Your essential guide to the Marais
This website is the number one travel guide dedicated to the Marais district. There's a selection of restaurants, bars, gay venues, chic boutiques, selected boutique hotels, museums, culture. You can subscribe to their free monthly newsletter so you don't miss the latest updates on restaurants, events and great bargains to be found in the district... Not to mention online bookings other resorts in Europe. So chic, n’est ce pas? The site will put you in the know on where to go!
www.parismarais.com
Hôtel national des Invalides
There are numerous buildings and museums to visit, including the Musée de l'Armée (see our separate listing) Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the L'Eglise de St-Louis-des-Invalides.
A former soliders’ hospital and retirement home, it is also famously known as the place where the mob stole most of the arms to attack the Bastille. The tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte lies in the dome.
Metro: Varenne, 7th
www.invalides.org
129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 PARIS
Paris Garden Tours - Parc André-Citroën
These English and French tours are held not only at the Parc André-Citroën but also the Parc de Bercy and the famous Pere-Lachaise Cemetery created by Napoleon. Wonder the park with an expert and learn about the history and culture of these famous fields.
Held throughout the year. Reasonable tariffs for groups. Let us know your requirements and we will advise cost for private tours.
Love seats at a French cinema
What can be better than watching Gerard Depardeau in French in France? If not, there are a number of English speaking theatres around Montparnasse however much more fun to head to modern Paris in the 13th and visit the 'Bibliotheque Nationale', opposite is the The Mk2 where you’ll find a 14-screen cinema (go on...book the love seats) the complex also has a number of restaurants and shops. Other theatres and programs can be found at
www.premiere.fr/premiere
Don’t forget the recently renovated Cinema Du Pantheon the way to see a French film 'a la Catherine Deneuve' (the famous actress assisted in the design)
www.whynotproductions.fr
www.mk2.com
Bohemian Paris at Belleville
Head to Belleville to experience the new bohemian villages of Paris. You’ll find tiny galleries and quaint tiny wine bars. Belleville forms part of the 19th and 20th arrondissement and was built on and around a hill; it is the second highest after Montmartre.
This is where Paris’ master artists congregate. Visit galleries like
Bugada & Cargnel (7-9 rue de L’Equerre, www.bugadacargnel.com) or Gaudel de Stamps (3, rue de Vaucoouleurs) then head to Andrea
Crews for a mixture of art and fashion (24, rue de Vaucouleurs). After all that adventure you’ll be thirsty so head to Belleville Park where you’ll find Le Baratin (3, rue Jouye-Rouve), an
intimate wine bar packed with locals. Another popular bar is the Bar aux Folies, (8, rue de Belleville), a local haunt, always full however only alcohol served. for beer and wine but not food. Always full.
Fancy a tour with a Parisian - Free?
This voluntary organisation of 'Parisian Greeters' was set up to dispel the myth that Parisian are an unfriendly lot. You can book a 2-3 hour tour, it must be a group of up to 6 and designed to show you 'their' Paris. Sounds too good to be true but what a great way to promote the city. See website for details. Tours offered in English and other languages.
www.parisiendunjour.fr
Musée du Vin
A wonderful, charming museum dedicated to one of France's most important products, wine! Explore caves, understand methods and techniques listen to the history of some of the more famous brands. After your visit you can either wonder towards the 'Tour Eiffel' where there are numerous bistros or enjoy lunch in the museum's restaurant then stroll around this lovely area.
If you would like to plan an class in English for a degustastion, several are run during the year. check their website for exact times and dates.
www.museeduvinparis.com
Rue des Eaux, 5, square Charles Dickens, 75016 (16th)
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
While we all know this famous ‘église’ why not visit during a world-class orchestra or choir? The acoustics are, well, heavenly! Plan your visit to get the most of this magnificent church. The website is now also in English. See details for visiting choirs and events.
8.30am Sunday mass.
www.cathedraledeparis.com