Over the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing photos from our recent adventures in Paris and Lyon. Since we did so much, I'm going to break it up into three different posts starting today with…what we ate! I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone. The food in Paris is certainly indulgent and amazing so I had no intentions of leaving anything on my plate. We took Ruby out with us to every meal, so our eating experience this trip did not involve any super fancy restaurants or fine dining but instead a lot of pastries, lunches, and early dinners.
Here are a few of our favorites spots during the trip—with everything organized by the arrondissement (or district) they're located in…
3rd District
We rarely saw French kids out to restaurants in Paris and were often the only ones seen with children while dining. So our trip to The Merci Canteen was a true exception as it was the only restaurant we went to that had a high chair. We met up with my friend Julie from Famille Summerbelle and her daughter Ophelia for a lovely lunch. If you can believe it, this restaurant (located in the design store Merci) was one of my favorite meals of the whole trip. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and so beautiful.
Merci | 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
While ate a ton of French food, it was also nice to take a break and get the French version of stateside favorites like burgers and fries. Since we had heard that high chairs are a rarity in Paris, we brought our own Inglesina chair for Ruby with us everywhere. It made our dining experience in Paris with her so much easier and more enjoyable.
Blend Hamburger | 1 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris
4th District
On our way to Notre Dame, we passed by this boulangerie that was awarded the best baguette in Paris a few times. And, boy, was that baguette amazing! They also had the best kouign amann I've ever had. I'm still dreaming about that crispy, caramelized crust…
Boulangerie Julien | 24 Rue Saint-Martin 75004 Paris (also a location in the 1st District)
7th District
One of our favorite areas in the 7th District is a little street full of shops called Rue Cler. It's sweet and quaint and fun to walk on because there's not a lot of traffic passing by.
The best ice cream cone I've ever had included these light and crispy cones from Martine Lambert.
Martine Lambert | 39 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
And, a great mid-day snack of charcuterie and pommes frites…
L'Eclair | 32 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
While some people say this little street is touristy, I found it to be quaint and sweet and a great spot for being leisurely and getting a bite or treat to eat.
10th District
We rented an apartment in the 10th District through Paris Address. The neighborhood had a mix of dodgy and questionable areas with some very up-and-coming. Luckily, we found a couple little streets that ended up being where we ate the most and found some of our favorite pastry shops.
Café Craft | 24 Rue Des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris
The best chocolate croissant I've had in my life. And, when the shop is gilded in gold, you know they mean serious pastry-making business.
Du Pain et des Idées | 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France
The Sunken Chip | 39 Rue Des Vinaigriers 75010 Paris
We filled our bellies with casual eats like British fish n' chips and Korean bibimbap. Another one of our favorite meals (not shown) was at Cafe Petite—the best brasserie we came upon while in Paris.
Jules et Shim | 22 Rue Des Vinaigriers, Paris, France
Right across the canal, we found our favorite little coffee shop, Ten Belles. We stopped in here a few times during our trip for a morning treat and pick-me-up before going on our way to explore the city. I loved the little biscuits, and Ruby was pretty happy to get a chocolate chip cookie for breakfast.
Ten Belles | 10 Rue de la Grange Aux Belles, 75010 Paris
We left Paris with very full and happy bellies and enough butter in our systems to last us two months. Stay tuned for the others things we did (shopping and playing) in Paris as well as our Lyon adventures!
P.S. If you missed it, see Part 2 – What We Did in France and Part 3 – What We Did in Lyon.
{Photos by Oh Joy}
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
Yummy! What a beautiful country!
What I did in France:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/09/ma-vie-en-france.html
Love from surprisingly sunny Germany,
Bambi
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
” I went to Paris with the plan to gain 10 lbs. from croissants alone.” Ha! Always good to have a plan! I can’t get over how adorable Ruby is 🙂
Joy, I must say, it is a true delight to see you write “kouign amann” correctly when so many French people struggle with it ! And as a French person coming from the region where that pastry was created (Bretagne), I’m even more delighted 🙂
These are many of my favorite places in Paris as well. I often am underwhelmed my fancier places, so these delicious, affordable eats always hit the spot. Just bummed Jules & Shim isn’t using their creative packaging anymore: http://instagram.com/p/cbfWb6TO1e/# + http://instagram.com/p/cbfNRxTO1Z/
Beautiful pictures and smiles ! It looks like you had a great time ! Thanks for sharing your dining tips in Paris, there is always something new to discover in my favorite city.
YUM! These are some of my favorite places in Paris, too. I wish I could eat out more often! Though my wallet and jeans would probably disagree 😉 glad you enjoyed yourselves!
Eeks! My best friend lives right above Boulangerie Julien when I was living in Paris—I LIVED on their baguettes & pain aux cereales. My heart’s melting a little bit 🙂 so glad you loved it too xo
Erin
Just one petite correction — it looks like Boulangerie Julien was awarded best baguette in 1995 (not 2013), according to their website. It stuck out to me because I’ve been meaning to get to this year’s winner, which is in the 14th arrondissement. From my experience, though, a past winner still produces a damn good baguette 😉
Looks amazing. What are the deck of cards Ruby is playing with? I’m always looking for creative ways to entertain my toddler at restaurants.
What a great post! Food looks so yummy! Would you mind sharing what all you packed (baby related) going to italy in a couple of weeks, and have no idea if I should take a travel crib as my baby only knows how to sleep in her crib., or if I should take diapers or buy them?
i’ve already eaten two breakfasts today and i could still eat all those pastries right now. and no, i’m not pregnant!
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-easiest-freakin-fish-tacos.html
p.s. i need ruby’s polka dot sneakers stat.
This is a real feast for my eyes! Getting hungry just looking at all these pictures! Now I want to visit Paris even more.
