Paris is a different place for everyone. For me, it's a city I pretend to call home for a month to wander and reconnect with old friends. I recently got back from my latest excursion, and because I live to please Svetlana, I decided I’d share a few words. And while I'm not sure where this is going, I do know that you should probably be listening to Françoise Hardy
and Vanessa Paradis.
Because everything’s better in categories...
ART
Palais de Tokyo, the most fun museum and the only one open until midnight, has an unconventional programming that showcases contemporary art in a great space. All the exhibits are temporary, many by young artists, so there’s always something or someone to discover.
SHOP
Le Marais is a good place for vintage/thrift stores. I find the best pieces at Free ’P’ Star, 8, Rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie. Also, Coiffeur Vintage, on 32, Rue des Rosiers, has a great assortment of leather boots, bags and jackets. Since you're there, might as well grab a falafel at L’As du Fallafel.
If you’re looking for something different, find Colette, a popular, privately owned shop that specializes in, both mainstream and rare, designer and street fashions and designs. Also, hunt down Kiliwatch and Kabuki, on Etienne Marcel.
BOOKS
La Hune, 170, Boulevard Saint-Germain, between the area’s most popular cafés, Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, (Brasserie Lipp is across the street) is an obsession. The French literature and theory collections are downstairs, while the international art and architecture books reside upstairs.
SHOWS
La Flèche d’Or is a former train station near Père Lachaise that has at least two/three bands play a night. It’s just a really chill, intimate place to meet with friends and hear live music.
DESSERT
It's well-recognized that Ladurée has the best macarons in the world. But, you should know, everything they make is just as ridiculously delicious. My favorite remains the Saint-Honoré Rose-Framboise. YUM.
And while we’re on the topic of places that are famous for specific things- get a hot chocolate at Angelina, 226, Rue de Rivoli, and Marco Polo tea at Mariage Frères.
DANCE
Like everywhere else in the world, great nights happen in good company...and with good music. Le Montana, Rex Club, Chacha, Régine, Le Showcase are some of the current leading clubs. But that’s just today; nightspots are always changing, disappearing, ie Le Paris Paris. Le Baron, however, will most likely keep being what it is/has been. Also, Social Club has the most youthful energy. It's stupid fun, really. Here's a glimpse.
It's OK to judge.
DRINKS
I think I’m addicted to Pop In. My first night in the bar, three years ago, involved so much greatness, including some heavy dancing in their basement, where they also host local bands and open-mic nights. Also, try The Bottle Shop.
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We all love discovering new places, so use this space to share a little something yourself...
Previously in Misc/Awesome:
- 12/28: Terrible Boyfriend/ Girlfriend Generator.
- 12/1: The John Waters Advent Calendar-it starts today
- 11/28: It Chooses You: All I Want for Christmas is Everything from Miranda July's Pop-Up Shop
- 11/3: Things I'd Move to Minnesota For
- 9/6: PHOTOS: Maloof $$ Money Cup
- 9/2: PHOTOS: Chantilly Model Train Show
- 9/1: Libby's List: 5 Things I Want Right Now...
- 8/22: PHOTOS: Best Friends Day
- 8/10: PHOTOS: Lawn Mover Racing, Eastern Seaboard Regionals @ Bowles Farm
- 7/26: Special List: Things the BYGays Want Now That We Can Marry In DC (and NY!)
God loves a cheerful giver.
Bravo, Ryma! lovely photos. and I love free p star as well. is the first shot at chez paul by chance?
Remember me to yourself when I send you a message for more info in about a year.
Thanks! Actually, no. It's a bistro near Place de l'Opéra.
Love Paris.
I liked Mecanique Ondulatoire (near Bastille) which had a cool garage-y calendar of shows.
Espace Dali up in Montmartre has really great, interesting stuff if you are a Dali-phile. When I was there over Christmas, it was a Dali D'Or (gold) exhibit.
For graphic novel/comics nerds, Album is an absolute goldmine of stuff. The French graphic novel market is way more interesting and diverse than America's revolving door for major publishers' monthlies.
I also adore the coffee I've gotten at Brulerie des Gobelins, right on Gobelins meets the south end of Rue Mouffetard.
Damn, I want to go back now.
Awesome post!
You nailed some of my favourite spots in Paris but you never mentioned any parks or museums! Maybe it's too touristy but Père Lachaise Cemetery, Place de Vosges and Parc de la Villette are great outdoor spots. The Catacombs at Denfert-Rochereau metro are a must see and at La Musée Rodin or Musée de l'Orangerie you can find some really nice work without the headache of a mega museum . Also La Grand Palais has evening events and art expos all the time featuring young artists from around the world.
For the less touristy you can check out a pretty sweet mosque near the Jardin des Plantes (2 Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 5eme) it was where the guy waited for the muslim girl and her grandfather to leave the mosque in the movie Paris je t'aime. They have a hot steam bath open to the public.
Le Pont des Art is a gathering spot where people sit over the water and picnic around sunset on Friday and Saturday evenings. It's a great place to meet new people and find out about parties.
I could go on forever about Paris but I might impulsively buy a plane ticket if I go on anymore!
*i meant parks only!