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/17480
It would be great - if it were true!

Last year's was a shambles. The authorities didn't (wouldn't) release guides until the night itself (and then didn't explain how to get them) and most Parisians had no idea what was open, or where.

We joined the crowds milling outside the Louvre (closed), tried the Musee d'Orsay (closed) and settled for a Bateau Mouche - which turned out to provide the long awaited guidebook once you'd bought your ticket.

The boat trip itself was pleasant, during which we could read the guide - to discover few places indeed were open at all, and the promised 'all night opening' of the Metro only applied to certain lines in certain directions.

The only bar we could find open and not crammed with similarly baffled tourists was Australian (not very Parisian). When we finally gave up, we joined the thousands of others equally trying to desperately get a taxi home in the sub-zero temperatures, and ended up huddled in a Metro entrance (closed) for warmth until the hordes had thinned enough for us to try and get back.

It can't be blamed on our being tourists - as we have French friends who live in Paris and who we'd joined to spend the 'event' with!

Hopefully this year's will be better, but I'd definitely check every detail out in advance, just in case!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17480 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16419
Then head to l'Hôtel Amour where you will have apéritif and dinner in the lovely courtyard. You can also sleep there in one of their stylish rooms.

After that, head over to the restaurant Georges on the top of Centre Pompidou to have coffee while enjoying an awesome view of Paris.

Finally, join the fashionistas for a trendy night at the small but hip Paris-Paris Club, if the bouncer lets you inside bien sûr.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16419 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16289
The night I went there was a bal musette, and these are organised on a monthly basis, among an interesting programme of old, new and live music - some partygoers dressed for the occasion to add to the ambience, but if you hadn't, you didn't feel out of place.

The atmosphere was lively, with a fantastic sense of enjoyment and fun. People of all ages danced together and it was a treat to watch and be part of something reflecting the spirit of Paris.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16289 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16273
If ever you find yourself on Rue des Martyrs take a peek at their amazing array of wine, pastas, salads and vegetables. The beautiful waitresses are also very knowledgeable about the best bars and places to dance in Paris. Try happy hour at Fluid (same street), charming waiters and beautiful music, the perfect place to become a regular.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16273 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16267
Set on two levels, you quite often catch a glimpse of the topless dancers passing from one level to the other via a ladder resembling something seen in a fire station. Meanwhile the beat pumps away, but not too obtrusively.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16267 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16261
You will be ushered into a room and sat on a milking stool, given cherry liquer and treated to a few hours of French chanteuse cabaret. Everyone but you will know the words, you will blush but clap along and pretend to be singing along too. On the way out you will be offered CDs by local Parisien singers of dubious origin. It's an amazing, and amazingly french, experience not to be missed!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16261 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16214
You don't need to book a hotel room so you don't mind paying £10 a pint, you can drink the very reasonably priced champagne on the train out to get you in the mood and you can sleep on the way home.

Just try not to get tear-gassed in the melee around the Arc de Triomphe after midnight. And don't forget fireworks which you can happily launch in the street from your empty champagne bottle.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16214 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16205 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16205 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16199 www.myspace.com/respectisburning) - they are the best party throwers in le capital.

Now you're their 'friend' you will know when all the best summer boat parties are. They're rather good and guaranteed to encourage a little dancing. The hippest djs from Paris and beyond guaranteed.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16132 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16132 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15818
A three course meal for around a tenner and the best grub we'd sampled in the city followed by three acts of entertainment (comedy, drama and chanson) where a hat is passed around for tips afterwards.

This local hangout exemplifies what bohemian Paris is all about - culture, charm and cheek (sic).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15818 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15632
Cosy, intimate and friendly this place has it all. The back street location and unassuming frontage makes it a true local hangout – strictly for those in the know.

It opens and shuts late so is perfect for long nights when you don’t want to face a noisy dancefloor.

And with more than three hundred cocktails on the list you’re sure not to get bored.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15632 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15618 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15618 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15564
Friday and Saturday evening feature classical ballroom dancing and cabaret on a postage stamp size stage.

Reservations are essential.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15362 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15362 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2698
Wel worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2698 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2459 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2459