Experience Batignolles: Food, Fun & Local Favorites in Paris

Swap the crowds for Batignolles, where Paris gets delightfully local, green, and delicious.

Published: May 7, 2026
Parc Clichy-Batignolles

Tucked away in Paris’s 17th arrondissement, Batignolles is the easy-going neighborhood that locals rave about but tourists often overlook. Picture leafy squares, street art, indie coffee shops and some of the city’s best food—all served up with relaxed, village-like charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or back for more Parisian magic, Batignolles offers plenty to see, eat and experience. Curious what you’ll find beyond the usual monuments? Let’s wander Batignolles together, where every street offers a new surprise. 

Our favorite things to do in Batignolles include: 

  • Square des Batignolles 
  • Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King 
  • Rue de Lévis Market 
  • Les Caves Populaires 
  • Le Cinéma des Cinéastes 
  • Brasserie Il Toscano 
  • Kiez Biergarten 
  • Boulangerie Léonie 
  • Concept Store: Klin d’Oeil 
  • Attend a Jazz Night at Le Petit Garage 

Square des Batignolles: Peaceful Parisian Escape 

If Parisian parks are your thing, Square des Batignolles has you covered. This English-style garden, landscaped in the 19th century, offers winding paths, old trees, and a serene pond frequented by ducks—plus a tiny waterfall for extra ambiance. Locals flock here with books and pastries, lounging under leafy canopies or watching children race tiny sailboats across the water. 

What we love about Square des Batignolles is its unwinding charm. Unlike the statelier city parks, this green space feels relaxed and a little bit wild. Take a seat by the water to people-watch or just let your mind wander beneath the chestnut trees. It’s the perfect start to a neighborhood adventure or a sweet escape when you need a breather from Paris’s energetic pace. 

Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King: Urban Green Dream 

Just a few blocks from the old-school charm of Square des Batignolles, you’ll stumble into a totally different vibe at Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King. This modern park spreads across 10 hectares with skateparks, sports courts, wildflower meadows, and even urban beehives. There’s always something happening here—from open-air yoga to families picnicking on eco-friendly lawns. 

What sets this park apart is its contemporary flair and inventive landscape design. Stroll the sunlit promenades or perch on concrete benches amid patches of native prairie grass. Kids love the splash fountains in summer, while joggers circle the running track year-round. It’s all the urban oasis you could want, with the added bonus of panoramic city views from the highest points. 

Rue de Lévis Market: Eat Like a Parisian 

Ready for a food adventure? Head east from Batignolles proper and you’ll find Rue de Lévis, a classic Parisian market street bustling with butchers, bakers, fishmongers, flower stalls and specialty shops selling everything from ripe cheese to plump strawberries. It’s a feast for your senses—crusty baguette smells, rainbow displays of fresh fruit, and customers haggling with jovial vendors. 

The real pleasure here is sampling as you go. Pick up a rotisserie chicken, taste local cheeses, or ask a pâtissier for their best éclair. Grab a few treats, find a neighborhood bench, and soak up the lively street scene. Rue de Lévis is all about living like a local—even if just for the afternoon. 

Les Caves Populaires: Sip, Snack and Unwind

Two Wine Glasses

Les Caves Populaires is a Batignolles institution—a classic Paris wine bar with a boisterous, convivial vibe. Step inside and you’ll spot mismatched chairs, scribbled chalkboard menus, and locals sharing bottles over animated conversation. Order from a tightly curated selection of French wines, then pair your glass with cheese boards, charcuterie, and saucisson. 

We love how Les Caves Populaires effortlessly captures the laid-back spirit of Batignolles. Prices are friendly, the mood is lively, and it’s the perfect pit stop after a day of wandering. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch pop-up tastings or themed wine nights, where strangers soon feel like friends. 

Le Cinéma des Cinéastes: Indie Film Heaven 

Culture fans, rejoice. Batignolles’s neighborhood cinema, Le Cinéma des Cinéastes, is beloved for its thoughtful selection of indie, foreign, and arthouse films. With its art-deco façade and three cozy screens, this is the place to see French cinema like a local. Expect a diverse line-up—classic revivals, documentaries, festival favorites—plus regular director Q&As. 

