If you’ve ever been to Paris, you know it’s so much more than crĂŞpes under the Eiffel Tower or a dreamy cruise down the Seine. It’s a whole vibe. It’s cheese obsession, vintage finds, French cinema, and wine that makes you weep (in a good way). While we can’t teleport to the Champs-ÉlysĂ©es (if only!), there are a surprising number of ways to embrace la vie Parisienne right here in Music City. Here’s how to experience Paris in Nashville!
Breakfast
There’s no question that Nashville’s love of Paris is alive and well, particularly when it comes to food. The trick to an authentic French dining experience is in the approach: a savored, seated meal is everything. So, don’t grab a coffee and croissant and head to your car. Mon Dieu, no! Sit down. We’re in Paris, remember? If you want to brush up on your French skills, grab a table and browse the headlines from French newspaper Le Monde as you eat, or check out france-amerique.com, a monthly bilingual magazine that features articles in both French and English.
- Little Gourmand: This French-owned and operated restaurant offers a great start to your day, and Owner Guenievre Milliner advises that it’s not a true French-style morning without the proper breakfast. “Try a good espresso, croissants with salted butter (the real thing, with sea salt crystals!), and a nice jam,” she says. While Little Gourmand boasts two locations (one in Green Hills and one in Melrose), we recommend starting your day at Little Gourmand’s Green Hills location, which is stocked with French groceries to peruse. The selection of teas, chocolates, caviar, macarons, and more — in addition to prepared foods — is tremendous.
- Perenn Bakery: Perenn Bakery’s brand-spanking-new Franklin location offers a delightful fusion of European rotisserie, café, and artisanal bakery, serving everything from buttery croissants and savory tarts to fresh breads and specialty coffees. The bakery has already gained some buzz as having “undeniably the best croissants” in town, earning high praise from early visitors. With a focus on carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients, it creates a warm, community‑centered atmosphere perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat.
- The Yellow Table: This new restaurant brings a cozy slice of France to the East Nashville neighborhood. The Yellow Table serves authentic sweet crêpes and savory buckwheat galettes, seasonal soups and salads, freshly roasted Valor coffee, and premium teas. Owner Anna Watson Carl (who spent time studying in France) built the café around the French joie de vivre and the warmth of her childhood “yellow table,” infusing the space with charm and conviviality. A communal table, friendly service, and a sunny patio encourage guests to slow down, just like the Parisians.
Lunch
- Cocorico Bakery & Cafe: This Midtown spot is a charming slice of France, brought to life by Toulouse native Elodie Habert. Known for its buttery croissants, freshly baked baguettes, and cozy atmosphere, Cocorico offers a menu full of French favorites. The Jambon Beurre, a simple yet iconic ham and butter sandwich, is a French lunchtime staple. However, you can also enjoy savory quiches, seasonal grain bowls, crisp salads, and decadent chocolate desserts, all crafted with French flair.
- Little Gourmand (again): If you’ve already savored a dreamy French breakfast at Little Gourmand’s original spot, mix things up with a visit to the Melrose location. It offers a fresh change of scenery — and a classic baguette sandwich that’ll make you feel like you’ve just strolled out of a Parisian café.
- Butterlamp: Butterlamp Bread & Beverage is a relatively new wine bar and bread house in East Nashville. Hand‑crafted bread is available for purchase by the loaf or featured in the ever-evolving “stuff on bread” offerings, such as lobster-topped slices, mussels, or the beloved “deviled eggs in a skirt.” The cozy interior (complete with cookbook-lined shelves and artisanal lighting) paired with delicious small bites like pork-fat fries, chocolate gâteau, oysters, and marinated olives is sure to transport you to a French boulangerie or buvette.
- Grey’s Fine Cheeses: This establishment is a specialty destination for all things cheese, charcuterie, and wine. As a family‑owned flagship among their three Tennessee locations, Grey’s offers a curated selection of artisanal cheeses — cut to order — alongside thoughtfully paired wines, charcuterie boards, and gourmet accoutrements. Eat like a Parisian and have a beautiful selection of cheese for lunch!
Afternoon Activities
Once you’ve dined to your heart’s content, there are plenty of other local ways to help you continue your Paris-inspired day.
- Farmers’ Markets: Wander through one of Nashville’s many markets to pick up fresh flowers, artisan goods, and maybe a crusty loaf or two. It’s a charming way to embrace a bit of Euro flair and support local vendors while you’re at it.
- Belcourt Theatre: Visit this 100-year-old theater to catch a French film — it’s like stepping straight into the Roaring ’20s (think Midnight in Paris vibes). After the movie, take your leftover baguette crumbs to feed the ducks at Centennial Park and keep the Parisian spirit alive.
