Your Ultimate Paris Weekend Program

© Bertille Chabrolle and Andrea Papini
January is flying by, so let’s make the most of the weekend by exploring Paris. On the agenda: the best tips Do It has picked out for its beloved readers. Save the date: a chic foodie collab between Groot La Tourte and Michelin-starred bistro Benoit, a free and friendly introduction to climbing, a massive Folie Douce party relocated from Courchevel to Vincennes, an ultra-chic yet accessible home decor fair, an alchemist-style skincare experience at Laboté, and a dreamy moment with Jacques Prévert in Montmartre. Ready to follow along?

Have you heard of Paris’ only Michelin-starred bistro? Located near Hôtel de Ville, Benoit has been delighting foodies since 1912 with its refined bourgeois cuisine, expertly crafted by Ducasse’s team: exquisite escargots (€18), pâté en croûte (€28), duck foie gras with Parisian brioche (€32)... But here’s another reason to visit before February 8: a decadent pie created in collaboration with Groot, the street food sensation launched by Top Chef stars Albane Auvray and Hugo Riboulet, winner of the 2023 edition.

Chef Kelly Jolivet reinvents her famous “sauté gourmand” in pie form, stuffed with foie gras, truffle, sweetbreads, black trumpet mushrooms, and cabbage. A masterpiece served on elegant floral plates (€36). End with profiteroles (€14), dipped in warm chocolate sauce for a nostalgic finish.

Benoit x Groot La Tourte, until February 8. 20 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 4e. +33 1 42 72 25 76.

You might know Jacques Prévert for the enchanting poems you studied at school, but did you know he was also a visual artist? The Montmartre Museum showcases this other side in its exhibition Jacques Prévert, rêveur d’images.

More than a poet, Prévert was a plastic artist. From his stunning Montmartre apartment overlooking the Moulin Rouge, his surrealist artistry spanned many mediums: collages, illustrated plates, collaborations with painters, sculptors, and photographers, as well as his renowned poems. A playful, fascinating oeuvre awaits in this must-see exhibition—but hurry, there’s only one month left!

Jacques Prévert, rêveur d’images, Montmartre Museum, 12 rue Cortot, Paris 18e. Until February 16. From €15.

© Fatras © Jean-Pierre Delagarde © Musée de Montmartre

If you're brainstorming how to stick to your sporty resolutions, but the gym bores you, why not try climbing? This weekend, Climb Up Porte d’Italie, Paris’ largest climbing center, is hosting free open days for all skill levels!

After slipping on climbing shoes and reviewing safety measures, choose between bouldering or top rope climbing in a friendly, energetic atmosphere. Beginners and pros alike are welcome—no prior experience needed. All equipment is provided for free, and the facilities are open to all. Warning: If you're afraid of heights, this could be your chance to conquer that fear!

Climb Up Porte d’Italie, 18 avenue de la Porte d'Italie, Paris 13e. January 18–19, 2025, 8 a.m. to midnight. Free entry, no reservation required.
© Climb Up Porte d’Italie

Winter sports fans know La Folie Douce as the après-ski king of Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Tignes, and Megève, where they throw legendary mountain parties. Now, for the first time, they’re bringing the festivities to Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes during the Prix de Cornulier, the world trotting championship.

Expect a day packed with cabaret shows, DJ sets, and quirky activities like a ski simulator, sledding track, pony rides, and an electric rodeo. Plus, indulge in comforting mountain eats: raclette, croques savoyards, mulled wine, and craft beers. All this while enjoying the thrill of horse races featuring some of the world’s finest trotters.

La Folie Douce, Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, 2 route de la Ferme, Paris 12e. January 19, noon to 6 p.m. Free entry.
© Bellouet Kalif Landia and Benjamin Rochard

The Paris Déco Off and Paris Déco Home fairs take over Paris’ cobblestone streets to showcase the latest in home decor. From Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the Rue du Mail and Place Saint-Placide, over 160 showrooms and pop-ups will participate.

