Paris is unique in that it is a major global city -- home to more than 10 million people in the greater region -- yet it manages to synthesize the rhythms of village life with those of a cosmopolitan world capital. Although the city is a center of European commerce, many shops are closed on Sundays, leaving time for lazy brunches or shopping excursions at a local market. Paris is the capital of fashion, art, and people-watching; a city where Chanel-clad ladies walk poodles along grand boulevards; a place where the waiters might be rude but the food is délicieux. Paris is all of that and more. Your love affair begins once you look beyond the Eiffel Tower, explore the backstreets, and make Paris your own.
Things to Do
Comfy shoes are essential for this city of a thousand walks, landscaped gardens, and cavernous galleries. Reserve your ticket for speedy access to the Louvre, which sidles up to the sculpture-dotted Jardin des Tuileries. Across the Seine on the Left Bank, take your pick from Impressionist hangout Musée d\'Orsay, Notre-Dames Gothic grandeur and Musée Rodin Kiss sculpture. Okay, you really cant leave without seeing Paris light up from the Eiffel Tower, open till midnight.
Attending a free concert: Every summer the Parc Floral (in the Bois de Vincennes) hosts a bevy of free concerts: first the Paris Jazz Festival in June and July, and then Classique au Vert in August.
* Picnicking in the Luxembourg Gardens: You couldn’t get richer surroundings if you were at a three-star restaurant, and yet you only paid a few euros for a sandwich. Sometimes being cheap is the best revenge.
* Seeing Paris from a city bus: Make your own tour of Paris by bus—for the price of a Métro ticket. Some of the municipal bus lines’ routes would put a professional tour bus to shame, like routes Nos. 63 and 87, which hit many of the city’s major sites. Visit www.ratp.fr for route maps.
* Dawdling over a coffee in a cafe: Okay, you might pay 2.50€ for a cup of coffee, but that means you can sit for hours watching the world go by in an atmospheric cafe, and have an authentically Parisian experience to boot.
* Enjoying the newly refurbished banks of the Seine, “Les Berges”: What used to be a stretch of noisy roadway between the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont d’Alma is now a place for walking, running, and holding hands, with picnic areas, food and drink, floating gardens, and sports activities, as well as lounge chairs for taking an impromptu siesta.
Attraction places
Arc de Triomphe
In the event that there is one landmark that symbolizes \"La Gloire\" or the eminence of France, it is this titan triumphal curve. Delegated the Champs-Elysées, this relentless passage both praises the military triumphs of the French armed force and memorializes the penances of its fighters. After some time, it has turn into a symbol of the Republic and a setting for some on the off chance that its most passionate minutes: the laying in condition of the casket of Victor Hugo in 1885, the internment in 1921 of the fiery remains of an obscure officer who battled in World War I, and General de Gaulle\'s pregnant respite under the curve before striding down the Champs-Elysées to the cheering group after the Liberation in 1944
Cathédrale de Notre-Dame
This astoundingly concordant group of cut entryways, immense towers, and flying braces has survived near to a thousand years of French history and served as a setting for a portion of the nation\'s most serious minutes. Napoléon delegated himself Emperor here, Napoléon III was hitched here, and the funerals of some of France\'s most prominent officers (Foch, Joffre, Leclerc) were held here. In August 1944, the freedom of Paris from the Nazis was remembered in the church, right now passing of General de Gaulle in 1970
Eiffel Tower
n his wildest dreams, Gustave Eiffel probably never imagined that the tower he built for the 1889 World’s Fair would become the ultimate symbol of Paris and, for many, of France. Originally slated for demolition after its first 20 years, the Eiffel Tower has survived more than a century and is one of the most visited sites in the nation. No less than 50 engineers and designers worked on the plans, which resulted in a remarkably solid structure that despite its height (324m/1,063 ft., including the antenna) does not sway in the wind.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Rolling out like an exotic Oriental carpet before the Italianate Palais du Luxembourg, this vast expanse of fountains, flowers, lush lawns, and shaded glens is the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a relaxed picnic, or a serious make-out session, depending on who you’re with. At the center of everything is a fountain with a huge basin, where kids can sail toy wooden sailboats (2.50€ for a half-hour) and adults can sun themselves in the green metal chairs at the pond’s edge. Sculptures abound: At every turn there is a god, goddess, artist, or monarch peering down at you from their pedestal. The most splendid waterworks is probably the Medici Fountain (reached via the entrance at place Paul Claudel behind the Odéon), draped with lithe Roman gods and topped with the Medici coat of arms, in honor of the palace’s first resident, Marie de Medicis.
