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/19846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19579 pascalbeillevaire.com

Butter is not even mentioned on the website (merely their cheese) so go to the shop best suited to your whereabouts and buy a package or two of beurre cru croquant. Bliss bliss bliss.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19579 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/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/16785
A whole supermarket with fresh products imported from the whole Asian continent at bargain prices. Located in the Paris Chinatown which is also worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16785 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/16448 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16448 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16436
The multi-lingual staff will even give you advice on how to integrate your truffle-infused olive oil into your next dinner party menu! Emerge laden with natural olive oil beauty products, speciality breads to wow your guests back home and return on the Eurostar with your own Oliviers & Co olive tree!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16436 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16421
It stocks lots of vinyl and carries fliers for gigs. It's a million miles away from the megastores.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16421 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/16418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16418 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/16314
First, stop by Collette, a concept store for clothing, technology and food that is truly ahead of the times. Not planning to buy anything? You’re still sure to enjoy looking at the most stylish goods and people Paris has to offer.

Afterwards, visit Mariage Freres, the oldest French tea house which dates back to the 1600s. With over 500 different varieties to choose from, taste what’s commonly referred to as the best tea in the world or bring it back as the perfect souvenir.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16314 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16307
My wife and I spent over two hours there during our honeymoon (and my wife is only mildly interested in wine). Julien even gave us a bottle as a wedding present! Incredible people.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16307 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16305
It has two floors packed with stylish but wearable designs by young French designers and is unbelievably cheap! The shop has a tea room and small gallery where you can relax with your bags - inevitably full of clothes you have just bought. Tucked away at the end of Rue des Mauvais Garcons (street of the naughty boys) in the heart of gay Paris – this boutique is well-behaved wallet-pleasing fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16305 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16304