I've been waiting a very long time to find someone who lives in Paris's 4th arrondissem*nt, and as they say in French “ça y est !” or there you have it (or finally!) because when I found Charli James's blog Am I French Yet? I could not have been more thrilled to learn that is where this France24 journalist calls home. There are 2 parts to the 4eme – Île Saint-Louis and the Marais – both neighborhoods I like to spend time in.
Île Saint-Louis one of the 2 islands in the Seine connecting rive gauche and rive droite, because it seems to be a neighborhood that despite the presence of Bertillon ice cream isn't too affected by tourists and the goings-on of the rest of Paris. And the Marais – well, I love the food and the small boutiques that give this part of the city a cool vibe.
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I just spent 2 weeks in the other part of the Marais, the 3rd, where my friend Kasia lives, and am really keen on learning more about the 4th. Enter Charli. Being married to a Frenchman, having lived in France for a few years, and being a die-hard Francophile, I like to keep up on the French news and what is going on in the Francophone world. (In my opinion) the 2 best ways to do that are with TV5 and France24.
Mr. Misadventures and I watch these 2 channels on a daily basis, TV5 for movies and documentaries and some news, but the vast majority of our news we get from France24 which is an amazing news channel in French, English, and many other languages – I love the reporting and love the reporters.
Charli has a funny, insightful, and resourceful blog on Paris, but she is still a journalist who appears on TV so I didn't think I had a chance in hell of getting her to share her neighborhood favorites, but she could not have been more open and accepting to the idea and provided her responses right away, génial !
Let's Discover Charli's 4th Arrondissem*nt.
[1] Favorite thing about your neighborhood.
There’s a lot to love about the 4th, but my favorite thing is the waterfront along the Seine river. The official name of the area is the Parc Rives de Seine, but everyone just calls it Les Quais. It used to be for cars, but the road is now closed to traffic and has become a place where Parisians go year-round to picnic, walk their dogs, run, play with their children and live the good life! It has changed the neighborhood to have this wonderful outdoor space.
I love to take a bottle of wine down there with friends and enjoy the beautiful views and people watch. A number of restaurants have opened on boats along the water where you can sit riverside— my favorite is Les Maquereaux.
[2] Least favorite thing about your neighborhood.
Tourists are both a blessing and a curse. They definitely add to the liveliness of the neighborhood, but it can get annoying to hear tours outside your window on weekend mornings or dodge groups of Segways in the street.
[3] What differentiates your neighborhood from all the other parts of the city?
Le Marais has more pre-revolutionary buildings and streets intact than any other part of Paris. My own apartment building is older than America, my country of birth. So it is as close as you can get to Old World Paris.
The 4th also includes the islands of Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité where Notre-Dame Cathedral is located and that connect the Right Bank and Left Bank.
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Finally, on Sundays more shops and restaurants are open than in most parts of Paris because of a special zoning allowance and the heart of Le Marais is closed to traffic so visitors can walk in the streets. This makes it is a great place to visit on the weekend.
[4] Favorite spot for drinks.
Le 1905. Earlier this year my favorite restaurant, Vins Des Pyrénées, opened this excellent co*cktail bar upstairs in what used to be an apartment. It feels like having a drink at a chic friend’s place and has a terrace and an indoor smoking room that add to the local French feel of the place.
[5] Favorite local hangout.
Place des Vosges is probably the most popular site in the neighborhood, but also adored by Parisians and a place lots of locals go to have picnics. If you want to sit along the plaza, have a spritz or croque madame at Cafe Hugo.
[6] Favorite breakfast spot.
I’m not a huge breakfast person, but I’m obsessed with the chocolate chip cramique at Aux Merveilleux de Fred. It is a kind of brioche bread and truly a gift from the French gods.
When friends are in town I will take them to Le Loir dans La Théière. The lemon meringue pie is a sight to behold. It is also one of the few places in the neighborhood that serves weekend brunch — be sure to go early because it fills up fast.
[7] Favorite lunch spot.
The 4th includes the Jewish district of Paris, where there are some excellent restaurants. Miznon is a current hot spot with inventive, modern Israeli food — think boeuf bourguignon pitas. It’s casual and not very expensive. The pastrami sandwich and pastries at the Florence Kahn Bakery next door are also worth stopping by for.
[8] Favorite dinner spot.
