7 Restaurants Full of Old Paris Charm

Visiting Paris, looking for old world French charm, yet somehow ending up at another tourist trap? Save this list, mark these restaurants, and rest assured you will soak up some of ✨Old Paris✨ when you visit each.

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Le Temps des Cerises

@TravelFilled

This adorable neighborhood haunt was introduced to me by my AirBnB host turned dear friend, Eric, who has gone here since he moved to Paris as a young child. It is tucked along a side street between Pont Sully and Bastille and serves classic, traditional dishes plus seasonal rotating specials. Book ahead if you can- it made a quick cameo in the most recent season of Emily in Paris so you know what that means.

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L'Îlot Vache

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The idyllic Île Saint-Louis is less than half a mile in length and full of old Paris charm- this island in the Seine remains largely residential and serves as a refreshing calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city center. The name “L’Îlot Vache” translates to “The Island Cow” and is a nod to the island’s history as originally serving as a cow grazing pasture and offers an excellent 3 course set menu that focuses on meat-centric French classics with a twist. Their scallops (noix de saint jacques) in pomegranate sauce is one of my favorite dishes in all of Paris! The owner and wait staff are knowledgeable and friendly and know many of the island locals, some of whom you will undoubtedly be sitting next to.

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Pain Vin Fromages

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My first Paris apartment was a few minutes walk from here, and there is nowhere else I'd rather eat traditional fondue or raclette in an old Parisian basement (cave) on a side street in Le Marais. Order a bottle of the house red and make it a full evening- that's what the locals do, so book ahead if possible.

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Chez Julien

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Chez Julien is the epitome of old Paris fine dining, and its idyllic location just off the Seine nestled along the charming cobblestoned Rue des Barres means you might recognize it from a film or two. I recommend sipping Sancerre on their patio in the summer or treating yourself to a meal in the dining room during truffle season.

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Ma Bourgogne

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Ma Bourgogne lines the Place des Vosges- the old stomping grounds of many famous Frenchies, Victor Hugo included. If you go here, you aren't just going to a restaurant, you are going to an institution of traditional French fare, known for their escargot, foie gras, and beef tartare.

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Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond

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There are many wrong ways to do Le Petit- which stays busy with Parisians and tourists thanks to its central Les Halles location and cheap eats. But there is also one very right way: eat upstairs (preferably on a cold winter night) and order a carafe of the house red paired with steak frites, followed by the entire dessert menu. Trust me, it will still be one of your cheapest meals in Paris and you'll have experienced what they do best from the best seats in the house!

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Le Café de l'Epoque

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You'll think you've stepped back into the 30's at this simple yet charming Parisian restaurant tucked around the corner from Palais-Royal. Classic French dishes, thick french fires, and cheap kir royales are all part of the experience.

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The Best Paris Hotels to Explore on Foot

I used to live in Paris, so when I return, I pick where I stay based on what I'm hoping to see and do. Paris is magically a massive city that remains largely walkable, and strolling the City of Light is not only an easy way to get around, but most Parisians' favorite past time. Wander (flâner) amidst the Haussmannian architecture, picnic in the gardens, get lost in the Louvre, sip coffee or wine on a terrasse, fill up on crêpes and vintage books, watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle– this magical city is meant to be shared. These are some of the best central hotel options in Paris that will allow you to explore the city by foot.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Cregg

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Bonjour, y'all! I’m Emma, a southerner who moved to Paris and now splits my time between the City of Light and Charleston, SC. After years of planning trips to both spots for friends, family, and the occasional stranger I befriended on a plane, I made things official and launched Travel Filled, my travel blog and planning business. I used to work for the City of Charleston and now travel and work with cities all over the country (aka total local government nerd, proudly nicknamed the Leslie Knope of my grad class). That makes me incredibly enthusiastic about finding and sharing local specialities and hidden gems. I’m constantly seeking out new cultural experiences, running routes, good pescatarian spots, book and coffee nooks, and the perfect cocktail. I plan trips for all sorts of folks, but am especially passionate about connecting with culturally curious women looking to fill up their travel cup through a blend of authentic experiences and treat yoself moments and are just too busy kicking ass in their daily lives to plan it all on their own!

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