BEST Insider Tips Spotted By Locals & PARIS Travel Guide
Paris The Best Insider Tips, Spotted By Real Locals & City Travel Guide
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The Paris Authors & Spotters Fred Joliveau, 1978
I was born and grew up in Colombes, a northwestern Parisian suburb, where I presently live. But don’t think I have never moved in my life! I’m a big traveler, even if I remain a very urban person and travel mostly to cities. Not only did I do most of my studies outside Paris (Nancy, East of France) but I also lived (between 3 months and 2 years) in Dublin, Milan, Rome, and Buenos Aires. I really love the latter two, but well, Paris sera toujours Paris: each time I come back, I revisit my home town with new eyes, and more hindsight.
What I particularly like in Paris:
• not very busy at night
• very easy to walk or cycle;
This city blog will therefore bring you to the Paris I like, including many outdoor spots – charming squares, romantic but ignored areas – museums and cinemas, but also places to enjoy a break, have a rest during your exhausting visit of the Ville Lumière.
• fascinating history, still partly visible in the modern city; • architectural and urban homogeneity; • rich cultural life (mostly cinema and museums); • mixture of conservatism and modernity; • great number and value of artistic works (novels, photos, films...) set in Paris; • the river Seine, its banks, its islands... What I particularly don’t like in Paris: • expensive city, especially bars and restaurants; • arrogance and snobbery of some Parisians gentrification of working class areas;
I’ll also bring you to the relaxed and cheap places where I enjoy having a drink, and help you discover the best vegetarian (but not only) places to grab a bite. Paris is one of the most touristic cities in the world, and everyone “knows” it to a certain degree even before visiting it for the first time. I hope to lead you to a non- classical approach to the city, make you discover its un- expected sides, and enrich you with its cultural identity and history.
• French traditional food, mostly meat and fish based (I’m vegetarian); 3
#3 – 6th Floor Centre Pompidou – Arty And Relaxed
6th Floor Centre Pompidou Place Georges Pompidou Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Restaurants Free Wed - Mon 12:00 - 20:50
If you like watching the passing parade, then the Pompidou Centre is the place for you. Everyone ends up here: upper-crust Parisians, the arty set that comes to admire magnificent artworks and tourists from all over the world all congregate here to enjoy the magnificent view of Paris from the 6th floor of the Centre Pompidou. It’s also a fantastic place to relax on a sunny winter’s day. The hall is furnished with colorful sofas where tired tourists (or locals) easily dose off in the relaxed atmosphere.
There’s a second elevator that will take you all the way up to the sixth floor where you can visit George’s or enjoy those lovely sofas!
To enjoy this facility, you’re meant to have a ticket for the centre. Tip: There’s a ‘secret’ elevator route that many locals use to get around this requirement, just turn left as you enter the building via the main entrance (if anyone asks where you’re going, say it’s to ‘George’s’ and take the first elevator on the left as far as it goes).
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#10 – Atelier des Sens – Learn to Cook Like a Star Chef!
Atelier des Sens 40 Rue Sedaine +33140210850 Art & culture, Relaxing, Restaurants (Int'l) Workshop 34 €
Even if you come here alone, you won’t lack friends. This is a place where people get together to cook fantastic food – then they get to eat it themselves and decide if it’s as good as they thought it would be. Whether you go by yourself or in a group, it’s a fun experience that shouldn’t be missed – especially if you aspire to great cookery! You’ll find Atelier des Sens in the 11th district near to the Bastille. The venue has plenty of ambiance and features a lovely courtyard. You won’t only learn about French cuisine here – all the best of word cooking is on offer for you to learn and try out. You can select the style of cookery you’d most like to learn when you make your booking (yes, you do have to book!).
You can even book this cool activity-based venue for anything from a bachelor’s party to a child’s birthday bash and you can request your lesson in English if you don’t think your French is going to make the grade. You get to take your apron home as a souvenir of an unforgettable Parisian evening. If you’re going to be around for a while, you can subscribe to the cookery courses and get a discount or sign up your child for an hour’s cookery lesson every week.