Vins Des Pyrénées. I almost didn’t want to put this bistro on the list because I love it so much I feel territorial over it, but it is too great not to share. It is located just off the touristy area, so it still feels very local. The food and wine come from the Pyrénées mountain region of France, but they also serve excellent signature French dishes. Order the steak tartare “aller–retour” (translates to roundtrip and means slightly seared on the outside), a bottle of red, and the pain perdu for dessert and die happy.
If you’re looking for something very classic, Brasserie Bofinger is my favorite of the old-school brasseries in Paris. The steak au poivre is to die for and it is an Alsatian restaurant, so also famous for the choucroute. Always try to sit in the cupola room, it is the best one by far.
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[9] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
Can I give more than one? Passage Saint-Paul is a tiny, charming, and unique alleyway that connects the street to a hidden side entrance of the Saint-Paul church. Walk through Le Village Saint-Paul, a maze of cobblestone streets and courtyards with tiny antique shops that will transport you back in time.
For shopping, Rue Saint-Antoine has some of the best artisan shops in Paris. I always take guests to Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, which is one of, if not the number one cheese shop in the city. They will shrink wrap the cheese for travel if you ask. If friends are wine lovers, we’ll go to Les Caprice de l’instant for bottles to take home. The staff gives great advice and the shop has some real gems.
Thanks Charli!
Here are other great spots in the 4th arrondissem*nt that I have curated for you:
- 4th Arr Restaurants
- 4th Arr Coffee Shops
- 4th Arr Bars
- 4th Arr Hotels
- Things to Do
- 4th Arr Shopping
4eme Restaurants
> Au Bougnat (26 rue Chanoinesse) traditional bistro with dishes like snails and coq au vin.
> Au Bourguignon du Marais (52, rue François Miron) little bistro with great wine.
> Au Petit Versailles du Marais (1 Rue Tiron) tearoom and bakery with delicious sweets.
> Aux Merveilleux de Fred (24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe) delicious artisanal pastries and meringues made in-store.
> Benoît (20 rue Saint-Martin) traditional Parisian bistro with a star in the Michelin Guide.
> Bistrot Des Tournelles (6 Rue des Tournelles) traditional French meat dishes and a good wine menu.
> Bistrot des Vosges (31 Boulevard Beaumarchais) great French onion soup.
> Bonnie (10 Rue Agrippa d'Aubigné) charming restaurant and club on the 15th floor of SO/Paris with sweeping panoramic views.
> Boubalé ( 17 rue de la Verrerie) in the Grand Mazarin hotel serving Ashkenazi cuisine inspired by Jewish dishes from central and eastern Europe.
> Boulangerie Murciano (16 rue des Rosiers) delightful French and Ashkenazi pastries.
> Chez Hanna (54 rue des Rosiers) delicious falafel plates.
> Chez Julien (1, Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe) really adorable bistro next to a beautiful cobble-stoned street.
> Chilam (12 rue des Ecouffes) tasty tacos!
> Claude Colliot (40 rue des Blancs-Manteaux) serving refined dishes create with seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.
> Comme à Lisbon (37 Rue du Roi de Sicile) Portuguese treats like pasteis de Nata.
> Fabula (16 Rue des Francs Bourgeois) resto on the terrace inside the Carnavalet Museum.
> Grand Appétit (9 Rue de la Cerisaie) vegetarian and vegan with takeout.
> Grand Cœur (41 rue du Temple) French comfort food.
> Homer Lobster (21 Rue Rambuteau) excellent lobster rolls!
> Icho (3 rue des Tournelles) decent Japanese.
> Isami (4 Quai d'Orléans) teeny 6-table sushi spot.
> Jaja ( rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie) regional French specialties, beautiful terrace.
> L’Ambroisie (9 place des Vosges) haute cuisine.
> La Favorite (6 Rue de Rivoli) peaceful ambiance with a lovely decor and a great selection of plates.
> La Glacerie Paris (13 Rue du Temple) inventive ice cream from Meilleur Ouvrier de France David Wesmael.
> La Guirlande de Julie (5, place des Vosges) get the pot-au-feu.
> La Trattoria (7 Rue François Miron) great pizza.
> Le Bûcheron (4, rue de Rivoli) old school decor and French classics.
> Le Colimaçon (44 rue Vieille du Temple) a creative French bistro.