This year’s edition offers a deep dive into the intersection of fashion and decor, highlighting fabrics, trimmings, wallpapers, lighting, tableware, and more. Admire oversized lamps dressed in luxurious materials, or explore Festival des Étoffes, where Parisian facades turn into art galleries. Also, check out Esmod students’ creations, like trompe-l’œil outfits and passementerie jewelry, displayed at the stunning Hôtel de l’Industrie.

The bonus? Visitors can scan a QR code to access a virtual world where mannequins come to life in a design-meets-digital setting.

Paris Déco Off, January 15–18. Free shuttles available at Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Hôtel Bel Ami, 7/11 rue Saint-Benoît, Paris 6e.
© Tom Dagnas © Schumacher EU

Step into Laboté, a hidden gem for skincare lovers, where treatments are crafted with fresh, potent ingredients tailored to your skin. In the boutique’s visible laboratory, every product is made on-site under your watchful eye.

Why is it special? After a detailed skin diagnosis by experts Déborah and Carole, your custom cream (€80), serum (€89), or eye contour treatment (€85) is designed to meet your exact needs. Everything is taken into account—your skin type, age, climate, and concerns like spots, fine lines, or redness. You even choose the texture and scent. The result? A personalized, allergy-free skincare product ready in 30 minutes.

Laboté, 3 rue Keller, Paris 11e, +33 1 87 44 23 33. Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Online booking available for custom products.
© Laboté

Perched in Paris’ most romantic neighborhood, L’Almanach Montmartre stole our hearts. In the kitchen, Chef Léo Giorgis (formerly of Silencio des Prés) plays with seasonal ingredients to whip up dishes that are distinctly French but sprinkled with global inspiration. The result? Generous, surprising, colorful, and totally Instagram-worthy!

On the menu: lunch formulas that are wallet-friendly (starter + main for €20, or starter + main + dessert for €24). Expect delights like crispy goat cheese with quince-ginger honey, grilled leeks with a soft egg and white truffle oil, or slow-braised beef cheek with creamy mashed potatoes. Prefer fish? The fregola sarda with salmon and bottarga is a treat. For dessert, indulge in the mango-pineapple mousse with Granny Smith apple. Dinner takes it up a notch with dishes like three-flavor raclette (€14), Saint-Jacques risotto (€28), or wild boar burger (€28). End on a sweet note with jasmine crème brûlée (€13).

Bonus: Here, art and cuisine come together, with walls featuring rotating exhibits by artists who inspire the chef’s menu. Currently on display: poetic creations by Janique Bourget, blending paper, gold, and brass.

L’Almanach Montmartre, 35 rue Ramey, Paris 18th, 01 53 41 13 45. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
© Almanach Montmartre

Who didn’t grow up hand in hand with Le Petit Nicolas? Its illustrator, the iconic Sempé, who passed away in 2022, was honored last December with the naming of a walkway in the 6th arrondissement. The new name of this lovely green space? Rien n’est Simple, the title of his first collection of drawings published in 1962.

Take a stroll through this little oasis of greenery nestled against the Jardin du Luxembourg, gazing upwards to admire portraits of the artist and illustrations from Sempé's very first humorous album, inspired by politics and the everyday life of this mischievous soul. Striking a balance between nostalgia and heartwarming charm, this mini tree-lined promenade delights both young and old. You’ll find the artist’s witty and delicate drawings, with his tiny characters and soft colors instantly transporting you back to childhood.

The extra tip: Take advantage of your proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg to visit the Gestes Verriers exhibition, showcasing 80 photographs on the art of glassmaking. Hurry, though—the exhibit is in its final days and ends on January 19!

Promenade du Rien n’est Simple, Paris 6th arrondissement. Free admission.
© Joséphine Brueder - Ville de Paris

For 2025, minimalism stays in the closet! Let’s jazz up our interiors with designs as quirky as they are chic, mixing vintage finds with handcrafted pieces. What could be better than a 100% personalized rug to bring life and stories into your space?