For three hours, you get the personal mentorship of a professional chef and your group will never exceed a dozen people – the atmosphere remains personal and enjoyable. Together, you cook amazing food and then everyone sits down to enjoy the meal together – truly an experience that everyone should try at least once. 5
#13 – Big Fernand – Eat Burgers The French Way
Big Fernand 55 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière +33142460627 Restaurants (Burgers) Burger, fries & drink € 13 Mon - Thu 12:00- 14:30 Fri - Sat 12:00 - 14:30 & 19:30 - 22:30
Are you looking for the best burger in Paris? Look no further! It’s a far cry from a big Mac, so you don’t have to feel you’re relinquishing the French experience when you chow down on one of Big Fernand’s burgers!
down the road at 45 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière.
Pick your patty – you can choose between beef, chicken, veal or lamb and they’ve got a great vegetarian patty that will please the non-meat eaters in your party too. Forget about massproduced burger rolls – you’ll get homemade bread, good quality cheese, farm fresh bacon and awesome fries. There’s even dessert, but you’ll have to be really hungry since the burgers are a meal and a half! You don’t even have to stick to the menu – create your own burger using a selection of mouthwatering toppings. There are two branches in Paris, one at 55 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière and another at 32 rue du Saint-Sauveur. Big Fernand branches are opening up all over France. You don’t have to go big, though. If all you want is a home made hot dog, then Little Fernand is just 6
#17 – Butte aux Cailles – Enjoy The Unexpected
Butte aux Cailles Boulevard Auguste Blanqui/ Rue Tolbiac Bars, Coffee & tea Pint of Beer 5 € Most bars till 02:00
Village charm and a laid back atmosphere are not usually associated with bustling Paris, but Paris is full of surprises and Butte aux Cailles is a case in point. In the hills on the Southern side of the city, you’ll find the 13th arrondissement bordered to the North by the Boulevard Auguste Blanqui. The Southern side is demarcated by Rue Tolbiac, the west by Rue Barrault and the east is bordered by Moulin-des-Prés. Parisians love their bustling city, but those who love a quiet atmosphere to come home to aspire to live here. The district reflects its agrarian roots although there are no longer rolling fields and the river that once ran through it has been canalized underground. Its name speaks of its history: in the sixteenth century, it was owned by a man named Cailles and ‘buttes’ means ‘hills’. The laid-back neighbourhood is visibly different from neighbouring Haussmann’s Paris that borders one side of it and the towering city buildings on its other side.
great destination for a day-trip. Take a stroll down Rue Butte aux Cailles and choose from a rich variety of bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is lively and informal and you can enjoy great, moderately priced food at eateries such as the interesting Chez Gladines, a Basque restaurant in the the Rue des Cinq Diamants. In the Rue Buttes aux Cailles itself, La Folie en Tête is well worth visiting, Le Diapason is equally good, and Sputnik is also highly recommended.
You’ll find plenty of worthwhile venues and activities here and Butte aux Cailles makes for a 7
#18 – Butte Bergeyre – A Different View of Montmartre
Butte Bergeyre Rue Georges Lardennois Art & culture, Relaxing 24 hours daily
A lot of tourists miss out on this pretty but little known area of Paris. Discover this best-keptsecret of the city. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere and the old buildings. Don’t forget to bring your camera, not only is the district itself a feast for the eyes, it also offers you an unparalleled view of Montmarte. Be ready to climb lots of stairs! The area can only be reached via one winding road, the rue Georges Lardennois, but the best way to get there is on foot using one of three pedestrian staircases. There’s one at 52 rue Simón Bolívar, another staircase at 19 rue Manin; and the third staircase takes you up the hill at 40 rue Mathurin Moreau. You’ll have to look at your map carefully, since they’re marked out as thin lines.
If you find that certain spots look familiar, you may have seen the film ‘Mood Indigo’ which was shot on location in this delightful neighbourhood. In fact, you might feel that you have stepped into a motion picture yourself, especially when you reach the top of the hill and take in the magnificent view of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur. It’s a view that few tourists ever see and if you haven’t been tempted to use your camera yet, you will be now!