What we especially enjoy? Le Cinéma des Cinéastes draws an engaged, passionate audience (think Paris’s answer to your coolest film club). Grab a seat, order a glass of wine from the lobby bar, and settle in for a few hours of cinematic escape. 

Brasserie Il Toscano: Italian Classics, Parisian Style 

Feeling peckish? Brasserie Il Toscano on Rue Boursault offers standout Italian fare in an effortlessly chic Parisian setting. Step inside and you’ll find red banquettes, vintage black-and-white photos, and a friendly team who know their wine list inside out. Signature dishes include creamy truffle risotto, melt-in-the-mouth osso buco, and delicate tiramisu. 

Il Toscano’s ambiance is wonderfully relaxed—perfect for a dinner with friends or a romantic meal for two. On summer nights, nab a terrace table for people-watching with your plate of pasta and a glass of Chianti. Just save room for dessert; their homemade panna cotta wins rave reviews every time. 

Kiez Biergarten: Munich Meets Montmartre 

If you’re craving a break from wine, head to Kiez Biergarten, Batignolles’ fun-loving German pub. The vibe here is pure gemütlichkeit—think long wooden tables, fairy lights, and a crowd that starts cheerful and ends up singing. Choose from a stellar range of German brews (Schneider Weisse is a favorite), hearty pretzels, currywurst and tangy pickles. 

Why does Kiez stand out? It delivers a slice of Bavarian beer garden life right in the heart of Paris, complete with board games and regular live music. Come for Sunday brunch or a spirited night out—either way, you’ll feel right at home. 

Boulangerie Léonie: Treat Yourself to Paris’s Best Flan

Pile of Croissants

Boulangerie Léonie could win a prize for prettiest bakery in Batignolles, with its mint-green tiles, Art Nouveau lettering, and mouthwatering window displays. Locals line up daily for croissants, but the standout is their legendary flan—silky, custardy, and perfectly caramelized on top. 

Step inside and you’ll be enveloped in the scent of baking bread and warm butter. Take away a pastry or two, then stroll over to Square des Batignolles for a sweet, simple breakfast under the trees. Trust us, this is the sort of Paris moment you’ll dream about long after you leave. 

Concept Store: Klin d’Oeil 

Shoppers and art lovers alike make pilgrimages to Klin d’Oeil, Batignolles’ most creative boutique-gallery hybrid. Stepping through its sunny doors, you’re greeted with limited-edition prints, handmade ceramics, chic jewelry and quirky textiles—all crafted by local artists. Rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, while regular workshops invite passersby to get hands-on themselves. 

We’re smitten by the joyful, welcoming spirit of Klin d’Oeil. Whether you pick up a new favorite tote or simply browse, you’ll feel plugged into the neighborhood’s thriving creative community. It’s a great spot for unique souvenirs or just a boost of inspiration between strolls. 

Attend a Jazz Night at Le Petit Garage 

Batignolles comes alive after dark, especially at Le Petit Garage—an intimate bar and music venue famous for its jazz sessions. Duck inside this snug, speakeasy-style space any night of the week for live bands, candlelit tables, and expertly mixed cocktails. Musicians jam just a few feet from your table, making every performance engaging and personal. The staff are passionate about good music and good company, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming whether you’re a regular or a first-timer. 

We love that Le Petit Garage isn’t just a spot to hide from the cold or wind down after exploring Batignolles; it feels like becoming part of the neighborhood’s creative heartbeat. Sip on a craft cocktail or a glass of red as the saxophone wails. If you’re feeling inspired, join the crowd on the cozy dance floor. For music lovers or anyone who wants to experience Parisian nightlife with a local twist, this place always hits the right note. 

