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/34523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31305 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31305 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26789 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26789 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25733 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25733 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23883
We went on the Saturday and had the place to ourselves, apart from the usual crowd that is always gathered around the Mona Lisa. We went again on the Sunday and it was hideously busy. We didn't have to queue though: a nice security guard spotted our pushchair and let us jump the queue! It's a surprisingly child-friendly place, and of course the advantage of the free Sunday is that you can take the kids (they are always free on any day) and you haven't wasted the cost of your ticket if their behaviour is such that you have to leave after five minutes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23883 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23612
The Masala Paratha at just €4.50 includes a large gently spiced Paratha with a fiery dahl along with a couple of dips. There are selections of authentic Southern Indian snacks which you can buy to take away. Friendly service and the sure fire sign of quality - largely frequented by the local Indian population.

Quick, filling and perfectly placed for a pre or post Eurostar meal it is the best value meal I know of in Paris.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23612 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23602
The canal cruise I would highly recommend is called "Old Paris" on the Saint Martin Canal it takes 2.5 hours and is simply heaven. It leaves from Paris Arsenal Marina and goes to Parc de la Villette It is a romantic trip and gives you the opportunity to hear the history of the true Paris.

Cruise along the tree lined canal while admiring the old, yet beautiful footbridges. You will also pass below the Bastille. You can also enjoy going through several locks and a couple of swing bridges. You will watch as people go along the canal banks with the many retro shops and cafes-it is truly a view of Paris you will adore.

During the cruise I went on, they played old French songs - which may sound off putting, but on this occasion I found it added to a glorious experience I long to repeat. And the cost is 15 euros for adults and eight euros for children.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23602 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23600 The system is user friendly and self-explanatory, you can do it in a range of languages. You tap in your credit card details for a small flat hire rate (no more than five euros, as far as I recall), then hoik the rather clumsy, heavy bikes out of their stand. The bikes are a little uncomfortable and it's important to examine which number bike you'll take before you select at the controls, because some have flat tyres, wonky seats that won't budge, or rattling chains. The bikes have - ostensibly - three gears. These are 'slow', 'slower' and 'snail's cycle-rate' and it can get hairy attempting to belt across a junction will a line of irate Parisian drivers attempting to turn right and cut you up.
If you dock the bike back into another station before 30 mins are up, the ride is free. Interestingly, my partner's credit card statement showed one euro more expenditure so perhaps he had docked in a second or two after me.
However, it's an excellent way to see Paris and a lot of fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23600 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23570 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23570 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22747
The guys on reception told me it’s on the same canal where they filmed Amélie and that the building’s a remake of the old nineteenth century warehouse - Magasins Généraux, which burnt down in 1990.

The location is right on the Bassin de la Villette - Paris’ biggest artificial pool of water which hooks up to the Seine via the Canal St-Martin. Because of this spot’s popularity the builders had to bring in the famous architects, Chaix et Morel - the same guys who were behind the restoration of the Petit Palace.

On foot you can reach the Buttes Chaumont Park in no time and also the Parc de la Villette, which includes the Science Museum.

The routes into the city are pretty easy too. Crimée Station on Metro Line 7 is only 200 meters away and takes you straight to the department stores around Opéra, the Louvre, Le Marais and the Latin Quarter.

The Laumière station on Metro Line 5 is about 400 meters away and will take you to the Bastille, the Oberkampf night spots and the Latin Quarter.

Also there’s the Jaurès Station on Metro Line 2, again only 400 meters away. This goes to the Arc de Triomphe, Pigalle, the Père Lachaise cemetery and Montmartre.

From the hostel itself you can organise bike tours, walking tours, a Paris induction, basic French language classes and day trips to places like Versailles, and Giverny.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21843 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21843 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21612 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21612 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21377 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21377 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20900 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20900 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19624 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19624 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19578
I do love La Boulangerie myself for its exciting food and wonderful atmosphere at remarkable prices. For as long as the bliss lasts - I fear it may get well-known.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19578 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19246
I found two great bargains at Cacharel that made the metro ride worthwhile. A cropped wollen jacket, rabbit-fur trimmed lapel €660 reduced to €120 and a frilly high-neck silk blouse reduced from €320 to €90.

There's also a great selection of clothes for children of all ages: girls’ embroidered cardigans at a ridiculous €30, boys' suits from €100 as well as lots of cashmere twin sets around €80-120. The ground floor is dedicated to monsieur.

Also impressive are the two Sonia Rykiel stores which had some wonderful knitted suits at very reasonable prices. As France’s 'queen of knits' you can be assured of quality and pick up tops in bright colours for under €100; her two stores had last season’s stock greatly reduced. You won’t believe the incredibly cute young girls and baby SR range. You’ll also find bags and shoes in those bright trademark colours. If you like these two brands, then ‘bon route’.

A few other stores promised Armani and Dolce & Gabbanna but disappointed. Others had a great selection of French brand names, Gerard Darel, Naf Naf but at the same price as the 5th! I did find some American Retro ‘timeless’ T-shirts for around €30. It is fun bargain hunting and, if I had more time, I would have done more shopping.

Shops are generally open Monday after 2pm then Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 7pm. I found most opened during the lunch hour (however the smaller ones may close).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19246 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18472 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18472