Parisian-Inspired Places in Charlotte
From patisseries to wine and cheese, these Charlotte spots have a distinctly French flair.
by Rachel Youngblade Jul 02, 2024
The Eiffel Tower, walks along the Seine, melt-in-your-mouth macarons – Paris is known for its cultural and gastronomical delights. With the Summer Games kicking off in the city of lights this July, it’s the perfect time to create your own Parisian getaway right here in Charlotte.
If you want to dine at a Parisian café
Get a taste of the joie de vivre with a quiche, pastry, macaron and many other quintessential Parisian treats at Charlotte staple Amelie’s French Bakery. Whimsical decor and late evening hours make this the perfect spot to sip an espresso and chat with friends. Satiate your craving for French fare with stops at Café Monte, Chez Marie Patisserie and Renaissance Pâtisserie, where you can enjoy delicate tartelettes and éclairs on a quaint patio snuggled in a picturesque courtyard.
If you’re hungry for fine French cuisine
Your meal will only be topped by the gorgeous interiors and impeccable service at Coquette and La Belle Helene in Uptown. Recalling the elegance and intimacy of an old-world French buvette, Coquette’s menu is inspired by founder Jill Marcus’ travels in Brittany, France. The oysters and duck fat fried chicken are standouts. At La Belle Helene, savor ratatouille and escargot under a canopy of glowing chandeliers
If you want to visit The Louvre
Fine art fans won’t go wanting at the Mint Museum, where the permanent collection features European and American art. Located in the original branch of the United States Mint, the museum’s Randolph location is the perfect place to don your chicest attire and take a leisurely stroll. Continue your art history appreciation at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, where works by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso will leave you buzzing with creative inspiration.
If you want to pedal along the Seine
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without a bike ride along the river Seine. In Charlotte, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway’s 17 miles of beautiful trails flow right through town. Rent an e-bike from Charlotte Joy Rides and pedal past some of Charlotte’s top attractions and restaurants to enjoy the lush greenery Charlotte is known for. Ahh, c'est la vie!
If you want to hear the Paris Philharmonic
Let the sweet sounds of the Charlotte Symphony transport you across the Atlantic for a Parisian-inspired evening outdoors at the Summer Pops concert series. Pack a picnic with a curated charcuterie and cheese board from Orrman’s Cheese Shop to sample the best of regional cheesemakers.
If you want to stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg
Thirty acres of spectacular gardens await at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, where the natural beauty of the Carolinas is on full display. The Orchid Conservatory’s display of delicate blooms is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. It’s not hard to imagine yourself on the tree-lined promenades of the Luxembourg Gardens.
If you’re a fan of Formula One
The South’s fondness for racing rivals Europe’s Formula One fandom. If you dream of a day at the Grand Prix, head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can do much more than watch from the sidelines. Try your hand at the Pit Crew Challenge and see artifacts from renown NASCAR drivers. Race viewing parties at the High Octane Theatre offer a luxurious take on your typical race day experience, with a 64-foot-wide projection screen and onsite food and drinks.
If you want to sip French wine
An afternoon in Paris isn’t complete without a glass of wine and a bit of people-watching. Look no further than Bar à Vins in NoDa for a perfectly chilled rosé. Order the caviar served alongside chips for an American take on a European delicacy. Petit Phillipe’s excellent wine selection is experienced best through a private tasting, while Mere’s Cheese and Wine channels the personality of European-style fromageries.
If you want to see a burlesque show
The Moulin Rouge may have kickstarted our love of cabaret, but you don’t have to fly to Paris to take in this quintessentially French form of entertainment. Elaborate costumes and creative choreography at Red Velvet Burlesque will have you saying oh la la! Local venues like the Visulite Theatre, Starlight on 22nd and Neighborhood Theatre also occasionally feature burlesque shows among a lineup of varied musical acts.
If you want to shop along the Champs-Élysées
The French department store experience a la Galeries Lafayette and Printemps is a can’t-miss item on any Francophile’s tour itinerary. Charlotte’s SouthPark Mall rivals the finest shops found on the Champs-Élysées with over 175 specialty retailers, including luxury staples Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Saint Laurent. Build out the perfectly tailored Parisian wardrobe with a stop at Phillips Place, an open-air mall featuring luxury shops like Jenni Kayne, Ralph Lauren and more.