 

Batignolles offers a slice of laid-back, authentic Paris—bursting with hidden parks, tempting bakeries, creative shops, and local haunts where you’ll feel like you belong. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely picnic, a film night, a jazz session, or simply a stroll off the tourist trail, Batignolles has plenty of surprises up its elegant sleeve. So linger over that third pastry, browse a boutique, or join in the neighborhood buzz—you’ll find Parisian magic on every corner. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or the Best Picnic Spots in Paris 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

A couple embrace in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Blog

Romantic Things to do in Paris

Wander the streets of the City of Love and you’ll soon discover how Paris earned this most romantic of nicknames. Charming tree-lined squares, couples holding hands at pavement cafés, secret flower gardens and swoonsome Art Deco architecture are just a handful of reasons among many. Read on to discover our pick of the most romantic things to do in Paris, from sunset cruises on the Seine to dining in the Eiffel Tower. Romantic Walks and Cruises in Paris Is there anything more romantic than bobbing along gently in a rowboat, basking in sunshine and gazing lovingly into the eyes of your favorite human? Bois de Boulogne is one of Paris’s biggest parks (over twice the size of Central Park!) and contains a chateau, a botanical garden and several ponds and lakes. It’s on the largest of these – the Lac Inferieur, or Lower Lake – that you can rent old-fashioned wooden boats and row out onto the tranquil waters. Impress your partner by whipping out a Parisian picnic of wine, cheese and fresh baguette when you return to the bank, before taking a post-lunch stroll through the forest to the rose-filled Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden. Keep your eyes peeled for resident peacocks and cute native red squirrels along the way. Paris is chock-full of opportunities for loved-up walks. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Canal Saint-Martin with its shaded quays, cute boho cafés and craft beer bars. Or head to – hear me out – Père Lachaise Cemetery, where sweeping tree-lined avenues are flanked by beautifully decorative sculptures and mausoleums. It’s here you’ll find the tomb of star-crossed lovers Heloise and Abelard, a favorite illicit meeting spot for young sweethearts in the 19th Century. Tradition dictates that visitors to Oscar Wilde’s final resting place should plant a lipsticky kiss on the celebrated author’s grave, though you might be advised to give your relatively germ-free significant other a smooch here instead. A sunset Seine cruise is a great way to see the sights of Paris from the water. Go all gooey-eyed at landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Louvre Museum as dusk falls and thousands of lights start to twinkle across the city. Grab a glass of champagne to enhance this perfect moment, as your bateau sails gently beneath the soaring arch of Pont Alexandre III, with its gorgeously ornate Art Deco lanterns. I Heart Montmartre Of all the places in Paris that can legitimately lay claim to being the city’s most romantic, Montmartre is arguably the one true holder of the title. Its narrow cobbled alleys, adorable Parisian cafés and, of course, the sumptuous Sacré-Cœur basilica all seem designed with the express intention of making you swoon. Take a walking tour with a local guide to get your bearings then cut loose with your bae to make the kind of romantic memories money just can’t buy. Start by taking in the flamboyant byzantine-style confection that is the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy the sweeping views it affords from its vantage point at the very top of the city. If you’re planning to pop the question, you’d struggle to find a more romantic spot than this. Although, apparently, Paris’s most popular location for proposing marriage isn’t the Sacré-Cœur. Nor even the Eiffel Tower. Or the Palace of Versailles. Nope, it’s... Disneyland. Your guess is as good as ours. Hidden away in Montmartre’s tiny Jehan-Rictus garden square is the wildly romantic-sounding Le Mur Des Je t’aime. This permanent art installation – a love-themed wall made from enameled lava tiles – features the phrase ‘I love you’ in 250 languages, so you can learn to whisper your sweet nothings in Italian, Indonesian, Inuit and more. Like many places in Paris, Montmartre becomes even more beautiful and atmospheric as the sun sets. There’s not much to beat sitting on the basilica steps on a sultry summer evening at sundown, watching the sky change color as the old-fashioned double-decker carousel below wheels into motion, all colorful horses, ornate carriages, carnival lights and the sound of laughter drifting up on the warm evening air. La Belle Vie One of the most extravagant former royal residences on the planet, the Palace of Versailles lies a short distance west of Paris and is easy (and cheap) to reach by direct train. You could easily spend a day here, wandering the palace’s vast interior and experiencing the multitude of impossibly opulent rooms that include the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s private apartments. Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s quaint Hamlet, a ‘rustic’ retreat with a working mill, and of course the palace’s perfectly manicured formal gardens. Wander among the endless paths, ponds, sculptures and fountains with your own king or queen, admiring this landscaping masterwork that has remained largely unchanged since Louis XIV’s reign in the 17th Century. Not without merit, the Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s most popular attractions. So, if you prefer your chateau sightseeing a little more intimate, Fontainebleau and Vincennes also come highly recommended as alternative options. Both are just as captivating, and equally accessible from central Paris. Paris boasts plenty of romantic restaurants and hotels that will make you feel like royalty yourself. Splash out on a lavish dinner inside the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne, where views of the city sparkling far below like thousands of tiny diamonds are matched only by the immaculate tasting menu and finest French wines. You may have to mortgage a kidney or two to get a room at the Shangri-La Paris. But what price love, eh? This grand and oh-so-Parisian hotel, once the home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, has vintage-feel rooms and suites in golds and duck-egg blues, many with views of the Eiffel Tower. There’s also a chic spa and lovely sun terrace for summer dining. But be prepared to dig deep: prices for rooms without a view start well into four figures. Ooh la la indeed. But maybe, just maybe, all you need for that unforgettable romantic Paris moment is a bottle of chilled champagne and a paper bag brimming with sugary-sweet chouquettes fresh from the boulangerie. Head to the banks of the Seine with your sweetheart at sundown and watch the City of Love light up. Perfect. Save on romantic things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A row of colourful Eiffel Tower keyrings on display in a shop
Blog