Musée du quai Branly
It’s just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower, but this museum’s wildly contemporary design has forever changed the architectural landscape of this rigidly elegant neighborhood. Its enormous central structure floats on a series of pillars, under which lies a lush garden, separated from the noisy boulevard out front by a huge glass wall. However you feel about the outside, you cannot help but be impressed by the inside: The vast space is filled with exquisite examples of the traditional arts of Africa, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Americas. Designed by veteran museum-maker Jean Nouvel, this intriguing space makes an ideal showcase for a category of artwork that too often has been relegated to the sidelines of the museum world.
Musée d’Orsay
What better setting for a world-class museum of 19th-century art than a beautiful example of Belle Epoque architecture? In 1986, the magnificent Gare d’Orsay train station, built to coincide with the 1900 World’s Fair, was brilliantly transformed into an exposition space. The huge, airy central hall lets in lots of natural light, which is artfully combined with artificial lighting to illuminate a collection of treasures.The collection spans the years 1848 to 1914, a period that saw the birth of many artistic movements, but today it is best known for the emergence of Impressionism. All the superstars of the epoch are here, including Monet, Manet, Degas, and Renoir, not to mention Cézanne, and Van Gogh.
Musée Jacquemart-André
The love-child of a couple of passionate art collectors, this terrific museum takes the form of a 19th-century mansion filled with fine art and decorative objects. Not only is the collection superb, but it is also of a blissfully reasonable size—you can see a wide range of beautiful things here without wearing yourself to a frazzle.Nélie Jacquemart and Edouard André devoted their lives to filling this splendid dwelling with primarily 18th-century French art and furniture. The paintings of Fragonard, Boucher, and Chardin are in evidence, as is an impressive assortment of Louis XV– and Louis XVI–era decorative objects. There are many superb portraits, including “Comte Français de Nantes” by David. The couple also amassed a number of 17th-century Dutch paintings, including a jaunty “Portrait of a Man” by Frans Hals, and Rembrandt’s evocative “Pilgrims at Emmaus.”
Place des Vosges
Possibly the prettiest square in the city, this beautiful spot combines elegance, greenery, and quiet. Nowhere in Paris will you find such a unity of Renaissance-style architecture; the entire square is bordered by 17th-century brick townhouses, each conforming to rules set down by Henri IV himself, under which runs arched arcades. The square’s history dates back to a mishap in 1559, when the site was occupied by a royal palace. During a tournament, feisty King Henri II decided to fight Montgomery, the captain of his guard. A badly aimed lance resulted in Henri’s untimely death; his wife, Catherine de Medicis, was so distraught she had the palace demolished. His descendant, Henri IV, took advantage of the free space to construct a royal square. Over the centuries, a number of celebrities lived in the 36 houses, including Mme de Sévigny and Victor Hugo. Today the homes are for the rich, as are the chic boutiques under the arcades, but the lawns, trees, fountains, and playground are for everyone.
Sainte-Chapelle
A wall of color greets visitors who enter this magnificent chapel. Stained-glass windows make up a large part of the upper level of the church, giving worshippers the impression of standing inside a jewel-encrusted crystal goblet. What isn’t glass is elaborately carved and painted in gold leaf and rich colors: vaulting arches, delicate window casings, and an almost Oriental wainscoting of arches and medallions. The 15 windows recount the story of the Bible, from Genesis to the Apocalypse, as well as the story of St-Louis, who was responsible for the chapel’s construction. During the Crusades, Louis IX (who was later canonized) brought home some of the holiest relics in Christendom from Constantinople: the crown of thorns and a piece of the Holy Cross. Such a treasure required an appropriately splendid chapel in the royal palace, and thus the chapel was built (the relics are now in the treasury of Notre-Dame). The record is not clear, but the architect may have been the illustrious Pierre de Montreuil, who worked on the cathedrals of St-Dennis and Notre-Dame. What is sure is that the mysterious architect was brilliant: He managed to support the structure with arches and buttresses in such a way that the walls of the upper chapel are almost entirely glass
Tour Eiffel
Palais de Tokyo
If you’re traveling with cranky teenagers who’ve had enough of La Vieille France, or if you’re also sick of endless rendezvous with history, this is the place to come for a blast of contemporary madness. This vast art space not only offers a rotating bundle of expositions, events, and other happenings, but it’s also one of the only museums in Paris that stays open until midnight. While some might quibble over whether or not the works on display are really art, there’s no denying that this place is a lot more fun than its stodgy neighbor across the terrace. There’s no permanent collection, just continuous temporary exhibits, installations, and events, which include live performances and film screenings. The center is now one of the largest sites devoted to contemporary creativity in Europe. In warm weather, you can eat on the splendid terrace or repair to its arty-cool restaurant, Tokyo Eat.
