Whenever I spend the day at the Paris historical archives I always make sure I take a break in the nearby Jardin des Rosiers, and most of the time this includes eating a huge takeaway falafel sandwich from one of the nearby restaurants.
The garden provides an oasis of calm in a busy area, once the heart of Jewish Paris, now more and more geared towards shopping and upmarket chain boutiques. Whilst eating the falafel, sharing some crumbs with the army of sparrows that inevitably appear, I contemplate some of the gardens oddities - a chunk of the ancient city walls, built by Philippe Auguste in the 13th century, a vegetable garden with a crooked fig tree and a tall brick chimney once belonging to a factory that sorted gold from dust.
I have no particular favourite restaurant - they all serve pretty much the same thing at the same price, although all of them will tell you that they are the best!
Rue des Francs Bourgeois 37
Sandwich:
€
6
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Paris guide.
"Rue Férou" in Paris has a mural of Rimbaud's Bâteau Ivre on what is now a tax center. It's all written by hand by calligrapher Jan Willem Bruins.
By
"Coutume Café" is THE place in Paris you should take any sceptic who still believes it is impossible to find a good cup of coffee in the French capital...
By
"Chapon Chocolat" in Paris is the only high-tier chocolatier that has a chocolate mousse bar! The owner drew inspiration from picking ice cream flavours...
By
"Assemblages" is a wine bar in Paris you should definitely visit if you're walking through Place des Vosges. The owner is a cabinet maker - and it shows!
By
"Rue du Montparnasse" in Paris is THE place to be to try authentic French savory crêpes, aka galettes, just like they make them in Brittany.
By
"Rosa Bonheur sur Seine" is on a barge on the river Seine in Paris. I love the atmosphere there and I recommend getting some tapas. Oh the canned sardines!
By
"Jardin Catherine-Labouré" in Paris was an orchard that belonged to the Filles de la Charité convent; today, it's the perfect place to take your kids!
By
The restaurant in the Palais de Tokyo in Paris changes a lot; nowadays it's called "Bambini" and it has a wonderful terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower.
By
"Kiosk Le Stube" in Paris offers all the typical German delicacies you might imagine! I go there because I love their pastries and cantina food...
By
"Benedict" Paris has become one of my favourite spots for a quick & tasty meal in the middle of the day or for a fancy dinner with friends or in couples.
By
"Aux Comptoirs du Chineur" in Paris is a unique shop and bric-a-brac, a fantastic place to spend some time looking for vintage treasures...
By
"Musée Bourdelle" in Paris, in the Montparnasse district, was where all the artists hung out last century. Come here to see Bourdelle's beautiful statues.
By
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Paris Blog & App!
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Paris City Blog & App!