Head to the 5th arrondissement of Paris to try tufting—a trendy craft that lets you create a rug using a yarn gun. Start by choosing your design, colors, and yarns. Guided by Siyi, you’ll craft your rug by first tracing your design on the canvas, then unleashing your inner artist. Add the finishing touches: cutting, gluing the backing, shaving, and voilà! Your dream rug is ready.

Bonus: For an additional fee, you can also create tufted cushions, mirrors, or bags.

After indulging in holiday feasts full of chocolates, foie gras, and couch nights, it’s time to leave hibernation mode behind. No need to be an Olympic athlete to get back into it—Swedish Fit (the chic name for Swedish Gymnastics) welcomes everyone with open arms. The motto? Well-being, fun, and zero competition. Whether you want to tone up, blow off steam, lose a few pounds, or simply have fun, this is THE place to be for boosting your fitness and pampering your mental health in a friendly vibe.

The concept? Group classes set to ultra-motivating playlists, with everyone working together in a circle around a coach guiding step-by-step. Forget competition—there are 20 diverse activities to enjoy: soft, intensive, cardio HIIT, cardio pump, circuit training, dance, clubbing, plus yoga and pilates. Each session includes warm-up, cardio, muscle toning, and stretching for a full-body, feel-good workout.

Bonus: This concept hails from Sweden, where it’s considered a public health treasure thanks to its positive impact. In France, Swedish Fit is even part of the "prescription fitness" program, offering affordable classes.

Swedish Fit, open daily across all locations. Schedule and bookings available online: unlimited membership (€49/month) or single class (€12). Check the website for venue details.
© Swedish Fit

Feeling crafty and inspired? Dive into making air-dry ceramic objects you can paint however you like! Whether it’s tiny pots, decorations, trinket dishes, or candleholders—anything is possible at Noura’s workshop in the 17th arrondissement.

The plan: Learn ceramic modeling techniques and basics, let your creativity flow under expert guidance, and leave with your beautifully decorated creations (no oven needed!). Bonus: your works can even make for awesome homemade gifts.

The extra touch: The Art & Bulle workshop by Noura can be privatized for up to 24 people, perfect for family fun or birthday parties.

After Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, and Lyon, Eminente Cuban rum has arrived in Paris, taking over the rooftop of the Terrass” Hotel until next May to bring the Caribbean vibe… to Montmartre! Alongside its panoramic view of Paris, Terraza Eminente invites you to immerse yourself in the island's central style with an authentic Cuban decor: dim lighting, speckled mirrors, colorful rugs, rattan or velvet chairs, lush plants, and vintage furniture sourced from Selency.

On the menu: 7 signature cocktails crafted with Eminente rum, including the tangy Cayo Coco Daiquiri (lime juice, sugar syrup, €15), the fruity Precioso Porn Star (passion fruit puree and vanilla syrup, €17), and the exotic Sol y Plàtano (vanilla liqueur, flambéed banana syrup, yellow lime juice, €17).

The extra touch: The flavors of Cuba's central region inspire the dishes, such as spicy chicken empanadas with mojo criollo sauce (€18), fresh and tangy avocado and mango soufflés (€15), a surprising sea bream ceviche with ginger and lemon served with grilled corn (€23), and oysters with mango and coconut emulsion (€21 for 6).

Terraza Eminente at the Terrass” Hotel, 7th floor, 12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre, Paris 18th. +33 1 46 06 72 85. Free rooftop access until May 2025, open Tuesday to Saturday from 3:30 PM to 12:30 AM and Sundays and Mondays until 11:30 PM.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink responsibly.
© Terraza Eminente

It’s the sketching workshop we’ve been waiting for, drawing Paris from every angle! From Place de la Concorde to the Louvre Pyramid and the Tuileries Gardens, treat yourself to a half-day of Beaux-Arts vibes, wandering through Paris’s most iconic spots and stopping only to sketch the beautiful views on paper. No matter your level—from beginner to seasoned Picasso—everyone is welcome to dive into the art of drawing during this inspiring and fun experience, filled with fascinating anecdotes shared by your guide/teacher of the day. You’ll leave ready to be showcased in a museum after learning the techniques of comic strip drawing, floral motifs, and perspective during this 3-hour session. No need to bring anything: all materials are provided.