> Le Loir dans La Théière (3 rue des Rosiers) delicious homemade cakes and weekend brunches.
> Le Petit Fer à Cheval (30 Rue Vieille du Temple)
> Le Saint-Regis (6 Rue Jean du Bellay) nice bistro with classic French dishes.
> Le Trumilou (84 Quai de l'Hotel de Ville) fill up on traditional dishes on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Seine.
> Legay Choc (33 Rue Rambuteau) artisanal baguettes and Breton pastries.
> Les Deux Palais (3 Bd du Palais) a traditional French brasserie in a Belle Epoque setting.
> Les Philosophes (28 Rue Vieille du Temple) great lunch spot.
> Les Pinces (29 rue Bourg-Tibourg) American lobster.
> Le Temps Des Cerises (31 Rue de la Cerisaie) get the pork chops.
> Mātēr (9 Rue du Plâtre) cafe with delicious and creative food, natural wines, and artisanally roasted coffee.
> Michel Kalifa – David House (6 Rue des Ecouffes) favorite tiny deli in the Jewish quarter with the most incredible sandwiches and spread.
> Miznon (22 Rue des Ecouffes) Middle Eastern food at a tiny community table or to take-away.
> Mon Vieil Ami (69, rue St.-Louis-en-l’Ile) seasonal menu heavy on the veggies.
> Onur (258 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré) gastronomic restaurant that features culinary school students.
> Pain, Vin, Fromage (3 Rue Geoffroy l'Angevin) very popular fondue spot.
> Pitzman (8 rue Pavée) tasty falafel.
> Raviolis Chinois (115 Rue Sant Denis) Chinese dumplings the types change.
> Rouleboule (12 rue Roi de Sicile) organic food.
> She's Cake (37 Rue du Roi de Sicile) voted the best cheesecake in Paris.
> Tavline (25 Rue du Roi de Sicile) great Israeli food.
> Une Glace à Paris (15 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie) artisanal ice cream and gourmet delicacies.
> Yono Bar (37 rue Vieille du Temple) a lively bar with three levels and contemporary music.
4eme Coffee Shops & Tea Salons
> Artifact (23 rue des Blancs Manteau) artisan teas and coffees.
> Bältis (27 Rue Saint-Antoine) artisanal Lebanese style ice cream.
> Berthillon (29-31 rue Saint-Louis en l’île) the best ice cream and sorbets you will taste in your life.
> Boulangerie Murciano (16 Rue des Rosiers) a Jewish bakery serving elegant French & Ashkenazi pastries.
> Crème (61 Rue du Temple) delicious cookies from London.
> François Pralus (35 rue Rambuteau) artisanal chocolates and pastries. Get the praline brioche.
> Jojo & Co (37 Rue du Roi de Sicile) a delicious dessert shop with homemade pastries and bakery products.
> L'Ebouillanté (6 Rue des Barres) enjoy a coffee on the most romantic cobble-stoned alley in Paris!
> Le Peloton Cafe (17 Rue du Pont Louis Philippe) coffee spot for bike lovers.
> Mariage Frères (30, rue du Bourg Tibourg) part of a franchise but you can have a nice cup of tea.
> Noir (63 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île and 9 Rue des Blancs Manteaux) eco-responsible roasted coffee served in beautiful ceramics.
> Terres de Cafe (36 Rue des Blancs Manteaux) specialty roasted coffee.
> Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie (23bis Rue des Rosiers) celebrated for his delicious chocolates and deconstructed millefeuilles!
> Yellow Tucan (20 Rue des Tournelles) cute little shop, nice cakes too!
4eme Bars
> Au Petit Fer à Cheval (30, rue Vieille du Temple) charming bar with little bites.
> Franc Pinot (1 quai de Bourbon) jazz bar.
> Les Piétons (8, rue des Lombards) tapas bar.
> TiTi Palacio (17 Bd Morland) largest bar in Paris!
4eme Lodging
> 9Confidential (58 Rue du Roi de Sicile) cosmopolitan hotel with art deco features.
> Caron de Beaumarchais (12 Rue Vieille du Temple)
> Cour des Vosges (19 Place des Vosges) the only hotel overlooking Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.
> Hotel Emille (2 rue Malher) boutique hotel with adorable decor.
