Le Foodist Founder Fred Pouillot’s Insider Guide to Paris

While it may be tempting to devote your entire trip to indulging in Parisian foodie experiences, there’s plenty more to do in the City of Light. Pouillot recommends taking a boat ride on the River Seine. “It is the best way to see how everything was built,” he says, “from Le Louvre to Notre Dame through Orsay or the Eiffel Tower.” Other spots he suggests checking out include the Arènes de Lutèce—the remains of a Roman amphitheater situated just a few minutes’ walk from Le Foodist in the Latin Quarter—and the Carnavalet Museum (Musée Carnavalet) in the Marais, a free museum that focuses on the history of Paris.

If you’re looking to get beyond the well-trodden path, Pouillot suggests a visit to the Nissim Camondo Museum (Musée Nissim de Camondo) in the 8th Arrondissement with its extensive collection of decorative arts from the 18th century. If you’re willing to head out into the suburbs, Pouillot strongly recommends the 12th-century Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis (Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis). “This is where all French kings are buried,” he explains. “And it is quite interesting to learn how the way their tombs were carved and laid actually related to how people perceived the relationship between kings, queens, and God at the time.”

Authentic French cuisine in Paris isn’t limited to the Latin Quarter, and you’ll find excellent restaurants across the city. Pouillot suggests searching for highly rated restaurants on Lefooding.com, which maintains a huge database of restaurants in and around town. And whether you opt to use the site or not, Pouillot thinks it’s important to try a Michelin-starred restaurant during your visit. Just be prepared for high prices if you opt for a restaurant with three stars. If you’re not willing to take the plunge, Pouillot suggests going for a 1-star option for your first time and opting for a 2-star restaurant—such as David Toutain, his personal favorite—the second time around.

Of course, no French meal is complete without an accompanying wine. While picking the perfect pairing might seem daunting, Pouillot assures that it’s easier than it may seem, as most people who own decent restaurants in France wouldn’t dare put subpar wine on their lists. “You just need to make sure you know the type of wine you like and that what you are ordering is of the right profile,” he assures. “I always go for one of the three cheapest wines in the wine list in good restaurants. My wife has quite a palate, and she has always approved of my wine choices.”

One of Le Foodist's most popular tours is all about macaron-making, so Fred knows good macarons when he sees them. Macarons are among the most iconic desserts in Paris and an essential component of Parisian food culture. But the jury is out on who offers the best macaron flavors in Paris.

“To find the best macaron in Paris is virtually impossible,” says Pouillot, “because best is personal, and what you consider best might not be what I consider best. So [there’s] only one way to go about this: Try multiple macarons in multiple locations!” There are a few big names, of course, notably Ladurée—who Pouillot notes is “credited for inventing the Parisian macaron” and Pierre Hermé, “credited with bringing innovation to macarons, from flashy colors to subtle flavors.”

Pouillot suggests that those who are new to macarons may want to start with the basics (think chocolate and vanilla) at Ladurée. “But if you already know your macarons— meaning you make them yourself or have tasted them before and enjoy them—seek out a Pierre Hermé and try one of his more nuanced and less obvious flavors.”

Choosing a place to stay in Paris is very much a personal choice, according to Pouillot. “Just like it is impossible to say what are the best macarons, it is impossible to say what is the best neighborhood.” That said, Pouillot is partial to the 5th Arrondissement, where Le Foodist is located. After all, this historic area is a fantastic spot for culinary travelers, with loads of restaurants and some of the best food markets in Paris, including Marché Monge and Marché Maubert. Pouillot suggests spending time hanging out at a terrace café at Place de la Contrescarpe or taking a stroll down Rue Mouffetard for a crêpe or some gooey fondue.