Guidebook for Paris

Phil
Guidebook for Paris

Food Scene

Probably the last "Guinguette" (old style Paris restaurant with accordion music and singing). It was founded in 1915. Tél 01 40 12 10 14 Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday 11AM to 7PM continuously. This restaurant open continuously open on week-end and on mondays (11AM to 7PM) is just as exceptional for its character as it is for the food. The entrance to Chez Louisette is in a back corner of the market Vernaison Market (inside the flea Market) . Just follow the sound of the music that resonates out of the café every time the door is opened. In an atmosphere bursting with joie de vivre, waitresses bellow to be heard above the music, and plates of hearty food are passed along the long tables where Parisians sit, eating and swaying to the music. The ceilings are covered in red foil, and red and gold garlands are festooned helter skelter above the dining room. Photographs, odd paintings, and miscellany line the walls, some appearing as if they have been there since the 1930’s, when the cafe’ first opened. On a tiny stage in the corner, Manuela, the chanteuse, channels Edith Piaf, belting out, “Non je ne regrette rien,” accompanied by an accordion player in an apron and a curiously sober pianist on a small keyboard. (She’s been entertaining patrons there for more than forty years.) Rumor has it, Edith Piaf actually sang here in her early days, and it’s not difficult to imagine what it was like at the time . . . in all likelihood exactly as it is now. Chez Louisette Marché Vernaison, Saint-Ouen (Paris Flea Market) 130 av Michelet Paris
20 locals recommend
Chez Louisette
136 Av. Michelet
20 locals recommend
Probably the last "Guinguette" (old style Paris restaurant with accordion music and singing). It was founded in 1915. Tél 01 40 12 10 14 Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday 11AM to 7PM continuously. This restaurant open continuously open on week-end and on mondays (11AM to 7PM) is just as exceptional for its character as it is for the food. The entrance to Chez Louisette is in a back corner of the market Vernaison Market (inside the flea Market) . Just follow the sound of the music that resonates out of the café every time the door is opened. In an atmosphere bursting with joie de vivre, waitresses bellow to be heard above the music, and plates of hearty food are passed along the long tables where Parisians sit, eating and swaying to the music. The ceilings are covered in red foil, and red and gold garlands are festooned helter skelter above the dining room. Photographs, odd paintings, and miscellany line the walls, some appearing as if they have been there since the 1930’s, when the cafe’ first opened. On a tiny stage in the corner, Manuela, the chanteuse, channels Edith Piaf, belting out, “Non je ne regrette rien,” accompanied by an accordion player in an apron and a curiously sober pianist on a small keyboard. (She’s been entertaining patrons there for more than forty years.) Rumor has it, Edith Piaf actually sang here in her early days, and it’s not difficult to imagine what it was like at the time . . . in all likelihood exactly as it is now. Chez Louisette Marché Vernaison, Saint-Ouen (Paris Flea Market) 130 av Michelet Paris
A restaurant, bar, café, farm and vegetable garden featuring daily DIY workshops, ethical values and a relaxed, welcoming vibe... all this and more makes up La Recyclerie, located in a former railway station on the Petite Ceinture also has a great outdoor space along the old train tracks. the high ceiling soars above a wrought iron framework, with an enormous glass window offering a sweeping view over the old railway tracks, now surrounded by a long terrace, a mobile exterior bar and the local allotments. Inside, the space is done out in vintage furniture and fresh greenery, with colourful chairs, an enormous bar, an open kitchen, big vats of natural wine (sourced from En Vrac), climbing plants – and in a corner behind a glass screen, l'Atelier de René, the in-house handyman, who will repair absolutely anything and, what's more, teach you do your own. The food offering changes week on week; for example African and Lebanese-themed meal. €20 or so covered a meal for two consisting of an excellent "mezze" platter and a chicken kebab with potatoes and crunchy vegetables, which we ate while watching staff working on the urban farm – soon, drinks will take place between a tethered goat and a plot of tomatoes. Upstairs on Thursday evenings, you can even do your weekly shop thanks to La Ruche Qui Dit Oui, which brings together local producers for a carefully curated farmer's market. Really, what's not to like?
499 locals recommend
La Recyclerie
83 Bd Ornano
499 locals recommend
