Located a block away from the Bon Marché, Les Botanistes in Paris is a petit restaurant with a limited, but delicious menu. The cuisine is authentically French and very simple but made with fresh ingredients. The waiters were charming and the ambiance, while unremarkable was just what we desired for a low-key, but delicious meal. We dined on fish, rabbit and squid – all served with fresh vegetables and potatoes or rice. We split a bottle of red wine – a blend, which the waiters chilled just a tad before serving.
Tables outside on the very quiet street can be a nice spot on a cool night. We were there on a rather warm night and chose a table inside and were happy with our choice. By the time we left, the sun was setting and more people were outside enjoying the balmy temperatures.
We were the only English-speaking people inside Les Botanistes where most customers seemed like frequent guests. Many popped their heads into the kitchen window to say hello or referred to the waiters by name. It’s a good sign when a restaurant is filled with locals. I would recommend this spot to travelers who want a decent meal at a reasonable price without the hustle and bustle of the crowded cafés in Paris, especially during the height of the tourist season.
11 Bis rue Chomel
Métro Sèvres-Babylone (ligne 12)
5 comments
Dear Diane,
Excellent questions! I definitely recommend you book a Skip the Line Tour with Fat Tire for the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre is also a good idea! The lines can be quite long even with the skip privileges – for instance, the elevator line at the tower is quite long once you go up to the second level and want to go to the top. There is no skip privilege there, but if you don’t have to have the initial wait down below it makes your day much more pleasant!
Scarfs! Definitely go see my friend Isabelle on Île Saint-Louis at Bamyan. Ask for her and tell her I sent you! She will take great care of you. Details can be found on the right side of my blog under the name of the shop. Shirts for men and women – well one stop shopping would be at the Italian designer shop Nara Camicie. They have nicely tailored looks. It’s a tiny shop so go inside even if what is in the window isn’t for you. They have huge amounts of back stock folded and hung up behind the walls hidden in closets. Trust the shopkeeper there, he knows your body and will find something fab for you!
Your hotel concierge will give you the best options. Book through them. Send an email now to inquire about your pick up options and then book your return once you arrive in Paris. They only need a day’s notice for your return. That way you can see if you liked the way you were picked up at the airport and see how much money you have spent – the van option is not as bad as it sounds. It does mean that you will leave earlier for the airport than you want, but the price can’t be beat and the drivers are usually pretty efficient about the route.
Let me know if you still have questions!
Cheers and happy planning,
Priscilla
Hello Diane,
You are very close to some nice places and the Métro is the easiest way to get around town. Of course, if it rains or is late at night, do use the app SnapCarParis to schedule a ride in a private taxi.
I love l’Epi Dupin – it’s my favorite restaurant in Paris. Make a reservation now though because they book up quickly. If you are going in August they may be closed. Most restaurants close for at least part of August for the summer holidays. I just returned from Paris myself and found Les Botanistes to be a nice little spot. Food is very expensive in Paris so I am not sure what your budget is, but do check out the price tags on my restaurant reports to the right hand side of my blog. That can give you an idea of how much my favorites cost.
Shopping? Skip Bon Marché and head over to rue du Bac and rue Buci and rue de Rennes for small boutiques with unique looks at non-designer prices.
Any more questions? Please let me know!
Cheers,
Priscilla
Hi Diane,
Versailles is not a must see if you only have four days. I would focus on the “biggies” like Montmartre – Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and d’Orsay, Notre Dame, shopping, wine tasting at Ô Chateau, tea at Four Seasons or picnic in Luxembourg Gardens. Pick up wine & cheese at 38 Île Saint Louis with wine and off you go!
Anything else? Let me know!
Cheers,
Priscilla
That is definitely my kind of restaurant. Thanks for the good recommendation — we’ll try it in November.
I love finding secret hideaway places like this! Sounds great – will keep it in mind for my next trip to Paris.
Comments are closed.