4 Places to Get a Taste of Paris Without Leaving Charlotte

Over the summer, Carolina Bride, now powered by CharlotteFive, traveled to Paris to shoot the cover of the fall destination issue. The sights, sounds, and especially the food were incredible. Coming back to the States, the taste of fresh baked bread and buttery rich meals were on our minds.

Lucky for us Charlotte is home to some delicious French-focused restaurants. Do you have an anniversary coming up? Or do you want to impress someone with a delicious French-inspired lunch or dinner? If so, you’re in luck! No passport required for these four Charlotte restaurants.

Aix en Provence

Located in the heart of Myers Park, Aix en Provence features traditional Southern French cuisine. Aix en Provence is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner meant to impress. Order the cassoulet campagnard (duck confit) for a taste of France, and don’t forget to order the seasonal vegetables. 

Amélie’s French Bakery & Café

With multiple locations, you can get your macaron fix anytime you want at Amélie’s French Bakery & Café. In addition to authentic French desserts, you can also get sandwiches and salads for the perfect lunch option. We love the spinach and asiago cheese tartine for lunch, which is an open faced sandwich, and, if in season, we love the s’mores-flavored macaron. The only thing missing is a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Café Monte

Café Monte is a French bistro and bakery in SouthPark that specializes in salads, crepes and French classics such as the delectable trout amandine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Café Monte is great for a meal, a treat or an afternoon snack. Sit outside and order the trout amandine for dinner, or the croque madame for lunch. Don’t forget to bring your book to feel extra Parisienne. 

La Belle Helene

One of the most recent additions to the Charlotte culinary scene, La Belle Helene is so committed to cooking French cuisine that they even feature a Paris-made rotisserie to properly cook chicken. Take advantage of the rotisserie and order the poulet rôti, roasted chicken, which is served with Yukon gold potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic.