From the Best Café to the Coolest Vintage Boutique—Jeanne Damas’s Guide to Paris

From the quaint corners of the Left Bank to the bustling boulevards in Le Marais, Paris pulses with a certain je ne sais quoi that lures travelers and fashionistas alike. Among them, Jeanne Damas, an icon of effortless Parisian chic, has graced followers with her curated guide to the City of Lights—a treasure map for those looking to sip, shop, and stroll like a true Parisienne.
Begin your day as the locals do, in a quintessential Paris café. For Jeanne Damas, Café de Flore reigns supreme with its timeless charm. Nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this café has been a cultural hub since the 1880s. Bask in the ambiance of writers and artists past while nibbling on a croissant paired perfectly with a café crème.
Venture onwards to Shakespeare and Company, an iconic English-language bookstore that has welcomed literary greats from Hemingway to Fitzgerald. With quaint reading nooks and views of Notre-Dame, it’s easy to lose track of time among the stacks.
Crossing the Seine brings you to Ile Saint-Louis, a tranquil island perfect for an afternoon stroll. Here you’ll find Berthillon, whose heavenly ice cream is akin to a Parisian rite of passage—try the salted caramel or wild strawberry for an indulgent treat.
As the shadows lengthen, it’s time to hit Le Marais—an essential stop according to Damas. This vibrant district thrums with creativity and style. Vintage enthusiasts will feel at home at Free’P’Star, a treasure trove where past decades’ chic converges. Dig through racks of second-hand designer garb and emerge with a piece that tells its own story.
No tour is complete without indulging in French gastronomy. Damas suggests Chez Janou, tucked away on a corner near Place des Vosges—its Provençal dishes will transport your taste buds to the lavender fields and sun-soaked terraces of southern France.
As dusk settles over Paris’ slate roofs and chimney pots, make your way to Hotel Costes or Le Comptoir Général for an apéritif. These spots exude an air of clandestine glamour—perfect for clinking glasses filled with kir or well-mixed cocktails.
Jeanne Damas’s guide unfolds Paris in layers of history and modernity, inviting one into intimate corners where heritage dialogues with contemporary panache. Following her footsteps assures you’ll catch not just sights but the essence of what it means to experience Paris through the eyes of those who call it home.