Secret Paris

Beat the crowds, mix with the locals and earn some serious Paris bragging rights.

Paris is one of those cities that EVERYONE knows and EVERYONE has on their bucket list, much like Rome, London and my hometown Las Vegas. I’ve been lucky enough to see Paris quite a lot as it’s such a short trip away and I have finally compiled through the years a list of absolute Paris gems for guaranteed trip satisfaction. And trust me it’s important because there are far too many tourist traps that can really leave a bad taste in the unsuspecting travellers mouth…literally.*

Derriere

This was one of the first restaurants my husband took me to on our first trip to Paris together. The entrance is hidden away from the main sidewalk, you have to walk through a leafy courtyard to find it. Inside feels like the home of an eccentric french philosopher with mismatched furniture, worldly vintage collectables and good mood music blending into the background. There are two levels but we prefer to eat and chill on the ground floor. The beef cheeks are to die for but on a Sunday is pure Parisian brunching heaven with a very generous buffet, gorgeous fresh squeezed mimosas and a laid back atmosphere that says, “It’s Sunday and I’m going to take my sweet ass time enjoying this.” Ps…there is a secret hangout room upstairs somewhere but I’ll leave it to you to find it.

1st and 2nd Arrondissement

We almost always stay in the area between the 1st and 2nd arrondissement. Settle in nicely at boutique hole-in-the-wall hotel where the rooms may be small but you won’t spend too much time inside anyway. We love this area because it’s close enough to main attractions for lovely walks but not so close that you’re amongst tourist stampedes the whole time. Also, a little known fact, Paris has some dang good authentic asian food and this area boasts the most delectable Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese eats in town. You’ll be perfectly situated for pre, post AND morning after grub for boozy nights on the Parisian streets. My faves are Chikoja Korean for lunch or dinner and Aki Boulangerie for the best matcha latte of your life and a wide selection of beautiful Japanese/french pastries. Absolute perfection.

Chez Louisette

Well and truly hidden deep inside the Paris Flea Market, you will never find a more unique and life affirming establishment than this. We discovered Chez Louisette 6 years ago by accident while pottering around the antique cooking utensils and odd taxidermy when I caught a snippet of polka-esque tunes escaping from a poster covered door that someone was leaving from. I had a peek inside, immediately dragged my husband in and we’ve been loyal regulars ever since. It’s family run with 3 sisters running the house like a well oiled machine. Come in, sit down, order some escargot with fries and champagne and spend the entire afternoon here. Excellent entertainment throughout (with a side of people watching) and once you’re in, everyone is a member of this singing and clapping joyous family. We love Maneula, the 80 year old Edith Piaf impersonating singer. I want her to be my fabulous french grandma.

Crazy Horse Paris

Alright, so this one isn’t so much of a secret as it’s been around since 1951 and is one of the top burlesque cabarets to indulge in in Paris but my tips for the best way to experience it are key. Firstly, I’ve seen nearly all the big cabaret shows in Paris and Crazy Horse is by far the best. Skip Moulin Rouge and Follies Berger (sorry, they’re just ok) and head straight to Crazy. A quick heads up, it’s an entirely topless show and VERY sensual (not a place to take the parents or any other relatives for that matter) but the girls are undeniably talented dancers, acrobats and performers. It truly is a visual pleasure to watch for any gender. When you book I suggest calling or emailing to make sure you get a table in the front section otherwise they may stick you off to the side or worse, in the back rows. Pre ordering a bottle of the house champagne will help you get better seating too. Don’t feel obligated to pose for the in house souvenir photographer if it’s not your thing. We always politely decline and they won’t keep bothering you. The show is about 2 hours with a short intermission so I suggest dinner beforehand. Get there on time, get cozy and get ready to feel absolutely tantalized!