Leafy neighborhood offers all French businesswoman could ask for

Credit: Courtesy of Julie Brument

Originally from Marseille, France, Julie Brument is a certified yoga and breathwork instructor who relocated to Shanghai in 2011. She first taught classes part-time, after work and during weekends, and then left her marketing job after a decade in the industry to pursue wellness as a full-time career.

Though busy running her company ŌRA Wellness Collective by giving sessions and delivering wellness coaching and consulting, Brument enjoys her leafy downtown neighborhood from morning coffee to exploring hidden gems.

Could you introduce the neighborhood you live in.

I live at the bottom of Huashan Road, near Anfu Road, Wukang Road and Panyu Road. It includes Xuhui and the beginning of Changning District.

Credit: Courtesy of Julie Brument

What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?

This neighbourhood is quiet, beautiful, and convenient. From bakeries and restaurants to cafes, food shops, and parks, kindergartens for kids, this area offers almost everything.

What attraction here should not be missed?

There's so much to discover! The parks in the early mornings are really something to see – ayis (aunts) and shushus (uncles) come to the park for Tachi, Qigong, gymnastics, or to air their birds or even laundry. It's a fascinating and unexpected sight.

Wukang and Anfu roads are also must-visit streets, although they tend to get overcrowded on weekends. It's much more enjoyable to explore them during the weekdays.

I am a big fan of exploring the hidden gems of the neighbourhood. From tucked-away cafes to beautiful shops like OKRA (Room 101, 211 Anfu Rd 安福路211号101室) and ZOAJE (Room 101, No. 1, Lane 228, Anfu Rd 安福路228弄1号101室) along Anfu Road, and Arabica Café (Unit 112, Bldg1, 376 Wukang Rd 武康路376号1楼112室) nestled in Ferguson Lane, there's endless charm around these streets.

Taking a leisurely stroll to guide us through the lanes and streets is the best way to enjoy the area.

Each person may have different tastes, but they all want a great cafe. What's your favorite one near home?

RAC Bar (1/F, Bldg 6, 322 Anfu Rd 安福路322号6幢1楼) tops my list for its delectable coffee and bites – I might be biased but I'm a huge fan of everything RAC offers, from their coffee to their wine selection.

Then there's Gentlemaker (748-3 Huashan Rd 华山路748-3号) where you'll find not only exceptional coffee but also a quiet atmosphere perfect for unwinding and having a little coffee tucked away from the main streets.

Arabica Café (Unit 112, Bldg1, 376 Wukang Rd 武康路376号1楼112) is another must-visit for me, offering the best matcha in town for me, despite specializing in coffee.

For a sunny coffee experience, Alimentari (158 Anfu Rd 安福路158号) is unbeatable, especially when seated on the terrace – the prime spot for some people-watching.

And last but not least, Luneurs (888 Huashan Rd 华山路888号) is my go-to for indulging in a cheeky pastry paired with a delicious coffee.

Credit: Courtesy of Gentlemaker

Where should someone eat around here?

Well, tastes may differ, but in my opinion, you can't go wrong with establishments like Mr. Willis (3/F, 195 Anfu Rd 安福路195号3楼), BOR Eatery (2/F, 322 Anfu Rd 安福路322号2楼), Mi Mian Hui Xin (2/F, 98 Wukang Rd 武康路98号2层) and Something (2/F, 98 Wukang Rd 武康路98号2层) – all part of the same hospitality group.

Personally, I'm a fan of Franck (376 Wukang Rd 武康路376号) in Ferguson Lane for its excellent French cuisine, and Godly (82 Wuyuan Rd 五原路82号) for vegetarian Chinese dishes.

Venturing a bit further, Juke (Room 102, 11 Dongping Rd 东平路11号-102) stands out as my favorite spot for a fantastic dinner. It's a neo-modern bistro that skilfully combines top-notch ingredients with culinary talent.

Credit: Courtesy of Something

From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop in your neighborhood?

For a bit of lane shopping, OKRA (Room 101, 211 Anfu Rd 安福路211号101室) offers incredibly beautiful handmade jewellery, crystals, homeware while Zoaje (Room 101, Bldg 1, Lane 228 Anfu Rd 安福路228弄1号101室) has a sophisticated French style that I just love.

A bit further away is Studio NooSH (2/F, No. 44, Lane 820 Julu Rd 巨鹿路820弄44号2楼). It's the place to go to for French linen products and all things "art de la table."

When it comes to my regular shopping routine, Wulumuqi Road is my go-to destination. I grab my freshly ground coffee from Hidden Track (243-8 Wulumuqi Rd M. 乌鲁木齐中路243-8号), stock up on fresh produce at Avocado Lady (274 Wulumuqi Rd M. 乌鲁木齐中路274号), pick out meat from Swiss Butchery (86 Wulumuqi Rd M. 乌鲁木齐中路86号), indulge in cheese and cold cuts at Alimentari (158 Anfu Rd 安福路158号), and top it all off with some excellent bread from MBD (785-3 Huashan Rd 华山路785-3号) – the best sourdough in town for me. Having all these fantastic shops conveniently located nearby makes life so much easier.

Credit: Courtesy of OKRA

Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?

Shanghai has fantastic pockets with plenty of bars and restaurants. In my neighbourhood, I love grabbing a glass of wine at either RAC (1/F, Bldg 6, 322 Anfu Rd 安福路322号6幢1楼) or Franck (376 Wukang Rd 武康路376号).

When the weather's nice, they both offer terraces which is definitely a plus! If I'm in the mood for something a bit more laid-back, Alimentari (158 Anfu Rd 安福路158号) is always a solid choice. It's casual-yet-charming. And for those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, Bar No.3 (277 Xingguo Rd 兴国路277号) is a fantastic alternative worth checking out.