City Guide: French-Australian fashion photographer Stephanie Lou’s favourite spots in Paris
IMAGE VIA @STEPHANIELOU_/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“It’s a feeling, a mood and ‘art de vivre’ – good wine, long lunches and everything within walking distance.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re exploring Paris with French-Australian fashion photographer and student, Stephanie Lou. With a career spanning a decade in fashion and lifestyle, she has spent the last 12 years moving between Europe and Australia. And while she’s recently moved back to Melbourne, Stephanie will always have an affinity for the French city.
“Paris is inspiring; its history, culture and population,” she says. “What I loved most about Paris was the stark contrast between the traditional Haussmann architecture and the modern, ’70s futurist architecture found in neighbourhoods [like] the 15th, 11th and 13th.”
Have a trip or move coming up? Head to our city guide to find the best spots.
“Paris is an entity in itself, there’s French and then there’s Parisian,” Stephanie continues. “Paris is a melting pot of culture, history and quirk. It’s a feeling, a mood and ‘art de vivre’ – good wine, long lunches and everything within walking distance.” Read on for her recommendations.
Eat
Miznon, Marais, Canal and Grand Boulevards locations
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Born in Tel Aviv, Miznon is a Mediterranean-inspired food venue that boasts three locations in Paris. “It’s an Israeli street food restaurant on the Canal Saint Martin,” Stephanie says. Known for its pitas filled with fresh ingredients like tahini, roast lamb, cauliflower and golden fish, Miznon is an ideal spot to grab a takeaway and enjoy your falafel by the Seine. The best part? There’s a location in Melbourne too.
Le Grand Bain, 14 Rue Denoyez, 75020
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Another one of Stephanie’s favourite restaurants, Le Grand Bain is a chic spot offering small plates with a focus on fresh flavours. “Le Grand Bain is situated in the 20th arrondissement and has a lovely selection of natural wines and a seasonal menu of locally sourced produce,” she says.
Drink
Septime La Cave, 3 Rue Basfroi, 75011
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For wine, Stephanie loves Septime La Cave, a wine shop and younger sister to the Michelin-star contemporary French restaurant. The cosy spot offers a selection of refined bar snacks – think smoked butter, truffles and anchovies – and wines from all over Europe. Rotating through local, biodynamic and natural wines, it’s a perfect pre or post-dinner spot for a bottle (or three).
Dreamin Man, 140 Rue Amelot, 75011
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If Stephanie’s not visiting her local favourite Grounded, she’ll opt for a coffee and fresh pastry at Dreamin Man. A relaxed ‘coffee institution’ the 11th arrondissement spot is famous for its minimal, open interior, top-tier brew and sweet treats (like this divine-looking rhubarb tart). Come for the lattes, stay for the people-watching.
Shop
Centre Commercial, 2 Rue de Marseille, 75010
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According to Stephanie, Centre Commercial is a “concept and fashion store owned by the team behind Veja. They stock sustainably transparent designers and brands, including Kowtow from New Zealand”. Additionally, Steph’s “favourite french designer is G.Kero. “Although they do not have a Paris boutique, they do have a showroom [where you can visit] by appointment.”
The perfect Parisian day
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“I love to run in Paris,” Stephanie tells me. “If you are a fan of a long run, you can visit many of the beautiful sites while enjoying your run. I always [like] beginning my day with a run through the sleepy streets of Paris followed by a coffee and fresh babka at Grounded. Some of my favourite places to run are on Les Quais de la Seine (Seine river bank), Bois de Vincennes, La Coulee Verte (considered the Parisian Highline) and around my neighbourhood, the 11th arrondissement. I would then go to the Maison Européenne de la Photographie for an exhibition, enjoy a walk in the Marais and finish off my day with an ‘apero’ at one of my favourite wine bars.”
Listen
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While you’re strolling (or biking, or running, or drinking wine), Stephanie has a list of French music you should know. “Other than Daft Punk, [I recommend] Polo & Pan, L’imperatrice, La Femme and Lewis Ofmam.”
For more of Stephanie’s adventures, head here.
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