The Extra Tip: If you’re feeling especially arty, head to the nearby Musée des Arts Décoratifs. You’ll have the choice between their incredible exhibit on the theme of intimacy or the glittering displays honoring Christofle, the historic silversmithing house.

What if, this weekend, you could visit the most stunning apartment in Paris? The meeting point is set at Boulevard Raspail, where the association Cosmos and Matter, dedicated to sustainable design, has transformed a gorgeous Haussmannian space with moldings and parquet into a showcase of works by 100% sustainable artists and designers. Inside, nothing originates from petrochemicals, and reuse is prioritized. Each room features incredible scenography connecting materials to ancestral wisdom. Oh, and to visit, you must wear socks or put on shoe covers!

Our favorites include the Salon du Soleil, created by our beloved artist Arnold of Bazar d’Alger, who adorned the walls with his signature gold designs (he is the one who’ll anime  the creative workshop for our Cercle by Do It afterwork on monday, december 2), wooden sculptures by Jörg Koziol, edible leaves crafted by fermentation-obsessed Shira Bio, and a botanical bar exploring chocolate in every form.

The Extra Tip: On-site, the Cosmos and Matter team can share fun anecdotes, like how a revolutionary fabric was created using those strange filaments found in… mussel shells!

Cosmos and Matter, 29 Boulevard Raspail, Paris 7th. Free entry on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm, until February 17.

© Bazar d'Alger - Clémence Renoux

The Palais de la Porte Dorée, home to the National Museum of Immigration History, presents Chaque Vie est une Histoire (Every Life is a Story), a remarkable exhibition honoring the forgotten faces and stories of migrant lives. Featuring over 200 artistic contributions, the collection ranges from hyper-realistic paintings of a metro station in Barbès, to carvings made of Marseille soap, to photographs of shantytowns and structures resembling migration boats. This sensitive and intimate journey also includes testimonials from migrants of all ages and backgrounds who traveled by train, on foot, or by boat. Videos and recordings of their experiences are deeply moving. This exhibition goes beyond history—it tells human stories you can’t miss.

Bonus Tip : While at the Palais de la Porte Dorée, visit their Tropical Aquarium to greet the fish and the fascinating albino alligator.

Chaque Vie est une Histoire, Palais de la Porte Dorée, 293 avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th. Runs until February 9, 2025. Entry from €12.
© Palais de la Porte Dorée

Our favorite artist, Marin Montagut, never ceases to surprise us. After getting Parisians addicted to his decorations, beautiful objects, and gifts adorned with his sublime illustrations, the most desirable designer of the moment unveils a crazy collaboration with the Hôtel Grand Mazarin. The journey begins on rue de la Verrerie, admiring the enchanting shop windows decorated by Marin, surrounding a life-sized tarot that’s Instagrammable by default.

We warm up inside at the Grand Mazarin bar (one of our favorite hotel bars in Paris), where we settle in with our date to order the new signature cocktail specially created for this unprecedented collaboration. Specifically: a “sophisticated version of the margarita” enhanced with mezcal, which adds smoky notes and a certain strength to this all-orange love potion, served in an adorable little stemmed glass (€18).

The Extra Thing : We accompany this author’s drink with snacks worthy of the coolest spots in Tel Aviv. Challah to dip in a cream/tomato duo (€10), a trio of white tarama, pink tarama, coral sea urchin tarama with their toasted challah bread (€23), or Romanian mushroom and parmesan polenta (€19).

Le Grand Mazarin, 17 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4th. Bar du Boubalé open every day from 12 PM to 2 AM. 

