Eat, Shop, Wander: A Designer’s Guide to Parisian Living
Allison Crawford by Jennifer Lawson
We had the pleasure to hear from our dear friend Allison Crawford—interior designer, vintage enthusiast, and Paris local of nearly four years—to uncover her favorite spots and insider tips for exploring the City of Light. From the vibrant streets of Pigalle to serene parks, unforgettable dining, and the best coffee, Allison shares how to experience Paris like a true local.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to Paris?
Answer:
"Cou cou, I’m Allison and I’ve been living in Paris for almost four years. I’m an interior designer, mother, business owner, and avid vintage hunter. In 2021, my family moved to Le Marais from Austin for my husband’s job and I’ve been exploring Paris ever since. Professionally, I work with American design clients virtually and host clients at the Paris Flea Market on the weekends. For fun, you’ll find me with my 5-year-old daughter and husband at a local carousel or brocante looking for treasures."
Question: What is one underrated neighborhood in Paris that visitors should explore, and why?
Answer:
"If you’ve already explored Le Marais, head over to Pigalle. It’s not as crowded and feels more local. Start at Rue des Martyrs- one of Paris’s most charming, vibrant streets, and full of character. Located in the 9th arrondissement, it stretches from the foot of Montmartre to near Saint-Georges. It’s a wonderful blend of old-world Parisian charm and contemporary, eclectic energy—perfectly capturing the essence of a Parisian neighborhood street. After exploring Rue des Martyrs, you can walk up to Monmartre or down to Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.
My favorite places to shop in the neighborhood are Iregular for the best curated vintage, Maison Kitsuné Archives, Officine Générale, and A.P.C. If you’re up for a 10-minute walk to a more residential section of the 9th, go to Barbazan for the most amazing small leather goods like wallets, belts, and dog collars. It’s all handmade by the owner, Fabien, and he is a delight! It’s the perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind memento from Paris.
For places to eat in Pigalle, my favorite lunch spot is Les Canailles at 25 Rue la Bruyère, one block from Soho House. It’s not touristy and I’m usually the only English speaker there, practicing my French with the lovely owner, Yann. The food is EXCELLENT and the menu rotates weekly depending on the seasonal offerings. Other great neighborhood restaurant choices are crepes at Breizh Café Abbesses or a classic French meal at Le Bon Georges."
Question: What’s your favorite way to start the day in Paris? Any café or boulangerie recommendations?
Answer:
"My absolute favorite spot for coffee is KB Roasters. The Rue des Martyrs café is known for its high-quality, carefully sourced beans, and it serves the best coffee in Paris. They roast their own beans, which means they have full control over the flavor profiles and can ensure the freshest coffee possible. Locals flock to KB Roasters since it's a great place to meet friends, work remotely, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment with a perfect cup of coffee.
After coffee, take a quick 4 minute walk to Mamiche for a pastry and baguette. If you’re a fan of excellent, traditional French baking, Mamiche is a must-visit in Paris. Whether you're craving a perfectly baked baguette, a buttery croissant, or a seasonal pastry, this hot spot delivers on all fronts. The quality of the products is unmatched, and the bakery’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a true gem for locals and visitors alike."
Mamiche
Question: Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, but where do locals go to escape the crowds?
Answer:
"Parks in Paris are social hubs. For Parisians, these spaces serve as gathering points where friends, families, and neighbors can meet, chat, or enjoy activities together. It’s not uncommon to see groups of friends having picnics, playing pétanque (a French game similar to bocce ball), or simply chatting on a bench. In many ways, parks offer a casual, laid-back atmosphere for socializing that feels accessible and informal.
My favorite parks are Parc Monceau, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Square du Temple- Elie Wiesel, and the Tuileries of course. Grab a coffee or sandwich at the boulangerie and go hang out at the park for hours. Don’t rush, take your time."
Question: If someone is looking for an unforgettable dinner experience, what’s a restaurant or type of cuisine you’d recommend?
Answer:
"If you love tea and everything Japanese like me, go to Ogata for a tea tasting or memorable meal and don’t skip the shop afterwards. It's a beautifully designed Japanese-inspired café and concept store in the 3rd arrondissement. The cuisine is a combination of both traditional Japanese dishes and French-Japanese fusion, blending the best of both worlds. The space is a marriage of Japanese minimalism and French refinement, with clean lines, neutral tones, and an emphasis on natural materials like wood, stone, and marble.
For the quintessential Parisian experience, book reservations at La Suite Girafe at nightfall to witness the Eiffel Tower’s magical lights every hour. You’ve probably heard of the very popular Girafe but they have a little sister- La Suite Girafe. I prefer the food and it’s MUCH easier to get an online reservation. I always get the filet but you can’t go wrong!"
Question: For those who love shopping, where’s the best place to discover unique Parisian fashion or design?
Answer:
"I’m obsessed with everything vintage for my home and wardrobe. I’m always on the hunt for vintage furniture, decor, and clothes. My absolute favorite places to shop for vintage are the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (aka Paris or Saint-Ouen Flea Market) and Marché aux Puces de Vanves (aka Vanves Flea Market).
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is not just a place to shop, but an experience. It’s a chance to explore a piece of Parisian history, discover rare items, and enjoy the unique energy of this iconic market. Whether you’re an antique collector, a vintage fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for something special to bring home, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market is a must-visit for anyone spending time in Paris. It's one of those places where you can truly lose yourself in the treasures of the past, all while soaking up the distinct Parisian atmosphere. For my favorite markets and a full guide to the Paris Flea, read this story.
The Marché aux Puces de Vanves, or Vanves Flea Market, is a smaller, more laid-back alternative to the bustling Saint-Ouen Flea Market in Paris, but it’s no less charming. Located in the 14th arrondissement, the Vanves Flea Market is a delightful treasure hunt for vintage lovers, collectors, and those looking for unique items. Its more intimate and less commercial atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and tourists who prefer a quieter, authentic experience. Here, you'll find fewer crowds and a slower pace, which makes it a pleasant place to spend a few hours strolling through."
Photos from @allison.crawford
Question: What’s one thing people visiting Paris often overlook but absolutely shouldn’t?
Answer:
"Don’t sleep on the cooking experiences in Paris- whether it’s a food tour or cooking class. I highly recommend Paris by Mouth food tours and La Cuisine Paris for cooking classes. Paris by Mouth offers private tours and that’s what I did with friends visiting from the States. We opted for the Wine and Cheese Pairing Tour to explore wine shops and fromageries (French for cheese shops). You’ll learn about the different French wine regions and how to match them with a variety of cheeses. It’s the perfect way to learn more about French wines like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne and how to pair them with hard and soft French cheeses.
If you’re interested in learning how to make French delicacies, book a cooking class at La Cuisine Paris. Recently, I signed up for the French sauces class and learned how to make 8 quintessential sauces- French vinaigrette, mayonnaise, béchamel, port wine, béarnaise, caramel au beurre salé, and classic chocolate. It was a very enjoyable experience and now I can cook French classics at home!"
Question: What advice would you give to someone visiting Paris for the first time?
Answer:
"I know it sounds cheesy, but the hop on, hop off bus is the best way to see the historic landmarks in one easy bus ride. You can knock out all the major attractions in one afternoon to figure out where you want to revisit for a more indepth understanding. Popular bus spots are the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Opéra Garnier. It’s really touristy but fun- plus don’t be afraid to sneak on some wine!"
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