Entering Butte Bergeyre transports you into another Paris with minimal traffic, a well-tended community garden and plenty of greenery. Although the architecture varies in style, there’s harmony in the overall effect of this pretty residential suburb. 8
#21 – Canal de l’Ourcq – Waterside Relaxation
Canal de l’Ourcq Rue D'ourcq Relaxing Free 24 hours daily
Many of the waterways of Paris are famous for the inspiration they’ve afforded artists, writers and ordinary people who’ve enjoyed The Sienne or the Canal St Martin, but the Canal de l’Ourcq is an unknown Cinderella among these famous places. That’s exactly why you should visit it. It lacks none of the romantic qualities of its more famous cousins, but you won’t have to jostle for space. That's its charm: space. The streets of Paris can become a bit much for even the most hardened city dweller, so finding a bit of open space, greenery and riverside calm can be a relief. The river has its origin about 100km outside Paris near Troesnes and eventually joins the Canal Saint-Martin at the Bassin de la Vilette where the combined streams make up an artificial lake. Its banks are the perfect spot to get grounded before re-entering the vibrant hustle and bustle of Paris.
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#25 – Chartier – Classical French Food At Reasonable Prices
Chartier 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre +33147708629 Restaurants (French) Main course 11 € 11:30 - 22:00 daily
Although everyone would love to try out classical French cuisine, many Parisian restaurants are shockingly expensive. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you should try getting your introduction to French food at Chartier. You’ll be dining in considerable style. Once you’re through the rather majestic entrance way, you’ll find yourself in an old-world setting complete with antiques and brightened by mirrors. Even the staff dress accordingly and you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the service.
an array of wooden boxes where regular diners used to store their serviettes. If you have to queue for a table, it’s worth the wait (sorry, you can’t book). However the queue moves quite quickly since there are plenty of tables and most diners are quite business-like. Chartier is highly recommended for authentic yet cost effective dining.
Try house specialities like chicken and chips, duck, steak tartare (for the adventurous) and real French escargots while you’re there – or make several visits so that you can try them all! There are also some novel ideas such as the concept of using your paper tablecloth as your bill. The waiter simply writes everything up on the tablecloth, so you won’t get any nasty surprises after a gastronomic evening because you can track how much you are spending as you go. The establishment has not lost track of its roots as a working-class canteen and you can still see
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#29 – Cimetière des Chiens – More Than Just a Pet Cemetery
Cimetière des chiens 4 Pont de Clichy +33140862111 Art & culture, Relaxing Entrance fee 3.50 € Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
Don’t be put off by the fact that this is a cemetery for pets, it’s actually a very worthwhile spot to visit for some peace and quiet and even looking at the graves can be really interesting. You’ll find it in the Parisian suburb of Asnières beside the Seine. It certainly is proof that the French love their household pets! The cemetery is over a hundred years old and some of the graves are quite beautiful. It’s not only a place for dead animals, though. The space is used as a sanctuary for stray cats that live contentedly between the tombstones. One might wonder what the deceased dogs would think if they knew about that!
If you’d like to visit a cemetery for people to round off your visit to the Parisian dead, a stroll upstream along the Seine will take you to a bridge which leads you to the rue Baudin. Here you will find the lesser known cemetery of LevalloisPerret. Of course, the most famous cemeteries in Paris are Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre, but Levallois-Perret has a British World War 1 memorial and notables that have been buried there include Gustave Eifel, the composer Maurice Ravel and Louise Michel (also known as the Red Virgin). The gates are open from eight in the morning till six in the evening.
