The frenzy of Parisian life is in full swing as spring approaches. It must be said that between the beginnings of the new exhibitions of the season, the days that start gently to lengthen, and ever more stylish food news, Paris is full of delightful activities! Our reco? Treat yourself to a musical aperitif at L’Assaggio at Hôtel Castille or an incredible Tunisian-Japanese ‘dwich, take over the new exhibition curated by Pharrell Williams at Galerie Perrotin or the joint exhibition on Azzedine Alaïa and Thierry Mugler, launch yourself onto a rope bridge stretched over the void on the Eiffel Tower, grab wonders at the luxury eco-responsible pop-up Néo, and finally enjoy a starred menu for only €49 at Anona. To your agendas!
Treat yourself to a musical aperitif at Hôtel Castille
We know too little about L’Assaggio, the bar/restaurant of Hôtel Castille located just a stone’s throw from Place Vendôme. Known for its Italian cuisine and its lovely summer terrace, this one organizes in March the "Festive Wednesdays" in tribute to carnivals around the world, combining a chic aperitif at the hotel bar and live concerts.
After the evenings dedicated to Venice and Rio, two dates should be remembered. On March 5th, for Mardi Gras, we fly to New Orleans: resounding brass, effervescent jazz, and festive cocktails are on the agenda. On March 12th, we celebrate Paris with a "chic à la française" evening around a piano concert playing great French classics. The price? €58 for two delicious cocktails and a generous platter in front of the concert in a magnificent room. A unique experience that won us over, perfect for a date that’s out of the ordinary.
Les Mercredis Festifs at L’Assaggio, 37 rue Cambon, Paris 1st. €58 with live music from 6:30 PM to 10 PM, Planche Castille and 2 cocktails, Bistrot Castille (Bar): Reserve here or at 01 44 58 44 58.
Devour the coolest ‘dwich of the moment at Yujin!
We’ve already talked to you about Yujin, the trendiest Japanese canteen in Paris: we’re going back! Quick reminder: head to Passage des Panoramas, to discover this hot spot mixing Japanese cuisine, street food, and hip-hop. Never short of ideas, the three lifelong friends who give the place its soul—chef and DJ Pierre Sene, Bryan Birget, and Alexandre Basse—teamed up for a collab with Hirmane, the creator of The Dwichtorialist, to release a crazy sandwich marrying Tunisian flavors with Japanese touches. We tested it, we loved it!
Check this out: a soft potato bun capturing a marinated tuna tartare accompanied by tamago, ginger, and samurai mayo, spiced up with a touch of Tunisian spices, a spray of extra virgin olive oil, and crispy rocket leaves. At the first bite of this "Japanese Fricassée", you’ll understand your happiness! Alongside, cute little vegetables in tempura perfectly complement this fusion sandwich (€14). For thirst, opt for a small Japanese beer or one of the house’s delicious cocktails.
The extra thing: beyond the plate, Yujin and Hirmane imagined for the occasion a logo uniting hip-hop and manga influences. And here is a so cute Maneki-neko, lucky cat, printed on an ultra-stylish white T-shirt to grab on-site to immortalize this moment of great joy (€30). The downside: hurry up, by the end of March, there will be no more…
Yujin, 53 Passage des Panoramas, Paris 2nd. Open Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and Wednesday to Saturday from 7 PM to midnight.
Admire the made-in Pharrell Williams exhibition at Perrotin
King Pharrell Williams, a true jack-of-all-trades capable of turning every project into gold (his collections for Vuitton sell like hotcakes), is the curator of the exhibition Femmes, which will be held at Galerie Perrotin from March 20 to April 19, 2025. Through the works of around forty artists, including Gaëlle Choisne and Zanele Muholi, the genius of beauty highlights the female figures that have always inspired him. Girlpower! Even better: Pharrell’s racial heritage also influences his choice of artists for his collaborations, showcasing works by nearly forty artists, all of African descent.
This exhibition continues the collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Emmanuel Perrotin. So, if you only knew the man for his hits (Happy, Get Lucky…), know that Pharrell has more than one string to his bow. The tireless and unstoppable creator, capable of producing global hits while taking on the role of co-chair of the Met Gala 2025 (yes, really!), has already curated several exhibitions at Perrotin, notably Girl in 2014. We love it!
Femmes, at Galerie Perrotin, 76 rue de Turenne, Paris 3rd. From March 20 to April 19. Free entry.
Visit the chicest exhibition in Le Marais
At the heart of the Hôtel de Ville district lies the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, home to 32,000 collector’s pieces of designer clothing signed by Poiret, Chanel, Balenciaga, Yamamoto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Margiela, Courrèges, and Cardin. The hall beneath the stunning glass roof is dedicated to incredible exhibitions exploring the connections between Alaïa and his greatest artist friends.