HOTELS
Ermitage Sacré-Coeur
Built in 1890 by a rich gentleman for his mistress, this beautifully preserved townhouse has been lovingly converted into an intimate hotel. It may not offer room service (although a complimentary breakfast is served in your room) or much by way of amenities, but the ambience is unique. Tucked behind the Sacré-Coeur, this small mansion still feels like a private home. In fact, it virtually is: The Canipel family has run these unconventional lodgings for more than 40 years. Each of the five rooms is decorated in period prints and draperies, with beautiful antique bedsteads and armoires. The hotel has no elevator. The Canipels also rent nearby studios and apartments that sleep one to four.
Hôtel Balzac
Chandeliers and swags of rich fabric await you in the lobby of these luxurious lodgings, which were built for the director of the Paris Opéra in 1853. Just a few steps away from the Champs-Elysées, this classy townhouse features spacious rooms with huge beds, high thread-counts, and swags of chiffon and velour around the bed and windows. The ambiance is classic and very French, with reproduction antiques, high ceilings, and subtle colors. Visiting dignitaries can opt for a Royal or Presidential Suite with views of the Eiffel Tower; junior and “regular” suites feature separate sitting areas and dressing rooms. There’s an interior courtyard where you can enjoy a drink on a plush sofa; if you’re itching to get out, Louis Vuitton and Fouquet’s are just around the corner. If you want luxury on a small, personal scale, this is an excellent choice; the serviimpeccable and polite, and the hotel is small enough to still feel intimate. Pierre Gagnaire Michelin three-star gourmet pleasure palace, is in the same building.
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
In the 18th century, Pierre Auguste Caron de Beaumarchais—author of “The Barber of Seville”—lived near here, and this small hotel celebrates both the playwright and the magnificent century he lived in. Delightful details give you a taste of what life was like back in the day: Walls are covered in high-quality reproductions of period fabrics; rooms are furnished with authentic antique writing tables; and period paintings and first-edition pages of “The Barber of Seville” hang on the walls. A pianoforte that dates from 1792 stands in the lobby, next to an antique card table set up for a game. You half expect Pierre Auguste himself to come prancing through the door.
Hôtel de la Porte Dorée
True, it’s a little out of the way, but these lovely lodgings are well worth the Métro fare. Period prints, antique headboards, high ceilings, wood floors, and original curlicue moldings are all part of the package at this hotel, which is owned by a friendly Franco-American couple. The hotel goes the extra mile for both the environment (ecologically correct policies) and babies (toys, playpens, and even potty seats available). And you’ll pay less for all this than you will for something utterly basic in the center of town. While the location is not central, it is right next to the verdant Bois de Vincennes, where you can rent bikes or picnic. The nearby Métro will get you to the city center in about 15 minutes.
Hôtel de La Trémoille
Just off the hyper-sophisticated avenue George V and steps away from the Champs-Élysées, this classy hotel is as refined and elegant as its surroundings, and has a lovely young staff to attend to your (almost) every need. The spacious rooms have exceptionally high ceilings (except for those on the sixth floor), tall windows, and a subtly modern decor. The white walls have kept their 19th-century trimmings, while the curtains, bedsteads, and covers are all rich fabrics in shades of prune, teal, and gold. Rooms include a full complement of designer toiletries, as well as iPod docks and a heated trouser press. Those on the second and fifth floor have small balconies; the suites are vast, by Paris standards.
Hôtel des Bains
With cute, comfortable rooms and excellent rates, this friendly hotel is one of the best deals on the Left Bank, especially for families. It offers several good-sized, two-room suites for up to four people. Doubles are amply sized as well, with high ceilings; the largest ones face the pretty courtyard. The decor is simple but nicely accessorized with objects and artwork from the nearby Sunday art market. The elevator stops at a landing between floors, which have a few stairs.
