It’s January and with the new year comes the urge to plan, dream, and—let’s be honest—eat my way through life. There’s something undeniably thrilling about jotting down a fresh list of adventures, even if it’s just an excuse to daydream about everything I want to devour this year. As a chef and foodie, looking for foodie things to do in Paris, my adopted city, is a constant mission to please my pallet. Paris is a playground for the palate, and this list is my love letter to its endless culinary treasures.
I’m sharing my ultimate foodie bucket list for Paris in 2025—not just to inspire you, but to hear from you too. Think of it as a conversation starter: what would you add? What’s already on your plate (pun intended)? Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious newcomer, there’s something here for everyone.
Scroll through, savour the possibilities, and let’s make this the most delicious year yet. Each item is a gateway to the heart of Parisian cuisine—some classics, some wild cards, but all guaranteed to whet your appetite. Bon appétit and bonne année!
Must-Do Foodie Activities in Paris
Take in the Delights of a Food Festival
Food festivals in Paris are one of the densest ways to discover the delights of French food. From large exhibition halls filled with delights for the professional foodie to intimate tastings for the amateur, these events capture the essence of French gastronomy. Here you can taste regional specialties, meet producers, and expand your palate with exclusive tastings and masterclasses.
My favourite food festivals in Paris for 2025
Here is a small selection of some of the food festivals in Paris for 2025. I have a calendar for foodies that you can access and subscribe to here (it’s a work in progress and will be updated throughout the year).
- Wine Paris & Vinexpo (February 10–12, 2025)
- Discover global wine trends and tastings at this international wine and spirits expo. Learn more
- Salon de l’Agriculture (February 22 – March 2, 2025)
- Explore regional products, meet local producers, and enjoy tastings at this iconic agricultural fair at Porte de Versailles. Learn more
- Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (March 31 – April 6, 2025)
- Explore culinary craftsmanship during this event showcasing artisans’ works, including food artistry. Learn more
- Paris Beer Festival (April 2025)
- Celebrate craft beer with tastings, brewery tours, and food pairings across the city. Learn more
- Taste of Paris (May 8–11, 2025)
- Held at the Grand Palais Éphémère, this festival is a showcase of the city’s finest culinary talents. Enjoy signature dishes from Michelin-starred chefs and Parisian restaurants. Learn more
- Paris Cafe Festival (May 2025)
- A paradise for coffee lovers featuring tastings, latte art contests, and workshops at Carreau du Temple. Learn more
- Fête de la Gastronomie (September 2025)
- A nationwide tribute to French cuisine with special events hosted in Paris, including tastings, workshops, and celebrations of culinary heritage.
- Salon du Chocolat (October/November 2025)
- Dive into the world of chocolate with artisanal creations, live demonstrations, and the famous chocolate fashion show. https://www.salon-du-chocolat.com/
- Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
- Held annually in October, this festival celebrates the Montmartre wine harvest with tastings, parades, and cultural events.
- Omnivore Food Festival (September 2025)
- Bringing together innovative chefs and food lovers, this festival at Parc Floral de Paris celebrates modern gastronomy with tastings and masterclasses. Learn more
- Le Food Market (Monthly)
- Held in Belleville, this open-air market is a celebration of street food with stalls offering diverse international cuisines. Learn more
Lunch in a Neighborhood Bistro
There are few better memories than those made while lingering over a delicious and affordable meal with a carafe of wine on a sun-drenched Parisian terrace. Whether it’s your first visit or, like me, you’ve called this city home for over a decade, the cobbled streets of Paris and its charming suburbs offer thousands of daily “plat du jour” to explore. Relish the charm of local favorites that showcase authentic Parisian cuisine with seasonal menus, classic dishes, and a welcoming ambiance.
My Top Picks for Neighborhood Bistros in Paris for 2025:
Here’s a list of neighborhood bistros I’m eager to revisit or discover in 2025. Keep an eye out for more detailed reviews and additional recommendations in my upcoming posts:
- Caravan
- Café du Coin
- Le Verre Volé
- Bonnotte
- Restaurant Quedubon
- Les Arlots
Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or a memorable dining experience, these bistros capture the true spirit of Paris on a plate. Don’t feel limited to my selections—check out my blog post on how to choose the best restaurants for you.
Dinner with a View
Elevate your evening with a meal overlooking Paris’s iconic skyline. Rooftop restaurants and terrace dining are perfect for indulging in fine cuisine while soaking in breathtaking views.
Top Picks for Dinner with a View
- Les Ombres: Located near the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant pairs gourmet French dishes with unparalleled views.
- Terrass” Hotel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy modern French cuisine and panoramic views of Montmartre and beyond.
- Ciel de Paris: Dine in the clouds at this restaurant perched in the Tour Montparnasse.
Visit a Market
Markets are the beating heart of Paris’s food culture. Wander through the stalls and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, aromas, and flavors of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal specialties.
Must-Visit Markets in Paris
- Marché des Enfants Rouges: Paris’s oldest covered market, offering global street food and local delicacies.
