Things to do in Paris
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Le Jemmapes
This canal-side bar has several Belgian beers on tap as well as no-frills plastic cups for when the party spills outside in nicer weather.
reviewed
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Salon d’Accueil
Salon d’Accueil dispenses copious amounts of information and brochures and is used for temporary exhibitions, usually with a Paris theme.
reviewed
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La Maison de Poupée
Opposite the residence of the French Senate’s president, this delightful little shop sells its namesake dolls houses as well as poupées anciennes (antique dolls).
reviewed
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Le 10
A local institution, the cellar pub ‘Le Dix’ is plastered with posters is a student favourite, not least for its cheap sangria. An eclectic selection emerges from the jukebox – everything from jazz and the Doors to traditional French chansons (à la Édith Piaf). It’s the ideal spot for plotting the next revolution or conquering a lonely heart.
reviewed
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Monastica
For linens, candles, sandals and ceramics sourced from Benedictine and Trappist monasteries in Jerusalem, go to Monastica.
reviewed
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Bofinger
Founded in 1864, Bofinger is reputedly the oldest brasserie in Paris, though its polished art nouveau brass, glass and mirrors throughout flags a redecoration a few decades later. As at most Parisian brasseries, specialities include Alsatian-inspired dishes such as choucroute (sauerkraut with assorted meats), and seafood dishes. Ask for a seat downstairs and under the coupole (stained-glass dome); it’s the prettiest part of the restaurant. Just opposite Le Petit Bofinger is the brasserie’s less brash (and cheaper) little sister.
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La Table des Gourmets
Come here for the venue – a 12th-century chapel with vaulted ceilings – not the standard French dishes at this Chinese-owned establishment.
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Hôtel Matignon
Hôtel Matignon has been the official residence of the French prime minister since the start of the Fifth Republic in 1958.
reviewed
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Parc Zoologique de Paris
The well-managed Parc Zoologique de Paris, home to 600 animals, was undergoing a major renovation at the time of research.
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Patinoire Pailleron
Art Deco in style, 800 sq metres in size and worth the trip is Patinoire Pailleron, open year-round except July and August.
reviewed
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Le Café qui Parle
The Café qui Parle is a fine example of where modern-day eateries are headed in Paris. It offers inventive, reasonably priced dishes prepared by owner-chef Damian Moeuf amid comfortable surroundings. Regulars love the art on the walls and ancient safes down below (the building was once a bank), but not as much as the brunch, served from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays.
reviewed
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La Marine
This large, airy hang-out overlooking Canal St-Martin has been multi-tasking as a cafe, restaurant and bar for years now, and offfers a good cross-section of the neighbourhood population.
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Chateau de Fontainebleau Admission Ticket with Transport from Paris
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Paris, France)
by Viator
Discover Château de Fontainebleau, one of the largest French castles, on a half-day trip from Paris! Listening to an impressive audio commentary, explore this…Not LP reviewed
from USD$115.67 -
Bar-Restaurant du Chemin de Fer
Miles of fun is to hire a bike for €12 a day from the café, Bar-Restaurant du Chemin de Fer; take your passport as a deposit.
reviewed
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Centre de Dégustation Jacques Vivet
To learn how to sort the wheat from the chaff, embark on a one-day tasting course at the highly esteemed Centre de Dégustation Jacques Vivet.
reviewed
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Public Toilet
Paris’ cheapest belle époque attraction is the public toilet on the east side of La Madeleine, which dates from 1905.
reviewed
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Musée de l’Homme
The Musée de l’Homme, housed in the western wing of the Palais de Chaillot, focuses on human development, ethnology and population growth. It is closed for renovations until 2015.
reviewed
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Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Next door to the National Assembly is the Second Empire-style Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, built between 1845 and 1855.
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Paris Street Theater: Belle Epoque Walking Tour of Montmartre
90 minutes (Departs Paris, France)
by Viator
Discover Montmartre in a fun and unique way on this Paris walking tour – an interactive journey through the Belle Epoque. Unlike other walking tours, you’ll…Not LP reviewed
from USD$32.49 -
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Baan Boran à Emporter
If you just want something quick and on the trot, visit Baan Boran à Emporter, which has takeaway service and counter seating.
reviewed
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Cinaxe
The Cinaxe, a cinema with hydraulic seating for 60 people, moves in synchronisation with the action on the screen. Shows begin every 15 minutes.
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Viaduc des Arts Police Station
The spectacular Art Deco police station at the start of rue de Rambouillet is topped with a dozen huge, identical marble torsos.
reviewed
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Small-Group Montmartre Walking Tour: Fine Wines and Famous Artists
3 hours (Departs Paris, France)
by Viator
Explore the district of Montmartre, the hub of artistic Paris, on a 3-hour walking tour teaming fine art with fine wine! Learn of the area’s arty ex-residents,…Not LP reviewed
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Eurocentres
Intensive courses lasting from two to 12 weeks with eight participants cost from €624 to €3216. New courses begin every two, three or four weeks.
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La Chaise au Plafond
Bohemian Marais at its best: The Chair on the Ceiling is a peaceful, warm place, with wooden tables outside on a terrace giving onto tranquil, boutique-encrusted rue du Tréor – a real oasis from the frenzy of the Marais. Its wine list is fine, and its food menu is an ode to local producers – vegetables, eggs for its all-day brunch (€21), apples for a juice not to be missed and so on, all arrive fresh from an organic farm 30km outside Paris. And les toilettes, a sharp mix of shiny stainless steel and sculpted bronze.
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