Getting around in Paris isn’t difficult if you know your metro and to reach Cimetière des chiens, you simply take line 13 of the metro alighting at Gabriel Péri. Note that you’ll be using the yellow line after La Fourche. Alternatively, you can catch the number 54 bus and get off at the Place Voltaire. It’s closed on Mondays and also on public holidays with the exception of 1 November. 11
#41 – Immeuble Lavirotte - Art Nouveau Architecture At Its Best
Immeuble Lavirotte 29 Avenue Rapp Art & culture 24 hours daily
Art Nouveau, a style known in German as Jugendstil, is most often called by its French name among the English – it certainly sounds more exciting than ‘Modern Style’! Most of the great Art Nouveau buildings in France are found in Nancy in the Lorraine. However, all things are to be found in Paris and if you want to admire some beautiful Art Nouveau architecture there are some lovely buildings that you should see.
cul-de-sac literally a few meters from the Immeuble Lavirotte. Continue to 33 rue du Champ de Mars so that you can admire the Maison des Arums. If this excursion leaves you thirsting for more, you should visit the unusual Céramic Hôtel at 34 Avenue de Wagram not far from the Arc de Triomphe.
For that, you need to move out of the old town to the areas that were developed in the early 1900’s such as the 7th and the 16th arrondissements. Here you will find the work of two of the most prominent architects of the times, Hector Guimard (who also designed metro entrances) and Jules Lavirotte. In the neighbourhood of the Eiffel Tower, you will find the Avenue Rapp where the newly-restored Immeuble Lavirotte can be seen. For those who love interesting architecture, it is not to be missed. You won’t see only one interesting Art Nouveau on your promenade. From here, it is a short way to the Cité Rapp which you’ll find in a 12
#44 – Kei – New On The Scene With One Michelin Star
KEI 5 Rue du Coq Héron +33142331474 Restaurants (Franco-Japanese) Main from 45 € Tue - Sat 12:30 - 15:00 & 19:30 - 23:00
New and creative, the Kei adds a touch of the Japanese to French cuisine creating a wonderful hybrid culinary style that’s quite unique. In fact, the whole style of dining is unique. You will be offered two set menus – but all you’ll see on the menu is the price of each option. What you will know, is that one option consists of 4 courses whilst the 5 course option includes fish or meat. You won’t have to worry about overeating, the portion sizes are just right!
the menu for the day you might enjoy tempura of gambas. Whatever is being served, you can be certain that this restaurant and its creative chef will enjoy a bright future.
As with all the best establishments, you will have to book in advance in order to enjoy a meal in the elegant restaurant, but you don’t have to worry about crowding. There are only a few tables to be had. The cuisine has got Paris talking and the venue is ideal for a romantic dinner where you will soon discover why this ‘newbie’ on the Paris culinary scene has already attained its first Michelin star. Delicate flavors, beautiful presentation and superb service all contribute to the dining experience. Even if foie gras is not your favorite food, you’ll love their version of the dish and depending on 13
#53 – La Bellevilloise – Sound, Lights And Action
La Bellevilloise 19, 21 Rue Boyer +33146360707 Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music Drinks Wed - Fri 17:30 - 00:20 Sat - Sun 11:00 - 02:00
La Bellevilloise is one of the foremost places where you can enjoy typical Parisian night-life. However, it’s not only a place for music and dancing. A variety of events are offered and it’s worth checking out what is on the programme while you are in Paris.
Maroquinerie, also famed for its live music, at number 23. Pick your spot and go and have fun – or visit them both!
