Week in Paris

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Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

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Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top.

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Situated almost at the foot of the Tour Eiffel, the Palais de Chaillot was built on the hill of Chaillot by the architects Azéma, Louis-Auguste Boileau and Jacques Carlu for the Great Exhibition of 1937. This Neo-Classical monument, shaped like a banana cut in two, is composed of four pavilions and two wings, each measuring 195m in length. It is adorned with sculptures and bas-reliefs from the Thirties, as well as gold inscriptions by the writer, Paul Valéry. It houses the Musée de l'Homme, the Musée de la Marine, the Musée du cinéma Henri Langlois, the Musée des Monuments français, Chaillots National Theatre and the Cinémathèque française. In front of its façades lie the Jardins du Trocadéro.

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The arch is a site both of memories and current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense, the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, Paris would not be Paris without it!

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Created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's gardener,in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th century, running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Two kilometers long and bordered by trees, les Champs-Elysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is likewise a magnet for tourists and night strollers. Set between the many cinemas, the cafés and restaurants tempt you to stop by. Designer boutiques, banks and embassies are also situated in this chic neighborhood.

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If you're a fan of the Belle Epoque period, dining in this restaurant, with a dining room of a lavish artistic masterpiece, will make your day. Art Nouveau surroundings of stained glass windows and decorative tiles are the perfect setting for chef Gilbert Isaac's attractive menu, which has plenty of its own admirers. A starter of Snail and Garlic Butter Soufflé might lead to a Chateaubriand with Morel Mushrooms for two and a first class cheese tray to finish.

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This up-market avenue in Paris has some of the best art galleries and boutiques. For art-lovers, a walk down this avenue will be a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny offer some of the finest work of contemporary artists and even French furniture. This avenue also lives up to Paris's reputation of being the fashion capital as many famous designers such as Guy Laroche, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Chanel have boutiques here. So, for an afternoon of impressionist art and pulsating fashion take a walk out here - it will not fail to leave an impression.

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Built in the same period as the pont Alexandre-III, the architecture of the Grand Palais is stunning. The ionic columns and the exuberant decoration of the façade invite visitors to discover an interior as splendid as its exterior. A large glass roof supported by a metallic structure lends this area a luminous delicacy enhanced by the art nouveau style. Erected 'par la République à la gloire de l'art français' (by the Republic for the glory of French Art), the Grand Palais holds temporary exhibitions, which are always very popular. Admission rates vary according to the exhibition and one can avail of concessions on Monday.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

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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.

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This tiny bistro serves great food and wine. So if you want a taste of the local cuisine, Chez Grisette should be your destination. The menu includes authentic dishes such as, the Country Paté with green tomato marmalade and Baked Potato with garlic pepper cheese. The place serves dinner from Tuesday to Friday only. Lunch is served only on Saturdays.

Our Local Expert Says:

For sunny days only. This building belongs to the state, and not to the Church, and that's why you have to pay to enter. The tours are well worth it. It's a fairly quick visit.

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Located in the center of the city within the Palais de Justice complex on the Ile de la Cite, La Sainte Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is a small Gothic chapel constructed in the Rayonnant style. Built by King Louis IX from 1238-1244, the chapel housed holy relics from the Passion believed to be Jesus' Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross. These items were purchased from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II in 1239 for a huge sum of 135,000 livres (the church cost 40,000 livres to build) due to the King's desire to elevate France as the leader of Western Christianity. La Sainte Chapelle provides visitors with a spectacular visual experience, since the entire upper tier of the chapel is surrounded by enormous stained glass windows.

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On of the first Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame is still used today as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Take note of the famous stained glass and use of "flying buttresses" through out. These and many other features make it one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture.

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Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional 'inside out' architectural style: air conditioning, escalators and lifts are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the centre is home to the Musée National d'Art Moderne and the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information (BPI) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. Hours vary for individual attractions.

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The Centre Pompidou is again in the spotlight; all of artsy Paris is talking about this place. Georges is in a large space on the top floor of Paris's most comprehensive arts complex, with views through bay windows over most of the city. The decor is minimalist and postmodern, with lots of brushed aluminum and stainless steel. Tables are made from sandblasted glass, lit from below, and accessorized with hypermodern cutlery. Menu items are mostly Continental, with hints of Asia. Some combinations surprise -- macaroni with lobster, for example. Others seem exotic, including roasted ostrich steak. Aside from these dishes, some of the best items on the menu are king crab with coconut milk and curry. To get here, head for the exterior elevator to the left of the Centre Pompidou's main entrance. Tell the guard you have a reservation; otherwise, you might not be allowed up.

