As one of the top foodie destinations in the world, Paris is a culinary paradise with no shortage of exquisite dishes spread across its diverse 20 administrative districts, known as arrondissements municipaux.
From charming street markets to Michelin-starred restaurants and beloved local bistros and cafés, the variety of gastronomic options can be overwhelming for visitors hoping to savor the best French cuisine.
Therefore, a guided Paris Food tour is a fantastic way to narrow your search. It offers the expertise of a knowledgeable local who can guide you to the city’s most delicious hidden gems.
Whether you’re craving buttery croissants, tasty crepes, or a gourmet dinner with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower, a curated and guided food tour will ensure you experience the best flavours Paris has to offer.
Exploring the 20 Arrondissements of the City of Light
As mentioned, Paris is divided into 20 numbered arrondissements or municipal districts. However, these divisions don’t always align with the neighbourhoods you might be familiar with.
In fact, many Parisian districts have their own unique historical and cultural identities, often referred to as “villages,” each with its distinct atmosphere and features. Some neighbourhoods, like Pigalle and Belleville, actually span across multiple arrondissements.
The arrondissements are arranged in a spiral pattern, starting from the city center and moving outward clockwise. Keep reading for a guide to the best arrondissements of Paris and their culinary treasures.
- Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements)
Le Marais, one of the oldest Parisian districts, with medieval streets and historic architecture, is also one of Paris’s most vibrant food districts.
Le Marais is located on the right bank of the Seine River and is known for its cultural offerings. As you wander through this trendy district, you’ll encounter everything from traditional French bakeries to international cuisine.
One of the highlights here is the Jewish Quarter, where you can savor a falafel from the famous L’As du Fallafel or the pastrami sandwiches of Florence Kahn, two iconic spots loved by locals and tourists alike.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a local boulangerie and grab a fresh pain au chocolat or some buttery, mouthwatering croissants. Le Marais is also home to a variety of chic cafés and patisseries, like the renowned Strada Café, where you can dig into Parisian classics like Macarons, tarts, Éclairs, and Cannelés Bordelais.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
A trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the beautiful and charming district of Saint Germain des Prés, which includes the 6th Arrondissement and the eastern end of the 7th.
Located on the Left Bank, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the epitome of Parisian café culture. This area is rich in literary history, having been frequented by writers and intellectuals such as Hemingway, Sartre Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir.
Today, it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic cafés, including Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, where you can sit back with a café au chocolat and people-watch like a true Parisian.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also the perfect place to enjoy classic French dishes. At bistros such as Le Boussole or Le Jacobine, you can feast on hearty traditional French onion soup, beef bourguignon, duck, and escargots, which are reasonably priced for Paris.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit Pierre Hermé for some of the best macarons in the city. They are available in a variety of unique flavors, such as rose, passion fruit, cappuccino, and pistachio.
- Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Montmartre, located on a hill overlooking Paris, is one of France’s most famous neighborhoods.
Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre was once the home of famous artists like Van Gogh and Picasso. Today, it remains a cultural hub full of life and, of course, delicious food.
Many people complain that Montmartre is too crowded with tourists. And in a way, that may be true, especially during the summer. But it’s packed with so many tourists because it’s also filled with great things to do and places to eat.
Wandering through the mysterious streets of Montmartre, you’ll encounter cozy bistros and bakeries where you can taste some of the best pastries in the city.
One must-try treat in this area is the galette des rois, a traditional French pastry often enjoyed during the Epiphany. If you’re visiting the city during the autumn or winter, cozy up in a local café such as Le Café de la Poste and try a warming croque monsieur, a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich that’s simple but super satisfying.
For a more refined experience, head to Le Poulbot, a historic restaurant where you can find traditional flavors with a contemporary twist and a view of the iconic Sacré-Coeur.
- The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
Located on the left bank of the Seine River, Paris’ historic Latin Quarter is famous for its medieval architecture and prestigious universities. As a result, this area is filled with students, intellectuals, and tourists alike.
It is also one of the city’s best gastronomic destinations for experiencing the diversity of Parisian cuisine, with many restaurants, bistros, and cafés serving emblematic dishes such as foie gras or French onion soup.
No visit to the Latin Quarter is complete without trying a savory or sweet crêpe, whether wrapped for eating on the go or elegantly presented with folded corners.
Head to La Petite Bouclerie for a savory gluten-free crêpe filled with ham, cheese, and egg, or treat yourself to a sweet crêpe with Nutella and banana. The Latin Quarter is also known for its street food, so grab a kebab or a veggie sandwich from one of the local vendors for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
If you’re in the mood for a more comforting meal, stop by one of the neighborhood’s charming bistros, like La Grange Aux Canards. There, you can enjoy dishes like duck confit, which consists of juicy duck legs simmered until tender with crispy skin.
- Belleville (19th and 20th Arrondissements)
This multicultural district has a vibrant mix of cuisines, reflecting the diverse communities. From Chinese Dim-Sum to North African tagines, Belleville offers a range of flavors that will delight any adventurous foodie.
Start your culinary journey in Belleville by visiting one of the many ethnic markets, such as The Marché de Belleville, to live an authentic Parisian experience. The large market has a special touch with its array of fresh fruits and vegetables brought by merchants who love to interact with their customers.
If you’re in the mood for something different, check out O’Fish and Chips, a trendy place that serves England’s most famous dish: battered, deep-fried fish, usually cod or haddock, and delicious French fries.
As you can see, Paris is a city where every neighborhood offers a unique culinary experience. So, the next time you visit the City of Light, dig into its culinary wonders—each bite will leave you wanting more.
