Soft light
David Toutain, best ice cream, Hôtel du Couvent, Kujten Hachiko Bandana, Galerie Amélie du Chalard, Alpes de Haute Provence listings, MORE
RESTAURANTS • FOUND Table
Name brand
For more than a decade on a quiet street in the 7th arrondissement, David Toutain has recited an ode to nature, to his trusted local producers, and to his native Normandy, where he grows many of the ingredients that define his ever-evolving menus. In early 2025, his eponymous restaurant introduced a new lunch format designed for those on a tighter schedule: a full gastronomic experience in under an hour. It’s an ideal option for professionals working nearby, travelers with an afternoon ticket to the Musée d’Orsay, or fine-dining first-timers looking for a taste of haute cuisine without the time or price commitment.
First up are Toutain’s signature salsify “branch” starter or a trilogy of oyster, kiwi, and cilantro. Then, house-made bread — perhaps a laurel and pumpkin seed focaccia, or a deeply flavorful sourdough paired with fleur de sel butter from Brittany. The main course is usually a choice between fish or meat, cooked with precision, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. But predicting a menu item is nearly impossible: Toutain works only with what his Normandy garden and producers offer him each week. Desserts are delicate, aromatic, often showcasing a single ingredient (orgeat, sweet clover, pollen, bergamot) elevated with the same meticulous craftsmanship.
Longer menus are also available at lunch, and an eight-course dinner unfolds as a deeper exploration of Toutain’s nature-driven approach. The restaurant’s setting reflects his philosophy; it’s a warm, minimalist space where oak wood, dried flowers, and leather accents create an intimate atmosphere for just 36 guests.
Since December 2013, Toutain has been in his kitchen every day, lunch and dinner. He doesn’t just put his name on the door — he embodies his restaurant, a rare quality in today’s fine dining scene. –Victoire Loup
→ Restaurant David Toutain (7th arr) • 29 Rue Surcouf • Mon-Fri 12h-14h30, 20h-22h (closed Wed lunch) • Book.
PARIS WORK & PLAY LINKS: Paris overtakes London in tech valuations for the first time • Paris luxury home prices have risen 12% since 2020 • In search of the best oeuf mayo in Paris (and thereby the world) • Bust of Jim Morrison, stolen from Père-Lachaise in 1980s, recovered by police • What to wear in Paris, menswear edition.
GOODS & SERVICES • The Nines
Ice cream
The Nines are FOUND's distilled lists of the best in Paris and surrounds. Additions or subtractions? Hit reply or email found@foundparis.com.
Brigat’ (3rd arr), creamy Italian gelato from team behind equally excellent bakery next door
JJ Hings (10th arr), pastry chef turned ice cream maker Julia Bell delivers untraditional seasonal flavor combinations
La Glace Alain Ducasse (multiple locations), mix of classic and creative scoops from iconic chef
Folderol (11th arr, above), classic and fun-flavored ice cream served alongside natural wines
Pozzetto (4th arr), small selection of classic Italian gelato flavours
La Glacerie (4th arr), traditional flavours expertly done by David Wesmaël
Une Glace à Paris (4th & 18th arr), classics w/ twist from another pro, Emmanuel Ryon
Café Isaka (1st arr), Japanese-inspired ice creams which can be deep-fried in panko
Maison Aleph (4th & 18th arr), Levantine bakery serves up same flavors in ice cream form during summer
REAL ESTATE • On the Market
Three properties for sale in Alpes de Haute Provence:
→ 17th century villa (Thoard) • 3BR/2BA, 400 m2 • Ask: 1.79M € • 15-hectare property with Durance Valley views, 20 minutes from Digne-les-Bains • Agent: Magali Boulogne, Daniel Feau.
→ Provence castle (Mane, above) • 6BR/6BA, 365 m2 • Ask: 2M € • 12th-century citadel with preserved feudal wall, 360-degree panoramic views • Agent: Emilie Kaczmareck, Barnes.
→ Three cottage property (Manosque) • 6BR/6BA, 600 m2 • Ask: 3.6M € • main house plus 2 separate cottages and 3 swimming pools over 2 hectares • Agent: Audrey Marx, Barnes.
WORK • Friday Routine
Galerie views
AMÉLIE DU CHALARD • founder • Galerie Amélie du Chalard
Neighborhood you work in: Saint Germain des Prés
Neighborhood you live in: South Pigalle & Montmartre
It’s Friday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It’s a quiet, beautiful Friday morning at the gallery. The sun is just starting to shine through the large windows, casting soft light over the room. I’m in a lovely space in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with a view of a peaceful garden that always feels like a bit of an escape from the busy city life. I’ve just opened the doors, and the gallery is still calm, but I know the weekend will bring in more visitors eager to discover our current exhibition.
Today, I’m preparing for a private viewing later this afternoon, so I’m double-checking the arrangements and hangings and making sure everything is in place. I’m not a big fan of the work-from-home mix — I prefer being close to my team and to be on site, so I tend to spend most of my time at the gallery, engaging with clients, curating, and ensuring the space feels inviting.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I’m having lunch with a client at a delicious Japanese restaurant near the office, Azabu. After a busy afternoon of meetings, I’ll go home to see my children and be there to tuck them into bed. I rode my bike to get here and it's a beautiful ride, even when it’s dark in the evening. I cross the Seine, pass through the Cour Carrée of the Louvre, then go by the Opera before heading up towards Montmartre.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
My husband is Napolitan, so we’re on a mission to try all the Italian restaurants in Paris. Tonight, we’re checking out the one at Cheval Blanc, La Langosteria. Tomorrow, we’re heading to the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay with the kids — it's the best place near Paris to unwind. The hotel is absolutely magical, the historic site is incredible, and the service is impeccable. If you ever visit Paris, extend your stay to spend at least one night there. You’ll remember their Sunday brunch for the rest of your life. It’s only 40 minutes from Paris, so it’s easy to get to, even by taxi.
