My Favorite Street: Rue du Bac, 6 arr, Paris
There are certain Paris streets that seem to contain an entire world within a few blocks, and Rue du Bac is one of them. Stretching through the heart of the 7th arrondissement, it has that particularly Parisian mix of grand and everyday—an iconic department store next to a neighborhood fromagerie, a fantastical cabinet of curiosities alongside a tabac where seemingly nothing has changed in decades.
For me, the magic is in that mix. You can spend the morning browsing beautiful paper and books, stop for cheese (because, Paris), discover a new fragrance, pick up flowers, have something sweet and somehow still find a reason to pop into the pharmacy. It’s elegant without feeling precious, full of discoveries without trying too hard—and, most importantly, a street made for wandering.
For this edition of My Favorite Street, we’re taking a stroll down Rue du Bac for some of my favorite shops, restaurants, pâtisseries and wonderfully only-in-Paris spots. Wear comfortable shoes and leave room in your bag.
130 RUE DU BAC
Bookbinders Design
A paper lover’s dream filled with beautifully made notebooks, albums, boxes and desk accessories in a rainbow of chic, Scandinavian colors. I always find something here I suddenly decide is absolutely essential for my desk.
24 RUE DE SÈVRES, AT RUE DU BAC
Le Bon Marché
No trip down Rue du Bac is complete without a wander through this Left Bank icon. Fashion, beauty, home, design—it’s all impeccably curated, and even a quick browse has a funny way of turning into an hour or two.
38 RUE DE SÈVRES, AT RUE DU BAC
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
Grocery shopping, but make it Parisian—and very, very chic. The shelves are packed with cheeses, chocolates, pantry treasures and beautiful things you definitely did not come in for but will somehow be bringing home.
99 RUE DU BAC
Antinomie
This playful niche fragrance house turns perfume shopping quite literally upside down—the surreal boutique has furniture suspended from the ceiling. The scents are just as unexpected, modern and full of personality.
80 RUE DU BAC
Le Bon Goût Fermier
Because every favorite Paris street needs a great fromagerie. This neighborhood spot is packed with beautiful cheeses and other French specialties—follow your nose and stock up accordingly.
69 RUE DU BAC
Chapon Chocolaterie
Chocolate in all its glorious forms, from beautifully boxed bonbons to intensely chocolatey treats that make restraint seem rather pointless. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse bar—and when the weather cooperates, the ice cream is reason enough for a stop.
69 RUE DU BAC
Le 69 Bac
A wonderfully unfussy neighborhood flower shop spilling blooms and greenery onto the sidewalk. Grab a bouquet, or just stop and admire the display—both feel appropriately Parisian.
65 RUE DU BAC
La Maison de la Pistache
Pistachio lovers, this one’s for you. The entire jewel-box shop is devoted to the little green nut, from spreads and sweets to savory treats and pistachio ice cream—naturally, I’m tempted by all of it.
46 RUE DU BAC
Deyrolle
Part natural-history museum, part cabinet of curiosities and completely transporting, Deyrolle has occupied this address since 1888. Head upstairs and you’ll find an extraordinary world of taxidermy, butterflies, insects and botanical wonders—it’s strange, beautiful and absolutely unforgettable.
44 RUE DU BAC
Piero TT
Pierre Gagnaire’s relaxed Italian spot strikes exactly the right balance between polished and easygoing. Settle in for beautiful Italian ingredients, comforting plates and the kind of leisurely lunch that makes you reconsider whatever you had planned for the afternoon.
44 RUE DU BAC
Le Fontenoy
Old-school Paris in the best possible way—a neighborhood tabac and café where you can pull up a chair for an espresso and watch the world go by. Nothing overly polished, nothing trying to be cool, and that’s precisely the point.
38 RUE DU BAC
Pâtisserie Michalak
Christophe Michalak brings a playful, modern touch to classic French pâtisserie, and the gleaming displays make choosing just one thing nearly impossible. Cakes, chocolates, viennoiseries—this is not the moment for restraint.
35 RUE DU BAC
Monoprix
Hear me out: I love a Monoprix. It’s the wonderfully French answer to one-stop shopping—groceries, beauty, home and clothes all under one roof, and somehow even the everyday necessities feel a little more chic.
19 RUE DU BAC
Pharmacie Bac Verneuil
A French pharmacy is practically a sightseeing destination in its own right, especially if you love skincare. Stock up on all those cult French beauty favorites that inevitably take up far more suitcase space than anticipated.
17 RUE DU BAC
Kogan
A charming little independent bookshop where browsing is half the fun, with shelves filled with art, photography, fashion, design and other beautifully illustrated finds. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a quick look and emerge carrying three books you had no intention of buying.
