A Guide to Paris's 10th Arrondissement
With vintage shops, bars and cafés to explore along the scenic Canal Saint-Martin, the 10th arrondissement of Paris is the place to be this summer.
As many people take their summer vacations on the beach, relaxing on European holidays in the south of France in towns like Nice, the 10th arrondissement of Paris offers an equally promising holiday full of adventure and city life.
With tourists flocking to crowded neighborhoods in Paris to catch sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Notre Dame, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed in areas of the city like the Latin Quarter or the 7th arrondissement. While those areas are popular for a reason, there are plenty of quieter neighborhoods in Paris worth visiting. The 10th arrondissement is full of cool bars, art galleries, bakeries and bohemian cafés, making it the perfect place to catch a glimpse of local life in the city.
The 10th arrondissement is located on the Canal Saint-Martin, a popular spot to picnic, read and spend time with friends, or to walk along and pop into some of the many shops and restaurants that border the canal. The neighborhood is also home to the famous train stations Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est. The 10th is well known for spots like the Marché Saint-Martin, a marketplace full of gourmet food stalls, and Rue Sainte-Marthe, a picturesque street full of colorful art studios and global restaurants.
Rather than getting caught in tourist traps and crowds, discover a more authentic side of Paris with L'OFFICIEL's guide to the best vintage shops, bars, coffee shops and restaurants in the 10th arrondissement.
Buddy Buddy
Known for its famous peanut butter lattes, stop by Buddy Buddy if you're looking for a new favorite coffee order. This nut butter coffee shop boasts unique coffee and matcha drinks that highlight the rich flavors of nut butter. Besides making picture-perfect lattes and gourmet dark chocolate peanut butter cups, the coffee shop also hosts a run and exercise club every Sunday with one of their baristas as the coach. What better way to finish off a quick weekend workout than with nut butter smoothies?
Thankx God I'm A VIP
Thankx God I'm A VIP is a well-known vintage designer shop in the 10th. As Paris is a fashion capital of the world, the vintage shops offer only the best of the best. Thankx God I'm A VIP has a wide array of curated designer pieces, from Prada duffel bags to Gucci pumps and gowns fit for a runway. The vintage shop also has a coffee shop inside, and the stylish staff will happily help you find a new favorite outfit.
Du Pain et Des Idées
Du Pain et Des Idées is a beloved and historic boulangerie in Paris known for its rustic loaves of bread and pinwheel shaped chocolate pistachio pastries. The bakery itself dates back to 1875, but Du Pain et Des Idées began in 2002 when it was founded by Christophe Vasseur. The interior of the bakery is itself a masterpiece, with a hand-painted glass ceiling. The bakery has won several awards over the years, including Best King Cake of Paris in 2014 and the Best Baker of Paris to Christophe Vasseur in 2008. Bread lovers and tourists flock to this spot, so be prepared to move quickly, but you'll be sure to enjoy some unforgettable baked goods.
Bonjour Jacob
Just like New York and other major cities, Paris is no stranger to the café-meets-boutique shop hybrid. In the 10th arrondissement, Bonjour Jacob is the best example of this. A high-end coffee shop that also functions as a magazine and vinyl shop with the occasional photo exhibition on display, Bonjour Jacob is making print media cool again. When you visit, you can expect to find quality matcha and pastries, art books that inspire and entertain and some new favorite tunes.
Le Comptoir Général
Le Comptoir Général is the perfect bar for a night out in Paris while exploring the 10th arrondissement. It offers a festive bar that often hosts events like salsa dancing, live music, DJs, rum tastings and themed nights like a Carribean snack bar. Additionally, Le Comptoir Général has a classy restaurant lounge with everything from timeless cocktails and resort-themed appetizers to seafood brunch for families. Though it's not the same experience as a resort in Nice, it's just as fun. Curating high-end vacation and getaway vibes, Le Comptoir Général offers a unique taste of Parisian nightlife.
Holybelly
This family-owned and operated brunch spot is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Holybelly offers classic American-style breakfasts full of eggs, pancakes, bacon and avocado. The pancakes are a well-known hit, and even though there might be a bit of a wait to get in, it's well worth it for a chance to try out their seasonal drinks. With a slogan like "It's good because we care," Holybelly promises an excellent dining experience surrounded by the exciting atmosphere of the 10th.
JJ Hings
JJ Hings offers the perfect sweet treat for a day spent walking around the 10th with homemade New Zealand ice cream in Paris. Made with real fruit and produce, the flavors are fresh takes on old classics and the menu is often changing to bring in new and exciting items. From ice pops, soft serve, regular scoops or floats, JJ Hings is everything you can hope for in a dessert on a hot summer day.
Limousine Vintage Clothing
Located just steps away from Canal Saint-Martin, Limousine is a thoughtful vintage store offering options for women, men and children. Lush plants and a spiral staircase bring ambiance to the quaint shop, and the curated selection of clothes brings the promise of some one-of-a-kind finds.
Alternative
Alternative is described as a "concept store," offering carefully curated vintage clothing, accessories and shoes as well as home decor and furniture. Delicate blouses, slingback heels, rustic ceramics and colorful glassware can all be found in the small boutique located at 14 rue du Chateau d'eau.
Hotel Les Deux Gares
This charming hotel in the 10th is designed by English interior designer Luke Edward Hall. With bright, colorful rooms and a lobby full of photo opportunities, it makes for the perfect place to stay during a Parisian adventure. Even if you don't plan to stay at the hotel, there is a café connected to it, also designed by Hall, that offers an array of classic French cuisine in a neo bistro style.