A restaurant, bar, café, farm and vegetable garden featuring daily DIY workshops, ethical values and a relaxed, welcoming vibe... all this and more makes up La Recyclerie, located in a former railway station on the Petite Ceinture also has a great outdoor space along the old train tracks. the high ceiling soars above a wrought iron framework, with an enormous glass window offering a sweeping view over the old railway tracks, now surrounded by a long terrace, a mobile exterior bar and the local allotments. Inside, the space is done out in vintage furniture and fresh greenery, with colourful chairs, an enormous bar, an open kitchen, big vats of natural wine (sourced from En Vrac), climbing plants – and in a corner behind a glass screen, l'Atelier de René, the in-house handyman, who will repair absolutely anything and, what's more, teach you do your own. The food offering changes week on week; for example African and Lebanese-themed meal. €20 or so covered a meal for two consisting of an excellent "mezze" platter and a chicken kebab with potatoes and crunchy vegetables, which we ate while watching staff working on the urban farm – soon, drinks will take place between a tethered goat and a plot of tomatoes. Upstairs on Thursday evenings, you can even do your weekly shop thanks to La Ruche Qui Dit Oui, which brings together local producers for a carefully curated farmer's market. Really, what's not to like?
A great little restaurant where you can eat the traditional "fondue savoyards" (4 different melted cheeses in a pot which you share) and "fondue Bourguignonne" (cooking your meat in a shared pot - accompanied with tasty sauces). Recommended !
33 locals recommend
Les Fondus de la Raclette Paris 18° Jules Joffrin
19 Rue Joseph Dijon
33 locals recommend
A great little restaurant where you can eat the traditional "fondue savoyards" (4 different melted cheeses in a pot which you share) and "fondue Bourguignonne" (cooking your meat in a shared pot - accompanied with tasty sauces). Recommended !
LA RENAISSANCE Likely unknown to anyone not living near the Porte de Clignancourt, La Renaissance is a delightful Belle Epoque bistro well worth a detour. Featured in films like ‘Le Mouton Enragé’ and Tarantino’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’, - after discovering the bistro in Claude Chabrol's "The Blood of Others". In all, more than ten feature films have been shot here.the 1930s décor has been miraculously conserved. A copper bar makes a lovely curve in the right hand corner, there are period neon lights in the windows, screens between the tables, a mosaic floor, pretty wooden panelling and huge mirrors spotted with age. In the main room, there are worn banquettes and wooden tables, and a menu of high quality, affordable classic dishes (tartare, salads, lamb) served in enormous portions. Throw in a terrace, house cocktails and friendly staff, and you’ve got a real winner. This timeless bistro has retained all of its authenticity. From the Art Deco lamp designed by Lemière to the bevelled, spotted mirrors that we so love, everything has remained as it was in the 1930s. While the splendid white marble bar invites you to lean your elbows on it, the cushiony red banquettes of the back room will captivate you most of all. At first glance, you'll quickly understand why this hidden gem attracts a good number of regulars: the traditional cuisine is in perfect keeping with the genuine refinement of the place. The menu is full of no-fuss but tasty dishes, all with that homemade touch. Wine-lovers should note that there's also a good wine list featuring reasonably priced bottles. La Renaissance, 112, rue Championnet, Montmartre, Paris (01 46 06 01 76 About 10-15 minutes from the house, on foot.
93 locals recommend
Bistrot La Renaissance
112 Rue Championnet
93 locals recommend
LA RENAISSANCE Likely unknown to anyone not living near the Porte de Clignancourt, La Renaissance is a delightful Belle Epoque bistro well worth a detour. Featured in films like ‘Le Mouton Enragé’ and Tarantino’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’, - after discovering the bistro in Claude Chabrol's "The Blood of Others". In all, more than ten feature films have been shot here.the 1930s décor has been miraculously conserved. A copper bar makes a lovely curve in the right hand corner, there are period neon lights in the windows, screens between the tables, a mosaic floor, pretty wooden panelling and huge mirrors spotted with age. In the main room, there are worn banquettes and wooden tables, and a menu of high quality, affordable classic dishes (tartare, salads, lamb) served in enormous portions. Throw in a terrace, house cocktails and friendly staff, and you’ve got a real winner. This timeless bistro has retained all of its authenticity. From the Art Deco lamp designed by Lemière to the bevelled, spotted mirrors that we so love, everything has remained as it was in the 1930s. While the splendid white marble bar invites you to lean your elbows on it, the cushiony red banquettes of the back room will captivate you most of all. At first glance, you'll quickly understand why this hidden gem attracts a good number of regulars: the traditional cuisine is in perfect keeping with the genuine refinement of the place. The menu is full of no-fuss but tasty dishes, all with that homemade touch. Wine-lovers should note that there's also a good wine list featuring reasonably priced bottles. La Renaissance, 112, rue Championnet, Montmartre, Paris (01 46 06 01 76 About 10-15 minutes from the house, on foot.
The president's baguette - official supplier to the Elysée Palace :-) Hungry ?
Maison Julien Les Saveurs de Pierre Demours
13 Rue Pierre Demours
The president's baguette - official supplier to the Elysée Palace :-) Hungry ?