- Marché Bastille: A bustling open-air market filled with seasonal produce, flowers, and gourmet treats.
- Marché d’Aligre: Known for its mix of fresh food stalls and antiques, it’s a true neighborhood gem.
Go Wine Tasting
Paris is the perfect place to indulge in wine tastings, whether at dedicated wine bars or guided sessions by expert sommeliers.
Best Places for Wine Tastings in Paris
- Clearly there is a blog post to be written here.
Let the Chef Choose
One of the most exciting ways to experience Paris’s culinary brilliance is by putting your trust in the chef. Opt for a gastronomic tasting menu, where the chef designs a meal showcasing their creativity and seasonal ingredients.
Top Recommendations for Chef’s Menus
- Arpège: A 3-Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Alain Passard crafts vegetable-forward masterpieces.
- Septime: Known for its innovative dishes and emphasis on sustainable ingredients.
Letting the chef choose ensures you experience their best and most personal work—an unforgettable dining adventure.
Take a Cooking Class
Paris is the perfect city to sharpen your culinary skills. Whether you want to master French pastries, perfect your knife skills, or learn to whip up a classic coq au vin, the city offers a wide range of classes for all skill levels.
Where to Take Cooking Classes
- Le Cordon Bleu: The world-renowned culinary school offers professional-level courses and short workshops.
- More coming soon – once I’ve tested them.
These classes aren’t just educational—they’re an immersive experience into French culinary traditions.
Eat All the Cheeses
From creamy Bries to pungent Roqueforts, Paris is a haven for cheese lovers. Visit fromageries, wine bars, or markets to explore the wide variety of French cheeses.
Best Spots for Cheese Lovers
- Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: A Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman) winner offering expertly aged cheeses.
- Androuet: A historic fromagerie with a vast selection of French and international cheeses.
- Chez Virginie: A family-run shop specializing in organic cheeses.
Pair your cheese with a fresh baguette and a glass of wine for the ultimate Parisian snack.
Visit a Baker
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting a traditional French boulangerie. The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries wafts through the air, drawing you in to experience the magic of artisanal baking.
Top Bakeries in Paris
- Clearly this needs a blog post – to ensure we give you the best advice !
Indulging in a golden, flaky croissant or a warm baguette from a Parisian bakery is a simple yet unforgettable pleasure.
Drink in Public Like a Parisian
Parisians have mastered the art of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and drinking in public spaces is a prime example. Whether along the Seine, in a charming square, or at a park, this relaxed approach to socializing is quintessentially Parisian.
Best Spots for Outdoor Drinks
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A stunning green space perfect for a picnic with a bottle of wine.
- Quai de la Seine: Join locals by the water with a chilled bottle of rosé.
- Place des Vosges: Sip champagne in the historic and picturesque surroundings of this iconic square.
Bring a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a quintessential Parisian moment.
Get Lost in an Edgy Food Scene
Paris’s vibrant neighborhoods like Belleville and Canal Saint-Martin are home to edgy, multicultural food scenes that push the boundaries of traditional French cuisine. This is one of my own goals for 2025, I hope to dive deeper underground, meeting the chefs and young talent that cook with passion and creativity. To find the edge of flavours, pushing my own pallet and expectations.. I don’t have a list yet just an idea.
Must-Try Spots for an Edgy Experience
- Le Grand Bain (Belleville): Known for its bold small plates and lively atmosphere.
- Gravity (Canal Saint-Martin): A chic, Scandinavian-inspired eatery with inventive cocktails.
- Street Food Markets: Check out rotating food trucks and global flavors in these areas.
I challenge all of you to be like me; Step away from the tourist spots and immerse yourself in the creativity of Paris’s culinary innovators.
Dine with a Parisian
For a truly authentic experience, consider dining in a Parisian’s home. Platforms like Eatwith and BonAppetour connect travelers with locals who love to share their culinary traditions. Or maybe you will be lucky enough to have a family friend, or someone you have met in the past that lives here. To gain the most authentic parisian foodie experience, the one secret you need is to know a foodie who lives here in Paris and can show you all the ropes.
Why Dine with a Parisian?
- Home-Cooked Authenticity: Enjoy dishes you might not find in restaurants, cooked with family recipes.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about French customs, cooking techniques, and everyday life.
- Warm Hospitality: It’s not just a meal—it’s a connection.
This experience adds a personal touch to your Parisian adventure, leaving you with stories to cherish long after your trip.
Interactive Map and Checklist
To make your culinary adventure in Paris even easier, check out our interactive map of all the must-visit locations and come back soon or drop us a note to get access to our “Paris Foodie Checklist.” These tools will ensure you don’t miss any of the delicious stops on your journey.
Conclusion
Whether you’re savoring a croissant fresh from the oven, sipping wine in a chic bar, or exploring Paris’s vibrant food festivals, the city promises an unforgettable culinary journey. From traditional brasseries to cutting-edge street food, there’s no shortage of foodie things to do in Paris in 2025. So, pack your appetite and get ready to taste the magic!
