recommendations from danny+reilly
saint-émilion
where to stay
The town is so small and so lovely that you'll be happy wherever you land.
That said, two of our favorites:
Hôtel de Pavie:
A Relais & Châteaux property right on the Place du Clocher with a two-Michelin-star restaurant. Panoramic terrace, vineyard views, and an incredible breakfast.
Logis de la Cadène:
The oldest restaurant in Saint-Émilion, founded in 1848, now also a charming boutique hotel.
Family-run, deeply rooted in the terroir, and right in the heart of the village.
Our shuttles to the wedding venues will pick up from a set location in town,
so wherever you're staying, you'll be covered.
where to eat and drink
Café Saigon: yes, Vietnamese food in a medieval French wine village, and it's delicious.
Fresh, spontaneous Vietnamese cuisine with an extensive wine list. One of the most beloved spots in town (and a welcome change up from French food mid-trip)
La Petite Perdrix: a gorgeous artisan bakery tied to the Michelin-starred
Château Troplong Mondot.
Chai Pascal: relaxed wine bar and restaurant frequented by local winemakers.
Simple menu, outstanding food, great wine list.
L'Envers du Décor: an institution since 1987. Upscale wine bar and bistro with an enclosed walled garden out back and one of the best regional wine lists in town.
Wineries in the area:
The Saint-Émilion region is home to some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world. The rolling hills around the village are absolutely worth exploring by car. We have a sommelier on tap who can provide personalized recommendations based on your taste.
Just reach out and we'll connect you.
packing tips
Plug adapters
France uses Type C/E plugs and runs on 220V. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers, hair tools) are dual-voltage — check the fine print on the plug itself. If it says "100–240V," you're good and just need a plug adapter, not a converter.
Comfortable shoes for the village
Saint-Émilion is paved in ancient cobblestone. It is beautiful and also absolutely ruthless on heels. Bring something you can actually walk in for exploring the village — save the statement shoes for the wedding.
Layers
Early October in Bordeaux means highs around 65–70°F, with cooler evenings. It's genuinely lovely weather, but bring a jacket. Think French countryside chic, not summer.
Rent a European Dyson for the week here.
movies to download for the flight
Wedding Crashers: Danny's fav
Ratatouille: our favorite hungover movie
Before Sunrise triology: Reilly's favs
Mamma Mia: same energy we will have
Shrek: est-ce que les oignons ont des couches? Oui
Cléo from 5 to 7: a French classic
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris: wholesome
Marie Antoinette: Sofia Coppola filmed it at Versailles
spending a few days in Paris?
Reilly's curated Google Maps list for Paris is HERE.
where to stay
Right Bank:
☆Hôtel Massé: Pigalle
☆Hôtel Adèle & Jules: 9th arron.
☆La Fantaisie: 9th arron.
☆The Hoxton, Paris: 2nd arron.
☆Solly Hôtel Paris, 3rd arron.
Left Bank:
☆Hôtel de l'Abbaye Saint-Germain: 6th arron.
☆Relais Christine: 6th arron.
☆Bonsoir Madame: 6th arron.
☆Hôtel Prince de Conti, 6th arron.
☆Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain: 7th arron.
eat+drink
Boulangerie / Patisserie:
☆Stohrer: 2nd arron.
☆Boulangerie du Sentier: 2nd arron.
☆Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Terroirs d'Avenir: 2nd arron.
☆Ritz Paris Le Comptoir Patisserie: 1st arron.
☆The French Bastards: multi locations
☆Boulangerie Poilâne: 6th arron.
Lunch/Dinner:
☆Bistrot Paul Bert: 11th arron.
☆Chez Janou: 3rd arron.
☆Clown Bar: 11th arron.
☆Frenchie, 2nd arron.
☆Juveniles Wine Bar: 1st arron.
☆L'Avant Comptoir, 6th arron.
☆Le Bon Georges, 9th arron.
☆Verjus, 1st arron.
☆GuLi, 1st arron.
Coffee:
☆Le Peloton Café: 4th arron.
☆Matamata Coffee: 2nd arron.
☆Terres de Café: multi locations
☆Paolina Caffè: 3rd arron.
☆Cortado: 3rd arron.
☆Café Nuances: multi locations
☆Rem's Coffee Shop Sentier: 2nd arron.
Bars:
☆Septime La Cave: 11th arron.
☆Le Syndicat Paris: 10th arron.
☆Grouvie: 6th arron.
☆Classique, 9th arron.
☆Caveau de la Huchette: 6th arron.
☆Chez Camille: 9th arron.
☆Le Bar: 6th arron.
☆CRAVAN Paris: 6th arron.
☆Bisou: 3rd arron.
dan+rei's favorite things to do in Paris
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Eat, drink, shop, repeat.
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Palais Garnier: non-negotiable. Even if you don't catch a performance, the building itself is one of the most breathtaking interiors in the world. If you can get tickets to an opera or ballet while you're in town, do it. Inspired the Phantom of the Opera!
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Marché des Enfants Rouges (Le Marais):Paris's oldest covered market, tucked into the heart of the Marais. Browse, pick up provisions from the stalls (Moroccan tagine, Japanese bento, classic French cheese boards — all under one roof), then find a spot to eat. This is what locals do on a weekend morning.
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The flea markets: Paris has flea markets (brocantes) scattered across the city every weekend, but the one you need is Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in Clignancourt. It is enormous, it will take a full day, and it is full of hidden gems. Come early, wear comfortable shoes, bring cash, and go with no agenda. Open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
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Picnic like a Parisian: grab a baguette, some cheese, a bottle of wine, and find your spot. Our favorites: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (rolling hills, waterfalls, absolutely stunning, Place des Vosges in the Marais (a gorgeous 17th-century square, great for people-watching), or Jardin du Luxembourg.
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Flâner! The best thing you can do in Paris is pick a neighborhood you don't know and walk with no plan. Step into shops that look interesting. Sit at a café terrace with a coffee and watch the city go by.
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Walk the Coulée Verte: Paris's version of the High Line. An elevated park that winds through the southeast of the city, filled with greenery and great views over neighborhoods most tourists never see.
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Run (or walk) the Montmartre stairs: The long staircase up to Sacré-Cœur is iconic, but what most people miss is that the whole hillside neighborhood is worth getting lost in.
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