© Romain Ricard

Nothing beats a hands-on activity for a break from daily life and a moment of pure relaxation. And what could be better than creating your own bouquet with passionate florists, enhancing both your spirit and home decor? How it goes: From the moment you arrive, Camille, Solenne, or one of their talented team members greets you. The vibe is set: conviviality, laughter, and plenty of cheer, all over a hot drink. Next, dive into the floral world: seasons, origins, pro tips… it’s all covered! After the brief intro, it’s your turn. Choose your flowers from a carefully curated selection and create the bouquet of your dreams with fresh, seasonal flowers.

Extra tip: Once your creation is finished, the team shares expert advice on keeping it fresh in a vase or drying it like a pro.

Floral Workshop, 53 rue de Belleville, Paris 19. 

The pot-au-feu, the ultimate symbol of peasant cuisine, could it be the next trendy dish? That’s our bet. Proof: Mauro Colagreco, chef and owner of the 3-star Mirazur restaurant in Menton, unveils a wildly desirable version of it in his other restaurant, GrandCœur (one of our favorite spots in Paris), nestled in the Marais. Lunch and dinner, every day of the week and weekend, it’s time to settle in and order his latest creation: the sexiest pot-au-feu of your life (€45), served in the extraordinary setting of this new-gen brasserie with high beams and exposed stone walls.

Of course, Mauro Colagreco’s two-course version adds Mediterranean touches to this ancestral recipe. Check it out: set the mood with a perfectly concentrated vegetable consommé with vermicelli, accompanied by bone marrow spread delicately on a garlic and rosemary toast. Then the pot-au-feu arrives, majestic, in its large cast iron pot. While the stewed beef is adorned with a green parsley sauce, colorful pickles bring a welcome acidity, alongside particularly flavorful sauces and condiments, the signature of this Argentinian chef. In short: a deliciously comforting option, perfect for big gatherings of friends.

The extra touch : the special attention paid to the tableware for this decidedly Instagrammable pot-au-feu. Special mention for the mismatched, vintage soup tureens and serving dishes that give the impression of being invited to a chic country house.

Restaurant GrandCœur, 41 rue du Temple, Paris 4th. Open from Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 2:30pm and from 7:15pm to 10:30pm.
© Patrick Lazic and Victoire Leriche.

If you hate seeing your little ones glued to their tablets, whisk them away to Yu-Ching’s workshop. On the menu: discovering the art of felted wool. You’ll be able to create your own adorable figurine with just the strength and dexterity of your hands!

Upon arrival, the artist presents her workshop and tools, then introduces the themes for the little creations: forest animals, dinosaurs, culinary temptations... You’ll learn the basics of needle felting (don’t worry, the needle doesn’t hurt—it’s used to shape the wool!) to craft your personalized figurine. Have fun mixing colors to make a funky bird, muffin, or dino. The best part? You’ll take your creation home, along with the know-how. It’s the perfect plan to occupy those rainy afternoons and build your army of felted wool figurines!

The extra touch : if your artistic endeavors leave you hungry, we’ve got the perfect snack! Head over to Sürpriz to bite into a mouth-watering kebab packed with meat from Mehmet, the best butcher in Berlin, whose meat is coveted by all kebab vendors.

Our favorite for the weekend: a ceramic painting workshop to keep your little ones busy! Head over to Céramicafé Geneviève in the 11th arrondissement for a 100% creative experience. Choose from a bowl, cup, or plate as the canvas for your masterpiece. Geneviève, the ceramic expert, will demonstrate various painting techniques and guide you through the process to ensure your designs are as realistic and beautiful as possible.

At the end of the workshop, your creations will head to the 1,000-degree kiln! You'll need to be patient though: your artwork will be ready for pickup in a week, perfect for showing off at grandma's house!

Bonus : After the workshop, visit Pépite, the amazing bakery in the Faidherbe area. We highly recommend their Cookie Ball for €3.70 – a little bomb of deliciousness!

© Céramicafé Geneviève by Celiane Guilbaud.

Discover also everything you need to do in Paris in January and The Literary Season for Parisian Readers.