The Parisian Afternoon: A Curated Guide to Nashville’s European Renaissance

A charming outdoor dining scene from Pastis, a French brasserie in Nashville, featuring signature blue-topped tables and golden-brass lighting, curated by Luxe & Luna Boutique Spa as a top destination for a restorative, European-inspired afternoon

There is a certain poise to the European way of life—an intentional slowing down, an appreciation for architectural beauty, and a devotion to quality over quantity. At Luxe & Luna, we have always built our rituals around this philosophy, creating a "Spa Sanctuary" where time seems to stand still.

Recently, we’ve noticed a beautiful shift in our city. From the perfectly laminated layers of an artisanal croissant to the vibrant energy of a French brasserie, Nashville is definitely having a European moment!

Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor seeking the more refined side of Music City, we’ve curated a lovely, little guide to some our FAV local spots that transport us straight to the boulevards of Paris.

The Morning: Artisanal Beginnings

Start your day at Perenn Bakery. Their new outpost at Cheekwood is the pinnacle of Nashville’s current aesthetic movement. We highly recommend taking a Brown Butter Marzipan Latte and Almond Croissant through the Martin Boxwood Gardens to bliss out in nature's beauty. There is simply no better way to find your center than by pairing a world-class espresso with a view of Georgian-style architecture and 55 acres of lush botanicals.

The elegant water garden at Cheekwood, Nashville, showcasing a European-style reflecting pool and classical statuary. This serene estate view captures the refined, high-poise ambiance highlighted in the Luxe & Luna Nashville guide.


The Midday: The Art of Care

A true Parisian afternoon would be incomplete without a commitment to your self-care. At Luxe & Luna Boutique Spa, we believe skin health is a clinical discipline wrapped in a luxury experience. Whether you’re continuing your Valmont Swiss skincare journey or wanting to experience a Biologique Recherche world-renowned Facial Ritual, our goal is to provide the scientific precision and quiet luxury you’d expect from a boutique in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris.

Interior view of the Luxe and Luna Boutique Spa retail area in Nashville, featuring bright white custom shelving, a comprehensive display of Biologique Recherche skincare products, and clear professional signage highlighting our expert spa sanctuary for facials and massage.

The Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

For a dose of inspiration, wander through the Frist Art Museum. The Art Deco building itself is a masterpiece of classicist design and the current Impressionist exhibit is to-die-for!. Afterward, you can stop by Little Gourmand in Green Hills or Berry Hill to sample imported French delicacies— it is our favorite "concierge-secret" for finding the perfect unique gift or a rare tin of caviar.

A close-up view of freshly baked, golden-brown artisanal baguettes at Perenn Bakery, showcasing the perfectly crisped crusts and traditional scoring, featured in the Luxe & Luna guide to Nashville’s authentic European flavors.

The Evening: A Grand Finale

As the sun sets, the city’s culinary scene truly begins to shine. For a high-energy, vibrant experience, Pastis Nashville brings the iconic spirit of a French brasserie to the trendy Weho district. We highly recommend their picturesque patio unless it’s a windy night. Go ahead and trust us on that.. 

If you prefer something intimate and timeless, Once Upon a Time in France in East Nashville offers an authentic, family-owned atmosphere with an ambience that feels as if you’ve discovered a hidden gem in the Marais.
Pro Tip: Order their Bistro Frites and Mousse au Chocolat. They are both absolute perfection.

Finally, cap off your evening at Café Intermezzo. Modeled after the grand salons of the Baroque period, their extensive beverage & dessert menus (THE most delectable cakes imported from Europe), Tudor-style ceiling tiles, and candlelit tables are simply exquisite and the perfect place to reflect on a day well-spent. Also not a bad place to “people watch” as the pedal taverns drive down Demonbreun.

A charming and nostalgic table setting at the acclaimed Once Upon a Time in France in Nashville, featured in the Luxe & Luna Boutique Spa guide to the city's most authentic European-inspired destinations

The Final Note of Grace

The most sophisticated way to end your Parisian-inspired day is to ensure that your restoration continues long after the candles at Café Intermezzo have dimmed. To truly conclude your journey with grace, make a shared wellness ritual the priority for the following morning.

We invite you to join us for a Bespoke Massage at Luxe & Luna. By placing a restorative ritual of relaxation and self-care on your agenda for the next day, you ensure that the poise and calm you’ve found in the city’s most beautiful corners becomes a lasting state of being. 

A client experiencing a restorative massage ritual at Luxe & Luna Boutique Spa in Nashville, featuring a tranquil spa sanctuary setting designed for deep relaxation and physical recovery

Experience the Guide Digitally

We’ve made it easy for you to navigate these destinations. Click the link below to open our "Parisian Afternoon in Nashville" guide directly in your Apple Maps for your next day of restoration!

https://maps.apple/ug/HdkQmKX5wQF1hdbD8KV_0D


3 comments

  • Stuart moore on

    I love the recommendations!!

  • Stuart on

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing these.

  • Lilia Thuresson on

    It’s so beautiful! Take me there!

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