You don't need to fly to France for a taste of Paris. Discover how the Parisian lifestyle can be enjoyed right here in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh may seem a world away from Paris, but the city is filled with French charm for those who know where to look. Located throughout the city are brasseries, patisseries, galleries and gardens that evoke the spirit of the French capital.
Let’s explore how you can find a little slice of Paris in Scotland’s capital. No passport required!
A taste of French culture
Edinburgh’s French heartbeat begins at the Institut français d’Écosse on West Parliament Square, just off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. This cultural hub runs a variety of French-focused activities, including language courses, film screenings, festivals, talks, and concerts. The Institut also plays a central role in the French Film Festival, a celebration that sees cinemas across the UK, including Edinburgh’s Cameo Picturehouse and Filmhouse, screen new releases, cult classics and hidden gems from French cinema.
Art lovers can also continue their Parisian adventure at the National Galleries of Scotland: National. The gallery’s display of Impressionism and French Modernism comes alive with vivid images from the likes of Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne, all of whom beautifully captured 19th century life in the French capital.
Your passport to French flavours
Edinburgh’s dining scene is peppered with French inspiration, and you can easily satisfy your palette with an array of popular French-inspired restaurants.
Outside, La P’tite Folie resembles a grand Tudor-style building, while inside you’ll find a relaxed and comfortable restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. Just looking for drinks? Their award-winning wine bar, Le Di-Vin, is just next door. Find them both at the West End.
Both a short distance from the city centre, Chez Jules is known for their generous portions and bustling energy, while Côte Brasserie’s menu is inspired by the flavours of traditional French bistros. Be sure to leave room for their decadent desserts like crème brûlée and tarte tatin. With countless awards to their name, L’escargot bleu offers a bistro-style menu using the best Scottish and French seasonal ingredients, and Cafe St Honore serves French classics with a Scottish touch.
Edinburgh’s hotels have also embraced their inner Parisian. Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar in Malmaison Edinburgh City offers familiar French-leaning comfort dishes with a contemporary twist. Or head along to Brasserie Prince at the 5-star Balmoral for impeccably polished dishes that fuse French technique with Scottish produce.
For a taste of everyday France, including fresh baguettes and Croque Monsieur, Victor Hugo have three delis spread across Edinburgh, including Victor Hugo – The Shore.
Patisseries to sweeten the day
Edinburgh’s patisserie scene has blossomed into something any Parisian neighbourhood would be proud of. For handmade, elegant eclairs and showstopper cakes, be sure to call on La Barantine. Project Canelé’s decadent cakes and tarts are sure to tempt those with a sweet tooth, while L’Angelou not only sell beautifully crafted cakes, but you can also pick up a fantastic selection of freshly baked bread and artisan chocolates.
And The Wee Boulangerie in Edinburgh’s Southside is definitely worth a visit for its flaky croissants.
Shops with French character
For a store that brings the spirit of everyday French food culture to Edinburgh, a visit to Chez Roger should be at the top of your must-do list.
Step inside this Gallic indulgence and you’ll be greeted with shelves lined with products that feel hand-packed from neighbourhood markets across France: artisan cured meats, chocolate-dipped Florentines, jars of traditional cassoulet, and an expansive wine selection. They’re also Edinburgh’s only authentic Épicerie Fine (traditional French specialty food shop offering high-quality gourmet produce), and recommended by renowned guides such as the Michelin Guide and the Le Petit Futé.
Gardens for a long, lazy lunch
If Paris has the Jardin du Luxembourg, Edinburgh’s counterpart is Princes Street Gardens.
This sweeping green space, located beneath Edinburgh Castle, is the perfect location for basking with a baguette, pastry and coffee.
Explore Edinburgh… en français
End your Franco-Scottish wanderings with a French-language tour.
Wee Ecosse and Tours et Détours d’Édimbourg both offer engaging guided walks that let you experience the city’s history and culture entirely en français.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
