A guide by PaoloT
Probably the best 22 euro steak on the planet! The side of a cow smothered in immaculate sauce served with endless frittes. And the salads are not bad either. With impressive North African wines. It has a real feel, an authentic old Parisian atmosphere. It is where I proposed to my wife, and where I return at every available opportunity. You cannot beat it. Just remember, no reservations so get in early before the Parisians.
47. Rue de Bretagne
Paris' constant drone of traffic noise can be wearying for the footsore tourist, but if you are near to the Opera Bastille you can make an instant escape by walking up a few steps on to the Promenade Plantee.
This little heaven away from the roar of the big city is actually a reclaimed elevated railway line, 4.5km long and planted with thousands of gorgeous flowers and shrubs. Instant relaxation guaranteed, instant slowing down of pulse, and another - somewhat secret - addition to this wonderful city's delights.
If, like me, you know that going to Paris means going clothes shopping then here is a treat: mens’ and ladies’ wear shop Comptoir du Marais.
It has two floors packed with stylish but wearable designs by young French designers and is unbelievably cheap! The shop has a tea room and small gallery where you can relax with your bags - inevitably full of clothes you have just bought. Tucked away at the end of Rue des Mauvais Garcons (street of the naughty boys) in the heart of gay Paris – this boutique is well-behaved wallet-pleasing fun.
8 rue de Moussy, 75004 Paris. + 33 1 4274 0606
www.comptoirdumarais.com
Without doubt my tip is Chartiers Restaurant. Hidden away at 7 Rue Faubourg Montmartre, this little gem could be a branch of Rene Artios' Allo! Allo! establishment.
Everything is so 1930s. Even the prices haven't evolved: waiters in black waistcoasts with floor length white aprons; paper tablecloths that become your bill; and great honest food. But avoid the house wine.
If you enjoy duck then you will love 'Le Petit Canard Restaurant' at 19 Rue Henri Monnier, 75009 in Paris. They serve duck reared on their family farm in a vast variety of interesting and tempting ways. But beware if one of your party does not like duck as your visit could turn out to be like the Monty Python 'SPAM' episode as virtually all dishes contain duck to varying degrees. However the duck is delicious and I would recommend a visit.
19 Rue Henri Monnier, 75009
If you want an authentic French cabaret experience, not quite the Moulin Rouge more like Jacques Brel with sequens, try Au Lapin Agile in Montmatre. It will be an unforgettable evening!
You will be ushered into a room and sat on a milking stool, given cherry liquer and treated to a few hours of French chanteuse cabaret. Everyone but you will know the words, you will blush but clap along and pretend to be singing along too. On the way out you will be offered CDs by local Parisien singers of dubious origin. It's an amazing, and amazingly french, experience not to be missed!
Hot chocolate and chestnut cream cakes at Angelina's - an absolutely must-do event in Paris.
It's a traditional teahouse - with fin-de-siecle decor and mouth-watering cakes on display cabinets by the entrance that will have even the most die-hard savoury fans entranced. It's on Rue de Rivoli, opposite Tuileries, so you can have a wander round the gardens and over to the river when you've had your fill.
A culinary gem serving ONLY a simple salad start with two rounds of stesk and chips to follow but with oodles of Parisian style. Right in the heart of St Germain, a great place to begin an evening.
20 bis rue St. Benoit, nearest metro St. Germain des Pres
A great little restaurant hidden in the back of the wine shop here - walk through the wine shop and up a couple of steps, open the curtain and there are about seven tables.
You can eat good food and drink the wine from the wine shop - very smoky but snug and secretive.
rue d'abesses
Pack the black polo neck sweater and head for the Franc Pinot which is one of the most amospheric jazz clubs in Paris. Listening to live music with the natural acoustics of the old vaulted stone cellars on the Ile St Louis in the heart of Paris is a 'must' if you're a fan of jazz, swing and beebop. Arrive after 9pm. Franc Pinot. 1, Quai de Bourbon.
When visiting Paris, if you want a real taste of the city and the French way of life, there is a tiny theatre called Theatre de la Huchette.
This place hasn't changed since it was created in 1947 and has performed the same play La Cantatrice Chauve by Ionesco for 50 years. It is a real experience that is worth enjoying but get your tickets a bit before the performance as it really is a tiny place.
I went to see the play twice after I was told about it. It's like being thrown in the Paris d'apres guerre. Amazing experience! The theatre is at "23 rue de la Huchette" in the Latin quarter. You can even enjoy some pancakes from Brittany in a restaurant nearby afterwards.
23 rue de la Huchette, in the Latin quarter.
You can enter the street by the 9 Quai Saint-Michel along the Seine, and 29 metres later, you will end up in the lively and colourful Rue de la Huchette.
Measuring 1m80, it is said to be the narrowest street in Paris. If you feel that the city is too big for you, then have some rest in this old, quiet and dark street. You’ll be able to imagine yourself in the Paris of the middle ages for a while.
On your next metro journey take a detour to Line 14 for a space-age theme park ride.
The high-speed "Meteor" line is driverless so you can sit at the front and enjoy an exhilerating driver's eye view along the eerie twisting tunnels.
It is much faster and better than London's Docklands Light Railway. Get off at Bercy Station to admire the platform's lush underground jungle.
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