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/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 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18471
We used Lomax car park in Camden Town (15 minutes' walk) - very helpful staff, they will drive you to the station and pick you up on your return and, best of all, it's about £50 for four days.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18471 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17606
The height is about the same as the first level of the Eiffel Tower - but you won't have to queue, you can stay as long as you like (so long as the shop is open!), and it's TOTALLY FREE!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17606 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17601
In summer you can borrow a set of balls to play pétanque. Has been non-smoking for years before the smoking ban.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17601 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16795
My friends found that for half the price they could travel to Lille and then TGV onwards to Paris for considerably less. Although it's bit of a pain to change trains you can save a considerable amount.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16795 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16481
There really is something more enjoyable about grabbing a bargain at the market than flashing the credit card down the Champs Elysees!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16481 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16453
Racing reaches its pinnacle at Longchamp where the focus is the richest prize in Europe, the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. But Arc day is much more than a day at the races. The Paris fashionistas compete as fiercely as the horses. So what would you expect to pay to rub shoulders with racing's elite in the world's style capital? How about £5 and that includes your racecard!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16453 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16452 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16452 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/16433
Worth it for the change in atmosphere (and lack of braying Brits on Henman Hill).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16433 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16318
But the view from the window is breathtaking and the owner is friendly and helpful. Shakespeare Books is just across the street. Doubles from €60 per night.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16305
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16305 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16286 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16286 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16242 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16242 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16239