How about a little leisure or culture?
I love sports, even though I don’t get to do enough of it. I play tennis once a week and otherwise, I run whenever I can. I’ve just started doing reformer pilates at Studio Ritual near the office — I'll keep you updated on how it goes. As for culture, you can imagine I’m well served. I make it a point to visit all the exhibitions in Paris. The last one I saw was earlier this week at the Fondation Giacometti. The place is absolutely charming and definitely worth the visit. It’s also right across from the Fondation Cartier.
Any weekend getaways?
Besides the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, another very charming one — a bit more laid-back and less fancy — is Le Barn, also about 45 minutes from Paris. Otherwise, we’ve been going more and more to Normandy on weekends, where we have a house. It’s in Étretat, known for its extraordinary cliffs — definitely worth the visit. Nearby, you can visit Honfleur and Yport, and for the party-lovers, they can go all the way to Deauville.
What was your last great vacation?
My last amazing trip, three months ago, was to Matera in Italy (fly into Bari, in Puglia). It’s an emotional shock to discover this city carved and built into the limestone rock, completely troglodyte, nestled in the middle of a lush, almost exotic landscape. You absolutely have to stay at Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita. After two days in Matera, I recommend taking a detour along the Puglia coast (Ostuni, Lecce, and more).
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
An artwork by Georgia Russell.
CULTURE & LEISURE • Le Tennis
Dua Lipa • Paris La Defense Arena (Nanterre) • Fri @ 19h30 • section 114, 229 € per
Tate McRae • Accor Arena (Bercy) • Tues @ 20h • lower tier P, 230 € per
French Open • Ground pass, round 1 • Roland Garros (16th arr) • Sun @ 11h • GA, 201 € per
GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Object
Square deal
The Kujten Hachiko Bandana is as useful as it is fashionable. Made of 100% cashmere, designed in Paris, and knitted in Mongolia, the two-threads printed jersey-knitted square features the company’s signature (reworked) paisley pattern. Unisex, it’s meant to be worn around the neck, but can also make for a nice handbag accessory or in a larger size, a luxurious scarf. It’s recognizable, trendy in a classy way, and original to Paris.
Co-founders Carole Benaroya (who has a background in finance) and Stéphanie Eriksson (whose career was in fashion) started Kujten in 2012. Friends since childhood, the two women combined their love of luxury and travel into a company named after the highest peak in Mongolia, from where their cashmere is sourced by shearing a rare breed of goat with a wonderful thick coat. Buy it in your favorite color online, in one of the 31 Kujten stores, or at retailers like the Galeries Lafayette. It can be monogrammed and shipped internationally. –Andra Zeppelin
→ Shop: Kujten Hachiko Bandana, from 95 to 245 €.
GETAWAYS • Nice
Monastic retreat
Perched above Nice’s Old Town, Hôtel du Couvent is a serene, timeless haven. Originally founded by the Clarisse sisters in 1604, the former convent has been meticulously restored under the direction of Valéry Grégo, in collaboration with Studio Mumbai, Studio Méditerranée, and Festen.
The décor, a delicate balance between rustic and refined, features natural textures like linen, raw wood, and Provencal terracotta floor tiles. The 88 rooms range from monastery-inspired quarters to expansive apartments with private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. Inside, details include carefully curated books, custom ceramics, and sage-scented soaps inspired by the property’s herb garden.
The dining program sources many ingredients from the hotel’s farm in Touët-sur-Var. Chef Thomas Vételé’s menu riffs on Niçois classics: barbajuans, gnocchi, and socca share the stage with dishes like crudo of Mediterranean seriola and lemon tart made with Menton citrus. Bread is baked daily in the hotel’s ancient oven, and herbal teas are infused with plants harvested from the on-site herbarium.
Guests can unwind at the Movement Studio for yoga classes or slip into the Roman-inspired thermal baths, transitioning from the tepidarium to the caldarium and finally the frigidarium. The outdoor pool offers sweeping views of Nice and the Côte d'Azur. At sunset, stroll through the cloister to the tranquil courtyard, framed by towering cypress trees, where time slows and stillness is the luxury at hand. –Victoire Loup
→ Hôtel du Couvent (Nice) • 1 rue Honoré Ugo • from €888/wknd king in June.
Photo: Giulio Ghirardi
GETAWAYS LINKS: Tracking ORY’s flight disruptions this week • Aix-en-Provence celebrating hometown son Paul Cézanne all summer long • Yolo’s France fleamarkets list • First Class is back, but sometimes in disguise.
ASK FOUND
First, a quick primer on how this works: You send us the pressing questions of the day (on dining, services, living in Paris and surrounds). We all put our heads together (us, FOUND, + you, FOUND subscribers, who are also FOUND) in search of truth and beauty.
Three FOUND subscriber PROMPTS for which we are seeking intel:
If you haven’t already, tell us your favorite Paris restaurant.
What Paris hotel do you always recommend for out-of-town guests?
Tell us about your favorite short-distance getaway?
Got answers or more questions? Reply to this email.