Description:

Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

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.

Description:

Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

Description:

Take a trip to the beautiful gardens of Tuleries, where the Orangerie Museum is. The museum stocks a host of famous and fabulous artists such as Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Henri Rousseau. All the artwork in the museum was handed over by Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume, two art fanatics who have ensured that all these works are exhibited together, so that the public can appreciate them in all their glory. There is a surprise in the basement, the Oval Room - Monet's 'Water-lily', which is on permanent display.

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Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume. Admission is free.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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This institute was formed to enable cross-cultural understanding between the Arab nations and France. Established in 1980 with 18 Arab countries, the institute advocates the dissemination of knowledge and cultural customs as well as spiritual teachings in France. The focal point of the institute is to have a continuous cultural exchange between both countries. It is heartening to know that the Arab World Institute ranks among Paris' most-visited monuments and has been created by architect Jean Nouvel. One of the highlights of the building is the hall of pillars.

Description:

Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

Our Local Expert Says:

To avoid the crowds go early.

Description:

Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery". The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35000 pieces and a surface of about 740000 sq. ft., the Louvre... read more

Description:

You enter this rustic tavern through a bar with heavy oak beams, hanging hams, and ceramic plates. It showcases the culinary bounty of France's most isolated region, the Auvergne, whose pork products are widely celebrated. Try chicory salad with apples and pieces of country ham; pork braised with cabbage, turnips, and white beans; or grilled tripe sausages with mashed potatoes and Cantal cheese with garlic. Nonpork specialties are pan-fried duck liver with gingerbread, perch steamed in verbena tea, and roasted rack of lamb with wild mushrooms.

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.

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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.

Description:

Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

Our Local Expert Says:

Where great Frenchmen are laid to rest, there is a beautiful church to the northeast, one of the oldest in Paris.

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Erected between 1764 and 1790, this neoclassical building was commissioned by King Louis XV in honour of Saint-Genevieve who had cured him from a grave illness. The Revolution secularised it quickly and made it a Temple de la Raison. Today, visitors admire the doric columns of the crypt, the resting place of famous writers and philosophers such as Emile Zola, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, and Andre Malraux (minister under General Charles de Gaulle's presidency). Its 83 metre high dome looks like that of Saint Paul's in London and that of the Invalides. The façade is inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The monument dedicated to Diderot and its frescoes of Saint-Genevieve are particularly fascinating.

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Located near the Palais du Luxembourg, this is one of Paris's finest museums. The Musée du Luxembourg originally had a permanent collection of 19th century sculptures and paintings. Today however, the gallery holds only temporary exhibitions. Call up for details about the different programs, which are decided by the Ministry of Culture and the Senate. The Museum also extends discounts to large groups.

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This place is popularly called the intellectual and new fashion district. This neighborhood is filled with art galleries, antique stores, cafés and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has popular places like the Deux Magot café, Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp. And not to forget the Church of Saint Germain des Prés, built back in the 6th century. The area has the money, style and sophistication, as well as a mix of the very best in the arts, philosophy and politics.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Be careful, or you might be trampled by a crowd of Da Vinci code-breakers…

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This wonderful church, built between 1646 and 1766 boasts an impressive Italian-style façade adorned with two turrets and columns on two levels. Its entrance is flanked by two huge shells gifted by the Venetian Republic in the 16th century to François I (sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle was responsible for their superb pedestals). The architect Visconti added its square and fountain in the 19th century. The interior, which measures 100 metres long, 50 metres wide and 30 metres high, is in the form of a Latin cross; in the chapel near the entrance are three famous paintings by Eugène Delacroix: La Lutte de Jacob avec l'ange (Jacob's fight with the angel), Héliodore chassé du temple (Heliodorus driven from the temple) et Saint Michel terrassant le démon (St Michael slaying the demon).

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This old bistro, which opened more than 130 years ago, attracts those seeking the Left Bank of yesteryear. It was once the rendezvous spot of the master carpenters, whose guild was next door. Nowadays, it's where young men take dates. Though the food isn't imaginative, it's well prepared in the best tradition of cuisine bourgeoise -- hearty but not effete. Appetizers include pâté of duck and rabbit terrine. Recommended as a main course is roast duck with olives. The plats du jour recall French home cooking: salt pork with lentils, pot-au-feu, and stuffed cabbage. The wine list has a selection of bordeaux, including Château Gaussens.

Description:

Located at the foot of Montmatre by the place du Théatre de l'Atelier, the apartments overlook a peaceful interior garden. Apartments have a simple white décor with bright fabrics; all include fully equipped kitchenettes and televisions. Guests can also enjoy amenities including babysitting services, complimentary newspapers and a luggage room.