Once, the site housed a worker’s cooperative named Bellevilloise and the club took on this rather fanciful name which means ‘dedication to light and creation’ when it opened in 2005. Yes, you can expect everything you would usually find in a club, but the venue is divided into four rooms that offer different attractions. You could find an art exhibition in progress or get to see live music. Perhaps a DJ will be spinning the discs or there might be an interactive workshop in progress. There could be a film festival or a market – there’s always something on the go. Every visitor to Paris should experience its night life and you can’t make a better choice than starting in the rue Boyer. Apart from La Bellevilloise at 19 and 21 rue Boyer, you will find an equally popular nightspot called la
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#57 – La Fine Mousse – Hand-Crafted Beers
La Fine Mousse 6 Avenue Jean Aicard Bars Beer (demi) from 3.50 € 17:00 - 02:00 daily
You can get a wide variety of different beers in Paris, whether you prefer it bottled or on tap, but the brands on offer are generally mass-produced and don’t reflect the fruits of the Parisian brewmasters’ art. If you want authentic real ales or craft beers, look out for the words bières artisanales or simply go to one of the best sources of craft beers, La Fine Mousse. The bar, situated in Oberkamf 6th district Avenue Jean Aicard has an upmarket feel without being overly formal. It’s not very large, either, so most drinkers stay in the region of the L-shaped bar counter. However, if you prefer the privacy of a table, you can choose to sit at one of the tables set at a distance from the bustling bar area. La Fine Mousse definitely caters to beer connoisseurs and offers a changing selection of beers. However, there are always a minimum of twenty beers on tap and over one hundred different types of bottled beers. Whether your preference is for light or dark ales, higher or local alcohol brews and malty or fruity flavors, you will undoubtedly find a beer you’ll enjoy.
Because of the vast number of choices offered, La Fine Mousse makes it easy for you by providing a brief description of each beer. The staff are also well trained and will know how to advise you so that you make the right choice to suit your tastes. The prices are surprisingly reasonable and you can expect to pay about 4 € for 1/2 pint. This allows you to sample more than one of the fine beers or even enjoy an evening of beer-tasting with a select group of friends. For those who prefer hand-made cider or freshly squeezed fruit juices, there’s also a great selection, so not everyone who goes with has to be a beer-lover. If you get peckish, you can get a cold meat or cheese board or visit La Fine Mousse’s restaurant conveniently situated right next door.
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#60 – La Maroquinerie Parisienne – Bags At A Discount
La Maroquinerie Parisienne 30 Rue Tronchet +33147428340 Shopping Mon 13:00 - 19:00 Tue - Sat 10:00 - 19:00
Combining sight-seeing with shopping is easy in Paris. If you’re in the area of Grands Boulevards you can take in the Place de la Concorde, the Rue Royale and the church of La Madeleine as well as the very worthwhile Pinacothèque museum. There’s one particular store that you should visit while you are here. You’ll find Rue Tronchetat the rear of La Madeleine.
No matter what your style, taste or brand preference, you are bound to find an item that suits you in this comprehensively stocked store. Service is somewhat perfunctory , but you will find top brands like Longchamp, Gerard Darel or Lancel at better prices than you will find anywhere else.
While you are in this street, you should look out for famous shops like Printemps, Comptoir des Cotonniers (the ladies will love the clothes!) and La Capre where you can buy any kitchen utensil or accessory you could possibly think of. La Maroquinerie Parisienne is also here and it is the ultimate place to buy bags, luggage and leather wallets. The shop has two levels, a smaller, lower level and a larger upper level at the head of a flight of stairs. If you take the trouble to climb the stairs, you will get between 10 and 20 percent discount on everything you buy. Although the lower level’s stock is officially not discounted, you can still try your luck there by asking for one!
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#62 – La Promenade plantée – A Stroll On The Viaduct
La Promenade plantée Coulée verte till Bastille Relaxing Free Mon - Fri 08:00 - 21:00 Sat - Sun 09:00 - 21:00
Whether or not you are interested in exotic plants, this walk is very well worth taking since it is absolutely unique. A viaduct with a history dating back to ancient times joins Bastille square with the Periphery Boulevard and this has been converted into a park that stretches around 4.5km, bisecting the 12th arrondissement.
undoubtedly the most beautiful with its views of the city, its peaceful atmosphere and exquisite landscaping by landscape artists Vergely and Mathieux. Even if your time in Paris is limited, you should make some time on your itinerary to take in La Promenade plantée.