Sightseeing

Though it was a sacred hill from the Roman Temples period to the Abbey of Montmartre and the political tone of Henri the IV, Montmartre preserved its cultural and artistic identity by offering a home to the greatest painting movements of the XIX and XX centuries (Impressionnism, Cubism, Fauvism, Futurism, Surrealism). Today, Montmartre remains alive with visitors who like to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets of old Paris while taking in the historical and cultural atmosphere. Place du Tertre is right next to the Basilica. It is a famous square with painters still work on a daily basis. At every turn one always Going down on the other side of Montmartre you will find Pigalle and the famous « Moulin Rouge » ... You cannot miss Montmartre if you come to Paris !
2604 locals recommend
Montmartre
2604 locals recommend
Though it was a sacred hill from the Roman Temples period to the Abbey of Montmartre and the political tone of Henri the IV, Montmartre preserved its cultural and artistic identity by offering a home to the greatest painting movements of the XIX and XX centuries (Impressionnism, Cubism, Fauvism, Futurism, Surrealism). Today, Montmartre remains alive with visitors who like to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets of old Paris while taking in the historical and cultural atmosphere. Place du Tertre is right next to the Basilica. It is a famous square with painters still work on a daily basis. At every turn one always Going down on the other side of Montmartre you will find Pigalle and the famous « Moulin Rouge » ... You cannot miss Montmartre if you come to Paris !
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. A popular landmark, the basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. Hence the breathtaking view of the city of lights - sunset is not to be missed. Sacré-Cœur is a double monument, political and cultural, both a national penance for the defeat of France in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War and the socialist Paris Commune of 1871[1] crowning its most rebellious neighborhood, and an embodiment of conservative moral order, publicly dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was an increasingly popular vision of a loving and sympathetic Christ.[2] The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. It was consecrated after the end of World War I in 1919.
1103 locals recommend
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
1103 locals recommend
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. A popular landmark, the basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. Hence the breathtaking view of the city of lights - sunset is not to be missed. Sacré-Cœur is a double monument, political and cultural, both a national penance for the defeat of France in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War and the socialist Paris Commune of 1871[1] crowning its most rebellious neighborhood, and an embodiment of conservative moral order, publicly dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was an increasingly popular vision of a loving and sympathetic Christ.[2] The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. It was consecrated after the end of World War I in 1919.
The Place des Abesse hosts what has to be the most photographed Metro entrance in the world. It’s one of Hector Guimard’s originals and one of only three that are left. The Abbesses entrance was originally the entrance to the Hôtel de Ville station but it was moved to the Place des Abbesses in 1970. The Place des Abbesses takes its name from the former Abbey of the Dames des Abbesses founded as far back as 1133 by Adelaide of Savoy, the wife of Louis VI. The reputation of the abbey – and of the Abbesses for that matter – waxed and waned over the years but it managed to survive in one form or another until the French Revolution when it was finally