Description:

Close to about 2.5 million people per year visit this splendid museum. It dates back to the 19th century and is primarily known for its impressive art collection, both impressionist and neo impressionist. Originally this museum was a station which later was transformed into this awe-inspiring structure. It not only has a gallery but also restaurants, cafés, seminar and meeting rooms, exhibition halls and much more within its premises. They also hold film festivals, concerts, and shows and guided tours for students as well as adults of all ages. It basically strives to revive and promote art and infuse it in our daily lives. Works by famous and prominent artists are on display throughout the year. So come and be enthralled!

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At Club des Poetes, you can dine while listening to poems by known actors, singers and poets. But regular people also get a chance in the spotlight. Prove your talent and recite a poem and entertain the crowd. In short, you can come here for dinner or for a drink and socialize with the talented locals and tourists.

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This is where Auguste Rodin spent the last years of his life, from 1908 to 1917. Since then, his superb sculptures and private art collection have been housed here. There are a number of sculptures in the garden, including his best-known piece, the Thinker. Trees provide welcome shade and the benches placed beneath make these peaceful surroundings the perfect spot for meditation and relaxation. An annex to this museum - the Villa des Brillants, which the artist bought in 1895 - is located in Meudon.

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This is the perfect French bistro, as typical as can be. But Les Noces de Jeannette (Jeannette's Marriage) is also a wedding of fine cooking (with brasserie-style dishes), a setting that couldn't be more Parisian (décor and customers), and the opéra comique (opera with spoken dialogue) that is right across the street, and gives the venue its name. It is welcoming, comfortable and fairly good value for money.

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This bistro is known for its traditional French cuisine. So if you want a taste of the local French food, this place would be a nice try.

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Le 404 is an authentic Morroccan restaurant serving the standard traditional fare. It's fairly small, with a capacity to seat 50 odd people and is often frequented by the who's who of the film and fashion world. The decor hints at being middle-eastern, with low seating and chandeliers. At the far end is an open kitchen that dishes out the staple of tagines and couscous, as also some nice Algerian wines. The dishes are meant to be eaten family style, with everyone partaking from a common plate or bowl. An experience well worth, for the food, sights and sounds.

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Some of the best North African food in Paris can be found at ever-popular Chez Omar. The restaurant isn't as "authentic-looking" as other North African restaurants in Paris (it resembles any ordinary French bistro - no belly dancing or hoopla), but once you taste the food, you'll be transported to Morocco. Expect heaping mounds of couscous, steaming vegetables, succulent chicken, melt-in-your-mouth tender stewed lamb, and spicy merguez sausages. Arrive well before 8pm to be seated promptly: this hot spot doesn't take reservations and its long waits are legendary. Terrace seating available in summer.

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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.

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Over a century old and still standing, this legendary venue in the heart of Pigalle continues to thrive. Used in the past for different kinds of entertainment including boxing matches, plays and variety shows, the Elysée has since become Paris's best-loved music venue. Cult groups and well-known artists alike perform here on a regular basis. A big hit with the young, its retro-style décor provides a unique backdrop for evenings such as the Elysée-Montmartre ball (with a full orchestra) or Open House (techno music) that are frequently organized at weekends.

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New York has its Carnegie Hall but for years Paris lacked a permanent home for its orchestra. That is, until 2006 when the restored Salle Pleyel opened once again. Built in 1927 by the piano-making firm of the same name, Pleyel was the world's first concert hall designed exclusively for a symphony orchestra. Ravel, Debussy, and Stravinsky performed their masterpieces here, only to see the hall devastated by fire less than 9 months after its opening. The original sound quality was never recovered because of an economic downturn. In 1998, real estate developer Hubert Martigny purchased the concert hall and pumped $38 million into it, restoring the art deco spirit of the original and also refining the acoustics it once knew. Nearly 500 seats were removed to make those that remained more comfortable. The Orchestre Philarmonique de Radio France and the Orchestre de Paris now have a home worthy of their reputations, and the London Symphony Orchestra makes Pleyel its venue in Paris. The box office is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm.

Description:

This famous gay Champs-Elysées nightclub has opened its doors to all communities and all sexes for a long time now. An evening that should not be missed is "Secret" (used to be called Respect) on Wednesdays, which features all the best DJs in the capital (Dimitri From Paris, Ivan Smagh...). The clientele are always buzzing and the music festive. Even though it's not too hard to get in, there are certain door rules: dress smart or wacky, and men should not come alone. Monday is gay night.