Any trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to Pigalle, but a trip to Pigalle can be enough to satiate Parisian cravings.
Named after the 18th Century sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the Right Bank neighborhood once primarily known for the Moulin Rouge and surrounding tourist attractions is now in its cool era. Boutiques, cafes, restaurants, boulangeries and more are worth seeking out, and plenty of chic Parisians live and work in the now coveted area between the 9th and 18th Arrondissements.
Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, there’s plenty to enjoy in Pigalle. Here are a few spots to get you started for a delicious day throughout the neighborhood.
Wake up with croissants at Pain Pain
There’s absolutely nothing like the scent of walking into a boulangerie first thing in the morning, and this locally adored bake shop and its colorful decor is worth seeking out. The classic croissant au beurre is fluffy, buttery and one of the best in Paris, and the pain au chocolat is also worth grabbing for its rich interior. For something a little different, opt for the roulé pistache-chocolat.
Lunch luxuriously at Buvette
Pigalle is packed with small and intimate spaces to enjoy a lush meal or a few bites, and the American import Buvette fits right in. A sibling to the ever-popular spot in Manhattan’s West Village, the Parisian version of Buvette has been open since 2012, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Croques are the move here, served crisp and gooey inside, with gruyère and ham or mushrooms. Big salads, plus vegetable sides are also worth digging into.
While oysters are common in France, an East Coast style oyster bar is far from the norm. Slip into a seat at this cozy seafood counter, where guests can choose from various types of French oysters, shucked to order and served on the half shell with accoutrements. More chilled seafood rounds out the menu, and everything is available on plateaux. Pair it all with a glass of champagne and take in the street side views.
Pigalle has no shortage of well known and excellent restaurants, with the local spots rivaling the world famous. Restaurant Caillebotte falls into the former (though yes, it’s Michelin recognized), a cozy neighborhood hub for modern bistro fare. Perfect for a date night, solo meal or intimate group gathering.
Dance and Drink Cocktails at Mikado
Nestled below the Hotel Rochechouart, this 1920s era nightclub with a stage once home to Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker, has been revived for the 2020s. 2023 specifically, where on weekends you can groove to a DJ vibing until the early hours, in the dim lit, intimate den. Book a room upstairs if you prefer to crash, and a buffet breakfast in a refurbished historic dining room will help revive you the next day.
Midnight boeuf bourguignon with coquillettes anyone? Like many of the city’s esteemed bouillons, Bouillon Pigalle is efficient, delicious and well-priced. The elegantly appointed bilevel restaurant promises a memorable meal you may return to time and time again. If you’re looking for “your spot” in Paris, this casual, classic French restaurant may be it, especially if you can squeeze in a second dinner by midnight. You can’t go wrong with the steak frites drenched in sauce au poivre or veal cutlet with potato puree, plus a profiterole to finish it off. Jeroboams of wine also go for under 50 euros here, if you’re ready to party.
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