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/30977 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30977 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30401 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30401 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25352
It is on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower so at night the views are spectacular especially if you can get a table by the window. It is quite avant garde in the way it is designed with a sort of circular swirling purple light above which sounds strange but it is all done in the best possible taste. The lighting is quite subdued so that people can see the city and there are candles on the tables so the atmosphere is wonderful.

I am not easily impressed in restaurants becuase I do a lot of entertaining all over the world but I thought the food and the service here was excellent. We had the cheaper of the menus (not that any of them are exactly "cheap") but it was just great and as far as I was concerned it was certainly worth it.

You'll skip the queues at the bottom and go straight up to the first floor in a lift. If you are looking to do something in Paris for your partner or customers, you can't beat this.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25352 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25033
As for practicalities, the side entrance in the Richelieu wing is far less crowded than the main one under the pyramid. The Paris museum pass is very handy for skipping the ticket lines. It is also worth noting that not all of the many toilets marked on the map will be in working order, so if you come across one that is, best make use of it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25033 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24445
To reach the statue you have to walk down an island walkway called Alles des Cygnes. This is a wonderful walkway with the busy Seine on either side. It is enveloped by hanging trees and is a very tranquil place. There are also many benches to sit on and relax. Its only a 15 minute walk from the madness and bustle of the Eiffel Tower but it could be a million miles away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24445 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19621 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19621 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19617
There are buses to take you to the chateaus from Tours Gare and cost around 49 euros per person for a full-day tour- you'll visit Chenonceau, Amboise then Chambord which is quite a lot in one day.

While I would recommend a full day for each of these attractions, if you haven't the time it's a great day for the whole family and no need to drive or hire a car. Lunch is usually at Amboise which has lovely cafes, nothing really really gastronomic but good for lunch.

You can probably organise tickets for the chateaux pick-up via SNCF (gare) or www.tourevasion.com for more Loire Valley activities]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19617 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17591
But a personal favourite is a memorial to a now, largely forgotten figure. Félix Faure was President of the Republic in the 1890s. Of course politicians back then suffered much less scrutiny of their private lives and Faure was very much a man of his time. Indeed he could be seen as an embodiment of fin de siècle hedonism making the most of what Paris had to offer the wealthy and the powerful (think can-can, think Toulouse-Lautrec).

But a dark shadow was cast over the latter days of his presidency by the bitterly divisive Dreyfus Affair. In an effort, perhaps, to take his mind off matters of state at this tense time Faure was wont to ‘entertain’ young women in the presidential chambers. Tragedy struck when, in the midst of one of these amorous encounters, the statesman’s heart, weakened by years of self-indulgence, gave way. Officials were alerted by the horrified screams of his companion and rushed in to find the stricken President stark naked on the carpet, the suddenness of his demise reflected in the rictus grin that illuminated his features and in – well – certain other physiological phenomena.

It was, so they say, three weeks before they could nail the coffin lid down.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17591 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16480
To start off your day, go to 'Au Levain du Marais'. The pain au chocolat will make you just weak, so buy quite a few and you'll have a pique nique.

Next, visit grand Pere Lachaise. Chopin and Piaf and dear Oscar Wilde - although they're now gone, you'll still be beguiled. To the Left Bank for dinner, a place called L'Ecurie, the locals eat here, run by petite Mini. Bon weekend!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16480 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16455
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16455 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16442
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16442 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16440
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).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16440 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16384 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/16308 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16308 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16296
This sport and social club was set up by a group of young British businessmen in the nineteenth century; afternoon tea is still served under a picture of the Queen.

Along with swimming pool, squash and gym, the club has eight tennis courts (five clay) and a cricket pitch. Membership is easy to obtain and reasonable, but the club is also generous to guests. Members may invite you to play, and most weekends guests are welcome, by appointment, to try the facilities.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16296 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16292
Glasses going back 800 years, including some (eg Elton John's) that are positively architectural. You tell me that a museum of contact lenses would look this good!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16292