8 Parisian tastemakers on their favourite things in Paris ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics

American songwriter Cole Porter once quipped, “I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles,” and it’s fair to say that this summer will be hotter than most. From 26 July 2024, the French capital will be lit up with sporting fervour as thousands of tourists and fans descend on the city for the XXXIII edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. When Paris first hosted the competition in 1924, there were a measly 17 sports on the agenda. Fast-forward a century, and there are 32 listed, including four thoroughly Gen Z additions: breakdancing, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding. And just as the city is breaking new ground with sport, so too does it have more to offer than the Eiffel Tower and escargots – as our eight local insiders reveal. Handpicked from the world of sport, they each represent a different field of expertise, from climbing to surfing, with many training for this year’s Olympics. Dancer Salif Gueye reveals where to go clubbing on a Monday night; surf skater Hortense Boudet shares the top spot to watch her sport; and paracyclist Marie Patouillet spotlights a queer cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. So what are you waiting for? On y va!

Marie Patouillet

Sport: Paracyclist
Where they live: 19th arrondissement

35-year-old Marie is one of France’s most promising Paralympians, having been awarded bronze twice in Tokyo, and with five silver medals at the paracycling world championships. She is also a Dior Ambassador and a vocal advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and lives with her wife and cat in Paris. Originally a runner, she’s relatively new to cycling, having pivoted from the track to the velodrome in her late 20s after her disability forced her to change sports. She is also a trained GP.

Where do you live in Paris, and what's your favourite part of the city?

I live in the 19th arrondissement. It's a neighbourhood that pulses with life: it's quite green, there's the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, where I love to walk with my dog and also the Parc de la Villette with the Canal de l'Ourcq.

You can only eat in one restaurant in Paris for the rest of your life. Which one would you choose and what would you eat?

At KOKO Quai de la Loire, they have otsumami, which is hot and cold Japanese tapas, plus typical Japanese dishes with a few nods to French fare. I always order the miso-roasted eggplant and seaweed salad.There's also a terrace for lunch in the sun.

What's the most typical French restaurant?

The great classic would be Bouillon Chartier 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, but in Paris there are many bistros and neo-bistros that are less well-known than this one – I love trying them out!

Can you tell us about a hidden gem in Paris that no one else knows about?

La Bouche Cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. It's a self-managed queer cabaret with extraordinary artists.

What makes Paris the best city in the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games?

Its diversity. However, it's a shame that Paris is so inaccessible for people with disabilities – there's still a lot to be done to improve that.

Naomi Schiff

Sport: Retired racing car driver
Where they live: 15th arrondissement

Sky Sports F1 presenter and former racing car driver Naomi Schiff began her career aged 16, when she competed in single-seater racing cars. With dual Belgian and Rwandan nationality, she was born in Antwerp but raced in South Africa, before moving to Paris. The 30-year-old is set to tie the knot later this year when she marries fiancé Shy Radjev. One to watch, she’s set to become a major name on the sport presenting circuit.

Where do you live in Paris and what is your favourite thing about your neighbourhood?

I live in the 15th arrondissement in Paris. I’ve lived in the ‘fast lane’ – if you’ll excuse the pun – throughout my career, so I really wanted to live somewhere outside of the hustle and bustle, and the 15th has a great village/community vibe. It’s full of incredible little artisanal stores, some of the best bakeries, and weekend street markets and is central enough that you could be anywhere you need to be in Paris within 30 minutes.

Where would you go for late-night dancing?

One of the most wonderful dancing spots in Paris has to be the open air dancing at the Quai Saint-Bernard. As long as it’s not raining, every late weekday evening and weekend from the afternoon, you will see crowds gathering at the Quai Saint Bernard dancing in tango groups, salsa groups and more. Anyone can get involved, and if you’re too shy, there are spots to sit and watch. It’s a must! If you want to go clubbing, it depends on what music you like, but I recommend Silencio.

What’s the tourist attraction that’s actually pretty cool?