suppressed. Madame de Montmorency-Laval was the last abbess and she came to a sticky end – she was sent to the guillotine in 1794! If Madame de Montmorency-Laval were with us today, what would she find on the site of her former home? She would find that there are still ecclesiastical references. The Crypt of the Martyrium, which she would have known well, is the chapel built on the site where, allegedly, Denis, Bishop of Lutetia, (later Saint Denis) was decapitated in 250AD. She would be pleased to know that the chapel is still alive – but only open to the public on Friday afternoons. She would find the Eglise-Saint Jean-de-Montmartre, a more recent ecclesiastical structure, dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist in 1904. The Place is lined with romantic terrace cafés and a merry-go-around sits at its center. Great Parisian small boutique shopping all around.
457 locals recommend
Station Abbesses
457 locals recommend
The Place des Abesse hosts what has to be the most photographed Metro entrance in the world. It’s one of Hector Guimard’s originals and one of only three that are left. The Abbesses entrance was originally the entrance to the Hôtel de Ville station but it was moved to the Place des Abbesses in 1970. The Place des Abbesses takes its name from the former Abbey of the Dames des Abbesses founded as far back as 1133 by Adelaide of Savoy, the wife of Louis VI. The reputation of the abbey – and of the Abbesses for that matter – waxed and waned over the years but it managed to survive in one form or another until the French Revolution when it was finally suppressed. Madame de Montmorency-Laval was the last abbess and she came to a sticky end – she was sent to the guillotine in 1794! If Madame de Montmorency-Laval were with us today, what would she find on the site of her former home? She would find that there are still ecclesiastical references. The Crypt of the Martyrium, which she would have known well, is the chapel built on the site where, allegedly, Denis, Bishop of Lutetia, (later Saint Denis) was decapitated in 250AD. She would be pleased to know that the chapel is still alive – but only open to the public on Friday afternoons. She would find the Eglise-Saint Jean-de-Montmartre, a more recent ecclesiastical structure, dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist in 1904. The Place is lined with romantic terrace cafés and a merry-go-around sits at its center. Great Parisian small boutique shopping all around.
The Place du Tertre is a square in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Only a few streets away from Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur and the Lapin Agile, it is the heart of the city's elevated Montmartre quarter. With its many artists setting up their easels each day for the tourists, the Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art. At the beginning of the 20th century, many penniless painters including Picasso and Utrillo were living there. Le Montmartre - Place du Tertre L'Espace Salvador Dalí, a museum principally dedicated to the sculpture and drawings of Salvador Dalí, can be found a few steps from Place du Tertre.
499 locals recommend
Place du Tertre
Place du Tertre
499 locals recommend
The Place du Tertre is a square in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Only a few streets away from Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur and the Lapin Agile, it is the heart of the city's elevated Montmartre quarter. With its many artists setting up their easels each day for the tourists, the Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the mecca of modern art. At the beginning of the 20th century, many penniless painters including Picasso and Utrillo were living there. Le Montmartre - Place du Tertre L'Espace Salvador Dalí, a museum principally dedicated to the sculpture and drawings of Salvador Dalí, can be found a few steps from Place du Tertre.