Best Paris Souvenirs

Did you know the word souvenir derives from the French term for memory or remembrance? What could be more appropriate, then, than to take a memento of your visit to the City of Love home with you? Read on for our guide to the best Paris souvenirs, and where to find them. From the Ubiquitous to the Unique No Paris souvenir is more emblematic or ubiquitous than the humble Eiffel Tower. You’ll find reproductions of The Iron Lady absolutely everywhere, from kitsch souvenir booths and street stalls to the high-end jewelry stores that line the Champs-Élysées. Tacky? Perhaps. But you’re guaranteed a reminder of that wonderful weekend you spent in Paris each and every time you look at it. The tower comes as – deep breath – a fridge magnet, bottle opener, wine-stopper, mug, cuddly toy, bedside lamp, keyring and pen. You’ll see it on t-shirts and tea-towels and inside snow globes. It comes in every shape, color, size and format imaginable, with or without flashing lights. But you can’t really beat a simple metal replica. These tiny, faithful reproduction ornaments can be found in the Eiffel Tower’s gift shops and, well, just about everywhere else. Looking for something a little more unique to you? Paris is home to some of the finest perfumers on the planet, with many offering unique custom fragrances. Scent magicians Fragonard have a workshop in which you can design and create your very own mini eau de toilette to take home. Alternatively – should you have deep enough pockets – you can engage the services of celebrated Paris perfumer Stéphanie de Bruijn, who will personally oversee the creation of your very own signature scent. Or head to Place du Tertre in Montmartre where, on a picturesque cobbled square against the stunning backdrop of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, local artists will create perhaps the ultimate Paris keepsake: a portrait or caricature of your own beautiful face, captured for posterity. And you don’t get much more unique than that! Souvenirs for Culture Vultures Paris boasts literally hundreds of museums and art galleries. And where there’s a museum or gallery, there’s a gift shop. Hit up the Louvre for all your Mona Lisa mug and tote bag requirements. Of course, as befits the world’s most-visited museum, there’s much more to the Louvre’s beautiful wood-clad boutique than da Vinci knick-knacks alone. Think intricately detailed maps of pre and post-Haussmannian Paris, replica period jewelry and hundreds of prints of masterpieces from the museum's vast art collection. Gift shops at the Rodin and Picasso museums also merit a visit in their own right. The Rodin Museum boutique is where you’ll find note-perfect ornamental replicas of the French sculptor’s most famous works, including The Kiss and The Thinker. While the Musée Picasso boutique in the Marais is your one-stop-shop for decorative houseware, pottery, bags, artful cushions and more, all designed to pay tasteful homage to the father of Cubism. The stretch between Quai Voltaire and Quai de la Tournelle on the Seine’s Left Bank is a bonanza for book lovers. Stroll the pretty embankment, enjoying glorious views of Notre-Dame and the bateaux that bob along the river, as you browse the wares of the Bouquinistes. This is the place for books of all shapes and sizes sold from stalls that line the riverside. Think literary classics, graphic novels, dusty antiquarian doorstops, childrens’ books, art, poetry... it’s all here, and then some. Budding philatelists and deltiologists are also well catered for by the Bouquinistes, with many selling antique French stamps and postcards alongside their books. At the eastern end of this stretch, on the edge of the Latin Quarter, is also where you’ll find beloved English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company. Within this labyrinthine treasure trove of groaning shelves and teetering piles lies the perfect souvenir or gift idea for the bookworm in your life: a beautiful book of your choice, stamped with the shop’s famous logo on its flyleaf. Wearable and Edible Paris Souvenirs If you’re lucky enough to be able to rock the beret-and-marinière