New York is home to over 8 million people from all over the globe. Throughout the boroughs, mini neighborhoods emerge, bringing various cultures to life in the city. There are larger, highly trafficked neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Ukrainian Village as well as some less well-known ones like Little India, Little Poland, Little Brazil, and Little Guyana. One developing neighborhood in New York City is Little Paris. We’re sharing everything to do and see in this charming French neighborhood.
Where Is Little Paris in NYC?
Little Paris is located on SoHo’s Centre Street (spelled the French way!) between Broome and Grand Street.
How Was Little Paris Started?
Establishing a French neighborhood in New York City was the idea of Léa and Marianne Perret, cousins from Toulouse who founded the New York-based French language and cultural center, Coucou. Their goal with the language school and in New York is to bring people together to enjoy and celebrate the French language and culture.
The language school is perfectly located on a block that has some beautiful Beaux-Art architecture which is very fitting. In fact, the old police headquarters at the end of the block was architecturally inspired by the iconic Hotel de Ville in Paris. If you visit the neighborhood, you’ll also notice the “Little Paris” street sign in the classic French style of a handpainted inscription on a blue and green sign.
Léa and Marianne have worked hard to make this an officially recognized neighborhood and as of spring, 2022, New York has granted Little Paris this status. While it remains a small part of the city, it is sure to grow and bring together the 60,000 French residents in New York.
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What Is There to Do in Little Paris?
Although the neighborhood is still developing, there’s a lot to do that will feel like a trip to Paris!
Maman is a darling French cafe and bakery. It’s also a great place to host events and birthday parties. Their menu features a variety of French options like Brioche pain perdu (French toast made with Brioche bread), ratatouille, Croque madame, beignets, and of course, croissants.
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels is a wine bar offering a large variety of French wines. You can even join a workshop where you can learn more about French wines and taste the products of different regions.
Stop by Clic, a French gallery and boutique, for some shopping. This is a great place to find unique home goods, art, and gifts. The selection is carefully curated and you’ll discover many French artists, authors, and designers.
And of course, check out Coucou for French classes and community events. They offer classes for all levels and teach not just language but culture as well. Coucou also organizes events to bring the community together, the largest of which is the Bastille Day celebration on July 14th. It’s a great opportunity to connect with French New Yorkers, meet francophiles, and enjoy French food, drinks, and music.
If you have the itch for more French shopping, head to Elizabeth Street nearby for more French stores, including Sezane, Le Labo, and b&sh. And for French restaurants, check out our guide for the 11 best French restaurants in New York City.
Whether you’re visiting New York or are a local, Little Paris is a must-visit neighborhood in New York City! Have you been there?