Jaïs Mimoun and his brother Janice can only be described as the power duo; having opened Jaïs they also put a drastic spin on the classic bistro. Tucked away in the thriving 7th, distinguishing your typical tourist trap from truly authentic French fare can be tricky. Though the blue fronted, Thonet stool scattered terrace of Jaïs follows the Parisian code, inside is a heavenly affair of mahogany beams, white-covered tables and art deco light shades. The food is an explosion of flavour: there's crudo made from fresh shrimp, a langoustine tartare piled high upon a creamy chickpea straciatella and slow-roasted mushrooms served with a parmesan cream and candied egg yolk. So whilst, vegetarian (or at least pescatarian) options are numerous, as with most bistros it's the carnivorous platters that are well worth the feasting. 

Break from classic French bistro food for a little foray into the delights of Basque cuisine at Chez L'Ami Jean. It may be a bit expensive but it's totally worth it. 

Chez L'Ami Jean in Paris is a carnivore's delight, an authentic bistro dishing out hearty French classics. Perfect for a friends' gathering, especially if you're not a vegetarian or on a diet. Don't miss their signature rice pudding.

Auguste Rodin (sculptor & painter & sketcher & engraver & collector) donated his complete collection to France in 1908 so long as they promised to transform his former workshop and showroom (the beautiful Hôtel Biron) into a museum. This charming cultural institution displays his works in one of the most peaceful places in central Paris.