I've Lived in France for 10+ Years-Here Are 11 Hidden Gems in Paris You Won't Find in Guidebooks

"Even after more than a decade living in France-half of that time in Paris-the French capital still holds mystery for me. It would take a lifetime to intimately know all 20 of the city's spiraling arrondissements, each a patchwork of neighborhoods that blend different cultures and architectural styles. I'm constantly discovering new spots in my neighborhood of Belleville in the 20th arrondissement, the birthplace of legendary French singer Édith Piaf and home to one of the city's Chinatowns."

"When friends and other writers are passing through Paris, I receive a few common questions: Where should I get my first croissant in town? What's the top cocktail bar? Where should I go for one splurge-worthy meal? TikTok has popularized certain places, ones that were previously my local haunts and now are too packed to get a seat. If you're looking for the real local finds, places that aren't touted in guidebooks as "best of the best," we've got just the spots for you."

Paris comprises 20 arrondissements, each a complex mix of neighborhoods, cultures, and architectural styles that require a lifetime to fully know. Belleville in the 20th arrondissement combines local character, a Chinatown, and the birthplace of legendary singer Édith Piaf. Visitors commonly seek guidance on croissants, cocktail bars, and splurge meals, while social media has turned many local haunts into crowded destinations. Local travel advisors, Michelin-starred chefs, and acclaimed authors identify lesser-known spots that offer authentic Parisian experiences. Boulangeries remain central to Parisian food culture, and Shinya Pain Montmartre is celebrated for sourdough since its 2020 opening.

Read at Travel + Leisure