Timeline
09:30
Walk the grounds of the Château de Vincennes. The keep is the tallest in Europe, built in the 14th century. Arrive right when it opens to beat the heat and the crowds.
10:30
Head to the Marché d'Aligre. This is the cheapest open air market in Paris. Grab a coffee and a pastry from one of the many food shops surrounding the covered Marche Beauvau. The market is lively with produce, antiques, and North African influences.
11:00
Walk to Bistro Paul Bert for lunch. It is a most classic Parisian bistro serving reliable, well-plated dishes. The lunch prix fixe is a good value if you want to keep it simple.
12:00
End your morning with a stroll or a coffee at l'Ébauchoir. This is a typical restaurant of the bo-bo population of the district. If you need a break from eating, the atmosphere is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the local vibe.
Local tip
The market is busiest mid-morning. If you prefer a quieter experience, go straight to the bistro first and do the market afterward, but note that the market closes earlier in the afternoon.
Check before you go
- Château de Vincennes opens at 10:00 from September 23 to May 20, and 10:00 from May 21 to September 22.
- Marché d'Aligre is open Tu-Sa 08:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:30; Su 08:00-13:00.
- Bistro Paul Bert is open Tue-Fri 12:00-14:00 and 19:30-23:00; open in August.
Worth knowing
- Marché d'Aligre is open at 10:30 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Paris (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).