http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216
The French street-art artist Jerome Mesnager made this place his and had carte blanche to paint his 'white bodies' all over the hotel. Same thing with Sophie de Watrigant and two video artists. It is worth a look!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17524 When I first visited Paris I was so disappointed by what seemed to my untrained eye as just another grey city - too busy, too full and too confusing. The moment I stepped off the metro at Abbesses, I saw the Paris I had dreamed of - cobbled streets, little parks, beautiful buildings and most of all a calm yet creative and highly inspirational (to the artist in me) atmosphere.

I don't need to list off the best places to shop and eat here because it is all so compact, you can wander round for hours, without feeling exhausted, and discover the endless hidden gems of vintage stores and cafes that not only have the friendliest staff in the whole of Paris but one of which serves their coffee (or herbal tea if you prefer) in bowls! It's just the nicest, coolest place I've ever been to. Great for the young, and the young at heart.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17524 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16474
There, in a peaceful mansion, you'll find the largest Monet collection anywhere. See the entire range of his work, culminating in the Giverny Nympheas, displayed in a wonderful circular gallery.

Admire works of many other Impressionists, including one of the few women, Berthe Morisot, Manet's sister-in-law. Easy to get to (four buses, metro), opposite a delightful park, near good, cheap restaurants - a day out of Paris, in Paris!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16437
You can arrive as the setting sun catches the top of the glass pyramid (making for the perfect ‘I heart Paris’ portrait) then dash to all the best bits while everyone is making their way out.

As you stand tête-à-tête with the Mona Lisa, you might finally realise what all the fuss is about.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16437 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16225 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16225 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16130
There are very attractive gardens and a little museum which has exhibitions of the photographs and films that he commissioned between 1909 - 1931. This remarkable man sent photographers to remote areas of the world to record the people and how they lived. There has recently been a documentary on television about him and the amazing collection.

It is possible to purchase postcards and posters in the small shop. Unfortunately, the salon de the in the Palm house is not open because the building needs urgent renovation, but there are bars and brasseries next to the metro entrances. This was a fascinating place to visit and is off the usual tourist trail. Highly recommended.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16130 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15816 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15816 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15754
Tucked away on the rue Paul Valery in an architecturally stunning building, the museum features art from the African continent, focusing on single aspects of African art and culture in depth (e.g. Congolese sculpture, Gabon masks).

It also has a gift shop and a wonderful café that serves African dishes. While getting to know a city’s major museums can be hard work, the Dapper is a museum you can learn to love in an afternoon.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15754 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15747
Opened in the twenties, its history is closely entwined with the avant garde. It has been upgraded, but keeps its original atmosphere thanks to the impressive light fittings by Cocteau.

The charming garden bar is well worth a visit on it own. If your French isn’t up to it, look out for VO (version originale) which means the film will be shown in its original language with French subtitles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15737 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15737 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15657
It is easier to enter by the side door towards the rear.You can then walk round more quickly to see all the prime exhibits and be out in about an hour. Perfect for a day trip!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15657 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15656 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15656 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15639
You can catch 40 winks on the sofas by the windows to the far east of the museum.

I found someone asleep there, had a nap and found the original guy gone replaced by a couple other girls having a nap.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15639 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15636 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15636 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15633
Former owners Sylvia Beach, publisher of Joyce’s Ulysses, and Marxist fleamarket devotee George Whitman may have passed on, but the shop still offers a window onto the Paris of the Modernists and the Beats.

On Sundays at three Paris’ Anglophone community gathers for tea, cake and bookish gossip.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15631 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15631