Didn't make it to the Paris Writers' Workshop? Pas de problème. Writer Abroad collected all sorts of insider information from fellow writers and is now sharing her wealth of knowledge on affordable apartments and hotels, great cafés, English bookstores, and more. Where to stay
Here are a few websites where you can find rentals that typically cut out the agent (and the agent fees).
Immobilier De Particulier A Particulier
Viva Street
Seloger
Because Writer Abroad didn’t know these great websites ahead of time, she had to pay for a hotel during her conference. C'est la vie. But this turned out to be the best hotel she’s ever stayed at in Paris for the price, so she recommends it for stays under 7 days (the minimum stay for most apartments in Paris):
Hotel Chatillon
Huge, newly renovated bathroom (finally a Parisian shower that you can bend down in!), quiet street (no traffic noise), price (between 80-90 Euros/night for a double), clean, modern chic.
Bookstores
Shakespeare & Company
37 rue de la Bucherie, 75005 Paris
They have readings once a week.
Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
22 rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
Tiny but charming, with a great selection of books on Paris written by expats.
I love my blender
36 rue du temple paris, 75004 Paris
Cute shop in the Marais with English and French books as well as cards and gifts.
Restaurants and Cafés
Bouillon Racine
3 rue Racine, 75006 Paris
Gorgeous art deco interior, this is where the closing dinner for the Paris Writers’ Workshop was held. I’ve had better food in Paris, but recommend this place for the décor.
Chez Papa
153 rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris
If you want southwestern inspired French food, this is a cozy spot.
New Jawad
12 av. Rapp, 75007 Paris
Avoid the overpriced cafes near the Eiffel Tower and eat reasonably priced Indian food instead. 8 Euro vegetarian dishes.
Creperie de Port-Manech
52 rue du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris
Just one of the many charming creperies on the rue du Montparnasse. When in doubt, eat the dessert crepe first. Crepes from 5 Euros.
Mamie Gateaux
66-68-70 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
The best chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten. The street itself is also worth walking down for its cute shops and cafes. Desserts 5 Euros.
Zak
32 rue de la fontaine au roi, 75011 Paris
Fantastic, reasonably-priced Moroccan food. Main dishes from 11 Euros.
Le Flore en l’Ile
42 quai d’Orleans, 75004 Paris
The best ice cream sodas in Paris. Ice cream from 3 Euros.
Mussuwam
33 Boulevard Arago, 75013 Paris
Ginger juice, chicken and onion stew, and more from this fantastic Senegalese restaurant. Main dishes from 14 Euros.
Second-hand Stores
(shopping for writers on a budget!)
Freep ‘S’ Star Bretonnerie
8 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
Freep ‘S’ Star Verrerie
61 rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Other planning tools
A Writer’s Paris, by Eric Maisel
36 Hours in Paris, sans la Tour Eiffel: blog post from Zurich-based writer Kelly Jarosz
Other tips on Paris? Leave a comment.
