Photo by Le Château de Ma Mère
Welcome to our monthly series: MFCH Staff Favorites!
Every month, the members of the My French Country Home team will share a recommendation for their favorite thing in France right now.
From neighborhood cafés and under-the-radar restaurants to beauty essentials, design pieces, and destinations that stopped us in our tracks, 2025 was a year of meaningful discoveries for the My French Country Home team.
Some finds were entirely new, others were places and brands we thought we knew, only to fall in love with all over again. Each recommendation here comes straight from our staff – things we sought out, returned to, gifted, bookmarked, and genuinely lived with throughout the year.
This curated edit is a snapshot of modern French life as we experienced it in 2025: creative, artisanal, thoughtful, and full of small pleasures. Read on to discover the French finds that made our year.
Restaurants and Cafés in Paris
Candle Kids Coffee
This one really surprised me. I don’t know the 20th arrondissement very well, but I’m always hunting for new coffee spots (it’s definitely an obsession). Candle Kids Coffee is probably my favorite coffee shop I discovered this year. The space is minimal and calm, with stone walls, oak details and white linen curtains; very warm, very considered, and instantly comforting. Their use of mountain honey from Savoie in their drinks and pastries is such a lovely touch. The honey latte and the madeleine are both worth the trip. – Recommended by Alizée
Tekés
Tekés, tucked in the heart of Paris, is a vegetarian restaurant that surprises at every turn. Every dish is bold, generous, and full of flavor. You can point to anything on the menu and know it will be incredible. It’s the kind of place that makes you linger over every bite. – Recommended by Sarah
Osteria Paradiso
A new restaurant I’ve tried and loved: Osteria Paradiso. Formerly called Candide (where you could find excellent French country style cooking), the team have now expanded into Italian cuisine, served with the same finesse. I appreciate their gluten-free pasta options, a rare find in France! – Recommended by Maddy
La Gueule Enfarinée
One of my current go-to spots is La Gueule Enfarinée (which translates roughly to “face dusted in flour”) in the heights of Belleville. This laid-back, eco-minded bar-cum-bakery was founded by Nicolas, a true bellevillois who grew up just down the street. Come for earthy sourdough loaves, buttery brioches, French craft brews on tap, and seasonal, zero-waste small plates that keep the mood convivial. A self-described night owl, Nicolas eschews typical baker’s hours, opening at 4 p.m. and welcoming patrons until well past midnight on weekdays. Saturdays, the place truly shines with a generous, crowd-pleasing brunch that celebrates fresh, comforting flavors. – Recommended by Nicola
French Fashion and Beauty Brands
SVR’s Micro-exfoliating Lifting mask
One new staple on my skincare shelf has been SVR’s Micro-exfoliating Lifting mask. As someone with sensitive skin, I don’t tolerate chemical exfoliants well. However, I’ve found this mask to be both gentle, nourishing, and perfect for winter, physically buffing away flakes with fine volcanic ash, then hydrating with Vitamin E, A and glycerin for a noticeably refreshed face. – Recommended by Maddy
Cézembre
We discovered Cézembre for the MFCH Box and instantly fell in love. Their pieces are soft, luxurious, and a staple for any winter wardrobe. They’ve quickly become a go-to for gifts for my family, friends, and myself. – Recommended by Sarah
Jacques Marie Mage
I’ve loved Jacques Marie Mage for years, but somehow I hadn’t stepped into their Paris boutique until this autumn. And I’m so glad I waited, because the experience was incredible. The space feels more like a gallery or a cabinet of curiosities than a shop; art, antiques, historical references everywhere. We were shown around properly, including downstairs where there’s a small bar and even more artworks and objects. It felt immersive, almost theatrical. Knowing the space was designed by Jacques Garcia makes perfect sense once you’re inside; it’s dramatic, obsessive, and beautifully done. – Recommended by Alizée
French Design Brands
Enamoura
Enamoura is a brand that might be familiar to some of our readers already. I’ve been an admirer of their artisanal ceramic lights for a while, and we had the delight of featuring them in our south of France special edition of the magazine. I finally indulged in a pair of their Pitchoun hanging lamps for my bedroom, and they are simply exquisite – definitely my favorite purchase of the year. – Recommended by Maddy
