Things to do in Paris
-
A
Le Loir dans La Théière
Its cutesy name (Dormouse in the Teapot) notwithstanding, this is a wonderful old space filled with retro toys, comfy couches and scenes of Through the Looking Glass on the walls. It's dozen different types of tea poured in the company of excellent savoury tarts and crumble-type desserts ensure a constant queue on the street outside. Breakfast (€12) and brunch (€19.50) too.
reviewed
-
B
Le Crocodile
This green-shuttered bar has been dispensing cocktails (more than 200 on the list) since 1966. The ’70s were ‘epic’ in this bar, and the dream kicks on well into the new millennium. Arrive late for a truly eclectic crowd, including lots of students, and an atmosphere that can go from quiet tippling to raucous revelry. Hours can vary.
reviewed
-
C
Les Dix Vins
This tiny restaurant, on the far side of Montparnasse, is so popular that you will probably have to wait at the bar even if you've booked. Not such a bad thing, of course, in a temple devoted to Bacchus, as you'll be able to sample one of the carefully chosen wines while you wait. Excellent value, good service and stylish decor combine to form a true winner.
reviewed
-
D
Arènes de Lutèce
The 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre Lutetia Arena once sat around 10,000 people for gladiatorial combats and other events. Found by accident in 1869 when rue Monge was under construction, it’s now used by locals playing football and, especially, boules and pétanque.
reviewed
-
E
Au Pied de Fouet
Wholly classic bistro dishes such as entrecôte (steak), confit de canard (duck cooked slowly its own fat) and foie de volailles sauté (pan-fried chicken livers) at this busy bistro are astonishingly good value. Round off your meal with a tarte Tatin, wine-soaked prunes or bowl of fromage blanc (a cross between yoghurt, sour cream and cream cheese).
reviewed
-
F
La Chine Masséna
This enormous restaurant specialising in Cantonese and Chiu Chow cuisine is a real favourite in Chinatown. The dim sum is especially good and women still go around the dining area with trolleys calling out their wares.
reviewed
-
G
Chez Toinette
The atmosphere of this convivial restaurant is rivalled only by its fine cuisine. In the heart of one of the capital’s most touristy neighbourhoods, Chez Toinette has kept alive the tradition of old Montmartre with its simplicity and culinary expertise.
reviewed
-
H
Hammam de la Mosquée de Paris
Massages at this atmospheric hammam cost €1 a minute and come in 10-, 20- or 30-minute packages. Should you fancy an exfoliating body scrub and mint tea, get the 10-/30-minute massage formule (€38/58). There are also lunch deals at La Mosquée de Paris. Bring a swimsuit but hire a towel/dressing gown (€4/5). No kids under 12.
reviewed
-
I
Erotokritos
Greek-Cypriot Erotokritos’ clothes are chic and colourful, combining and contrasting fabrics with amazing prints. They’re also quite affordable, considering the designer’s reputation. There’s also a Les Halles branch ([tel] 01 42 21 44 60; 58 rue d’Argout, 2e; [hrs] 1-7.30pm Mon, 11am-7.30pm Tue-Sat; [metro] Sentier).
reviewed
-
J
Mosquée de Paris
Paris’ central mosque with striking 26m-high minaret was built in 1926 in an ornate Moorish style. Visitors must be modestly dressed and remove their shoes at the entrance to the prayer hall. The complex includes a North African–style salon de thé (tearoom) and restaurant and a hammam, a traditional Turkish-style bathhouse.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Café Marly
This chic venue facing the Louvre’s inner courtyard serves contemporary French fare throughout the day under the palace colonnades. Views of the glass pyramid are priceless.
reviewed
-
L
Les Caves St-Gilles
This Spanish wine bar a short distance northeast of place des Vosges is the most authentic place on the Right Bank for tapas, paella (at the weekend only; €19) and sangria (€28 for 1.4cL). If you’re unsure, just ask the Spanish expats who arrive here in droves.
reviewed
-
M
Gérard Mulot
Fruit tarts (peach, lemon, apple), tarte normande (apple cake) and clafoutis (cherry flan) are among this celebrated patisserie’s specialties.
