cafe pinson.

6 rue de Forez, Paris

This is a wonderful cafe, in the north Marais, a walk away from Temple metro, offering a perfect break from exploring the Marais. Everything served here is organic, vegetarian, and a lot of it vegan and or gluten free - even the hot drinks, such as hot chocolate, are made with almond milk. From the outside, the cafe invites you into its warm and cosy space; there are comfy sofas and armchairs for you to sink into whilst enjoying your food and reading a book - if you forget to bring your own, they have plenty dotted around on shelves, and some magazines in piles on the side too. The menu itself changes regularly, as well as the cake selection. I enjoyed a quinoa salad on my visit, and other options included a very tempting quiche. The pricing is very reasonable too, at 9 euros for the lunch meal and for those who fancy a bit more, they do a 3 course lunch menu for 17 euros. As if this wasn't enough already, they have started to open on late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for evening meals (booking is recommended). The staff are so friendly and happy to help as well... this cafe is such a breath of fresh air and a relaxing (need I say healthy?!) place to stop, if you fancy a refreshing lunch then head here!

Keep an eye out for... The delicious juice of the day - freshly made smoothie!

http://www.cafepinson.fr/

st paul falafel.

Rue des Rosiers, Paris.

This is becoming more of a well known Parisian activity, but it is still definitely worth pointing out to anyone who has not yet discovered it - the falafel takeaways in the Marais, just a walk from St Paul metro. There are quite a few to choose from, particularly along this road, and different people will recommend different places. For me, this one is my favourite - just on the corner of rue des Rosiers and rue des Ecouffes. The queue is always one of the shortest, and they have a really nice onion salsa that, if they don't put any on and if you're feeling brave enough, you can ask for. The good thing about there being so many is that the price is very similar at every place, at 5.50 and for this you get a really filling pitta with falafel and salad. For a few euros more, you can upgrade to a chicken filling if you aren't fond of the standard vegetarian option. There is the option to sit in, but I would recommend takeaway and wander around the Marais eating as you go. If you're lucky, you might stumble across a park to sit in, or wander down to the Seine to enjoy a bit of sun.

Keep an eye out for... The free falafel tasters in the bowl on the counter-top. 

brandy melville.

71 rue de Rennes,

59 rue Notre Dame des Champs,

Paris.

I discovered this shop about a year ago, and I love coming back to look at new items, and I am always tempted by something! Brandy Melville originated in Italy, and although they do have shops across America and Europe, I find that it offers a welcomed variety to H&M and Zara, which Paris is seemingly restricted to regarding high street shops. The style is quite relaxed and loose fitting, made from lovely soft material, and they have a clever concept that "one size fits all", saving you the trawl for the right size. The items are very easy to mix and match, and in relation to the Paris price tag, Brandy Melville is great value.

Keep an eye out for... their tops.

http://brandymelville.eu/

causses.

55 rue Notre Dame de Lorette, Paris.

This little shop is amazing. Just down the road from metro Pigalle, it sells pretty much anything food related - they have a small, but very nice selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. There is a fresh orange juice machine with plastic bottles that you can fill up to take away with you - perfect for a picnic! Then they have every spice you could want, some even in massive pots that you can help yourself to. The thing that makes this shop so special is the rustic, yet modern feel that it has, and the whole atmosphere it creates.. its more of an experience; every corner has something different around it. And, what's more, they have a lovely cafe next-door... this place really has it all!

Keep an eye out for..... as well as the food, their amazing attention to detail.

http://www.causses.org/

a week on the rue des martyrs - sunday

Kooka Boora (KB Cafeshop)

This amazing little cafe is located towards the north of rue des martyrs, at the junction with avenue trudaine, and I love it! The atmosphere inside is perfect - there are cosy window seats, and cushioned wooden seats, which are so comfy. It is a very bustling place, which adds to the great ambiance and general feel. They offer a great variety of hot drinks, including a great choice of teas and coffees and also offering fresh fruit juice. As well as this, their cake selection is all too tempting! But try the cookies, they are worth every penny! The staff (who speak english) are so friendly and happy to chat too. All this is happening to a great music playlist.... could it get any better?! 

53, avenue Trudaine, 75009

a week on the rue des martyrs - saturday.

food markets.

Along the rue des martyrs, there are so many food markets, which is great for getting a feel for the local atmosphere. There is a fresh pasta shop, a cheese shop and several butchers, as well as the numerous bakeries and patisseries. All of the food shops are so lovely to look at, even if you don't want to buy; it gives so much more of a traditional shopping experience than the supermarkets. 

a week on the rue des martyrs - friday.

Rose Bakery.

This is such an unassuming cafe, it is really easy to just walk past it... but you have to stop! It is such a lovely place. Inside, they have long communal tables to eat at, as well as some lovely cooking and food products to buy too, not to mention their display of amazing cakes and lunch options. They have amazing scones, carrot cakes and sticky toffee puddings, but then also amazing salads, soups and other very tempting options!! It has a great contemporary feel to it, but its also very warming and welcoming. Avoid peak lunchtime hours if you don't want to wait, but having said that, the food is worth waiting for!! 

46 rue des martyrs 75009

30 rue debelleyme 75003

10 boulevard de la bastille 75012