With much of the industry heading to Paris next week for Déco Off and Maison&Objet, Business of Home tapped our network and asked 19 in-the-know designers to share the shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions they flock to while in the City of Light.

WHERE TO STAY, EAT AND DRINK

“For a true taste of Parisian cuisine, don’t miss the classic brasserie Bofinger, the contemporary Café Compagnon, or the exquisite pastries at Boulangerie Utopie, which even supplies the French president’s bread. Coffee and design lovers will appreciate Residence Kann, a coffee shop designed by the furniture brand Kann Design that showcases their distinctive style. And check out La Bourse et la Vie (designed by Elliott Barnes), where chef Daniel Rose elevates classic French bistro cuisine on the iconic Rue Vivienne.” —Dijana Savic-Jambert and Marc Jambert, Maredi Design, Chicago and Loire-Authion, France

“For a casual dinner that always hits the spot, I adore Canard & Champagne. It’s down one of those beautifully lit Paris alleys, and I never have to wait long for a table. I always order whatever duck breast they’re serving and let them pick a wine to accompany it.” —Noz Nozawa, Noz Design, San Francisco

“I think of the Hotel Costes as my home away from home in Paris. If I’m not staying there, I’m meeting friends for coffee or drinks in the hotel’s gorgeous courtyard or enjoying long dinners in the cozy dining rooms. It’s always buzzing, yet so relaxed and chic! When I’m not dining at Costes, I love to frequent the classics—Chez l’Ami Louis, Le Voltaire and Chez Georges.” —Sara Story, Sara Story Design, New York

“I recently went to a fab little restaurant near the Bastille called Les Bougresses that I would absolutely recommend. It’s a small, off-the-beaten-path (but not too far) kind of place. The manager, Constantino, was a true professional and took very good care of us. The food was quite, quite good, in an environment that is relaxed and easygoing. You’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time, so plan ahead, but it’s a great way to wind down after a day traipsing all over town.” —Corey Damen Jenkins, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, New York

“For the adventurous, Restaurant AT is creative, fun and delicious. And go to Le Bistrot Paul Bert for an experience where the atmosphere is as memorable as the meal.” —Peter Dunham, Los Angeles

“Le Café Marly is a lovely spot to stop in for a glass of Ruinart and enjoy its old-world interiors as well as the amazing view of the Louvre—[especially] at night, because you can really admire how it glows. If you are in the mood for a delicious lunch and an exquisite dessert, I absolutely adore Chez Janou in the Marais. It has a lively atmosphere, the food is sublime, and they have the best chocolate mousse I have ever had. You will not be disappointed!” —Nina Magon, Nina Magon Studio, Houston

“One of my favorite places to go in Paris for a cocktail is J.K. Place. It’s cozy, intimate and chic, providing wonderful design inspiration. There’s also a little Italian restaurant called Caffè Stern that has a long and charming history, and was redone by Philippe Starck about a decade ago. Located in an arcade, you can’t miss the taxidermied wolves in the window. Order the [potato] cappuccino ‘alla Bolognese.’” —Nicole Fuller, Nicole Fuller Interiors, New York, Los Angeles and London

“I like to go to Ma Bourgogne, which is a fun restaurant on the corner by Place des Vosges. Sadly, the restaurant Loulou remains closed for renovation, but we will try Brasserie Lutetia and, after dinner, refreshments at Bar Josephine, all within the magnificent Hotel Lutetia.” —Kendall Wilkinson, San Francisco

“[My first two trips to Paris, I made the same mistake]—waiting until the last minute to eat because I’m so excited to see the things I’ve prioritized for the day. Parisian restaurants shut down completely between lunch and dinner service, and all the best places are closed. I learned the hard way that most restaurants open during the citywide break between services are not worth it. Nelson’s was the first memorable meal I experienced during my third trip. A new favorite is the restaurant Paul—less for the food and more for being conveniently located next to Déco Off showrooms [in Saint-Germain-des-Prés]. Naked Burger, a vegan walk-up, is another great option if you are in the same neighborhood but in a rush.” —Ashley Ross, Muse Noire Interiors, Charlotte, North Carolina

“My first stop is always the George V lobby. The magical florals of Jeff Leatham are a must-see, transporting me to a vibrant world and inspiring me to look at mixing color and texture in new ways. Not to mention Le Bar makes a mean George Fizz, its signature champagne cocktail, to get me in the Parisian mood.” —Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group, Springdale, Arkansas

