Our Favorite Spots Around Palais-Royal

© Fondation Cartier ©Café Shin © Grand hotel Palais Royal

The Palais-Royal, its galleries, gardens and arcades… it doesn’t get more Parisian than this historic setting, nestled just steps away from the Louvre. Yet behind its classic façades lies a true playground for lovers of hidden gems and must-visit spots. Those in the know make the most of it: between strolls, they stop for a break in a coffee shop to grab a signature latte, visit the new contemporary art museum everyone’s talking about, treat themselves to a balayage at a celebrity hair salon, and wander into a stylish concept store for a high-end shopping session. Our favorite spots around Palais-Royal? Right this way.

The new venture by Shin Eun Jung and Julien Sebbag once again promises a one-way trip to Seoul… without ever leaving Paris. Located just steps from the Palais-Royal gardens, this new address captures the same spirit as their first Café Shin: furniture designed by Oryu Elements from South Korea, architecture by Uchronia studio, ultra-creamy drinks with unexpected flavors, and a sleek central counter where you can sit and watch baristas master the milk frother like no one else.

The more adventurous will opt for bold flavors and textures by ordering the Heukimja Latte (€7) — coffee topped with a light black sesame cream — or the Dalgona Iced Latte (€6) with its creamy coffee foam. Before leaving, make sure to try their signature pastry: the Croffle (€9), a croissant dough cooked in a buttery waffle iron, also available in a savory version on weekends. Warning: highly addictive! Also worth noting: the Music Room, whose lineup is revealed live on Instagram, perfect for chilling all day long. The Korean-inspired photobooth completes this immersive, far-away atmosphere.

Café Shin - Palais Royal, 28 bis rue de Richelieu, Paris 1er. Open daily from 10am to 7pm.

This is the Paris move of the year: the Fondation Cartier is leaving Boulevard Raspail to settle in the heart of Palais-Royal, facing the Louvre. To inaugurate this new space, the Exposition Générale dazzles visitors until August 23 with a powerful mix of contemporary art, including photography, paintings, sculptures and XXL installations. Stopping by to welcome it feels almost mandatory. Housed in a former Haussmannian building of the Grands Magasins du Louvre, entirely redesigned by Jean Nouvel, the venue becomes an experience in itself. Glass windows overlooking the square, modular architecture and moving platforms create a free-flowing artistic playground.

On the program: over 600 artworks spanning 40 years of contemporary creation, by artists from around the world (David Lynch, James Turrell, Chéri Samba…). Divided into different themes — nature, experimentation and futuristic visions — the exhibition offers full immersion. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Coming in Fall 2026: a new gourmet destination led by chef Anne-Sophie Pic, who will take over a signature bar.

Exposition Générale at Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain. Open until August 23, Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm and until 10pm on Tuesdays. Full price €15, reduced €10.

Paris can’t stop talking about La Bonne Brosse, the made-in-France brand that’s winning over lovers of beautiful objects. Its hairbrushes, recognizable by their twisted handle and irresistible color palette, immediately catch the eye. Since their launch, they’ve become the ultimate perfect gift.

Our favorites? You can’t miss the brand’s hero product: the detangling and care brush (€152). Thanks to its boar bristles, it gently detangles while stimulating the scalp, for a gesture that’s both soft and effective. In the same spirit, we can’t get enough of the detangling care mist (€45.90), enriched with skincare actives and active waters that work directly on knots. Result: easier detangling (especially in the morning) and shinier hair thanks to its slightly acidic pH. To finish, slip the hair pin (€12) into your bag — the perfect accessory to elevate your hairstyles, from messy buns to the iconic banana bun, with effortless style.

La Bonne Brosse, 18 rue de Richelieu, Paris 1er. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

You definitely know Merci, the iconic Parisian concept store founded in 2009 on Boulevard Beaumarchais. A temple of design, fashion and creativity, Merci opened a second location in 2025 stretching between Rue Richelieu and Rue Molière, inside a former post office with a historic glass roof.While the first address feels like a home, the second embraces a New York industrial loft vibe, blending kitchen, bedroom, dressing room and even bathroom.On the agenda: the iconic red car — the brand’s signature — cut in half and displayed on the wall this time. Two floors and endless possibilities.