Imagine strolling through Paris at an elevation of about 9m from ground level on an ancient viaduct! This is definitely an experience that is not to be missed! In accordance with its name, the route along the Promenade plantée is lined with beautiful trees and unusual plants. At the same time, Paris is all around you, so you get the best of both worlds. There is also a lower level cycle track where cyclists can enjoy the route without having to dodge traffic. Further down, on ground level, there are arcades where you will find as many as 50 arts and crafts studios. You can easily spend all day browsing through their wares and you will soon see why the area is loved by locals and tourists alike, but it is the upper level that is 17
#71 – Le Parc des Buttes Chaumont – Pleasantest Park In Paris
Le Parc des Buttes Chaumont Parc des Buttes Chaumont Relaxing Free Daily
Regardless of the season, we all need to break away from the noise of the city sometimes and Le Parc des Buttes Chaumont offers the ideal escape in the heart of Paris. Most Parisian parks are on the small side and others, though larger, are traditional formal gardens that don’t have anything much to do with nature. This park is an exception. Not only is it generous in size, occupying a hill with a fantastic view, but you can really get the sensation of being in natural surroundings.
That’s not all: stroll to the lowest point of the park and discover caves, waterfalls and tranquil pools. It has to be seen to be believed! There are plenty of attractions to amuse children and the young at heart.
From a vantage point on the hill, the view of the lake that forms part of the park is superb at any time of the year, but particularly in autumn when the warm autumn colours of the trees reflect in the lake’s waters. There’s an island with a fanciful turret that looks like something from a children’s story in the centre of the lake. Climb to the top of the turret and you get a lovely view over Paris with Sacre Couer and Montmarte at a distance, though easily recognisable. 18
#78 – Lekker – Cool Store For The Ladies
Lekker 35 Rue des 3 frères Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks Main dish 10 € Tue - Sun 11:00 - 20:00
A visit to Abbesses is always pleasant. There are good restaurants and some super shops such as Lekker, a truly unusual store with super-cool murals and even cooler stock on the shop floor. It’s owned by two young women who have their fingers on the pulse of fashion and although they stock designer clothing, the prices are remarkably reasonable. You can buy a dress there for 80 to 180 Euros, which is almost dirt cheap if you’re going to buy designer clothing.
Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable at any point. The intimate size of the shop, the friendly service and the pleasant overall atmosphere will soon have you feeling right at home. It’s a little bit off the beaten track, tucked away in rue des 3 frères, but it is very well worth seeking out and deserves to become a popular attraction in Paris.
You’ll also love the accessories such as the bags and costume jewellery. Once again, the stock represents the cutting-edge of fashion and it’s reasonably priced considering the superb quality and big names behind the creations. They get new stock in on a regular basis, so there’s almost always something new to see. If you need some time to decide what you’re going to buy, or even if you’re just in need of refreshment, the shop houses a lovely tea-room that also serves meals at certain times during the day. 19
#82 – Les Villas de la Mouzaïa – Flowers And Cats
Les Villas de la Mouzaïa Rue de Mouzaïa Relaxing 24 hours daily
Every city has big, ugly, concrete buildings and Paris is no exception, but sometimes such unprepossessing sites might conceal something magical hidden right beside or behind them and this is the case with Les Villas de la Mouzaïa near the Place des Fêtes and very close to Buttes Chaumont park. Five ugly apartment blocks, the homes of working-class folk conceal the 20 villas on Rue de Mouzaïa, one of the most picturesque residential areas in all of Paris.
small) gardens and of course, there are plenty of pampered and affectionate house cats. The residents reflect their love of cats with signs on their doors bearing slogans like ‘friendly cat’, ‘crazy cat’ (chat lunatique) or even ‘beware of the cats’. The combination of lovely little gardens, cat-loving residents and pretty houses makes for a lovely area to enjoy a stroll and maybe a conversation with a cat!
