Returning to Paris always stirs a deep sense of nostalgia for Prosper Assouline. As the city glows with golden light and its storied cobblestone streets hum with life, the Assouline founder returns home. Memories of café terraces and grand Parisian hotels mingle with the excitement of discovering the city's ever-evolving restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Though he has lived in New York for over 15 years, every visit to Paris is a cherished homecoming.

Here, Assouline shares his most treasured Parisian haunts—from the places that spark his creativity to his favorite spot for a workout, and the 17th-century architectural gem that never ceases to inspire him. These are the places that shaped his Paris, and the ones he returns to again and again.

Prosper Assouline with his son, Alex, at L'Ami Louis in Paris, circa 1999.

The cafe where they know my order: Cafe le Bonaparte

My favorite (new) restaurant: Le Relais Plaza at the Hotel Plaza Athenee; Baccarat by Ducasse

My favorite (old) restaurant: L’ami Louis

When I want to feel cultured, I visit: Librairie Galignani

When I want to feel inspired, I head to: Musée Cognacq-Jay

The perfect day in Paris looks like: A coffee in the early morning at Cafe de Flore, then a walk to the tailor, and lunch at Le Duc

When I want to break a sweat, I: Call my son Alexandre to play squash in the 16th arrondissement, followed by a hammam.

If I’m getting a one-of-a-kind, luxury gift for someone I love, I head to: The Serge Lutens store.

My favorite Paris neighborhood is: The 1st arrondissement.

I feel like a Parisian when I: Walk around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood and order a coffee at any bar counter.

The best view in Paris is at: The top of the Cheval Blanc.

My favorite building in Paris is: The Palais Royal.

If a full day of meetings were canceled in Paris, I would: Visit the Bouquinistes of Paris along the Seine quays.

The trait I most admire about Parisians is: Insouciance.

I love Paris because: I get to visit the market on Saturday mornings and the flea market on Sunday's.

My motto when visiting Paris is: Be sure I have a return ticket back to New York.

Travel to Paris

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