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/20132 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20132 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/16450
The range of fresh fish, bread, vegetables, cheeses and wine is truly mouth watering and all at very reasonable prices. Your euro here goes a long way towards sampling the very best of French food.

The market is huge and the atmosphere intoxicating in terms of a real Parisian experience and can't be recommended highly enough to the discerning visitor.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16450 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16416
Just by St Georges Metro, fifteen minutes from the Gare du Nord and Eurostar, lies this wonderful untouristy very French part of Paris with a Sunday morning market to buy your pastries, cheese, charcuterie, fish, wine, chocolate and second hand books.

Stay in the Trois Poussins hotel for discreet affordable luxury, and who could resist the No Stress Café across the road which does exactly what it says on the tin?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16396 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16396 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16378
After they get thirsty head to Angelina's (Angélina 226, rue de Rivoli) for chocolat chaud. Do this before the crowds arrive here and at the Louvre.

Another tip for children is to head to Sacre Coeur for the farmers' market on top of the hill on weekends, jugglers on the church steps and the carousel at the bottom.

Need a new children's shirt to replace the one covered in hot chocolate? There are some good bargain department stores on your way back to the Metro station.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16378 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15128 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15128 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12679
Selling lots of Parisian knick-knacks, books, old postcards, jewellery, furniture and much more.

A mix of professionals and amateur sellers and, unlike some other markets in Paris which are awash with cheap clothes and tat, this one has a certain charm.

The sellers aren't pushy and are happy for you to look around and root through without hovering over your shoulder. Some are completely oblivious to their customers, I passed four men sitting at a table playing cards while people sorted through fabric!

Although officially it finishes at 1.30, I would advise going early-ish as many start packing up around 12.

All together a lovely place to wander on a weekend morning.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12679 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7192 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7192 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2241 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2241 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1711
Walk down the hill and you will soon pass a house upon whose steps Edith Piaf was born. A little way farther down, make a left onto rue Piat. Fifty metres down on your left you will come to a belvedere with a great view of Paris. It overhangs the Parc de Belleville, a stretch of green in this urban area.

Go back onto rue de Belleville and keep walking down hill. You will pass an increasing number of Chinese restaurants. Continue till you reach the busy crossroads where you will find Belleville metro. Cross the boulevard de Belleville (there is a twice-weekly foodmarket here, which is worth a look at) and if you are hungry, stop off for a reasonably-priced Chinese meal at the Belleville Institution Le Président. Walk down rue du Faubourg du Temple and take in the hustle and bustle of the Chinese supermakets, cafés serving thé à la menthe where you can smoke 'la chicha' (waterpipe with flavored tobacco) and many discount fabric and clothes shops.

You can end this walk at métro Goncourt, or continue on to the picturesque and arty-trendy Canal Saint Martin.

Bonne balade.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1711 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2420 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2420