look like the couple in the picture above, we recommend splashing out on these traditional Gallic fashions in a store with French-made goods, rather than picking up the cheap knock-off versions that are ubiquitous in the high-street souvenir shops (and that are liable to fall apart the minute you get them home). Try La Cerise sur le Chapeau for your chic headgear and Armor-Lux for your Breton striped shirt. Neither will break the bank and both have branches throughout Paris. What might break the bank, however, is a visit to the flagship Louis Vuitton megastore on the Champs-Élysées, the biggest in the world. Seven stories of eye-wateringly expensive accessories await you in this palace of pleasure. It’s worth visiting purely to ogle at its many wonders but, if you can afford it, what an absolutely perfect souvenir that magnificent little purse would make. Food, glorious food... Given that France can stake a reasonable claim to having the finest cuisine on the planet, it would be remiss if you fail to take home something edible: an exquisite little jar of the yellow stuff from the Maille boutique on Place de la Madeleine, perhaps. Or some powdered hot chocolate from the legendary Café Angelina. Paris is also crammed with delightful fromageries and caves à vin for all your cheese and wine needs. Follow your nose to quaint Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris and home to The House of Androuet, its highly decorative exterior tempting you inside to where hundreds of fragrant French fromages await. Head to Galerie Vivienne for an old-fashioned wine-shopping experience at Legrand Filles et Fil. Beneath the grand glass canopy of this 19th-century arcade, you’ll find a wonderland of wines from Bordeaux to Burgundy and beyond. And finally, it’s impossible to talk about edible souvenirs without mentioning macarons, those colorful little meringue confections so beloved of Parisians and Instagrammers everywhere. You can pick these up from any Paris pâtisserie worth its salt, but for a truly decadent souvenir or gift, treat yourself to a box of beautifully presented macarons from the opulent Ladurée store. Or visit rival Pierre Hermé, whose must-try signature flavors include Ispahan (raspberry, lychee and rosewater) and Mogador (chocolate and passion fruit). You’ll find both of these fine establishments on (where else?) the Champs-Élysées. Save on things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
BF blog hero
Blog

This Black Friday win a helicopter tour over Paris and Versailles, plus lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. Win a helicopter tour across Paris and lunch at the Eiffel Tower An amazing opportunity to see the city of lights from its sunny skies and indulge in some classic Parisian cuisine. The lucky winner plus one guest will board a six-passenger Airbus H135 helicopter and take a 25-minute ride across the capital, taking in views of Parc des Princes, Bois de Boulogne, the Longchamp hippodrome, the Saint-Cloud park Château de Versailles and the Roi Soleil’s gardens. You’ll touch down just behind Versailles at Saint-Cyr l’Ecole, where you’ll be served drinks while your knowledgeable pilot gives you an intro into the world of aviation. They’ll explain exactly how the chopper works and you’ll even get the chance to explore other scenic destinations through an immersive VR headset! Your return journey back to Paris is equally breath-taking – be sure to watch out for La Defense quarter, bridges over the Seine, Trocadero, Tour Montparnasse and of course a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. When the adrenaline settles, you’ll head to Madame Brasserie on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, for a beautiful Parisian lunch with views over Place du Trocadéro and Bois de Boulogne Forest. With two Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx at the helm, you are in for something special - this is seasonal French fare at its very best. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Paris passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions
Jessica Basi

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.