Most Paris visitors obviously look for the essence of France as they wander the city, but I found something exceptional and different in the Monique Wells "Discover Afro-American History in Paris" tours.

The haunts of Josephine Baker and James Baldwin come to life, and you see the wonderful Chateau Rouge area - a brilliantly vibrant mix of colours and cultures, boutiques and restaurants. Paris' varied international and colonial history is brought to life.

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Take Metro 11 (brown) to Porte des Lilas, walk down Rue Belleville using the Metro stations as your guide. Pass through neighbourhoods such as Jourdain, Pyrenees, Belleville and, passing canal St Martin, finish in Republique, the venue of many a Parisian Riot.

Alternatively, at Pyrenees, turn right on to Avenue Simon Bolivar and head for the surreal, landscaped Parc des Buttes Chaumont (19th Arr), complete with its own mountain, waterfall, temple and an incredible view of the Sacre Couer.

To finish the day, head to restaurant Au Pied du Sacre Couer, for fine yet inexpensive French cooking (metro Lamarck-calaincourt, 18th Arr).

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This little gem which chronicles the lives of George Sand and Chopin is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Lovely autre epoque atmosphere with a delightful period tea room. Worth discovering.

16 rue Chaptal , Metro St. Georges

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The very best way to explore Paris is on foot – but where is it worth going?

Last time we were in Paris we discovered ‘Paris Walks’. The company is run by an English couple and offers two-hour guided tours for 10 euros, usually starting at a metro station. We went on the Medieval Latin Quarter walk and saw some fascinating sights that we wouldn’t have stumbled on ourselves.

ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pariswalking/

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A good place to ferret into the history of Paris is at the Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris, set in the heart of the Marais in the stately Hôtel de Lamoignon. A quiet spot to sample the delights of the library of Apollinaire and the papers of Cocteau - and free.

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