- Alliance Française Nashville: Check out this workshop and its meet-up offerings. Alliance Française also offers a resource library with French novels, films, and magazines available for checkout. (If your love for French cinema extends beyond the occasional Amélie rental, you should look into the AFN Ciné Club!)
- Frist Art Museum: Stop by this museum if you’re looking for some artistic influence. “There’s nothing specifically French there, but going to a museum is a classic French thing to do,” says Parisian Melvil Arnt, owner of Once Upon a Time in France (more on that spot later!). Plus, a quick check of the Frist schedule might reveal some apropos programming since the museum draws international exhibits. Past artist exhibits have even included greats such as Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Picasso.
Wine & Beyond
As we all know, wine is an integral part of Parisian culture, and stocking up on a few bottles at home would definitely round out your Parisian day in Nashville. “The three things that truly make for a French experience are great food, tasty wine, and excellent company,” Elodie explains. “Wine pairing is essential to elevate a French cuisine experience.”
Thankfully, quite a few Nashville wine shops carry an extensive list of international options, so you should plan to grab a few to keep on reserve. Elodie recommends trying one of her favorites, such as white Tariquet or RosĂ© de Provence, for a fun glass to enjoy over an extended meal with friends. Guenievre says her favorite is Bois de Menge, which you can snag for under $15 at Trader Joe’s. “It’s pretty amazing for the price if you decant it,” she tells us. Here are a few more places to sample:
The Authentique Bar & Crêperie: Located in East Nashville, we highly recommend traveling back to early 1900s France by going to The Authentique, where you can pair delicious wines with delightful crêpes. This spot is a cozy Parisian escape. With a charmingly small kitchen and just one talented chef, every crêpe, charcuterie board, and dessert is made with love — and a little patience. Food may take a bit longer during busy hours, but trust us, the warm ambiance, flowing wine, and dreamy French vibes will keep you happily occupied until your bites arrive.
Woodland Wine: Given its intimacy, this is probably as close to a Parisian wine shop as you’ll get in East Nashville. In addition to relaxed in-store browsing, Woodland Wine Merchant offers guided private tastings across three tiers — curious, inquisitive, and studious — and anyone is welcome!Â
Dinner
Before signing off for the night, gather with friends to enjoy a lengthy, leisurely supper. “Spending time at the table with our loved ones, sharing a delicious meal paired with the best local wines is what French people do the best,” says Elodie. “Spending four to five hours talking about life while eating homemade dishes is common, and personally, my very favorite thing about French culture!”
- Once Upon a Time in France: Located in East Nashville, this French restaurant offers classic dishes such as escargot de Bourgogne and Coq au Vin. Owner Melvil Arnt says, “Food culture is our main culture.” This sentiment shines in every dish delivered. “I love to stop by and get dinner when I am homesick,” says Elodie. She counts the Confit de Canard among her personal favorites.
- Pastis: This highly anticipated spot just opened in Wedgewood-Houston, and you should absolutely make your way there as soon as possible. Open nightly for dinner (and with lunch and brunch on the horizon), Pastis brings Parisian flair with a Nashville twist to the neighborhood. The beloved NYC brasserie has found a new home here, complete with its signature curved zinc bar, red banquettes, and all the French bistro classics: escargots, duck confit, steak frites, and more.
After Dinner
Guenievre and Elodie both recommend ending the day with a good French movie or television series — Call My Agent (on Netflix) tops the list. “You can watch it in French with English subtitles to immerse yourself in the French language,” Elodie tells us, “and you can also explore the Paris area. They even have an episode in Versailles Gardens! It’s a great way to discover several well-known French actors and comedians such as Jean Dujardin.” Additionally, Guenievre suggests watching My Afternoons with Marguerite, which she describes as “a very touching movie with Gerard Depardieu.”
If you’re opting for an evening at home, invite a few friends over for an “aperitif.” Guenievre says the perfect combination consists of a glass of wine, olives from Provence, almonds, charcuterie, and crackers. “Forget the cheese before dinner,” she advises. “In France, cheese is part of the meal and served between the entrĂ©e and dessert; we do not serve it as an appetizer.”
From simple pleasures to dreamy dining excursions, a love of Paris thrives here in Nashville. “The best way to understand French culture is to understand that more is not better,” says Guenievre. “We value quality over quantity, and we would rather pay a little more and savor a high-quality product than have a big bunch of cheap, tasteless things.”
We couldn’t agree more. So, who’s up for a day of wining, dining, and French immersion?
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