sky in the evening. I was just so happy! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/11/drone-art-show-paris-vincennes-2025.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/11/drone-art-show-paris-vincennes-october-2025.jpg) **Drone Art Show in Paris - October 2025* ## Food It is impossible to have a bad meal in Paris. [**Breakfast is great**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/breakfast-brunch-cafes-in-paris/), [**lunch provides amazing and genuine deals**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/paris-where-to-sit-down-for-lunch-in-2025/), *goûter* in the afternoon is an institution and [**dinner is a whole voyage**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/around-the-world-dinners-in-paris/). I have written about all these moments, either for a one-time experience or places to repeat at every trip. Check it out: [Best Breakfasts and Cafés in ParisThere is not a more Parisian food experience than breakfast in a café. Here are my favourite spots and what you have to do to recreate at home or at your short-term rental if you want to be on your own.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-497.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/petit-dejeuner-carette-1-2.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/breakfast-brunch-cafes-in-paris/) [Where to eat in Paris in 2025Here are a few genuine spots we have been to in the past decade and that we have thoroughly enjoyed - updated in January 2025![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-494.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/20250103_120930-1-10.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/paris-where-to-sit-down-for-lunch-in-2025/) [Around the world Dinners in ParisWant to have dinner where the real Parisians dine? Do as they do and go for other cuisines than the French at dinner time. This is the meal they get more adventurous with!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-498.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/track-119-paris-amorcito-tacos-kotsu-kotsu-karaage-fried-chicken-1-1.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/around-the-world-dinners-in-paris/) ## Sign up for The Signature Monthly Newsletter 💌 | Food, beauty, travel, personal finances and everyday life Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Shopping Paris is the place to shop. Here [**are my recommendations (and my purchases!)**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/where-to-go-for-shopping-in-paris/) for the most beautiful curated pieces and gifts to bring back home so that you'll always have Paris close to you even if kilometres apart. And don't miss out on [**pharmacy finds**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/sun-kissed-but-never-sun-burnt-my-favourite-french-pharmacy-suncare-in-2025/) as well! [Where to go for shopping in Paris?Candles, perfumes, shoes, tea, exquisite leather goods... you name it, Paris has it! Here are my favourite spots and goods to buy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-471.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/le-bon-marche-january-2025-panoramic-1-1-1.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/where-to-go-for-shopping-in-paris/) ### Walks I love walking in Paris. Aside from Montmartre and the Buttes Chaumont area, I love how flat it is and I love putting some kilometres in effortlessly, while I people watch, stop at some shops and cafés. My love for Paris always arises in these strolls. Here is a couple of my favourite... ****Neighbourhood Walk 1**: If you go to [***Ladurée** at 75 Champs Elysées](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/breakfast-brunch-cafes-in-paris/), know you are by the famous Triangle d'Or of Paris. There’s something comforting about strolling around ****Avenue George V** for me, a place that feels like an old acquaintance. I used to study nearby, and every time I walk here, it’s as if the streets are greeting me with their timeless elegance. From here, I love wandering down ****Avenue Montaigne**, where the window displays at **Dior* and **Chanel* are like little exhibitions of Parisian creativity. Last but not least, I always find myself on the ****Champs-Élysées**, where **Publicis Drugstore* offers a little of everything, from fine chocolates to curated gifts and my old friend and favourite, the majestic Sephora Champs Elysées. This is also where I saw the Tour de France end in 2006 and where we both saw the Military Parade by Bastille Day in 2018\. Continue down the big avenue and find the amazing pair of museums Grand Palais and Petit Palais. If you continue your stroll downwards - in Christmas time, this is where you will find the Paris Christmas Market - you will finish a beautiful sightseeing with the amazing ****Place de La Concorde**, my favourite in the world. I love just stopping in my tracks and taking it all in, with the Eiffel Tower in the horizon. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/11/IMG_9706.jpg) **Bastille Day in 2018 - guess the mistake the airshow did this day?* ****Neighbourhood Walk 2**: Le Marais is one of the neighbourhoods I use to go to the most when I lived in Paris and I always try to go back when I have time. I love strolling around the concept stores, small shops such as the [****Aime Boutique & Studio**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/wellness-my-experience-with-french-beauty-brand-aime-skincare/) and small museums around ****Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Rue Vieille du Temple** and ****Rue des Rosiers**. Strolling around the small yet stunning ****Place des Vosges** is a must for me! This area is always very vibrant, either during the day or at night and it's where cultures clash beautifully as it is the Jewish Quarter - check for the several genuine falafels places - and also a place that the LGBT community calls home. And, of course, I recommend [***Le Loir dans la Théière**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/paris-where-to-sit-down-for-lunch-in-2025/) for the most incredible quiches and tarts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/11/place-des-vosges-paris-october-2025-1.jpg) **Walking by Place des Vosges in Paris in October 2025* --- **Like this content and want more?* You can* [***subscribe to get a monthly edit***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/) *and we can connect also on* [**BlueSky**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/eebbfd7d?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**TikTok**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/3a8dd75f?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Youtube**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/5cd54466?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Pinterest**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/f6c35afb?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb)