How to Have a French-Inspired Weekend in Chicago

Where to shop, eat, and explore.

One of the questions I get most often from readers is for a Chicago list of my favorite Francophile spots. This is long overdue. I will continue to edit this as new spots are discovered. Feel free to pass this along to a friend or relative visiting Chicago.

Chicago is a great city to visit and holds a lot of French influence.

When to Visit

I personally love spring and fall in Chicago. April and May can still be chilly, but the city really starts to open up and blossom with tulips down Michigan Ave and the trees burst with blossoms. All the Chicagoans that have been hibernating for the winter will fill the lakefront for a walk, run, or bike ride. The city has a buzz in the air in early spring that continues all the way through fall.

Summer is one of the best times to be in Chicago with art festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts. It is also more expensive for hotels, and the heat waves can be intense. Michigan Ave is busy and packed with tourists during this time.

I love September and October the most in Chicago. The markets are still happening, trees change colors, and there is a chill in the air. Our falls have been extending later each year, and we can still have warm days until mid-November.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chicago

Chicago is at a loss for good French restaurants. I don’t eat French food much when I am in Chicago and wait for Paris. It is hard to compare the two. There are French restaurants in Chicago, but I haven’t loved the food or experience; those are not on my list.

Le Colonial is French-Vietnamese and one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The restaurant has a beautiful glass-enclosed room overlooking Rush Street. You can make a reservation or try for one of the spots at the bar for a cocktail or meal.

Le Bouchon located in Bucktown. The one French restaurant I think is worth visiting in Chicago. Open for Lunch or Dinner. You will want to make a reservation. They are in the process of opening a rotisserie chicken spot called Chez Poulet soon. I am looking forward to trying them.

RL Restaurant is not French, but it has a lovely terrace in the warmer months and a cozy bar with a fireplace in the winter. I always love to go here with friends or for a date night.

Maison Pasquale an adorable wine shop and grocery that sells sandwiches. The shop is new to Roscoe Village and built out of love. You can tell, when you talk to the owners, how passionate they are about every product they sell. French wines, cheeses, gifts, and more. Grab a cheese or charcuterie board and a bottle of wine. Tell them I sent you!

La Fournette is one of the most well-known French bakeries in Chicago for a good reason. They have incredible breads and pastries, and it's owned by a French family. I love their Miche and pick it up regularly. La Fournette tends to sell out early in the mornings. You can order ahead and pick up later in the day.

Phlour has one of the best croissants in Chicago. They're easy to find at Green City Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The lines can get long later in the day.

Verzênay gets my vote for best baguette. Also at Green City, they have a shop on Lincoln you can visit on non-market days. Their stand is right at the entrance close to Clark Street, and their baguettes always run out fast.

Petit Edith is new to the scene and on my list to try next. I have heard great things!

Where to Shop

Green Chicago on Wells Street has the best flowers and will feel like you are walking into a Parisian florist. A lot of the flowers are imported from abroad. The staff is super sweet and will answer your questions on how best to care for your flowers. They have taught me a lot. On the weekends, they can get busy, especially with the market nearby. Green is open every day.

POSH Chicago is a favorite boutique I tell everyone to visit. You will love entering the store through their curated windows to a treasure trove of Parisian favorites. Antiques, silver, books, tea towels, collectibles, and more. My go-to spot for gifts. Stock up on Christmas gifts early here. You cannot leave empty-handed. Henri and I are regulars.

SPACE519. My husband and I love walking here on weekends. They have a small coffee/pastry outpost on the bottom floor. Henri is welcome, and he loves getting a treat while we wait for our coffee. Inside, you will also find The Lunchroom; in the warmer months, they have a cute patio available. I highly recommend reservations on the weekends because they are always booked.

What makes this place special is that it is also a beautifully curated gift/clothing shop. Grab a Cire Trudon candle, hand cream, or a notebook while you wait for your table. You can also shop cookbooks and other food items that make great gifts. You can also find a well-curated women’s clothing section here worth looking through.

Kismet. Explore Lincoln Park, and you will want to add Kismet to your shopping list. The store offers fresh flowers, gift items, and baked goods. There is also a freezer and fridge filled with delicious items all made in-house by Oprah’s former chef Taryn, who is usually in the shop helping customers or whipping up something delicious. Dog-friendly, this is one of Henri’s favorite stops. He gets a treat, and I pick up a chocolate chip cookie.

Jayson Home and Garden is located in Lincoln Park. The store is filled with French antiques, home furniture, books, and tableware. It is always fun to pop in, but I find a lot of the pieces to be out of my budget. There is an occasional good deal too good to pass up. We have bought planters from their garden center. They also have really good sales, and it is worth signing up for their newsletter.

Polène is rumored to be coming to Oak Street soon. Stay tuned.

Also on Oak, you will find Sando and Maje.

What to Do

One of my favorite things to do in Chicago, especially on the weekends, is hit the Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln Park. It is filled with incredible vendors with fruits and vegetables. For visitors not with a kitchen, there are tons of options for breakfast and lunch, including a coffee stand. It gets busy early and stays that way for most of the early afternoon. In the summer, the market opens at 7 am. In the fall, the hours switch to 8 am.

Take a stroll down the streets in the Gold Coast. I love the old architecture on Dearborn, Elm, and Astor. The walk changes in the different seasons. Chicago goes out big for Halloween, and this area has some really fun decorations.

Chicago Art Institute. We have a great collection of French Impressionist art. If you are going with a small group, it may work out better to buy a membership instead of individual tickets. Plus, it is great to support the Art museum. You can buy tickets online and avoid the lines. Download the tickets straight to your phone and walk directly to the entrance.

Where to Stay

I haven’t stayed in a hotel in Chicago in a while to give a proper recommendation. I find this is where we have room for improvement. Family usually stays with us when they visit.

*Photos of me by Yulia Sribna