Paris City Guide
This month, we asked stylist and Parisienne Sylvie Mus to show us around the city. Sylvie was born in Rwanda, grew up in Kenya and Finland, and has been living in Paris since 2021. She works as a wardrobe stylist and writes the les underdressed newsletter on Substack which has tons of useful tips on how to elevate your wardrobe through styling and adding intentional pieces you’ll wear for a lifetime - definitely one to follow!
She shares both the places she finds herself returning to and the ones that make the day-to-day bustle of Paris feel straightforward and grounded rather than overwhelming. A mix of neighbourhood go-tos and spots you’d probably only hear about from someone who lives here!
We’ll be back in Paris this weekend December 12th-14th and in 2026 most months with January 15th-16th, February 12th-14th and March 26th-27th open for bookings now, book your appointment here! We can’t wait to explore more of Sylvie’s recs this weekend and into the New Year.
Bistrot des Tournelles - This is one of my favorite bistros in le Marais. My favorite things on the menu are their scallops, french fries and mushrooms. You have to make a reservation about a month in advance to get a good table though.
Le Grand Cafe - Chic and stylish French restaurant located at the Grand Palais. During the day you have the beautiful views at the terrasse and in the evening a dining room with dimmed lights and a live jazz band playing. I recommend trying their dessert menu.
Tekes- Vegetarian restaurant serving updated dishes from Israel. My favorites on the menu are the laffa bread, the perakh ashkunot and of course the chocolate mousse for dessert. I recommend going there for lunch.
Waly Fay - My favorite West-African restaurant in the city. I always order the same thing here: fried plantain as a starter and ndolé with shrimp for the main course. It's a comfort food kind of place.
Poulette - A French bistro with a consistently good menu. Everything is safe to order and the location is very central.
Noir on île Saint-Louis - A very cozy café located on one of the tiny islands between the right and left bank of Paris.
White - A take away café located in le Marais. When the weather is nice I like to get a latte from White to take to Place des Vosges park which is just around the corner, where I like to read on Sundays.
Kura-ge - They make a really good matcha, also located in le Marais.
Scoop - My favorite cookies are made here.
Centre Pompidou - It’s temporarily closed now, but it’s my favorite art space in the city. It houses my favourite Mark Rothko painting ‘Untitled - Black, Red over Black and Red’ and the incredible Atelier Brancusi pictured.
Musée Rodin - In my opinion it’s the most beautiful museum in Paris. I love revisiting this one.
Rue du Seine - I get a latte and walk along this street which is full of small galleries, popping into the ones that have objects that catch my eye in the display windows.
Mamiche - This bakery in the 10th arrondissement makes the only cinnamon rolls I eat in Paris. Cinnamon rolls that are made the right way (dry with only cinnamon as the filling) are very hard to find outside of Scandinavia, but this bakery does a great job. There’s usually a queue so be prepared to wait.
Land & Monkey's - When I’m in the mood for bread I get my sourdough loaf from there.
Wild & The Moon - Fresh salads and healthy bowls.
La Coquille d’or - Located inside Château Voltaire, this small dark bar has a very intimate speakeasy vibe. It’s a perfect date spot!
Pepite - Good for small dishes and a good drinks menu including mocktails for those of us who don’t drink.
Martin - Located on Boulevard du Temple, this is one of the spots that locals go to. It’s very lowkey and very Parisian. The terrasse is perfect for drinks during summer, but their seasonal dishes are also really good.
Château Voltaire - A chic hotel in the center of Paris with a lovely living room space where you can stop for a tea during the day or have meetings. I spend a lot of time here.
Hotel Balzac - A very beautiful hotel in the 8th Arrondissement that has been decorated with really great taste.
Madame Rêve - This one is great for staycations and a spa break in the city. It’s also within walking distance of the Louvre and la Seine.
Make it stand out
Galerie Paradis - A vintage furniture and homeware gallery, which also offers a carefully curated selection of new pieces. It’s a great space to browse if you’re looking for decor inspiration.
Printemps - They have all the brands under one roof, so it’s a good place to find what you’re looking for.
Galleries Lafayette - This is where I buy my skincare products.
7éme Ciel - Located on the top floor of Printemps. They have the best vintage collection in the city. I often stop by to take a look at what’s new when I’m in the neighbourhood.
We’d love to know if you end up at any of Sylvie’s recommendations - please do tag us on instagram if you do and find our previous Studio Bust Paris guide with Mathilde Lacombe here!