My Paris Favorites: Richard Nahem in the Marais

Edited by Linda Donahue

In this new feature, Parisians and expats living in Paris offer up their favorite places and indulgences in the city. This week, Richard Nahem of Eye Prefer Paris shares some of his favorite spots in the Marais.

Richard Nahem knows the Marais. That’s because he’s lived there for the past four years. And ever since, he’s continued to indulge his love for Paris by sharing it with visitors through his Eye Prefer Paris Tours. Even though I thought I knew the Marais, after tagging along on one of Richard’s tours, I found myself learning more about the history, and discovering places I’d never stumbled across in my own wanderings.

With his knowledge of this meandering Paris arrondissement, it’s no surprise that Richard is able to quickly share his list of favorite places in the Marais.

Restaurant (French)

Le Hangar, a small bistro hidden in a courtyard has amazing food and the best Beef Wellington.

Restaurant (Ethnic)

I like the ethnic food court at the Marche des Enfants rouge which has different food stands including Moroccan (my favorite), Japanese, Italian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and French cuisine. You can either eat on the premises at outdoor community tables or get it to go.

Cheap Eats

Francois the Paella man at the Badoyer Market by the Hotel de Ville, on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. He has the most scrumptious, authentic paella that he makes fresh on the truck that day. A huge portion is enough for two and is only seven euros.

Food/gourmet Shop

Izrael is a fabulous mid-east and eastern gourmet shop with dazzling assortment of dried fruit, exotic spices from Thailand to Turkey, open barrels of grains, rice, pickles, and lots of exotic condiments. Another mandatory stop on my Marais tours.

Department Store

Even though it’s on the left bank (and not in the Marais), I love Le Bon Marche, a cross between Barney’s & Bergdorf’s. They also have an incredible food department (across the street from the main store): Le Grand Epicerie.

Chocolate Shop

The gorgeous, exquisite Jacques Genin. Besides the delicous and delicate chocolate, the pastries and salted caramels are to die for. The interior of the shop and the experience of having a pastry and coffee is unforgettable.

Unique Boutique

Noir Kennedy, a punk vintage shop with coffins in the purposely-shattered windows.

Damman Frères

Tea Shop

Damman Frères on the Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful shops in Paris, with over 200 varieties of tea and very smart packaging.

Women’s Boutique

For the hippest, cutting edge designer clothes, the new L’eclaireur. The interior is like an art installation, with television monitors all over and a dramatic sculpture in the middle of the shop.

180 grammes is one of the most unique boutique in Paris. The store designs its own line of women’s and men’s casual chic clothing in luxurious fabrics like cashmere and mercerized cotton. The unique part is that any of the garments can be hand-dyed on the premises in over 100 colors, and can be ready the next day.

Men’s Boutique

L’eclaireur has exceptional men’s clothing at prices that I can barely afford, even on sale.

Night Spot

La Perle, sort of a dive cafe instead of a dive bar with lots of 20-30 something year olds drinking red wine and smoking too much.

Comme à la Maison

Place for Cocktails

I like la Belle Hortense, a combination wine bar and bookshop.

Patisserie/Boulangerie

Gerard Mulot offers some of the best pastries in the city. I also like that you can sit down in the back and have coffee and a pastry. It’s a mandatory stop on all my Marais tours.

Breakfast Spot

Having a croissant and strong coffee at Ma Bourgnone on the Place des Vosges, when it’s quiet and peaceful in the mornings.

Quiet Spot

The secret, exquisite rose garden near the rue de Turenne.

Paris Indulgence

Absolutely the hot chocolate at Comme a la Maison. Rich, sinful and delicious. I think it’s the best in Paris. (Take that Angelina’s!)