Mark Wiens in Paris: 5 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Paris

Must-try foods in Paris

• au Fromage
  au FromageA quintessential upscale classic, particularly at specialists like 'Le Soufflé.' This airy masterpiece is crafted with a rich béchamel base and aged Comté or Gruyère, achieving a delicate, towering rise that locals consider the ultimate test of a chef's technical precision.
• Sole Meunière
  Sole MeunièreThe gold standard of Parisian brasserie seafood. A whole Dover sole is lightly floured, pan-fried in brown butter (beurre noisette), and finished with lemon and parsley. In 2026, it remains a top choice at high-end institutions like La Girafe for its elegant simplicity and table-side service.
• Vol-au-Vent with Sweetbreads
  Vol-au-Vent with SweetbreadsA resurgent 19th-century 'haute cuisine' dish appearing on 2026 menus at spots like La Rotisserie d'Argent. This 'wind-blown' puff pastry case is filled with creamy veal sweetbreads (ris de veau), wild mushrooms, and often finished with a luxurious black truffle jus.
• Confit de Canard
  Confit de CanardAn iconic pillar of French gastronomy. The duck leg is cured in salt and slow-cooked in its own fat until the meat is fall-apart tender and the skin is shatteringly crisp. It is traditionally paired with Sarladaise potatoes (potatoes fried in duck fat with garlic).
• Steak Tartare à l'Américaine
  Steak Tartare à l'AméricaineA chic, raw delicacy prepared with hand-cut (never ground) prime beef, mixed with egg yolk, capers, cornichons, and shallots. Upscale bistros like Le Savarin are currently trending with 'surf-and-turf' variations, incorporating anchovy or oyster emulsions for added depth.
• Blanquette de Veau
  Blanquette de VeauThe most sophisticated of French stews, this 'white' veal ragoût is simmered in a velvety sauce of cream and egg yolks. Unlike darker braises, it is never browned, resulting in a delicate, ivory-colored dish that is a favorite for elegant Sunday lunches in the 16th arrondissement.

Trip guide

• About Paris
  About ParisParis, the capital of France, is situated on the Seine River and contains a historical record dating back to its origins as the Celtic settlement of Lutetia. The city’s architectural landscape is categorized by a succession of styles, including the Romanesque Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Paris are the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, which offer mild weather (50°F–70°F) and manageable crowds compared to the expensive, sweltering summer peak. For budget travelers, the off-peak months of January to March provide the lowest rates and shortest lines.
• Getting around
  Getting around Paris

  • International Air Travel Most international travelers arrive via Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports, which offer direct flights from major global hubs. From CDG.
  • Paris Métro and RER The most efficient way to navigate the city is the Métro, featuring 16 lines and over 300 stations. As of 2026.
  • High-Speed Rail (TGV/Eurostar) For those traveling from within Europe or the UK, high-speed trains like the Eurostar and TGV arrive at central stations such as Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon. This method bypasses airport security and places you.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always greet shopkeepers and servers with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' before making any requests to ensure respectful service.
  • Request 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants to receive free tap water instead of being charged for expensive bottled water.
  • Wait for your server to seat you and remember that you must explicitly ask for the bill when you are ready to leave.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Paris

  • Sourdough Revolution: Fermented dough is crossing over from bread into pastries, with 'sourdoughnuts' and sourdough-based viennoiseries becoming the city's top artisanal trend.
  • Tangy & 'Swicy' Flavors: Patisseries are moving away from ultra-sweet profiles toward bold, acidic notes like yuzu and calamansi, alongside 'swicy' (sweet and spicy) infusions.
• Visit Paris Region↗
  Visit Paris RegionThe official tourism website for Paris and the Île-de-France region, providing travel guides, event information, and visitor services.