A Local’s Guide to Paris

Local's guide to Paris by Cindy Palot
Cindy Palot is the kind of person you want to follow through a city. A creative consultant, writer, and Paris native, she has that quiet eye for detail—someone who notices the charm of an old tile floor, the rhythm of a neighbourhood, or the softness of morning light through café windows. A LILYA collaborator and friend, Cindy lives between Paris, Australia and Bali at the moment, but her heart is rooted in the poetic pace of her home country France.

This guide is her Paris. Not the postcard version, but the one she a part of —filled with the small rituals, go-to addresses, and spots she returns to again and again. Cafés that open just late enough to give you a slow start. Rooftops where the apéro stretches past sunset. Libraries that inspire. And vintage stores where she always finds something special.

Whether you're planning a trip or just daydreaming, we hope this journal helps you enjoy Paris the way Cindy does—with presence, style, and a little local magic.


Local's guide to Paris
Morning Rituals

Start the day Cindy’s way—slow, nourishing, and always with good coffee. Her favourite cafés feel more like an extension of home: familiar, calm, and filled with comforting flavours.
  • Dreamin’ Man (3rd) — A peaceful Japanese café with serious coffee and calm vibes. Small space, big heart.
  • Wild & the Moon (3rd/4th) — Vegan, organic, and beautiful. Smoothies, breakfast bowls, and good energy.
  • Candle Kids (11th) — Minimalist charm, great coffee, and a quiet corner to recharge.
  • Ten Belles (10th) — A Paris favourite. Think homemade pastries, good bread, and easy mornings.
  • Cédric Grolet Opéra (2nd) — Haute pâtisserie at its finest. Come for the fruit-shaped pastries, stay for the surprise.
  • Copains (2nd) — All organic and baked in-house. A warm, welcoming bakery for easy mornings.

☕ Note: Paris cafés open around 9am—not 6am like Australia!

Wining & Dining

Cindy’s favourite dinner spots are equal parts flavour and feeling. Tucked-away terraces, moody lighting, and dishes that make you want to linger just a little longer.
  • Derrière (3rd) — Tucked behind a hidden courtyard, this place feels like a private secret garden.
  • Daroco (2nd) — Set in Jean Paul Gaultier’s former atelier, the vibe is fashionable, and the Italian food is excellent.
  • Les Enfants du Marché (3rd) — Inside Marché des Enfants Rouges. Lively, loud, and full of character.
  • Recoin (11th) — A neighbourhood bistro where the cooking is honest and the vibe is cozy.
  • Gueuleton (17th) — The name says it all: a feast. Great for meat lovers, rustic and joyful.
  • Brutos (11th) — Known for wood-fire cooking and natural wine.
  • Le Tire-Bouchon Rodier (9th) — Small plates done right. Share everything, stay a while.
  • Plantation (18th) — A rooftop garden turned restaurant. Fresh air, fresh plates.
  • The Hoxton (2nd) — A hotel with a bustling bar and a chic restaurant. Great for dinner or drinks.
  • Les Bains (3rd) — An iconic address reborn—restaurant, bar, and boutique hotel all in one.


Rooftops With a View

Nothing beats a Parisian rooftop for golden hour and city silhouettes. These are Cindy’s favourite high-up spots to sip, snack, and soak it all in.

Shopping Finds

Style in Paris is instinctual. Cindy shops intuitively, finding special pieces at vintage corners and cult-loved concept stores.
  • Neighbourhood brocantes — Keep an eye on @kissa.vintage.paris for weekly flea market drops.
  • Vintage treasures — Don’t miss Erem, Kiliwatch, The Archivist, Thanx God I’m a VIP, Brut, Kilo Shop, Episode.
  • Les Puces de Saint-Ouen — The legendary flea market. Chaotic, but if you dig, you’ll find gold.
  • Merci — Still one of the best concept stores in the city.
  • Vestiaire Collective — Not a store, but essential for second-hand designer finds.

Beauty, the Parisian Way

For Parisians like Cindy, beauty starts with skin. She loves a clean, unfussy routine, and visits these spots for her skincare staples.
  • À la pharmacie ! — Your go-to for cult French skincare brands like Embryolisse, Avène, La Roche-Posay, SVR.
  • Mademoiselle Bio — Clean beauty and organic products done well.
  • Oh My Cream — Beautifully curated, focused on conscious and natural skincare.

A Moment of Wellness

Self-care, Parisian edition. When Cindy slows down, these are her go-to sanctuaries.
  • O’Kari — Traditional hammam in the heart of the city. Steam, scrub, and total reset.
  • Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc — Ultra-luxe pampering. Treat yourself (or dream about it).

The Parisian Way to Move

Cindy’s take on staying active is about feeling good, not looking perfect.
  • Riise Studio — Mat and reformer Pilates in a calm, design-forward space.
  • Tuileries Morning Jog — Best done early, before the crowds and after the first coffee.

Local's guide to Paris
Neighbourhood Notes

Her three favourite neighbourhoods—all different, all beloved.
Read, Wander, See

Cindy often finds inspiration in bookstores, art spaces, and cultural corners of the city.
  • OFR — Books, art, fashion, and an ever-changing curation. A creative favourite.
  • Ephemera — A rare bookshop with thoughtful selections.
  • Palais de Tokyo Bookstore — Contemporary art books and edgy finds.

Museums to See
We hope Cindy’s insider tips give you a fresh lens on Paris—one that moves a little slower, looks a little deeper, and feels a bit more lived-in. From morning coffees to moonlit rooftops, this is the city through her eyes. Let it inspire your next wander—or remind you of why you fell in love with Paris in the first place.

À Bientôt