They’re also known as Carrières d'Amérique which can be translated as ‘The Quarries of America’ and the name is based on the fact that the spot was once the site of gypsum quarries which supplied gypsum to the USA. Legend has it that the same gypsum that was quarried here was used in the construction of the White House. In the 19th century, the site was still relatively undeveloped owing to instability caused by the quarrying, but today it is surely one of the loveliest areas in Paris. Flower gardens abound as proud residents ‘bring the love outside’ in the form of beautiful (though 20
#84 – Lou Pascalou – A Parisian Favourite
Lou Pascalou 14 Rue des Panoyaux +33146367810 Art & culture, Bars, Music Half-pint of beer 3.00 € 09:00 - 02:00 daily
If you have Parisian friends, they’ll probably tell you about this place or even take you there, but in case everyone thinks you already know about it, you should remember that this is one of the favourite places to relax in all Paris. Of course, a place this popular is also crowded so you shouldn’t expect to have the place to yourself or even be able to choose where you’ll sit but you’ll enjoy the casual atmosphere that’s perfect for socialising or relaxing with a drink.
ordinary pub either, people from all over Paris are drawn to it and it has a family atmosphere with plenty of kids amusing themselves between the tables. There are exhibitions that change every month. Every week a music concert is featured for the entertainment of patrons.
One of its many advantages is that it isn’t on one of the main streets. Rue des Panoyaux, close to the stylish and busy Rue Oberkampf, is quiet and there’s a lovely terrace with room for plenty of tables which is ideal for summer afternoon sundowners. Of course, it’s not the only good bar in the area. You can browse bars on the Rue Oberkampf or explore the other establishments on the Rue des Panoyaux. They’re unpretentious places, designed for relaxation and you can decide for yourself which of them is the best, but Lou Pascalou is a definite favourite. It’s not just an 21
#85 – Louvre's Secrets – Where The Tour Guides Don’t Take You
Louvre's empty rooms Cour Napoléon +33140205050 Art & culture, Relaxing Entrance adults 12 € Wed - Mon 09:00 - 18:00 Wed & Fri until 21:45 You really don’t need to know much about Paris in order to know that the Louvre is one of the places that every tourist should visit while they are in Paris. Today, this sumptuous 12th century palace which later became one of the residences of the Sun King has been transformed into the most spectacular art museum in the world. Whether your preference is for art or architecture, the Louvre will not disappoint.
(and you should, even though you’ll find it somewhat crowded in the vicinity of this iconic masterpiece) and the newly restored Victory of Samothrace, but the less popular halls and corridors will offer you some incredible paintings and sculptures and more peaceful surroundings. You’ll be able to linger when the fancy takes you and you’ll be able to enjoy both the building and the art it houses at your own pace.
The one thing you should not do is to join the many guided tours that trudge the same routes day after day – or do a guided tour and then explore on your own. It’s well worth it. Not only will you be able to obtain a better feel for the magnificent rooms and echoing corridors, you’ll also be able to pause to admire the magnificent view through the many windows and enjoy some beautiful artworks that are off the tour-guides’ routes. The Louvre’s exhibitions range from the art of ancient Mesopotamia to the idealistic pieces created by the Romantics during the 19th century. Of course, you can see the famous Mona Lisa 22
#87 – Maje – High Fashion A Reduced Prices
Maje Stock 90 Rue des Martyrs +33142544894 Shopping Basic dress € 100 Mon - Sat 10:30 - 19:30
Paris tempts shoppers with the finest fashions. How could one even considering leaving Paris without a few additions to one’s wardrobe? Unfortunately, it can easily become an exercise in overspending – unless you know where to shop! The top fashion houses often have left-over stock that they want to clear and such items end up in a ‘Stock shop’. Some items will be from the last season and some will be the last of this season’s best-sellers, either way, the prices are reduced substantially and you can get a lot more for your money.
of colour. Adding a touch of Paris style to your wardrobe has never been easier. A short distance away, close to the Marcadet Poissonniers subway station, you’ll find a stock shop called Andre's. You’ll find the right shoes to match your new wardrobe there so don’t spend everything on those clothes!
