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The NEW Castel Guide to Paris

Bonjour! Just in time for Paris Deco Off and Maison&Objet, we have updated our Castel Guide to Paris to include some new favorites as well as revisit some tried and true recommendations. Allez!

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Recamier, a favorite in the 6th for its textile design dream rooms and proximity to the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint Sulpice.

Le Relais Saint Germain, chic hotel in walking distance to all the best Saint-Germain-des-Prés has to offer. Bonus: you get priority seating at our favorite canteen, Le Comptoir, the bistro on the ground floor.

Relais Christine, on a charming side street in the 6th with a little more swag and trim than is usually our jam. The honor bar makes up for the splurge, right?

Hotel des Académies et des Arts, a young feeling hotel inspired by an artist's atelier. A great option if you left your expense account at home.

WHERE TO EAT

This is a never ending list, so here are a few faves... feel free to reach out to us for more recommendations.

Allard, there are a few classics on our list that are quintessentially Parisian, and Allard does not disappoint. This is a special occasion restaurant, so go all out and order the foie gras and the frog's legs. And dessert, of course.

Hûiterie Régis, if you love oysters, then this sliver of a restaurant in the 6th is not to be missed.

Frenchie Bar á Vins is where you bring your hipster friends for delicious shared plates over small producer wines in an animated room in the 2nd.

We can't wait to make our way up to the 11th to try Maison, the new venture by Tokyo born chef, Sota Atsumi. His previous restaurant, Clown Bar, was one of our favorites for creative and inventive plates in a super cool space.

If you find yourself hungry between appointments in Saint Germain, then pop into Breizh Cafe for an authentic Bretagne buckwheat crêpe and a cup of cider. You will be good as new for more fabric shopping!

La Fontaine de Mars is a favorite because Mr. Canovas used to bring us here for long lunches around the corner from his office in the 7th. This is a very classic red and white checked bistro with lovely waiters who have been known to pour a little extra rhum on our baba.

L'Ami Jean in the 7th is a raucous bistro with excellent twists on classic French food. This is the kind of place where you will likely end up making friends with the table next to you.

Au Sauvignon is the perfect spot when you need a tartine (on pain Poilâne no less) and a glass of wine to tide you over after shopping at Le Bon Marche.

Our 8 year old son will tell you that no trip to Paris is complete without an ice cream pit stop at the famed Berthillon Glacier on Île Saint-Louis.

WHERE TO SHOP

There are many "obvious" places to shop in Paris, so we are partial to the small, neighborhood gems that sell one of a kind wares.

La Tuile á Loupa special ceramics shop featuring creations by many local artists. Ina shops there, need we say more?

Deyrolle is one of the most eccentric and intriguing shops that is full of taxidermy and curiosities that rival the Natural History Museum. We brought home a beautifully framed butterfly. (No animals are harmed for the art here.)

Alexandra Sojfer is one of those specific gems that feel like entering a once in a lifetime space. This artist only makes umbrellas, parasols, and walking sticks from the finest materials.

Polder is a chic women's shop near Odéon founded by a pair of Dutch sisters. We love their flats, simple totes, and petite jewelry.

Librairie Elbé in Saint Germain has specialized in vintage travel posters since 1976.  A fun gift idea.

La Maison du Pastel is the oldest pastel manufacturer in the world. They open their colorful shop in the 3rd on Thursday afternoons between 2-6pm.

Forever on this list is Monoprix. We never miss a stop by what initially may seem a pedestrian department store for their beautiful children's and baby clothing. Many locations throughout France.

WHERE TO CULTURE

There are so many museums and points of interest tucked into all corners of Paris. Our advice: anywhere but the Louvre.

Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle is Paris's answer to NYC's Natural History Museum, but much more bizarre in the best ways. Our son is still asking questions about all of the weird and wondrous creatures spied in jars and intricate displays. The room pictured above is worth the visit alone.

Palais de Tokyo in the 16th is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe and celebrates living artists.

If you have kids in tow as we often do, be sure to swing by Ludo Jardin in the Luxembourg Gardens. This is not your average playground. Be sure to take a spin on the zip line!

Voila. We can't wait to see you in La Ville Lumiére!

A bientôt,
Laura & Stéphane