> Hotel des Deux Isles (59 rue Saint Louis en L Ile) a former residence from the 17th century, totally gorgeous!
> Hotel du Jeu de Paume (54 rue Saint Louis en L Ile) a former royal tennis court it has a beautiful inner courtyard.
> Hotel de Sens (7 Rue des Nonnains d'Hyères) a beautiful medieval mansion, one of the few remnants of Middle Age Paris
> SO/ Paris Hotel (10 rue Agrippa d'Aubigné) in a U-shaped, 16-story building offering beautiful panoramic views.
4eme Parks, Museums & Things to Do
> Hôtel de Sully (62 Rue Saint-Antoine) what the French call a hôtel particulier, its a former private home, visit and see the gorgeous gardens.
> Maison Europeenne de la Photographie (5/7 rue de Fourcy) definitely for photography lovers.
> Musée de la Magie (11, rue Saint-Paul) discover the history of the magical past.
> Place des Vosges (there are several entrances: Rue de Birague or Rue de Bearn) historical square and park with so much interesting history!
> Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church (99, Rue Saint-Antoine) one of the oldest examples of Jesuit architecture in Paris.
>The Cloitre des Billettes (22 to 26 rue des Archives) a magical medieval spot in the heart of Marais housing the oldest cloisters, now used as an art gallery.
> The Flower and Bird Market (37 Place Louis Lépine) a true Parisienne hidden gem filled with flowers and planter, and the tweets of a thousand birds.
4eme Shopping
> Essential Parfums (32 Rue du Bourg Tibourg) simple, sustainable perfumes with natural ingredients.
> Eugene's Bakery (28 Rue de Lombard) reduced-sugar goodies.
> Free ‘P’ Star (3 locations in the 4th: 20 rue de Rivoli; 8 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie; 61 rue de la Verrerie) vintage clothing.
> From Future (7 rue des Rosiers) affordable clothing store.
> Fromagerie Laurent Dubois (97 rue Saint Antoine) Cheese shop.
> MC2 Saint Barth (19 rue Ferdinand Duval) trendy beachwear and accessories.
> Rue des Francs-Bourgeois for boutique shopping on Sunday when others are closed!
> Sandro (2 locations in the 4th: 50 rue Vieille du Temple; 11 rue des Francs Bourgeois) Parisian fashions.
Fin!
You can connect with Charli on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, and of course on her blog, Am I French Yet? Look for her on France24 as well!
How about you? Do you have any 4th arrondissem*nt additions? Have you been to this area of Paris? Did you find this post helpful for a future trip?
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- Flights
- Look for fares using sites likeSkyscanner or Expedia.com.
- For France (Paris) coming from the West Coast, I typically fly Air France or United. From the East Coast, I typically fly Air France or Delta.
- If you travel frequently, consider investing in aPriority Passfor airport lounge access. Not only will you have a spot to relax before your flight and charge your devices, but you can eat and drink for free (without paying crazy airport prices!)
- Accommodation
- I useExpedia.com, Booking.com,andHotels.comto find lodging. Always check the reviews on TripAdvisor before booking!
- If you want to stay in a rental, look atVRBOandPlum Guide.
- Transportation
- For rental car agencies, tryRentalcars.com. When traveling in Europe, I useAutoEuropeto make reservations. They find the best rates and allow you to compare different car rental agencies.I typically book with Sixt.
- For transportation from the CDG airport to anywhere within Paris, consider pre-booking with Get Transfer. It is one way to be stress-free and you can request an English-speaking driver.
- Tours + Atractions
- I book tours with companies like Viator and GetYourGuide. Both have a wide variety of activities for every travel style. Other companies to look at include Tours by Locals and Withlocals.
- If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City.
- Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational-based activities.
- If you are looking to buy tickets to attractions, check out Tiquet.
- Don't Forget Travel Photos
- One of my favorite things to do is to get photos taken of me while on vacation. Flytographer is a great option with photographers all over the world.
- Peace of Mind
- It’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threats, or cancellations. I always travel with insurance and would recommend SafetyWing,SquareMouth or Travelex Insurance are good options.
- Should you have any trouble with flight delays to the extent you feel you deserve compensation, I encourage you to check out and use AirHelp. I used them and for 1 claim I got compensated (transparency: a 2nd claim did not, but I was still glad I tried!).
- Planning
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