Ah, to wander Paris—the city of lights, buttery baked goods and our just-launched September journal. It’s a place of contrasts, where narrow passages pour out onto grands boulevards, and the chaos of urban life is upended by tranquil, symmetrical gardens. To make sense of it all, we asked our resident flâneuse (and professional Parisian) Alison Beckner to guide us through the charming arrondissements of Eastern Paris for a pastry (or three), market delicacies, under-the-radar concept shops and more.
On a pretty Paris morning, head to the area of Ledru Rollin, just east of the frenetic Place de la Bastille. Imagine the area as a Nolita of sorts—great food, craft cocktails, pretty public squares and mellow side streets. The neighborhood is like a well-kept secret, and is relatively easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Plan on taking your time to wander and shop nearby arrondissements. But first, it’s time to fuel up.
For breakfast, pop into pastry chef Fabrice Le Bourdat’s award-winning bakery, Blé Sucré. Le Bourdat is particularly famous for his giant madeleines, but all of the bakery’s offerings are excellent, including the viennoiseries such as the pains au chocolat and buttery croissants.
A-line dress in morning floral