Right after wrapping up its joint exhibition on Alaïa and Kuramata, the Fondation is launching on March 3 Azzedine Alaïa - Thierry Mugler 1980/1990. Two Decades of Artistic Connection. Both central fashion designers of the ’80s and ’90s, immense friends, and admirers of the female figure, Alaïa and Mugler have always claimed to be "deeply inspired by each other." Their unwavering friendship and mutual artistic support gifted us with their incredible collections, including the 70 dresses featured in this exhibition.
To admire for hours: the wasp-waist silhouettes and majestic shoulders so characteristic of Alaïa and Mugler’s work. And to continue this fashion journey, head to the exhibitions at the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and the Musée du Quai Branly!
Azzedine Alaïa - Thierry Mugler 1980/1990. Two Decades of Artistic Connection, Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, 18 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4th. Open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. Entry: €10.
Play Ninja on the Eiffel Tower
Dare the adventure! Until March 9, 2025, the Eiffel Tower invites you to experience something truly unprecedented and absolutely unique—an experience you'll be bragging about at family barbecues for the next century. The challenge? Crossing a suspended bridge made of nets, perched 60 meters above the forecourt of the Eiffel Tower. If you're afraid of heights, better sit this one out!
This 40-meter-long bridge, made up of 25,000 rope meshes, has been dubbed “the highest urban bridge in France” by the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, and it promises some seriously thrilling sensations. The best part? You can take on the challenge as a group (up to 8 people), turning this adventure into a true test of friendship. Don’t worry—it’s completely safe. So, are you ready to take the leap?
Le Vertige de la Tour, Eiffel Tower, Paris 7th. Free attraction, registration via a QR code available on the first floor of the tower. Until March 9.
Discover sustainable luxury at Maison Néo
From March 1 to March 23, head to Concorde for Maison Néo, a pop-up concept store dedicated to responsible luxury. The project is the brainchild of Charli Voute (branding expert, formerly at Louis Vuitton and Dior) and Elena Feit (founder of the sustainable brand The Ethiquette), both eager to offer a space where fashion, lifestyle, and well-being meet sustainable luxury. A space created by women, for women.
This hybrid experience promises a thoughtfully curated and responsible fashion selection, even featuring couture pieces from committed brands. On-site, you'll also find wellness treatments, a coffee shop, and a holistic studio. Expect collagen-infused coffee tastings, massages, and facialist treatments in between shopping for designer objects. It’s also an opportunity to discuss mental health, nutrition, and holistic beauty, or even treat yourself to a stunning bouquet of flowers!
Maison Néo Concept Store, from March 1, 2025, to March 23, 2025, 5 rue Rouget de Lisle, Paris 1st. Open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Enjoy a Michelin-Starred Lunch for Less Than €50
Great deal alert for foodies on a budget dreaming of a gastronomic experience! Chef Thibaut Spiwack, former Top Chef contestant and, more importantly, the mastermind behind his Michelin-starred sustainable restaurant Anona in Batignolles, has just launched his Petit Étoilé Menu for €49. The idea? A sophisticated lunch featuring amuse-bouches, starter, main course, dessert, and mignardises, all served in an elegant setting. As a bonus, you get the satisfaction of enjoying a green, sustainable cuisine, prioritizing short supply chains and zero waste—a commitment recognized by Anona’s Green Star.
While the menu changes daily, on our visit, we enjoyed a Landes duck with kumquat and mikado sauce, a delicious spiced tempura cauliflower with triple jus and kimchi, and ended with an ultra-indulgent Comice pear with lemon, bergamot, and French gin. Making Michelin-starred dining more accessible was Chef Spiwack’s vision, and he has pulled it off brilliantly.
ANONA, 80 boulevard des Batignolles, Paris 17th. Open Tuesday to Friday, 12 PM – 2:15 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM. 01 84 79 01 15.
Treat yourself to a spa break
Want to recharge your batteries without leaving the city? Head to Le Petit Beaumarchais Hôtel et Spa, a cozy spot in the 11th, where you can relax and destress. Here, it’s simple: no crowds, no noise, just a private spa all to yourself (and if you like, invite your partner to join you). The promise: a zen atmosphere, a beautiful pool, stone arches transporting you elsewhere, and 50 minutes to enjoy a perfect break to forget the daily stress.
Disconnect immediately by immersing yourself in the Flotarium to release all tensions, followed by a sauna to detoxify and allow for deep relaxation. Bonus: Hot or cold drinks are available to extend your cocooning moment.
Le Petit Beaumarchais Hôtel & Spa, 8 boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 11th.
Open daily from 10 AM to 8:30 PM, with 50-minute private sessions.
Online reservations starting at €80.