As cliche as the Eiffel Tower might seem, when the weather is good, I love to grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, a frisbee/ball, some rosé and go and enjoy the end of the day with friends at the Champ De Mars facing the Eiffel Tower. At 8pm, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles on the hour every hour for 5 minutes until 11.05pm. It’s the gift that keeps on giving in Paris. I also always recommend Moulin Rouge!

The best place to go to enjoy the sun in the summer?

One thing I love to do is head to the Quais de Seine (banks of the River Seine) and go to a péniche [a barge]. The closest to me would probably be Rosa Bonheur near the famous Pont Alexandre lll but there are wonderful péniches all along the quais de Seine, you can’t go wrong.

Can you share a hidden gem in Paris that no one else knows about?

The 6th arrondissement is one of my favourites. There are many lovely pedestrian streets to explore. That’s how I found L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer and L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre, these two little neighbouring tapas and wine bars. It’s so simple but so good. If you’re looking for something more scenic to enjoy the good weather, head to Roof Paris, a rooftop restaurant and bar that has unparalleled views of Notre Dame de Paris.

Salif Gueye

Sport: Dancing
Where they live: Suresnes, West of Paris

It’s easy to see why 27-year-old Salif Gueye has attracted the attention of the likes of Christian Louboutin and Lacoste. With an instantly recognisable Afro and undeniable swagger, the French dancer has set Instagram alight with his incredible moves – garnering 2.2 million loyal followers. He shot to fame for a viral video set to Michael Jackson’s Rock With You, but since then has collaborated with a multitude of Parisian sportsmen, including ballerina Victoria Dauberville.

Where’s your favourite place to go dancing?

I love going to the clubs in Paris but the only problem is that there isn’t enough space to express what I want to express with my dancing! L’Arc (12 Rue de Presbourg) is one of my favourites, I just love the music and the people are beautiful too! Another is Matignon (3 Av. Matignon), which is great on a Monday because it plays hip-hop music and is always busy. I also love Deflower Club, Cova Club… there are so many!

You can only eat in one restaurant in Paris for the rest of your life. Which one would it be and what would you eat?

Oh wow, that’s hard. Restaurant Armonia is up there, it’s very French, very beautiful, with very good food. Sienna on Pl. du Marché Saint-Honoré is the best Italian in Paris, they play great music and the pasta is amazing. If I’ve got time to relax before dancing I always go there. Bonnie’s restaurant, at SO/Paris, also has great vibes and it’s so impressive because you can be outside and see all of Paris, it feels like you’re in a movie.

What’s the tourist attraction that’s actually pretty cool?

Disneyland Paris! It’s so magical and I love that everyone is happy, it cheers everyone up. I love it in the summer especially.

Hortense Boudet

Sport: Surfskating
Where they live: 18th arrondissement

25-year-old Hortense Boudet is originally from Avignon but moved to Paris when she was 22. A lover of all sports from a young age, she first discovered skateboarding in high school and, luckily, wasn’t put off by the fact that she was one of the only girls doing it. At age 19, she caught the surf skating bug, which combines her love of both skating and surfing, mimicking the smooth movements of being on the water through a special skateboard – it’s certainly ideal when you’re in a landlocked capital city.

Where do you live in Paris and what is your favourite thing about your neighbourhood?

I live close to the 18th arrondissement town hall, which is behind the Sacré-Cœur. It's a cute, relatively quiet neighbourhood with little cafés and boutiques where you come across lots of young families. I love the fact that I can walk in Montmartre and the little streets around the Sacré-Cœur. I go to Cafe Pimpin at 64 Rue Ramey for brunch and a quick lunch or Two Doors Coffee on Rue Francœur for coffee and matcha.

Where’s the most quintessential French restaurant?

I love Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards in the 9th arrondissement. It's a real experience: when you open the restaurant's doors, you feel like you are in a cartoon reproduction of a Parisian restaurant, from the noise of the dishes to the noisy customers, the waiters in uniform and the decor. The food is simple and good, too, with devilled eggs, fish, green beans, chocolate mousse, you name it.