Entertainment & Activities

THE stadium in Paris to see sports and huge concerts.
385 locals recommend
Stade de France
Place du Cornillon
385 locals recommend
THE stadium in Paris to see sports and huge concerts.
1637 locals recommend
Moulin Rouge
82 Bd de Clichy
1637 locals recommend
126 locals recommend
Lido de Paris
116 Av. des Champs-Élysées
126 locals recommend

Parks & Nature

2265 locals recommend
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
1 Rue Botzaris
2265 locals recommend

Essentials

Open till 9PM (say 8:45PM), right at the subway exit. Lidl has excellent prices, great deals also, and good quality. There can be a bit of a line checking out depending on when you shop. Ouvert jusqu'à 21h30 (samedi : 20h30) Lidl, c'est des bons prix, oui mais des bons produits bien frais d'abord. Juste à la sortie du métro.
83 locals recommend
Lidl
83 Rue Saint-Maur
83 locals recommend
Open till 9PM (say 8:45PM), right at the subway exit. Lidl has excellent prices, great deals also, and good quality. There can be a bit of a line checking out depending on when you shop. Ouvert jusqu'à 21h30 (samedi : 20h30) Lidl, c'est des bons prix, oui mais des bons produits bien frais d'abord. Juste à la sortie du métro.
3 minutes on foot - a small but nice supermarket where you will find all the basics. open till 8:45PM, except Sunday (open from 8AM to 1PM) A 3 mn à pied. Ouvert jusqu'à 20h45 du lundi au samedi (dimanche : 8h-13h)
1040 locals recommend
Franprix
108 Av. Jean Lolive
1040 locals recommend
3 minutes on foot - a small but nice supermarket where you will find all the basics. open till 8:45PM, except Sunday (open from 8AM to 1PM) A 3 mn à pied. Ouvert jusqu'à 20h45 du lundi au samedi (dimanche : 8h-13h)
Bar - Tabac : A convenient place to buy tobacco or a prepaid phone card, have a coffee or other beverages. Right at the subway exit Porte de Clignancourt.
Le Clignancourt
79 Bd Ornano
Bar - Tabac : A convenient place to buy tobacco or a prepaid phone card, have a coffee or other beverages. Right at the subway exit Porte de Clignancourt.
A place right by the house if you have a lot of laundry you need to do.
Laverie Montmartre Poissonniers
26 Avenue de la Porte des Poissonniers
A place right by the house if you have a lot of laundry you need to do.
Sorbonne University Clignancourt Campus
Centre Universitaire Clignancourt
8 Rue Francis de Croisset
Sorbonne University Clignancourt Campus
One of the best Public Hospitals in Paris - Just in case ...
21 locals recommend
Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital
46 Rue Henri Huchard
21 locals recommend
One of the best Public Hospitals in Paris - Just in case ...
The Post office (also ATM). Send any package or letter nationally or internationally.
La Poste 18ieme
97 Rue Duhesme
The Post office (also ATM). Send any package or letter nationally or internationally.
A close by Gas station and Parking lot.
TOTAL
484 Av. Roger Salengro
A close by Gas station and Parking lot.

Getting Around

Porte de Clignancourt is Public Transport Hub. Line 4 crosses Paris through its center making all of the city easily accessible. Night busses also stop here :-) as well as the circular line (T) making Porte Maillot (airport bus stop easily accessible) . From CDG Porte de clignancourt is as short a trip while in Paris proper.
83 locals recommend
Porte de Clignancourt station
83 locals recommend
Porte de Clignancourt is Public Transport Hub. Line 4 crosses Paris through its center making all of the city easily accessible. Night busses also stop here :-) as well as the circular line (T) making Porte Maillot (airport bus stop easily accessible) . From CDG Porte de clignancourt is as short a trip while in Paris proper.

