Rue du Montparnasse Paris
Crêpes galore!
The rue du Montparnasse, located in (surprise, surprise) Paris’ Montparnasse area, is home to over a dozen crêperies (La Crêperie Bretonne is the one I like best). Forget the so-called "crêpes" you can find on street corners or in front of the Eiffel Tower. I am talking about traditional savoury buckwheat galettes, the way they are made in Brittany. Get a "galette complète" (ham, cheese and egg) if you want to go the traditional route or opt for the "galette à la guémenoise" (with andouille de Guéméné aka tripe sausage) if you are feeling adventurous. The latter is my boyfriend’s favourite!
The explanation for this plethora of crêperies is that in the 19th century, the railway connecting Paris to Brest was completed; it left from the Montparnasse train station and served the whole of Brittany. Upon their arrival in Paris, Breton travellers were naturally hungry for a hearty galette and a bolée (little bowl) of cider or some lait ribot (buttermilk). As a result, the street now has a very Breton feel to it but I must also absolutely recommend to you Toritcho, one of Paris’ oldest Japanese restaurants (their toro tuna, when available, is TO-DIE for).
The rue du Montparnasse is also famous for the highly selective private catholic school Collège Stanislas (known as just “Stan” to the locals) which is surprisingly huge: I recommend watching one of their video presentations on YouTube just to catch a glimpse of the inside!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Le Silence de La Rue
A visual and sonic palace
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Paul
Wright
Vinyl Office
Black artists on vinyl
The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
by
Paul
Wright
Nomade
Beyond just great coffee
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
Paul
Wright
Music Avenue Paris
The music drugstore
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Paul
Wright
Fontaine de La Croix
A roundabout folie
"Fontaine de La Croix" in Paris is a folie that's a street relic of a roundabout with many bizarre details that make it very attractive to me...
by
Paul
Wright
Les Brutalistes
Architectural leather accessories
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
Paul
Wright
Rue du Pelican
An architectural patchwork
"Rue du Pelican" in Paris has an isolated space that feels like a time capsule. One can build tall stories of what shady goings-on must've gone on here...
by
Paul
Wright
Jardin Nelson Mandela
A shadowcast oasis
"Jardin Nelson Mandela" in Paris is a new public garden. What's remarkable is the number of shadows to be found there -- useful to remember in the summer.
by
Paul
Wright
Les Douches Gallery
Great shows, great building!
"Les Douches Gallery" Paris is situated in what was once a public bath built in the 1930s. The gallery itself is fascinating, but the building is better!
by
Adam
Roberts
Musée de l'histoire d'immigration
History & fish!
"Musée de l'histoire d'immigration" Paris started off as a small museum on ex-French colonies; now it celebrates immigration into France. Lovely terrace
by
Adam
Roberts
La Caravane
Aperitif hotspot
"La Caravane" Paris is a bar where I love having apéritif like a relaxed affair, a leisurely drink with friends in cool, comfortable surroundings...
by
Adam
Roberts
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Paris?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Paris
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
