Hip hangouts near Canal Saint-Martin

Credited with changing the face of brunch in the capital, courtesy of its killer coffee and pancakes, this Aussie joint recently moved to bigger, swankier digs. Even so, you might still have to queue on weekends.

A bohemian rhapsody of vibrant patchwork wall-hangings, kilims, Berber rugs and mirrors galore. There’s a sister interiors store 500 metres away selling furniture and lighting, open only on Saturdays or by appointment.

A bunch of childhood friends are behind this spectacular two-storey ethical restaurant (check out those crazy wicker chandeliers!). With your meal, you get a mini CV of the small-scale producers of everything on your plate.

Love the name. Love the exuberant selection of fun stuff for small fry at all price points – much of it green and made in France. Our personal must-haves are the rainbow roller-skates and mermaid patches.

Paris cool meets Alice in Wonderland at this unabashedly girly tea-room. The organic French brews and pâtisseries are affordable, so make ours a peppery cuppa of La Parisienne with a slice of chocolate tart.

This is the first boutique devoted entirely to the British designer’s cheaper secondary PS line for men and women. Locals are gaga for its bold colour-blocking and deep hues, as well as Smith’s signature florals and quirky motifs.

What started as a modest accessories line has flourished into a fully-fledged fashion success story that includes chic glittery dresses. Yet the most popular item is the Pochette message clutch, with slogans such as ‘Liberté, Egalité, Beyoncé’.

Located right on the edge of the canal, this hip deli surfs nicely on the current Middle Eastern trend. It serves fresh, intricate salads that would make Ottolenghi proud, as well as smashing fig tarts.