reviewed
-
N
Ladurée
One of the oldest patisseries in Paris, Ladurée has been around since 1862 and was the original creator of the lighter-than-air macaron. The tearoom here is the classiest spot to indulge your sweet tooth on the Champs; alternatively, pick up some pastries to go – from croissants to its trademark macarons, it’s all quite heavenly.
reviewed
-
O
Fauchon
Paris’ most famous caterer has a half-dozen departments in two buildings selling the most incredibly mouthwatering delicacies, from pâté de foie gras and truffles to confitures (jams).
reviewed
-
P
Comptoir de la Gastronomie
This elegant épicerie fine (specialist grocer) stocks a scrumptious array of gourmet goods to take away; it adjoins a striking art nouveau dining room dating to 1894.
reviewed
-
Q
Aspasie & Mathieu
For old-fashioned accessories like gentlemen’s pocket watches, ladies’ hats and walking canes, browse Aspasie & Mathieu in the Latin Quarter.
reviewed
-
R
Marché Couvert St-Quentin
Iron-and-glass covered market built in 1866; lots of gourmet and upmarket food stalls.
reviewed
-
S
Bowling Mouffetard
Intimate, friendly alley with eight lanes and two entrances.
reviewed
-
T
Cimetière du Père Lachaise
The world’s most visited cemetery, Père Lachaise (named after a confessor of Louis XIV) opened its one-way doors in 1804. Its 69,000 ornate, even ostentatious, tombs of the rich and/or famous form a verdant, 44-hectare sculpture garden. Among those buried here are composer Chopin; playwright Molière; poet Apollinaire; writers Balzac, Proust, Gertrude Stein and Colette; actors Sarah Bernhardt and Yves Montand; painters Pissarro, Seurat, Modigliani and Delacroix; chanteuse Édith Piaf; and dancer Isadora Duncan.
Particularly visited graves are those of Oscar Wilde, interred in division 89 in 1900, and 1960s rock star Jim Morrison, who died in a flat at 17–19 rue…
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
If the Eiffel Tower is Paris, then the Champs-Élysées is la belle France in all its grandeur and glamour. First laid out in the 17th century, the broad avenue today is where presidents and soldiers strut their stuff on Bastille Day, the Tour de France holds its final sprint and, most importantly, where the country parties when it has a reason to celebrate.
It’s also one of the globe’s most sought-after addresses, which you’ll undoubtedly notice as you stroll down the avenue: many of the world’s biggest brands have opened up showrooms here looking to promote their prestige. Part of the axe historique, the Champs-Élysées links place de la Concorde with the Arc de…
reviewed
-
V
Chez Marianne
Absolutely heaving at lunchtime, Chez Marianne translates as elbow-to-elbow eating beneath age-old beams on copious portions of falafel, hummus, purées of aubergine and chickpeas, and 25-odd other zakouski (hors d’œuvres; €12/14/16 for plate of 4/5/6). Fare is Sephardic rather than Ashkenazi (the norm at most Pletzl eateries), not Beth Din kosher, and a hole-in-the-wall window sells falafel in pita (€6) to munch on the move.
reviewed
-
W
Crêperie Bretonne Fleurie de l'Épouse du Marin
Head to the ‘Sailor’s Wife’ if you fancy savoury buckwheat galettes – try the ham, cheese and egg complète – or a sweet crêpe and wash it down with dry cidre de Rance (Rance cider; €6.50 for 50cL) served in a teacup (as is traditional). The Breton paraphernalia and B&W photos will keep you occupied if there’s a lull in the chatter.
reviewed
-
X
Au Pied de Cochon
This venerable establishment, which once satisfied the appetites of both market porters and theatre-goers with its famous onion soup and pieds de cochon (grilled pig’s trotters), has become more uniformly upmarket and touristy since Les Halles was moved to the suburbs.
But it still opens round the clock seven days a week as it has since the end of WWII, and its pig’s trotters, tails, ears and snouts are definitely worth writing a postcard home about. Children’s menu €7.90.
reviewed
-
Moulin Rouge Show Paris
by Viator
The Moulin Rouge is the number one show in Paris, if not the whole of Europe. No wonder it sells out quickly! Don't miss your chance to see the world-renowned…Not LP reviewed
from USD$146.14