Looks like a whirlwind culinary journey! Seriously drooling over that kouign amann!
I seriously was just mentally drooling through this entire post, and I’m so jealous… all the french fries! and the description of that baguette!
OMG, everything you had looks so good! I love Ruby’s little chair, very cute. She’s a total mini you especially in the first picture where she has her sunglasses on.
This makes me miss Paris and want to back. Can’t wait for more pics. 🙂
Wow, such amazing foods! I would love to take a bite of the kouign amann, it is my favorite French pastry! Unfortunately, I didn’t know about it until after I left Paris! When I return, it will be the first on my list!
http://liveitinerantly.com
everything looks so yummy! and ruby just keeps getting cuter.
This place is amazing!!! 🙂
Everything looks yummy! <3
http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/
http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/
SO beautiful! Your little girl is the cutest ever. xo
Ruby is such a cutie! And all that food looks insanely delicious.
Great post and great pics! I’m dying over the pic of Ruby at Blend Hamburger and also the last pic of the two of you at Ten Belles. I’m also drooling over everything you ate — deeelish! Can’t wait to take Olive to Paris!
I am drooling like mad at my desk looking at all your pastries. we visited paris before and seeing your pics makes me want to take him there. loving all the tips with the highchair that you included. 🙂 look forward to future posts! i just adore ruby so much!
Excited for this series as my fiance and I are headed to Paris for our honeymoon in December. Where did you get the amazing charcuterie plate, was that on rue Cler as well?
Thanks for sharing all the tips and photos!
Hi Emm,
Yes! Its from a pub across the way from the ice cream shop but I cant remember the name of it! :/
Joy
yeah…. French food…. still remember gaining 10 kilos during my year in Paris (6eme arrondis.)
Thanks! I’m drooling. Can’t wait.
Oh yum! everything looks delicious!
Which stroller is that? Do you like it?
Ok little Ruby in Paris is seriously just too cute. What a lucky little lady!
You seriously have the cutest daughter in the world! What great pics and delicious food!!!
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Dying YUM! I miss Paris! Did they think your were funny, taking pictures of all your food? Do they do that in France like we do here?
Thanks for the tips! We are heading there this Spring.
John and I went to Paris for our honeymoon. The skirt I wore on the flight over that was all loose and comfy barely fit over my hips on the way home 10 days later! But sooooo worth it. Love seeing your photos. Thanks for sharing!
so funny but it is true… butter and more butter! pattiserie and boulangerie and everything is so so good at Paris!!
Discovering and tasting new food is one of the best parts of traveling. I love how those chips were served!
I adore this post! I’m going to Paris next spring and there are so many places listed here that I want to try now.
I had lunch on my 30th birthday at Le Petit Cler on Rue Cler – I loved that street! 🙂
thank you for Inglesina chair idea here!
what great photos – exploring and trying food is one of the best parts of visiting a new city or country! We actually stayed on Rue Cler during our trip to Paris many moons ago…i loved it!
Such lovely pictures! Thank you for sharing, made me hungry 🙂
http://www.blushingincolor.com
Ruby looked very happy to visit Restaurants in France, I like the Picture of the Original French Fries from France. The chocolate croissant looks chock full of chocolate.
I will be posting Recipes of Favorites Panamanian Plates on my Site please take a look http://megacomerciales.com/
I’m starving now! What a great post!
My rented apartment in Paris was only 2 blocks away from Du Pain et des Idées. My fave boulangerie!!! I sure miss that pain des amis and the Bordier butter in Paris…oh the butter…
What was on top of the first french fries? What was the sauce made of? It looks so delicious! Yummy!!:)
I love the way you look at patterns and colors. Is such a Joy for me.
I couldn’t help but notice Ruby’s fun flash cards. Would love to know the source. Thanks!
Hi Emily!
She loves them. Here is the link!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735334218/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8camp=1789creative=390957creativeASIN=0735334218linkCode=as2tag=oj06-20
Joy
M I A M
M I A M
All these look so good! It’s really cool to learn new places I have never tried in Paris from you Joy, thanks!
We took our one year old to London/Paris in June & noticed the same with very little infants/children dining in Paris. We did have a beautiful vintage high chair at our hotel breakfast, though :)I read Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman which is the French approach to parenting & nice dinners with babies don’t really seem like fun for the French.
mmm, everything looks gorgeous & delicious 🙂
Hi Joy,
Your post on Paris with kids totally inspired me. I’ve been dying to go with my twins who are 3 now and it’s finally happening this April so I’m researching your blogs for all the great info. Thought I would ask you just a couple questions if you don’t mind. Do you have any hotel recommendations? Also what’s the best way to travel through the city? Do we need to bring car seats? Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Mary!
I think AirBnB’s are the best with toddlers. We didn’t bring our car seat for travel within the city as we mostly walked, took cabs, or the metro.
Paris doesn’t have the best streets for strollers but you def. need one if your kids can’t walk all day!
Joy
I have a 15 month old and my husband and I were recently saying that we need to start traveling again. We want to show our daughter the world and expose her to other countries at a young age. I loved finding Joy’s blog and Pinterest page, and would love to hear how your travels with your 3-year-olds go, Mary! I’m particularly interested in hearing about your meals, as my daughter is a little picky. I try giving her tastes of everything but it’s hit and miss sometimes… Happy travels!
Delicious ! There is so much diverity of restaurants in Paris. I love going to Le Bivouac, it is part of the Hotel Napoleon in the 8th http://www.hotelnapoleonparis.com/fr/restaurant it is cosy and intimate
yammm!!! Looks delicious!
Colocation Paris et logements étudiants en France .Trouver la colocation ou le colocataire parmis des milliers d’annonces avec ou sans garants.