Finally learn about sake
Wine pairings are great, but gourmet enthusiasts are always on the lookout for something new and exciting. The new foodie obsession? Sake, of course! Far more than just rice beer, Japanese sake—also known as Nihon-shu—was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list on December 4, 2024. With its rich aromas, flavor-enhancing qualities, and alcohol content (between 12% and 17%), this refined drink is capturing the attention of connoisseurs. For the 4th edition of Sake Weeks, about twenty Parisian restaurants, including Cravan, L’Écrin (Hotel du Crillon), Vaisseau, L’Astrance, and La Dame de Pic, are showcasing this surprising alternative to wine in a celebration of Franco-Japanese friendship.
We had the chance to taste the menu at L’Écrin, where Xavier Thuizat, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and samurai sommelier, offers a fresh approach to savoring sake. For a gentle, oceanic start, try Hakkaisan Shuzo or Asahara Shuzo, paired with seafood or cocoa-flavored treats. For cooked fish, white or red meats, opt for more powerful sakes like Fukunishi Shuzo or Kitajima Brewery. Finally, for cheese, go for Tatsuuma-Honke Brewing, which rounds out beautifully on the palate. A true experience!
Sake Weeks run throughout February, with a list of participating Parisian restaurants available online.
© Jfoodo
Admire street art at Fluctuart
The ultra-stylish urban art center Fluctuart, nestled on the Seine, is a vibrant spot combining thrilling exhibitions, free activities for kids, a bookshop, and a great rooftop. Right now, the street art pioneers Vive La Peinture (VLP) are taking over the space with a retrospective of their spectacular careers through "Before / After," spanning over 40 years of artistic production.
The exhibition highlights the irony that Michel Espagnon and Jean Gabaret infuse into their art. Fueled by the punk spirit of the 80s and street culture, their works include creations made from advertising posters, zinc sheets, and construction barriers. Why "Before / After"? Known for constant evolution, VLP presents 80s expressionist works in lacquered, bright colors, and from 1994, explores the human figure with pieces like the "ordinary man" series, along with the birth of Zuman, the "universal artist" in 2000, with a humanistic purpose. Don’t forget to stop by the bookstore, where street art books, objects, art editions, and accessories await.
VLP Exhibition at Fluctuart, 2 port du Gros Caillou, Paris 7th. From January 16, 2025, to March 9, 2025. Free entry from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 2 AM. Guided tours from Friday to Sunday, from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM. © Philippe Bonan & Fluctuart
Discover emerging artists at the Salon de Montrouge
Whether you're an art lover or a newcomer, the Salon de Montrouge is a highlight in the contemporary art world. For its 68th edition, Andrea Ponsini, head of exhibitions and visual arts at Montrouge, offers a fluid and open scenography showcasing the work of over 40 artists from 10 countries such as France, Panama, Vietnam, and Switzerland.
On the agenda: an outdoor exhibition with many pieces displayed in public spaces around Montrouge, including sculptures by Sandra Matamoros in front of the town hall and Ludovic Nino's drawings in a shop window. Also featured are expressive paintings by Cécile Cornet, melancholic wood pieces by Clément Bataille, thought-provoking photographs by Julie Joubert, and colorful baroque-style assemblages by Michel Socaille. The exhibition also includes a projection room and a stage for live performances, including traditional Japanese Butaï theatre.
Salon de Montrouge, 2 place Emile Cresp, 92120 Montrouge. From February 7 to 23, 2025. Open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM. Free entry. More info online.© Salon de Montrouge & Nomads Land
Bite into the best dürüms in Paris
When we heard that a new dürüm spot had opened in Paris, our blood ran wild. Without a second thought, we headed straight to Sentier to grab a seat at Leven, a pocket-sized canteen launched by Franco-Kurd Victor Yasar. There's good vibes in the air! In a tiny space designed to evoke Middle Eastern covered markets, you can watch the open-flame grilling up close, while in the kitchen, chef Or Bitan (formerly of Dalia) performs a true choreography with the dough for her dürüm bread. After all, these Levantine street food stars are hot items at lunchtime, replaced in the evening by delightful sharing plates served in a dimmer ambiance with music and candles.
Yum: lamb, grilled mackerel, veggie with mushrooms, kefta, or chicken dürüms are filled with fresh veggies and divinely spiced sauces. Also on the menu: chirchi, a butternut squash cream with cumin and garlic (€5), and the incredible grilled pointed cabbage with tahini, date molasses, mild chili, and pumpkin seeds, which we’re still dreaming about (€7). Cool: even the desserts pack a punch, with a perfectly moist carrot cake nestled between syrup and a hefty dollop of crème fraîche (€7) or a light malabi flan with orange blossom (€7).
Leven, 110 Rue Montmartre, Paris 2nd. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday and Monday for lunch.
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