Can you share a hidden gem in Paris that no one else knows about?

The Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret in the Marais district is very pretty, with an entrance that isn't immediately obvious. You have to know there's this little hidden gem to get there. You can grab a falafel to go on the street and enjoy it in this little garden.

Where’s the best place to go to watch some surf skate?

The best spot is 8 quai Anatole France in Paris's 7th arrondissement. Two associations share the quays of the Seine: our surfskate association @csr_paris and the longboard dancing association @docksession. Riders come here to train, have a drink and hang out with the community all year round, when the weather is good. It's got such a good vibe and just feels like home.

What makes Paris the best city in the world for the Olympics and Paralympics?

Paris is an inspiring city which, I hope, will manage to bring its own little sparkle and magic to the Olympics to create a magnificent event that brings people together and connects them all.

Lisa Zimouche

Sport: Freestyle football
Where they live: South of Paris

Lisa Zimouche is one of the world’s best-known freestyle footballers, with 23.5 million likes on TikTok. In her youth, she played for the Paris Saint Germain Academy, but social media fame awaited her, and she posted her first viral video showcasing her freestyle footie tricks on Instagram in 2013. She even got the FIFA treatment – appearing as a player in the 2021 game – what higher accolade for a footballer is there than that?

Where’s the most quintessential French restaurant?

The most quintessential French restaurants are always ones that sell escargots. I’ve actually been to the oldest one in Paris, everyone needs to try it at some point in their lives, it’s called À La Petite Chaise, which opened in 1845. Trust me, snails are a delicacy!

Where’s the best place to enjoy the summer?

Parc André-Citröen, on the left bank of the Seine on the site of the old Citröen car factory. There’s grass to sit on plus water jets to cool off in or for kids. It’s a good place to read or have a picnic and enjoy the weather - whether you’re on your own with a book, or with friends or family.

Where’s the best place to hide in the winter?

Oh definitely a nice karaoke spot! There is a good one in the 12th arrondissement called Le 3bis Paris. My friends and I always go every winter to work on our vocals… my karaoke songs are TLC ‘No Scrubs’ or Beyoncé ‘Drunk in Love’.

What’s the biggest misconception about Paris?

I’d say that it’s that Parisians are rude. I would say that we can be cold at first (we definitely smile less than Americans for example) but as soon as we get to know each other everyone is genuinely very nice. Also my generation speaks English quite well, so don’t worry if you don’t speak French!

What makes Paris the best city in the world for the Olympics and Paralympics?

The cosmopolitan culture, there’s already people from all over the world in this city, we all grew up with many cultures around us! Also, the food, the fashion (shopping here is the best) and there are so many things to visit, you can just walk everywhere and find a crazy historical place. So many great athletes come from Paris, from basketball (Wemby) to football/soccer (Mbappe), Judo (Teddy Riner) and fencing! As a sports fan, I can’t wait to celebrate with other fans in my city.

Enzo Lefort

Sport: Fencing
Where they live: 20th arrondissement

This will be right-handed fencer Enzo Lefort’s fourth time at the Olympics – not bad for a 32-year-old. Born in French Guiana, he discovered fencing at the age of just five, when he watched fellow French Caribbean national Laura Flessel win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Rather fittingly for someone who uses a sword (well, foil) for a living, he is also a Knight, having been made Knight of the National Order of Merit in 2016.

Where do you live in Paris and what do you like best about your neighbourhood?

I live in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, bordering the 11th. What I like best about my neighbourhood is that it's so close to everything. There are shops, bookshops, the market, and parks for my daughter…

Where's the best place in your neighbourhood for a coffee?

For coffee and brunch, I recommend Comets Sound, at 38 Rue Léon Frot, which is a record store that also serves coffee (its tagline is ‘we sell coffee, we sell records’ on Instagram). Then there’s On Partage, at 137 bis Rue de Charonne. It’s got a really cool atmosphere and serves less typical things, like a chicory latte or a ‘latte miel’, which is like a Spanish latte with milk and honey.

