Chez Paul: If you want really good food that doesn’t break the bank, head to Chez Paul, a world-famous bistro. In Paris you have restaurants, brasseries, cafés and bistros. Don’t know the difference between a bistro and a brasserie? A bistro is cozier and closes between lunch and dinner. Ironically, it’s believed that the word bistro derives from a Russian word meaning “hurry” or “quick,” because that’s what Russian soldiers would shout at dismissive waiters in the 1800s. In France, eating is all about taking your time, so it’s best to do as the Parisians do – take two-hour lunches. If you need to be in and out in an hour, just grab a sandwich on the street.

Laduree: Laduree, on the Champs-Élysées, is technically a tea salon, but it’s what’s served with the tea that keeps people coming back. They’ve got all the French classics – the croissant, the pains au chocolat (bread with chocolate), a lovely giant brioche and pommiers. Everything about Laduree, from the pastry to the décor to the perfect pistachio-green boxes they package their little sweets in, is rich and decadent. That’s what makes it so “French.”

Le Deux Magots: This famous Parisian café entertained the likes of Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce back in its heyday. The café has a typical setup -chairs face out towards the street, so you can sit and people-watch. It’s a great place to stop for a traditional French breakfast, which includes café au lait, a baguette with butter and fabulous croissants. Word to the wise: Dining is more expensive outside than inside, because the waiter has to walk more!
Métro: St-Germain-des-Prés
Where: 6 pl. St-Germain-des-Prés

Telephone:
Cost: 0 USD per person
Hours:

Type: Dining
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