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/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18049 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18049 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18000 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18000 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17524 When I first visited Paris I was so disappointed by what seemed to my untrained eye as just another grey city - too busy, too full and too confusing. The moment I stepped off the metro at Abbesses, I saw the Paris I had dreamed of - cobbled streets, little parks, beautiful buildings and most of all a calm yet creative and highly inspirational (to the artist in me) atmosphere.

I don't need to list off the best places to shop and eat here because it is all so compact, you can wander round for hours, without feeling exhausted, and discover the endless hidden gems of vintage stores and cafes that not only have the friendliest staff in the whole of Paris but one of which serves their coffee (or herbal tea if you prefer) in bowls! It's just the nicest, coolest place I've ever been to. Great for the young, and the young at heart.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17524 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479
Stand with your back to the station and head down the road on the left, to the corner. Look for a green metal gate down the side of the rather imposing stone building. It leads into a small ornamental park with a great kids’ playground, and public toilets and baby change on the far side of the park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16415 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16415 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16294 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16294 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16245
The events are a true feast for the senses and lie only a 20 minute RER journey off the typical tourist route. An unforgettable experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16245 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12688 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12688 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12435
You cannot help but be impressed by its scale. It has the 'grand canal', fountains, a chateau and huge expanses of immaculately kept lawns. But what is also nice is that you can take smaller plane tree lined paths that guide you through a series of more secluded areas. Both elements work seamlessly together.

Undoubtedly the best place to have a picnic in summer!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12435 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2266 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2266 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2247
A wonderful place to walk, do tai chi, sunbathe and picnic on the many metal chairs. I can spend hours in this park it's also great for children with sand pits, toy sailing boats for hire and a huge (pay-in) playground. Not to mention a couple of reasonably good cafes to take coffee or lunch.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2247 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1792 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1792 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/500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/489 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/489