Arts & Culture

108 locals recommend
Théâtre du Châtelet
2 Rue Edouard Colonne
108 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Théâtre Montmartre Galabru
4 Rue de l'Armée d'Orient
9 locals recommend
A jack of all arts trades, the recently opened le 104 - or "le Centquatre" as they say - is a centre for creation, taking in all kinds of artistic disciplines from dance and music to art and talks. Its focus is very much on bringing people together with art in an easy, accessible manner, and to that end, directors, Robert Cantarella and Frédéric Fisbach provide unrestricted technical and financial help to the 200+ artists who make this their home. Expect everything from club nights and festivals to interactive exhibitions and workshops. Too much? Chill out at the popular inhouse Café Caché.
542 locals recommend
Le 104
5 Rue Curial
542 locals recommend
A jack of all arts trades, the recently opened le 104 - or "le Centquatre" as they say - is a centre for creation, taking in all kinds of artistic disciplines from dance and music to art and talks. Its focus is very much on bringing people together with art in an easy, accessible manner, and to that end, directors, Robert Cantarella and Frédéric Fisbach provide unrestricted technical and financial help to the 200+ artists who make this their home. Expect everything from club nights and festivals to interactive exhibitions and workshops. Too much? Chill out at the popular inhouse Café Caché.
"Science and Industry Disneyland" . Great for kids and adults ! At the heart of the largest landscaped park in Paris, there is an original and spectacular place. You just have to step foot inside to explore the countless secrets of science, to multiply unusual experiences, to dive into the infinite possibilities of image... At the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, curiosity brings children and adults to thousands of joys of discovery. The Cité des Enfants offers two exhibitions (2-7yrs and 5-12yrs) to learn whilst playing: you can build a house, play with water fountains and much more in the recently renovated Cité. Even parents will find it hard to leave, not withstanding some of the best concert venues are located in the Park ... ;-)
565 locals recommend
City of Science and Industry
30 Av. Corentin Cariou
565 locals recommend
"Science and Industry Disneyland" . Great for kids and adults ! At the heart of the largest landscaped park in Paris, there is an original and spectacular place. You just have to step foot inside to explore the countless secrets of science, to multiply unusual experiences, to dive into the infinite possibilities of image... At the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, curiosity brings children and adults to thousands of joys of discovery. The Cité des Enfants offers two exhibitions (2-7yrs and 5-12yrs) to learn whilst playing: you can build a house, play with water fountains and much more in the recently renovated Cité. Even parents will find it hard to leave, not withstanding some of the best concert venues are located in the Park ... ;-)
The most renown and respected film school in France. La Fémis (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Métiers de l’Image et du Son) is the French state film school under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is funded by the CNC (France’s National Centre of Cinematography and the Moving Image). It is a member of the PSL Research University created from the strategic alliance of over twenty higher education and research institutions, including the École Normale Supérieure, Université Paris-Dauphine, Collège de France, Mines ParisTech, École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique. Created in 1986 as a non-profit association, La Fémis currently holds the status of ’industrial and commercial public institution’ (pursuant to the law of 16 December 1996 and the decree of 13 May 1998). La Fémis has high record of achievement with regard to its alumni and students finding employment in the industry, as shown by the names regularly appearing in the credits of new film releases. The school has high record of achievement with regard to its alumni and students finding employment in the industry, as shown by the names regularly appearing in the credits of new film releases.
16 locals recommend
La Fémis
6 Rue Francœur
16 locals recommend
The most renown and respected film school in France. La Fémis (Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Métiers de l’Image et du Son) is the French state film school under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is funded by the CNC (France’s National Centre of Cinematography and the Moving Image). It is a member of the PSL Research University created from the strategic alliance of over twenty higher education and research institutions, including the École Normale Supérieure, Université Paris-Dauphine, Collège de France, Mines ParisTech, École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique. Created in 1986 as a non-profit association, La Fémis currently holds the status of ’industrial and commercial public institution’ (pursuant to the law of 16 December 1996 and the decree of 13 May 1998). La Fémis has high record of achievement with regard to its alumni and students finding employment in the industry, as shown by the names regularly appearing in the credits of new film releases. The school has high record of achievement with regard to its alumni and students finding employment in the industry, as shown by the names regularly appearing in the credits of new film releases.