Le Château de Ma Mère
This summer, I got to know a new French brand whose products I adore. Le Château de Ma Mère creates Provençal textiles and items for the home, with a small line of clothes too. We featured them in our Summer in Provence-themed Subscription Box this past August and our clients fell in love with them too! – Recommended by Sharon
Sennelier Oil Pastels
I’ve been familiar with the shop for some time now, but only recently opted to purchase a box of Sennelier oil pastels for myself this past summer. A staple in any artist’s collection, Sennelier has crafted the most buttery, blendable pastel I’ve ever used. They’re the perfect gift to share or to keep for slow, meditative afternoons at home. As a plus, they were perfected for Picasso which adds an extra special touch. – Recommended by Jessy
French Art and Music
Luiza
This year I fell in love with the music of French singer Luiza. Her sound blends soft reggae, indie, and pop, creating warm, sunny tunes that feel like summer. Her songs are addictive in the best way. The perfect soundtrack for a slow Parisian afternoon. – Recommended by Sarah
“The Stranger”
I was mesmerized by François Ozon’s adaptation of L’Etranger – or “The Stranger,” by Albert Camus. While the pace may not resonate with everyone, it brought me back to old world French cinema. Every detail appears meticulously chosen to immerse viewers in every scene. – Recommended by Jessy
Berthe Weill Exposition
Days out in Paris were often spent exploring new exhibits this year. L’Orangerie’s curation of Berthe Weill’s collection was one of the most notable shows of the year for me. Every piece is a colorful and playful nod to the early careers of the lost generation. – Recommended by Jessy
Destinations to Visit in France
Cassis
As someone with a minor (okay, maybe a major) obsession with travel, all of my favorite French finds this year came in the form of new destinations I discovered around the country. Over the summer, I visited Cassis – the most idyllic little town just 20 minutes from the bustling city of Marseille. A frequent haunt of the legendary Brigitte Bardot, this rocky calanque-framed coastal village feels like a summer sanctuary suspended in time – especially when sipping a cocktail overlooking the sea at the luxurious Roches Blanches Hotel. – Recommended by Olivia
Biarritz
Another oceanside destination I completely fell in love with this past September is Biarritz. This surf haven in the Basque Country somehow manages to combine laid-back beach vibes with chic city energy. Located on the southwest coast of France, the sunsets over the Atlantic are absolutely immaculate and the hint of Spanish influence gives the town a little extra spice that leaves you craving more. – Recommended by Olivia
Domaine des Etangs
Perhaps the most magical destination of the year for me was unexpectedly tucked away in the middle of the rural French countryside. Hidden among 2,500 acres of forests in Massignac – a village reached by car from the Angoulême train station – is a medieval château converted into a 5-star hotel. Staying at Domaine des Etangs felt like an indulgent escape from reality in a wonderfully cozy, historical, and artistic paradise. – Recommended by Olivia
Paris 20ème arrondissement
I moved to a new apartment in the 20th arrondissement in 2025, so the year was spent exploring a neighborhood that had remained terra incognita to me for decades. Highlights so far include the incomparable Buttes de Chaumont Park, a maze of hidden alleys decked in extraordinary street art, delightful shopping on the Rue de la Villette and countless cafés, bars and restaurants that rival any of Paris’s trendiest quartiers. – Recommended by Nicola
Paris Flea Market Saint Ouen
This has been a busy year for me, researching and writing the book meant that I spent a lot of time with antique dealers, and I fell in love all over again with the amazing Paris Flea Market at St Ouen. They say you can find anything here, and honestly I think its true! – Recommended by Sharon
Le Prieuré de Maussane
I traveled a lot around France and stayed at a new hotel that I instantly fell in love with, Le Prieuré de Maussane. Small and perfectly designed, plus a great position for visiting Provence. I loved it so much that we have two tours booked here for next year. – Recommended by Sharon
We hope you also discovered a few new and exciting French finds this year! Check back in January for the first roundup of our French favorites in 2026.
Read next: MFCH Staff Favorites – Our Favorite Shoes & Bags Brands