Paris Profiles – 3rd Arrondissement with Kasia

I am beyond thrilled to finally have my darling Kasia for this series! We've been friends for a very long time and met in person for the first time at a Paris bloggers meet-up in 2009 as well as through the years when I visit Paris. I adore her. She is brilliant, beautiful and a hard-working entrepreneur who has made a name for herself in the fashion world in Paris and beyond.

Besides being a wonderful writer, Kasia designs and sells a beautiful line of bags (plus hosts workshops where you can paint your own), she designs clothing, she collaborates with other artists on projects, and is a huge supporter of the local boutiques in her neighborhood. And what a neighborhood! Kasia lives in the 3rd arrondissement, the northern part of the Marais (called NoMa!) and not too far from the stunning Place des Vosges (although that is in the 4th).

The neighborhood and hip and trendy and I have been wanting her to share the favorites for quite a while. Et voila! Today I have Kasia Dietz pulling back the kimono on her neighborhood, the 3rd arrondissement.

Let's Discover Kasia's 3rd Arrondissement.

[1] Favorite thing about your neighborhood, the 3rd arrondissement.
The energy in the North Marais is very unique. There's so much going on in the realms of art, fashion, and food. Many independent designers choose to open their shops here, as do gallerists. Every time I walk around the neighborhood I discover a new spot and am constantly inspired by all the innovation.

Also, there's such a strong local vibe with both Parisians and expats choosing to call this area home. We also have quite a few museums including the famed Picasso, so there's no lack of culture. I could easily go on…

[2] Least favorite thing about your neighborhood.
It's scary how much real estate prices have gone up in recent years and continue to increase, certainly a reflection of how popular the North Marais has become. I really hope it remains a less touristic part of Paris and doesn't become too commercial.

[3] What differentiates the 3rd  arrondissement from all the other parts of the city?
What makes the North Marais so unique is its central location in the right bank. Just steps away are the 11th, 10th, 2nd, and 4th arrondissements, plus the river isn't far which is key. The 3rd is at once intimate and accessible to so many other districts. The perfect location for a rive droite gal like me!

[4] Favorite coffee spot in your neighborhood.
There are so many wonderful coffee spots in the neighborhood, another reason to love the Haut Marais! My favorite, especially during the winter months for its cozy ambiance, is Loustic which offers some of Paris's best roasts. And Channa the owner is lovely! [Kasia has a great post on other great coffee spots in Paris, which goes along with my how to order coffee in Paris post.]

[5] Favorite spot for drinks. I'm a great fan of both Candelaria and Le Mary Celeste, the neighborhood's first cocktail bars, still leading in the art of mixology. Not to mention that Candelaria's Mexican fare is stellar, and both offer tasty plates to accompany the creative cocktails.

[6] Favorite local hangout. Ever since I moved to the Haut Marais over eight years ago, I took a liking to Café Charlot as it reminded me so much of my local haunt in New York City's Lower East Side. I actually think one inspired the other! The terrace is perfect for an early evening apéro, and it's bustling any time of day.

[7] Favorite breakfast spot. Being health-minded, Wild and the Moon is a perfect breakfast spot, offering a gluten-free, vegan menu with so many tasty options including chia pudding which I adore. This is also THE spot for freshly pressed juice. Plus, everything is made in Paris with zero waste, what's not to love?

[8] Favorite lunch spot.
So many great lunch spots! Season has become my local canteen, with plenty of tasty, healthy options to choose from. The best crêpes in Paris are found at Breizh, another favorite. For an haute cuisine experience, I head to Elmer which sources produce from local farmers.

[9] Favorite dinner spot.
When friends or family are in town, we often take them to Pramil, a charming restaurant with stellar French cuisine. For a more casual night out my Italian and I love La Massara, seriously one of the best pizzas in Paris. (It's definitely Italian approved!) I can't forget to mention the latest hotspot to open in the neighborhood, Carbón.

[10] One thing you always do/spot you always take friends from out of town to do/see.
My favorite historic site in the North Marais and a must-see for visitors is Les Enfants Rouge, the oldest covered market in Paris, named for the 17th-century orphanage that used to occupy the space. Here you can dine on food from around the world, including Moroccan, Italian, Japanese and Lebanese. It's really such a charming spot! Also my local spot for fresh flowers.

Thanks Kasia!

Here are other great spots in the 3rd arrondissement that I have curated for you:

Fin!

You can connect with Kasia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, and of course on her blog, Love in the City of Lights. She has lots of amazing information on Paris from her point of view on her blog as well.

How about you? Do you have any 3rd arrondissement additions? Have you been to this area of Paris? Did you find this post helpful for a future trip?

Paris Arrondissement Guide | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th | 20th 

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