Where can you find the best non-French cuisine?

For me, the best non-French cuisine is to be found at Le Négus, an Ethiopian restaurant on Rue de Montreuil. But if I had to eat at one restaurant for the rest of my life, it would be Pizzeria Louie Louie – I'd eat their diavola pizza every day!

What's the most interesting tourist attraction?

For me, the most interesting tourist attraction is the Fondation Vuitton, because there's substance and form. The building is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

Oriane Berton

Sport: Rock climbing
Where they live: Massy, South of Paris

A rising star of the competition climbing world, 19-year-old Oriane Berton is noted for her bouldering and sport climbing prowess, having broken various records since beginning her career aged just 12. She grew up on the tropical island of La Réunion, and discovered her love of climbing while killing time on a climbing wall outside her sister’s dance lesson. After eyeing a place at the Olympics throughout the 2023 season, she qualified late last year after earning a near-perfect score at the qualifiers.

Where can you get the best food that isn’t French?

Oh, that’s a hard one. I love Asian cuisine, so it would probably be somewhere with Japanese or Korean food. The best for me is Goma by Omakase, close to Disneyland, with a unique menu by chef Eric Ticana, who is officially ‘Vice World Champion of Sushi’! There are also Kodawari Ramen, two ramen restaurants in Paris, with an amazing broth! Everything is handmade – they even have their own wheat field to make their noodles. Sweet Tea’s in the 13th also does great Korean food plus Asian-inspired afternoon tea.

Where’s the best place to enjoy the summer?

I would recommend the Buttes Chaumont Park, which is in the north-east of the city in the 19th arrondissement. It is by far my favourite Parisian park, it’s often empty (depending on the time you plan on going) and there are so many beautiful spots to just sit and breathe fresh air. I’ve always loved nature, and moving to Paris has made finding green spaces much harder, but there are some amazing parks here that are definitely worthy of visiting.

What makes Paris the best city in the world for the Olympics and Paralympics?

We love sports, we love hosting, we love the adrenaline rush we get when we see people give their all. Paris is a sports-obsessed city and I honestly think it will be perfect for this edition of the Olympic Games. It is also a beautiful country and I’m glad people from all over the world will see how amazing it is.

Manon Lanza

Sport: Extreme sports
Where they live: Splits her time between Biarritz, Paris and LA

30-year-old Manon Lanza is almost always attached to a board of some kind: in the summer it’s a surfboard, in the winter it’s a snowboard, and the rest of the time, it’s a skateboard. She also has an affinity for being on two wheels and has competed in motocross since the age of 6. Outside of sports, she’s the founder of Allons Rider, a movement dedicated to supporting women in board sports.

Where’s the best place in Paris for coffee and brunch?

I’m actually ‘Team Tea’, so I would recommend the tearoom Barkers and Brothers, where you can also pet a dog while drinking your Earl Grey. For brunch, you could walk a bit or rent a bike and end up next to Le Canal de Saint Martin to eat at Ima Cantine… if you are a vegetarian like me, it’s going to be hard to choose what to get because everything is amazing!

You can only eat in one restaurant in Paris for the rest of your life. Which one would it be and what would you eat?

Ah, hard question. Well, I would say JahJah, it’s an Afro vegan restaurant. The vibes, the people, the food. You’re somewhere else.

Where’s the most quintessential French restaurant?

The oldest restaurant in Paris is La Tour d’Argent, which has been around since 1582. King Henri III used to eat there!

What’s the tourist attraction that’s actually pretty cool?

I love spending time at the Paris Aquarium but this is not very Parisian, so I would say to rent a city scooter, get pizza and go eat it in front of the Eiffel Tower. I’m all about simplicity with a view.

The best place to go to enjoy the sun in the summer?

Canal Saint Martin is a nice place to relax by the water. You could also enjoy reading your book at Le Jardin des Plantes. Or last but not least, the pool of the Molitor Hotel. Might be crowded but it’s super nice during summer.