Words by Aude Camus
After more than a decade of living in Hong Kong, I still call Paris home — not day to day, but deep down, where memory and rhythm live. Every summer, I return for a month (sometimes longer) to reconnect with the city that raised me. And while Paris is ever-changing, I find myself slipping back into the same rituals — long lunches, aimless walks, and a few favourite spots I visit like old friends.
If you're planning a trip and wondering what to do, here’s my personal list of things to do in Paris — the restaurants I never skip, the streets I walk every time, and the little moments that make the city feel like home.
Looking to enjoy a proper taste of Paris in Hong Kong? Some of my favourite French bistros in the 852 include Jean-Pierre (Sheung Wan), Marmo (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Bouillon (Sheung Wan).
Where to Eat in Paris: My Favourite Restaurants Right Now
Parcelles
13 rue Chapon, 75003
The hot chocolate is thick as custard and comes with whipped cream on the side. It’s pure comfort. I love coming to Carette with my daughter for a little breakfast date before we head to the playground at Place des Vosges — a ritual that’s now non-negotiable every summer (and winter).
Le Piaf
38 rue Jean Mermoz, 75008
After more than a decade of living in Hong Kong, I still call Paris home — not day to day, but deep down, where memory and rhythm live. Every summer, I return for a month (sometimes longer) to reconnect with the city that raised me. And while Paris is ever-changing, I find myself slipping back into the same rituals — long lunches, aimless walks, and a few favourite spots I visit like old friends.
If you're planning a trip and wondering what to do, here’s my personal list of things to do in Paris — the restaurants I never skip, the streets I walk every time, and the little moments that make the city feel like home.
Looking to enjoy a proper taste of Paris in Hong Kong? Some of my favourite French bistros in the 852 include Jean-Pierre (Sheung Wan), Marmo (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Bouillon (Sheung Wan).
Where to Eat in Paris: My Favourite Restaurants Right Now
Parcelles
13 rue Chapon, 75003
The hot chocolate is thick as custard and comes with whipped cream on the side. It’s pure comfort. I love coming to Carette with my daughter for a little breakfast date before we head to the playground at Place des Vosges — a ritual that’s now non-negotiable every summer (and winter).
Le Piaf
38 rue Jean Mermoz, 75008
Out in the 16th and well worth the taxi. The menu is short but full of off-menu suggestions, and the cooking is polished but not pretentious. We celebrated our civil wedding at Disciples, and served an epic ‘pheasant chartreuse’ so I’m biased — but I’d argue it’s one of the best restaurants in Paris right now. Don’t miss the chocolate soufflé.
Nonos at Hôtel de Crillon
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 Place de la Concorde, 75008
Dinner under the stars at this palace hotel’s patio felt like a dream. The atmosphere at Nonos is grand without being stiff, the service is kind, and even our five-year-old was treated like a VIP. Bonus points for the people-watching and the signature gruyère soufflé.
Carboni’s
45 rue de Poitou, 75003
If I’m in the mood for something savoury, Cul de Cochon (32 Rue de Buci) calls with its deeply satisfying ham and cheese sandwiches. A few doors down, I always stop at Maison Gazelle (160 Boulevard Saint-Germain) for a takeaway box of gazelle ankles — delicate almond-filled pastries with a Moroccan twist.
Once on Boulevard Saint-Germain, I turn right if I feel like revisiting the classics. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots may be cliché, but I still take a seat if the queue isn’t too long — who doesn’t love a little cinematic glamour? Just next door is L’Écume des Pages (174 Boulevard Saint-Germain), one of Paris’ most beloved independent bookstores, and always worth a browse.
No visit to Saint-Germain is complete without a stop at Citypharma (26 Rue du Four). Yes, it’s always busy — but don’t be put off by the queue at the cashier, it moves quickly. You’ll find all the cult French pharmacy brands at unbeatable prices: Nuxe, La Roche-Posay, Christophe Robin, Cut by Fred… My suitcase is never light on the way back.
From there, I wander down Rue de Sèvres to Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres), Paris’ oldest department store and still — in my opinion — its most beautiful. Right next door is La Grande Épicerie (38 Rue de Sèvres), a temple to all things edible. Between the fashion and home décor at Le Bon Marché and the pastries, cheeses, tins and teas at La Grande Épicerie, I could easily lose an entire afternoon.
If I still have time (and energy), I walk back via Rue du Bac, which is full of little treasures:
• Le Grand Comptoir (116 Rue du Bac) for chic gifts and homeware
• Angelina (108 Rue du Bac) for a decadent hot chocolate or a slice of Mont-Blanc
• Oh My Cream! (104 Rue du Bac) for beautifully curated skincare
• Des Gâteaux et du Pain by Claire Damon (89 Rue du Bac) — her pastries are edible sculptures
It’s a walk I do every time I’m in Paris — a little indulgent, a little inspiring, and completely Parisian.