Living in Paris means not needing to find a room for the night, but I do like to keep up to date with new openings for when I need to make recommendations. It's been interesting to see how popular hostels have become, but most are huge spaces and parts of international chains, with locations that look the same in every city.
Les Piaules is not like that. It feels more like a boutique hotel, even if it can still cheaply squeeze you into a dorm for eight people. What sets it apart is not the rooms or the beds, but the atmosphere. It's housed in a converted 1930s art deco style office block to start with, but it also has a cosy bar that is open to everybody. Perhaps best of all though is the rooftop terrace, reserved only for those staying at the hostel.
The neighbourhood is a cool one, with perhaps the city's best nightlife nearby. It's also just a 5-minute walk from my home, so I sometimes pop along to the bar. With its international globe-trotting atmosphere, it feels like I'm travelling in my home city!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
"Pizzeria Popolare" in central Paris makes authentic pizza napoletana. Come here if you don't mind queuing up and want the most affordable pizza around.
by
"La Bellevilloise" is a cultural centre in Paris with a bar & a restaurant. They have a fantastic variety of activities & it goes back to the 19th cen.
by
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
" Le Bouillon Chartier" is a remarkable relic of the old modernist-style Paris. Classic French cuisine, nicely decorated mirrors, tiles & sculptures...
by
The bookshop is in an old car repair shop, which its owner transformed into a welcoming and open space where book presentations and talks take place.
by
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
by
"Le Favori" is a small, unpretentious place in the 11th arrondissement in Paris that definitely makes the best pastrami sandwich in the city...
by
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips