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/19358 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19358 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19271 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19271 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19246
I found two great bargains at Cacharel that made the metro ride worthwhile. A cropped wollen jacket, rabbit-fur trimmed lapel €660 reduced to €120 and a frilly high-neck silk blouse reduced from €320 to €90.

There's also a great selection of clothes for children of all ages: girls’ embroidered cardigans at a ridiculous €30, boys' suits from €100 as well as lots of cashmere twin sets around €80-120. The ground floor is dedicated to monsieur.

Also impressive are the two Sonia Rykiel stores which had some wonderful knitted suits at very reasonable prices. As France’s 'queen of knits' you can be assured of quality and pick up tops in bright colours for under €100; her two stores had last season’s stock greatly reduced. You won’t believe the incredibly cute young girls and baby SR range. You’ll also find bags and shoes in those bright trademark colours. If you like these two brands, then ‘bon route’.

A few other stores promised Armani and Dolce & Gabbanna but disappointed. Others had a great selection of French brand names, Gerard Darel, Naf Naf but at the same price as the 5th! I did find some American Retro ‘timeless’ T-shirts for around €30. It is fun bargain hunting and, if I had more time, I would have done more shopping.

Shops are generally open Monday after 2pm then Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 7pm. I found most opened during the lunch hour (however the smaller ones may close).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19246 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216 The French street-art artist Jerome Mesnager made this place his and had carte blanche to paint his 'white bodies' all over the hotel. Same thing with Sophie de Watrigant and two video artists.
It is worth a look!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19089 Wonderful choice of restaurants and a really good read to boot.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19089 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19087
Whilst there, females looking to get pregnant might want to track down the tomb of Victor Noir (Yvan Salman), and rub his protruding trousers (just make sure you're not spotted by the authorities), or apply lipstick and kiss the already plastered tomb of Oscar Wilde.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19087 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19012 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19012 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18549
In the last couple of years I've been using this online service called Allo-france, who sell everything from metro tickets to popular show tickets (lido de paris, moulin rouge, etc).

They're quite a small company which means they are very efficient at what they do and I have had excellent feedback from them.

I really recommend to anyone who is planning on going to Paris to at least buy their metro tickets in advance as they will struggle with the French metro ticket system when they get there. One of my favourites is also the Paris museum pass which gives you access to all museums across the city. Great for managing your time.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18473 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18473 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18472 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18472 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18471
We used Lomax car park in Camden Town (15 minutes' walk) - very helpful staff, they will drive you to the station and pick you up on your return and, best of all, it's about £50 for four days.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18471 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18130 From March 14-April 18.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18130 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18128
The official website features details of more than 5000 events including readings, debates and workshops.

Runs March 21-31.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18128 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18072

Our guide, Paul, founded Bike About Tours with a friend and gives a charming and personal view of a city he clearly loves. Some of his enthusiasm rubbed off on the kids who particularly relished spotting locations from Ratatouille, or finding out how many Parisians slip in dog poo each day. Paul takes only safe back streets and cycleways, stopping for lunch at a boulangerie on the way.

Every so often we would park the bikes and explore a secret garden or a hidden alleyway on foot, letting Paris work its magic on children and adults alike. By the end of four hours we felt like we belonged. Try it, you won't be disappointed.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18049 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18049