“As an avid tea drinker, I have searched far and wide for the best, and Mariage Frères in the Marais is the finest I’ve ever found. Not only is the tea delicious, but it’s also such a treat to go into the salon, which is hundreds of years old. For a casual dinner with friends, the place to be is Kong, which is the penthouse of the Samaritaine department store on the Right Bank. You sit in a glass dome designed by Philippe Starck and gaze out over the tremendous views of the Pont Neuf and the Seine. Other restaurant favorites: Le Square Trousseau, near Bastille: It’s romantic, beautiful, great service, fantastic food. Le Fumoir, across the street from the Louvre, is a romantic brasserie with delicious food. Request a seat at one of the five tables in the back, in a space called the Bibliothèque. It’s warm, dimly lit, lovely—and not very expensive. Chez Julien, a gorgeous Belle Epoque restaurant located beside the Seine, is a must for great food, service and atmosphere. So wonderful to have a meal here, then go for an after-dinner stroll along the river.” —Garrow Kedigian, New York and Montreal

“The restaurant at Cristal Room Baccarat in the 16th was recently redone, and you can enjoy Alain Ducasse’s cuisine at the bar without the fanfare. Chef Mory Sacko creates a feast for the eyes and the palate at MoSuke. His first restaurant, which has earned a Michelin star, is unusual and inspiring. On the design side, every ceramic plate is especially created for his individual dishes. The rooftop bar in the newly revamped Le Montana in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the coolest spot for a drink.” —Penny Drue Baird, New York and Paris

Where to shop

“Go to Quintessence Paris, a parfumerie and candlemaker. This place is heaven, with gorgeous wallpapers and textures. For antique lovers, Marché Biron is a must, set next to the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market scene. The auction house Hôtel Drouot is bursting with energy! And don’t miss En Attendant les Barbares, a thought-provoking gallery that’s bold and new!” —Dunham

“Head straight to Le Bon Marché department store. Its home decor floors are the best in the city for furniture, lighting, accessories, tabletop and textiles. It offers an overview of what the larger global brands are showing for the season, and insight into new smaller brands that I might not see anywhere else. There are also wonderful, themed art installations by global artists in various mediums. It’s always innovative and inspiring, from the windows to the elaborately designed escalators. The entire store has incredible products that tie in with the theme, often created by luxury designers. It’s usually a feast for the eyes, and my spirit.” —Patti Carpenter, Carpenter + Company, New York

“I love the pottery at Fabien Mérillon Céramique. For clothing, Opulence Luxury & Vintage is a favorite. If I’m shopping for clients, I stop by Galerie Gastou.” —Peti Lau, Los Angeles

“I always try to visit the Paris flea market (Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen), specifically the Paul Bert Serpette market. It’s a bit of an adventure—several hundred stands with pieces ranging from antiques to the 21st century. It’s the perfect place to find unexpected large-scale statement pieces for a room and unique accessories.” —Story

“Of course hit the Puces de Saint-Ouen, but also on Saturdays and Sundays, the Puces de Vanves for much better prices and smaller things that you can bring home in your suitcase.” —Jessica Helgerson, Portland, Oregon, and Paris

“There are many places to get ceramics in Paris, but La Tuile à Loup is one of a kind. It’s been around for decades, but in recent years it’s become a social media darling, selling colorful and soulful tabletop from marbled trays to painterly vases. Oh, and they ship internationally, too! Galerie Kreo is one of the most respected design galleries in the world, with locations in Paris and London. The Paris space is where you’ll find the latest works from some of the leading designers working today, from Ronan Bouroullec to Pierre Charpin.” —Fuller

“A must-visit spot for us is Landline Paris, a sustainably focused general store by Caroline Morrison offering curated, heirloom-quality home essentials.” —Savic-Jambert and Jambert

“For jewelry lovers, Lydia Courteille on Rue Saint-Honoré is a shrine to the most fanciful and ornate creations. Labodét on Avenue de l’Opéra crafts iPhone covers from exotic leathers, which make a great style statement and a useful, chic gift.” —Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Los Angeles

“Marin Montagut is an ingenious little Emily in Paris–type store, which is impossible to leave without some souvenirs and gifts.” —Baird

“My favorite area to get lost in is Montmartre, especially the maze of artist studios around Rue Pierre Fontaine. Here, you’ll find contemporary artisans such as the famed Hubert Le Gall, alongside Paris’s top creatives working in the former studios of Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Toulouse-Lautrec, to name just a few. You can feel the energy rush over you as you pass through these historic streets and studios. The Invisible Collection often offers guided tours during Maison&Objet. If you’re in need of a dose of French interior design at its best, I highly recommend a trip to the studio and showroom of Vincent Darré. Every time I enter his spaces, I feel as if I’ve crossed the threshold into another realm of beauty and magic. The design details are otherworldly and will leave you creatively recharged.” —Goddard