Stationery, tableware, clothing, jewelry, décor, accessories, bedding and beauty products fill the space. You’ll leave with bags full of treasures.On our wishlist: vegetable-shaped candles, fried egg or butter block candles (from €19), 100% linen bedding (€390), unique ceramics (cup €21.50, bowl €47), a heart-shaped top (€80), Mimétique beauty products (from €44) and Doré facial ice roller (€48). And of course, the iconic Merci tote bags.

Merci#2, 19 rue de Richelieu, Paris 1er . 01 42 77 00 33. Monday to Wednesday 11am–7pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am–8pm, Sunday 11am–7pm.

The perfect place to stay in the area is the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, located just opposite Emily in Paris’ office. Its promise? Going from the buzzing Louvre to total peace in just a few steps. A true sanctuary, this five-star hotel transforms the neighborhood’s energy into an exclusive, calm experience. The experience continues at Café 52, now a go-to spot for a healthy and stylish lunch. Chef Maxime Raab (formerly of Fouquet’s) creates colorful, seasonal dishes that highlight vegetables and fish, served all day in a cozy setting with one of the most beautiful terraces in Paris.

On the menu: crispy Greek halloumi with ginger caramel (€19), green pea velouté with burrata (€19), a vibrant healthy bowl (quinoa, marinated salmon, grilled broccoli, pomegranate, sesame, coriander — €29) or egg white frittata with roasted sweet potato, feta and spices (€28). Bonus: Beauty Drinks including lattes and detox juices, with optional collagen, spirulina or CBD boosts (+€5).

Café 52, at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, 4 rue de Valois, Paris 1er. Open daily from 7am to midnight.

A true hidden gem for Parisian women looking for a clean and stylish manicure. Maison Kure Bazaar offers 200m² of pure chic across two floors to enhance your nails and relax your mind. Here, you finally unplug for a well-deserved “Me, Myself & I” moment. On the menu: Brazilian manicure (€48), eco-friendly manicure (€45), French manicure (€48), plus waxing services from perfectly shaped brows (€32) to full leg (€60).

Sweet tooth? Head to the coffee corner for a matcha latte (€7) or pastries by Gérald Auvrez.

Maison Kure Bazaar, 165 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1er. 06 86 11 61 20. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

Busy Parisians swear by Alpha Dogs House to take care of their pets (dogs, cats, rabbits…) in total freedom in the countryside. Founded by Koffi Miessan and Virginie Barbarin, this Parisian space combines daycare, grooming, cat hotel and boutique near the Louvre.

Highlights include crochet toys (€19), colorful rope leashes (€71), engraved tags (popcorn, hot dog or ice cream designs — €30), Carhartt coats (€66) and Swedish game treats (€12). Downstairs, expert groomers offer premium services: cat bath and brushing (€120), dog scissor cuts (from €90), massages (30 min €70) and even light therapy (€100 with massage). Daycare is also available (€45 dog / €25 cat) in a safe space where pets can play together.

Alpha Dogs House, 2 rue de l’Échelle Paris 1er. 01 40 15 06 71. Monday to Friday 9am–7:30pm, Saturday from 10am, Sunday 11am–6pm.

A chic, discreet address shared quietly among Parisian women with luminous blonde hair. Overlooking the Palais-Royal gardens, this elegant salon lives up to its name. You might spot actresses from the Comédie-Française, politicians or celebrities like Virginie Efira and Sophie Marceau. After years working with stars worldwide, Adrien Coelho has settled here to offer fully personalized services. His approach combines technique and morphopsychology to reveal each client’s personality.

Blonde is one of his specialties: he creates custom contouring to bring depth, texture and glow, illuminating the face with a natural yet intense result. Bonus: his Coelho Beauty haircare range (from €12), inspired by skincare technologies for a healthy scalp and strong hair.

Très Confidentiel, 44-45 Galerie Montpensier, Paris 1er. 06 61 52 84 33. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 7pm.

Also discover Our 10 favorite addresses on Rue Charlot and 15 chic spots around Place Vendôme.