Have one day to explore Paris? Spend it in these two sister arrondissements (neighborhoods). Start your morning with fresh breakfast from local food stalls and by visiting famous landmarks and museums. Shop around all afternoon, and enjoy an evening that can last all night in area famous for it's nightlife. Be sure to follow me on IG (@sophieeanna) & TikTok (@sophieeeanna) for more travel tips.
Wake up at Hôtel Rochechouart, situated right between the 18e and 9e and the perfect home base for a day bopping around both neighborhoods, and stopping for a reset if you need to during the day.
I try to stay at new hotels every time I go to Paris, but this is one that I will rebook. Incredible location with unstoppable views of Sacré Coeur and even the Eiffel Tower.
Ask for room 805 to be amazed.
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Enjoy their buffet breakfast with fresh produce and viennoiserie (pastries) from the nearby Rue des Martyrs, or go walk around yourself to pick up some snacks to enjoy at Sacré-Coeur - the main landmark in the area.
A beautiful church on top of the highest (I think?) point in Paris. It's a bit of a hike but a great reveal. Another fun way to visit is to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy and watch the sun set over the city.
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🚨 Don't get scammed
Sacré-Coeur is one of Paris' most famous landmarks, and is absolutely worth a visit, but it can be very crowded and is known for some aggressive scammers. The most common scam is when someone will try to put a bracelet on your wrist - they will say it's free but then follow you and ask for money. It's best to keep your distance and don't be afraid to look them in they eye and sternly say "Non Merci" before walking away.
🖼️ Do get some culture
Before we go shopping, stop by a museum - some of the best ones in this area are:
The Dalí Paris has an incredible collection of Salvador Dali's work - from painting to sculpture and more. It's slightly hidden away in the hills of Montmartre, but very easy to visit when you're in the area.
Ever since I visited this museum during my Sorbonne art history class, it's been one I've always recommended. It's a total hidden gem and a jaw-dropping space. It's the eccentric painter's former home, crammed floor to ceiling with his fantastical works.
Technically not a museum, but a colorful basketball court that caught Instagram's eye a few years ago. It's unique design for Paris and worth a quick drive by on your way for un café.
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L'Après Midi (The Afternoon)
There are so many incredible shops in this area, I find a new favorite every time I go. But if you can only hit one store in Montmartre, make it RoseMarket Vintage - this is thrifting that dreams are made of.
🛍️ Time to Shop
When I tell you I'm obsessed with this store I mean it. Equally obsessed with the APC Surplus store, which is on a street with a ton of other awesome boutiques that are worth popping in to.
THIS STORE. I dream about it. I wear my one-of-a-kind vintage Celine denim jacket from it monthly, and I regret the lavender Dior pumps I didn't buy. The owner is fabulous and named the store after her daughter - she has celebrity clientele like Angelina Jolie and more, but couldn't be more down to earth and passionate about her work.
Some great markdowns (up to 70%) on APC products, including a selection of bags. Be sure to ask them for the documentation to get a tax refund at the airport if you purchase anything over $100 .
This gallery has two stores across the street from each other - pop into both and chat with the staff. They were so knowledgeable about the artists and super helpful trying to figure out shipping for a new print I wanted to take home.
Yes. You MUST stop by this flower shop. It's basically an art gallery that smells like you've jumped into a perfume bottle. Enjoy the beauty.
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🍹 «Prend un apéro?»
To be in Paris is to prendre un apéro, or what American's would call... happy hour. My go to is the Maggie Rooftop. This building is unique because it's one of the tallest - it was built between a time when construction codes were changing so it has unobstructed views of Paris. You won't find another rooftop like it in this area.
I'm a sucker for oysters in Paris, since it's the city where I had my first one. This is a teeny counter service spot run by the same team as Hotel Rôchechouart.
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You also can't go wrong walking about and grabbing a table at any open terrace that looks lively. Just make eye contact with a server and motion to where you want to sit down before grabbing a seat.
Le Soir (The Evening)
When I travel, I always do double dinner. What's double dinner you ask? It's drinks and apps at one restaurant, and drinks and shared mains at the next. Here's few options for your own double dinner evening:
Django feels like a combo of a place to see and be seen, but also a neighborhood bistro. Sit at the bar and ask the bartender for shot of whatever they are all drinking (a Madeleine shot)
I've actually only been here for lunch, but this one Michelin star spot is a popular choice for a lovely dinner. It's the original outpost from Gregory Marchand, a chef who trained with Jamie Oliver in the UK and Danny Meyer in the USA.
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La Nuit (The Night)
Pigalle is known for it's nightlife, and it's my favorite place to spend a night on the town. From cozy cocktail bars to more lively clubs, and the famous Moulin Rouge, there are tons of options for a longgg night out.
I can neither confirm or deny that I crushed "Shallow" as a one person karaoke song here and all the frenchies were impressed.
A fun late night spot for sing-a-long shenanigans.
You've seen this place on Instagram - it's gorgeous and lively. The food is just ok, but the Big Mamma hospitality group is really becoming an empire in Europe, with a ton of kitschy spots in Paris and London (and probably elsewhere). Apparently there is also a speakeasy in the basement of this 4 story property.
Hi! I'm Sophie - the daughter of a commercial airline pilot, francophile, and someone who would always rather be in a hotel bed than in her own.
I've been lucky enough to travel the world starting from a young age in a very unique way (sometimes I don't even know what city I'm flying to until I get to the airport) and recently spent a year working at luxury travel company.
Today, I'm an actress and travel & music industry executive who loves to experience cities like a local.