“If you are looking for good books on architecture and design, be sure to visit the bookshop and boutique of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, just next to the Louvre. This wonderful museum of design is often overlooked because of the more famous museum next door, but even if you don’t have time to visit the terrific Musée des Arts, its bookstore has a strong collection of all subjects relating to design, architecture, fabrics and furniture.” —Timothy Corrigan, Los Angeles and Paris

“In Quartier du Temple, The Broken Arm, which carries clothing by high-end designers like Raf Simons and Ann Demeulemeester, is everything you imagine a Parisian boutique to be. For vintage clothing discoveries, drop by Kiliwatch in the 2nd and Pretty Box in the 3rd. Rouje has got pretty dresses and great jeans. Oh My Cream, with locations throughout the city, offers the best beauty products and reasonably priced treatments. Next to the Bachaumont hotel, Nose is perhaps the best perfume shop in the city. Parfumier Frédéric Malle, an old friend, has four gorgeous boutiques that are the epitome of chic. On the Boulevard Beaumarchais, Merci offers a unique combination of fashion and home decor.” —Kathryn M. Ireland, Los Angeles

What to do
“The newly opened Maison Gainsbourg, a museum dedicated to the legendary French artist Serge Gainsbourg, provides an immersive 1980s design experience, complemented by a drink at the neighboring Gainsbarre piano bar.” —Savic-Jambert and Jambert

“A little-known love of mine is riding carousels. Paris has some of the most beautiful double-decker carousels in the world, but there’s something so sweet about the one in the Jardin des Tuileries: It’s small, one of the city’s oldest—no special lights or music. On a gray Paris winter day, there’s nothing more charming to me than a twirl on a carousel horse (or ostrich!), and then hopping across the Rue de Rivoli to Angelina for a hot cocoa!” —Nozawa

“The Musée National Eugène Delacroix is a museum in Delacroix’s old home and studio, and it still feels incredibly personal. It has a lovely peaceful garden too. The art and the building are stunning at the Musée National Picasso-Paris, and an under-the-radar museum I like to visit is Paris Musées, which is a collection of municipal-run underrated museums.” —Dunham

“I went to [cabaret show] Crazy Horse last year—what a fun, sexy show that is!” —Lau

“If you only do one thing outside of your busy schedule of design events, don’t miss the newly opened Hôtel de la Marine on the Place de la Concorde. After a multimillion-euro renovation, this historic landmark has been totally reworked for visitors to explore the building’s history, first as the royal storehouse for the king’s furniture and then, after the French Revolution, as the ministry of the French Navy. It has the most wonderful audio-visual tour that truly is the state of the art—and the extraordinary architecture and furnishings make it a must-see.” —Corrigan

“If taxidermy doesn’t bother you, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is absolutely beautiful, a museum of curiosities with gorgeous rooms and so much to see and discover. The attic is my favorite of the levels. I love to walk along the left bank of the Seine, towards the Jardin des Plantes. Nearly every day people are dancing in the little rotundas and exploring the greenhouses at the Jardin des Plantes is a fabulous end destination. I also love the Viaduc des Arts, which features artisan ateliers under the arches of an old viaduct. It’s a beautiful park a little in the spirit of New York’s High Line.” —Helgerson

“Who doesn’t love going to Montmartre, walking about and visting the Renoir museum? As long as the temperature remains mild, a run in Luxembourg Gardens and sitting at the Medici Fountain there do wonders for the mind and body. And I love walking from the Left Bank over to the Marais and seeing all the sights.” —Wilkinson

“I love to visit the Musée Jacquemart-André. It holds the largest private collection of artworks in Paris and is housed in the most amazing 19th-century residence. It feels more like a home tour and less like a museum, and is often overlooked by most tourists. The art and architecture blend seamlessly. I have spent hours contemplating such details as intricately carved doors, inlaid marble floors and the magnificent spiral staircase with its ornate wrought-iron and bronze balustrade. The elaborate accents and accompanying artworks truly take you back in time and give you a real sense of how Parisian society lived and entertained on a grand scale.” —Goddard

“For a short excursion outside of Paris, visit Château de Malmaison, Napoleon and his wife Josephine’s country estate. A never-ending source of inspiration, it offers a very personal look into the lives of France’s most infamous emperor and his beloved first wife.” —Bullard

“The collection at the Centre Pompidou is more contemporary, and the building, with its primary-colored pipes on the outside, is one of the most interesting in Paris! The grounds of the Rodin museum are spectacular—just as good as inside. For a breathtaking view of the city, walk up to the Basilique du Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. And if you go about a mile farther north, you’ll find yourself at the Clignancourt flea market.” —Ireland

A previous version of this story was published on January 10, 2024