Rue des Martyrs in Abbesses houses two stores that belong to the same group: Maje and Les Petities. You’ll find a good variety of clothing on display from smart to casual and from simple Tshirts to beautiful dresses. You’ll be able to shop for clothing to your heart’s content and pick up the matching accessories while you’re there. They specialise in ladies’ clothing made from high quality, light fabrics mostly in sober colours like black and navy blue but with occasional touches 23
#91 – Médaillons Dibbets – Follow The Paris Meridian
Médaillons Dibbets Place de l'Île de Sein Original location of Arago's statue Art & culture, Relaxing 24 hours daily
Today, most people don’t realise that where the meridian (zero degrees longitude) should be was once a hot topic for debate. There was the Greenwich meridian (the one cartographers eventually agreed to use), but there was also the Paris meridian. The Paris meridian was used by French cartographers until 1884 and you can still see longitude references that display both Greenwich and Paris meridians. François Arago was a prominent astronomer with a passion for measurements and he was instrumental in accurately plotting the Paris meridian. Later in life, he became director of the Paris observatory and his work is still respected all over the world.
unfortunately many of the medallions have been stolen. However, you can still see a few of them embedded in the paving. You can find out where all the medallions were initially placed on the Dutch Embassy website. There are also six medallions on display in the Louvre and several ae to be found cossing the Cour Napoléon behind the main pyramid. If you think you might know where the Paris meridian is because you watched the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’, you’re mistaken – as usual, Hollywood has altered the facts – so go and find the real Paris meridian and hunt down the 60 remaining medallions.
A statue was erected to his memory in the Place de l'Île de Sein, but it failed to survive world war two. In 1994, the French commissioned a conceptual artist from the Netherlands, Jan Dibbets, to create a new memorial to Arago’s work. His idea of marking out the Paris meridian with bronze medallions bearing Arago’s name was approved and successfully completed, but 24
Bonus! 8 Secrets To Booking Cheap Flights
We've got a flight expert on hand who will tell you how to book a cheap flight
1. Take last-minute deals for domestic flights Airlines cut prices when they can't fill planes for an upcoming weekend trip.
The best time to purchase your ticket is 4-8 weeks prior to travel for international travel and 3-6 weeks for domestic. 6. Make at least 5 searches to find great deals
2. The best money-saving tip! Leave on a Wednesday, Tuesday or Saturday
Try adding a couple days to your trip before or after peak travel days to lower the fare.
Wednesday is one of the three cheapest days, the others are Tuesday and Saturday.
7. Alternate airports
3. Break up families or groups into separate
Check nearby alternatives for better deals.
purchases Airlines limit the number of seats they sell at their lowest rate. 4. For extended stays, book two one-way flights Airlines charge more for extended round-trip flights (more than 4 weeks). 5. Book in advance
8. Compare prices from multiple agencies & book online One mainstream fare aggregator will almost never save you money. This metasearch app is the most comprehensive cheap flight search engine which compares 728 airlines and over 30 major travel agents. So you don't have to visit tens of dierent travel websites to get the best price.
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Bonus! 7 Tips To Get The Best Deal When Booking a Hotel
We've also got a former front desk manager on hand who will tell you how to book a hotel room and save you even more money
1. Time your booking
5. Put more people in a room
On any given day, prices can fluctuate based on whether the hotel thinks it will be able to fill its rooms for the night. Your best time to book is usually within 24 hours of the stay, when hotels slash prices to avoid vacant rooms.
Family rooms are common, and putting four in a quad is much cheaper than two doubles. Many doubles come with a double bed and a sliver of a single, so a third person pays very little. The DON’TS of booking a hotel room
2. Ask nicely for an upgrade 6. Don't consume above your needs Instead of booking the fanciest room in the place, reserve a lower-rate room and then ask for an upgrade. If you're traveling at an off-peak time, you have a higher chance of moving up to a vacant, better room at check-in.
A two-star hotel is not necessarily bad value. On holiday, all you need is a good location, comfy bed & Wi-Fi.
3. Use any flexibility you might have
they're charging hotels from 20% to 49%
7. Don't rely on the traditional booking sites as commission
If you are flexible about the date of your stay, investigate different days of the week or an alternative week.
There are some other fantastic apps like Hotellook that offer a better price - up to 35% savings compared to traditional booking sites.
4. Shopping around Compare rates at various hotels. Independent travelers recommend using online search engines like Hotellook app for better deals.
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