mosey

Saint-Ambroise Paris, France

December 2024 Edition (updated bi-annually)

Tucked between trendy Haut-Marais (a ten-minute mosey away) and lively Oberkampf / Folie-Méricourt, Saint-Ambroise is one of those Parisian neighbourhoods that feels authentically local – and a lot less hectic than its tourist-heavy neighbours!

Saint-Ambroise Neighbourhood Guide – $5.00

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Snapshot

Saint-Ambroise is one of four ‘quartiers’ that make up the 11th arrondissement of Paris – one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the city. Wander down tiny passages, through courtyards and along tree-lined boulevards to discover independent boutiques, plenty of natural wine bars, cosy bistros, lively cafes, delicious boulangeries (including the best baguette in Paris) and a vibrant art and cultural scene. Plus fresh food markets, artists’ studios and even a circus.

For those who don’t speak French (and so you can avoid some of the embarrassing conversations we had getting the name very wrong!), Saint-Ambroise is pronounced “Sahn-Ahmbwaz”, taking its name from the historic neo-Gothic Saint-Ambroise church located at the centre of the quartier.

The basics

  • Where is it?

    Located east of the Seine in Paris’ 11th arrondissement – tucked in behind Le Marais and close to Canal Saint-Martin. It’s one of four neighbourhoods in the 11th, along with Sainte-Marguerite, La Roquette and Folie-Méricourt.
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  • When to visit?

    Year-round, but visit in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for good weather and a lively atmosphere. ‍
  • Where to stay?
    There are great Airbnbs available, perfect if you want a small taste of the Parisian lifestyle – it’s our favourite way to experience Paris, especially if we’re staying for a few weeks. There are also plenty of boutique hotels in the 11th, suitable for a range of budgets and tastes.

With a mix of elegant Haussmann buildings, cobblestone streets lined with flowers and colourful townhouses, famous squares and community gardens, Saint-Ambroise is brimming with Parisian charm.

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The guide

  • Digital guide – instant access and a mobile-friendly format, for easy use while on the move.
  • Curated list – 62 of our favourite places, including restaurants, bars, coffee spots, retail and more. Plus ‘sidewalks’ if your exploring takes you further afield.
  • Online directory – A comprehensive and easy-to-navigate directory that’s accessible any time, anywhere.
  • Interactive map – An exclusive custom map with colour-coded pins for easy use while on the move, including our favourite places, sidewalks, and some extras for you to explore.
  • Free updates – Every time the guide is updated, you will receive all new content at no extra cost.

Our curated guide showcases the very best of Saint-Ambroise, ensuring you can spend less time researching and more time roaming.

Tried & tested

We are Tim and Steph, two creatives hailing from the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia (learn more about us ). Over countless trips, we’ve built a habit of digging deeper than the typical tourist trail.

We sort through the viral TikTok venues and the overpriced tourist traps, and we collect tips from friends who have visited. We chat with chefs, baristas and shop owners and ask about their must-visit destinations and locals’ secrets — not the places on the ‘top ten’ or ‘hot’ lists, but the ones that locals return to again and again. Slowly piecing together a picture of what makes each place unique.

Then we try them all ourselves, hand-picking our favourite places to eat, shop and explore, and the experiences that capture the heart of each neighbourhood.

The guide is extremely informative and detailed. We have visited many of the hand picked spots and used the interactive map.

- John, North Melbourne Guide

For the cost of a cup of coffee, you can find out where to go for the best coffee, a relaxed vibe, fabulous food or a delicious pastry.

- Mary, Thornbury Guide

Mosey guides are such a fun adventure. You think you know somewhere, and then you’re sent off on a treasure hunt, and the treasure is always good!!

- Lisa, Pererenan Guide

The whole guide makes sense, giving you the feeling that you are privy to real local knowledge and culture!

- Ben, Thornbury Guide

Explore more

Thursday 12:45pm, Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Paris