Ah Paris!

Description:

This charming park, opened in 1867, is one of the many masterpieces of Baron Haussman, who shaped so much of modern Paris. The park is a popular city centre haven for nature lovers and walkers as well as families and sportsmen. The varied setting includes open lawns, trees, a lake and a hilltop 'temple' reached by a suspension bridge and offering splendid views. Don't forget to visit the famous grotto and waterfall. A miniature version of New York's Central Park in the heart of Paris!

Description:

Stretching over 5km from the Square Flemaître (Rue du Faubourg du Temple) to the Rue Lafayette and the charming pool of La Villette, this canal enables boats to take a shortcut between the loops of the Seine. Since its creation in 1825, the canal has been made famous by authors and film directors. Tourists in Paris love sitting on the banks to watch the barges go by. Not to be missed!

Description:

Sandwiched between the National Archives building and the beautiful Place des Vosges Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is a trendy Parisian shopping spot. This area is one of the few where shops are open on Sunday. The chic shops, restaurants, and historical buildings have all maintained their original store fronts adding to the ambiance. Join the many visitors and locals and explore this picturesque area of Paris for yourself!

Our Local Expert Says:

In the SW corner you'll find a small passageway to a quiet courtyard, where you can take a well-deserved rest from the crowds.

Description:

Surrounded by shady arcades that shelter beautiful boutiques, this square, situated in the heart of the Marais, is one of Paris' unmissable sights. The square is perfectly symmetrical, measuring 140 metres by 127. Stone and brick houses, whose almost identical façades are all crowned by steep slate rooves, border its quasi-rectangular shape. Designed by Henri IV, it used to be the favoured sight for duels. Famous people also lived in the area, including the Cardinal de Richelieu and the writer Victor Hugo. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

A beautiful setting, in a highly touristy area. This is a good restaurant - don't be put off by the multi-lingual menu, but only go if you can sit outside under the arcades.

Description:

Enjoy the rich traditional flavors of France at Ma Bourgogne. Sit under the Louis XIII arcades and enjoy the warm sunshine in peace-with a smooth glass of wine for company. Replenish your energy after exploring Le Marais with wholesome dishes like cote de boeuf, steak tartare and more. What a way to savor the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of beautiful France!

Description:

Relax in these picturesque Turkish baths with rose colored marble pillars and mosaics. After a shower, lather yourself with the traditional black soap and let it dry for about 20 minutes to naturally exfoliate the skin. Sweat it out on the heated stones and chill out in the Jacuzzi. An invigorating rubdown removes dead skin. Finally, after a relaxing massage and the essential mint tea, one leaves clean, perfumed and entirely refreshed. Situated on the site of the Paris Mosque, there is also a restaurant, tearoom and a bazaar.

Our Local Expert Says:

In summer, you'll find Parisians eating out, playing music, and dancing on the bridge until all hours of the night.

Description:

Among the 36 bridges spanning the Seine, the Pont des Arts is without doubt one of the most romantic, its all-metal structure providing a link between the Louvre and the French Institute. This delightful little footbridge built during the 18th century has always been a pedestrian bridge. Originally, a tollgate was installed at each end, ensuring that access was only given to the upper classes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

Description:

Built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, the pont Alexandre-III takes its name from the Russian emperor who laid the first stone. It's a magnificent example of art nouveau style decorated with nymphs, cherubs and other sea monsters. The four golden statues depict Art, Commerce, Industry and the Sciences. At the time of its construction, the authorities would not allow the ornamentation to obscure the view of the Champs-Elysées or the Invalides - happily for us the view is still wonderful! This superb example of 19th century engineering crosses the Seine between the Invalides and the Grand Palais. It is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.

Description:

Everything at Benares is Indian - the name, the decor, the owner-cum-chef Atul Kochhar, and (of course!) the food. The menu is predominantly Halal - Murg Makhani, Rogan Josh, and Lasooni Jhingae are some of the popular dishes. Other Indian delicacies include Roomali Roti with Saag Paneer, and Dal with Steamed Rice, and desserts such as Gaajar ka Halwa and Kele ka Malpua. The wood-brown, off-white and red decor creates a comfortable ambiance, while the decorative pool is adorned with lotuses, candles, and mud-lamps. If you wish to host a private party with an Indian theme, this is the place for it!

Description:

The Pigalle district has always been home to Paris' concert halls. Next to Le Divan du Monde are various other shrines to music such as La Cigale, L'Elysée Montmartre or even La Locomotive;so many venues that have hosted the most famous names in entertainment. Le Divan du Monde itself is actually quite small but very inviting, with eclectic programming that has originality and novelty as its hallmark. No prestigious posters, rather theme nights (bossa nova, hip-hop) or up-and-coming artists, with a strong tendency towards world music. Worth a look for those who like to move to the rhythm a little off the beaten track.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are concerts nearly every night.

Description:

Once a powerful Benedictine abbey, Saint-Germain-des-Prés was a city within the city until most of it was demolished after the French Revolution. Today's church is all that is left of the monastery. The abbey was founded in 542 by King Childebert, as a tribute to St. Germanus, bishop of Paris. The abbey had a huge intellectual and spiritual influence from the 8th century on. The abbey's ruins reflect its troubled history. It was ransacked and rebuilt many times along the years and different eras cohabit in today's church. Among the oldest parts are the chancel and the ambulatory, both from the 12th Century. The church's garden host a sculpture by Picasso: a tribute to French poet Guillaume Apollinaire.

Description:

Jazz maniacs come to drink, talk, and dance at this enduring club. It's sometimes a scene, attracting such guests as Spike Lee and Prince. The place is especially popular with jazz groups from central and southern Africa. It opens nightly at 8pm, with concerts beginning at 9pm.

Description:

Built in 1629 for Cardinal de Richelieu, this palace was initially known as the Palais Cardinal. Later it acquired a reputation as a place of debauchery under Louis XIV's brother, Philippe d'Orléans, while in the 18th century it became a meeting place where the Age of Enlightenment's great thinkers could exchange ideas. Meanwhile prostitutes and shady merchants touted for business in the arcades surrounding its garden, which was to witness the first stirrings of revolutionary passion. On the evening of 13th July 1789 (the night before the storming of the Bastille), revolutionary Camille Desmoulins chose the much frequented Palais arches as the spot in which to urge the crowd to rebellion: one of the greatest moments in history! Nowadays, its gardens are a delightful, peaceful place and its buildings (closed to the public) house the Ministry for the Arts and the Council of State.

Description:

For a glimpse of "old Paris," take a stroll down Rue Montorgueil, Paris's oldest market street. As in the 19th century, this gently curved, charming street is lined with high-quality fruit/vegetable markets, butchers, fishmongers, patisseries, and cheese shops. The throw-back feel of the street isn't just because of the lovely old buildings lining it - it's also the merchants crying out, inviting you to check out their wares. Liberally sprinkled with cafés and restaurants, often with outdoor terraces, rue Montorgueil is an excellent place to sit down with a café au lait and watch Parisian life unfold. The type of credit cards accepted vary according to shop.