“Paris’s Next Cool Neighborhood” is a headline that pretty much writes itself, and after years of feeling left out of all the excitement in Paris’s 11th Arrondissement—the hip cultural epicenter of Paris that’s sprung up in the last ten years—when I heard flutters of an exciting new neighborhood close by, I wanted in on the action.
While there’s still plenty to explore in the 11th, if you want to be clued in on a more under-the-radar Parisian hotspot, look no further than the 10th Arrondissement. Geographically defined by the quaint bohemia of Canal Saint-Martin and the bustle of the Gare du Nord international train station, the 10th Arr. is a centrally-located gem of a Parisian neighborhood, with diverse and inventive cuisine, excellent local bars, and some of the best boutique shopping in town.
While there’s no museum or historic architectural site to anchor the neighborhood, it’s one of the best areas to see what it’s actually like to live in Paris as Parisians do—which, let’s face it, is a fantasy even the most adventurous travelers aspire to. It’s a little bit sleepier here—ardent nightlifers may want to venture elsewhere for clubbing—but the neighborhood does have several after-hour standouts.
Below, a guide to the best places to eat, shop, and drink in Paris’s 10th Arrondissement.
The Best Restaurants in Paris’s 10th Arrondissement
Déviant
After a long day of sedentary plane or train travel, a restaurant that boasts no seating whatsoever is a welcome respite. But that’s not the only draw—the inventive and ever-changing bar menu here is a destination in and of itself, pairing well with their excellent natural wine list (think hibiscus seared scallops with an effervescent orange wine). Come early (by 8 p.m.) if you want to stand at the bar proper. It gets very lively here as the night goes on. For a sit-down experience (and reservations), the same owners have Vivant next door.
La Bibimerie
Offering “le cuisine de Coréen”—Korean food with a French Twist—La Bibimerie is a great lunch spot for spins on bibimbap and experiments in French omelettes with kimchi and gochujang aioli.
Sol Semilla
Half vegan bistro, half superfood boutique, Sol Semilla is a colorful and flavorful place to fuel up on veggies (and good wine) with a daily-changing menu. Expect giant bowls of superfoods with unique salts, seasonings, and condiments.
Urfa Dürüm
This long-standing Kurdish sandwich shop makes fresh, wood-fired grilled meat and vegetables, rolls it all up in a thin, pita-like flatbread with delicious sauces, and serves it all piping hot. Perfect for lunch or late-night eats.
Holybelly 19
This inventive restaurant originally earned its place as a brunch hotspot by serving traditional American breakfast foods—bacon, eggs, pancakes, etc. But when the team moved the original operation to a larger space, they reimagined their smaller, older space as a place to experiment with what breakfast can be. Here you can enjoy seasonal, rotating small plates and delicious coffee in an intimate setting. You never know what you’re going to get here.
Onyriza
You wouldn’t know that all of the pastries at Onyriza are gluten-free—a Parisian rarity—if they didn’t advertise it on their menu and outside sandwich board. Try any number of the pâtisserie’s tarts or cookies.
Where to Drink in the 10th Arrondissement
Le Comptoir Général
If you go early enough (5-7 p.m.), you’ll see the unassuming sign for Le Comptoir Général off Canal Saint-Martin. You’ll turn into a quiet stretch of alleyway and into the hidden quarters of the multi-room, jungle-themed bar with an outdoor courtyard, quirky cocktail menu, and lively patrons. If you go later (after 10 p.m.), you might have to wait in a line of well-dressed Parisians—but the immersive experience is totally worth it.
Le Petit Nicoli
This wine bar and cellar is the ultimate neighborhood wine dive—it almost feels like you’re stepping into a sommelier’s living room, and then having that sommelier cut cheese from the wheel right in front of you and pair it with an exquisite wine you’ve probably never heard of. Stay for a drink or three and watch as locals come in for their weekly wine bottle hauls.
L’Ours Bar
The slogan of this bar is “Cocktails Détente,” or “relaxing cocktails,” but this intimate space can get pretty rowdy late into the night, drawing crowds with its extensively trained mixologists who pride themselves on friendliness as much as their cocktail prowess. Happy hour lasts from 6 to 9 p.m. to boot.
Gravity Bar
Don’t be fooled by the sleek interior, this cocktail bar with seasonal pub fare offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes their creative drinks taste even better—the bartenders here aren’t afraid to mix custom concoctions, either. Just tell them what you like and see what they can do with their homemade syrups and bitters.
The 10th Arrondissement’s Best Boutiques and Shopping
Artazart
Elevated coffee table books, affordable prints signed by local artists, and other design-lover goods can be found at the compact yet abundant Artazart shop along Canal Saint-Martin. You can find a gift for just about anyone here (including yourself).
Chinemachine II
A well-curated vintage and consignment shop that favors material quality over brand recognition. Here you’ll find funky furs and silk slip dresses alongside an assortment of costume-worthy jewelry.
La Tresorerie
Have you ever wanted to buy every single thing in a single store? You may want to avoid La Tresorerie if you swoon over handcrafted ceramics and artisan home and bath goods. If you wander the shelves here with no room left in your suitcase, you can find respite at the shop’s Café Smörgås, a French-does-Scandinavian lunch spot with light fare and La Tresorerie decor.
Jicqy
An accessories store for men (bowties, pocket squares) and women (headbands, scarves, jewelry) with a quintessential french flair that’s both simple and elevating—these pieces can make an outfit. While these Parisian goods can be found in stories across Paris, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, this is the only brick-and-mortar store dedicated solely to the namesake brand.
Less is More Concept Store
This eco-boutique offers a variety of sustainable clothing, accessories, home goods, and cosmetics. The woodsy vibe is a welcome respite from the urban surroundings. Shoppers can feel good about any item they purchase here—and prove that eco can also be chic, featuring brands like the Danish farm-to-foot Glerups and the French Le Pavé Scrub soaps.
Les Saintes Cheries
A catchall store for locally-made accessories and home goods with a bohemian edge (think handcrafted fabric totes, ceramics, and jewelry). You could spend hours pursuing this small shop for the perfect gift or take-home treasure.