Hotel Seven
Weird and wonderful, this luxury concept hotel seems made for lovers in search of a night to remember. Mirrors and transparent showers abound here, as do huge beds, theatrical lighting and large sofas. Rooms are romantically space-age, with mobiles, pinpoint lights and in-room transparent double showers, while the suites go all out: “Sublime” is all white with a round double bed under a feathery ceiling; “The Black Diamond” features a faux crocodile headboard and a black bathtub studded with Swarovski synthetic diamonds. Most have “levitation” beds, which are suspended horizontally from the wall, as well as Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and fluffy bathrobes. The hotel is a bit out of the way, at the southern end of the Latin Quarter.
Hôtel Signature St-Germain-des-Près
After undergoing a complete overhaul, the erstwhile Hôtel Lindberg has been reborn as a delightful boutique hotel. Run by the friendly Prigent family, the new décor boasts interiors that are both stylish and welcoming. Bright colors on the walls blend harmoniously with subdued bedsteads and linens; mid-century reproduction furniture and faux antique phones take the edge off sleek modern lines. The “Prestige” rooms cost more, but are especially roomy (30 sq. meters/323 sq. feet). In addition to particularly attentive service, this hotel is also blessed with an excellent location for shopping addicts: it’s just down the street from Bon Marché.
New Orient Hôtel
This lovely hotel, which offers comfortable rooms with high ceilings, 19th-century moldings, and antique headboards and armoires, may not be on top of the Champs Elysées, but it’s not far, and it is close to stately Parc Monceau and a quick trot to the Saint Lazare train station. The friendly owners, inveterate flea market browsers, have refinished and restored the antique furniture themselves. Rooms (many of which have small balconies) are in tip-top shape, and bathrooms sparkle. Though there’s an elevator, you’ll have to negotiate stairs to get to it.
Pavillon de la Reine
Just off the place des Vosges, the “Queen’s Pavilion” harkens back to the days when the magnificent square was home to royalty. Set back from the hustle and bustle of the Marais, this heavenly hideaway feels intimate, like a lord’s private hunting lodge in the country. The decor is a suave combination of subtle modern and antique: The dark period furniture blends with rich colors on the walls and beds; choice objects and historic details abound. Several deluxe duplexes have staircases leading to cozy sleeping lofts.
Relais St-Germain
Fashioned from three adjoining 17th-century townhouses, this intimate hotel mixes old-world charm and jazzy modernity. Rooms are spacious, and even the smallest are equipped with a comfortable sitting area. The decor blends period furniture with modern prints, like the Louis XV armchair covered in zigzagged leather, or the 18th-century painting hung on a wall of mirrors. The effect is both stylish and deeply comforting. There are some extra stairs between floors, so if you have mobility issues, be sure to make that clear when you reserve. Guests have priority at the hotel restaurant, Le Comptoir, where you might otherwise have a 6-month wait for a reservation. Book your room at least a month in advance
Hôtel Vivienne
Right around the corner from Passage des Panoramas, this family-run hotel offers comfortable, renovated, spotless lodgings at terrific prices. About half the hotel is decorated in a classic, if old-fashioned style; other rooms have been given a modern makeover. A few rooms have balconies with space for a small table; some have connecting doors, and there are some large suites that are great for families. If you don’t mind sharing a toilet, there are several doubles that go for 88€. The location may not be exactly central, but it’s a short walk to the Métro and a 10-minute stroll to the Palais Royal. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard as the street can be a little noisy.
RESTAURANT
Caïus
You would never know from the subdued tones of the wood-paneled dining room that the chef here is a fan of spices and herbs from faraway lands. That said, Jean-Marc Notelet’s subtle and delicious cuisine also makes use of more local products, in particular, high-quality regional ingredients like mussels from Brittany, veal from Corrèze, and free-range pork brought up on apples and acorns. Menu must-haves include cod with lemon grass and combava, grilled duck with sumac, and beef confit with tonka beans and niora. All those exotic elements blend beautifully with French dishes, as the full dining room attests; this place is a favorite for business lunches and dinners, and draws a devoted local clientele. Chez Nenesse
This neighborhood haunt has stayed true to its proletarian roots in a frighteningly hip part of the northern Marais. At lunchtime, the chef sends out traditional bistro fare (such as blanquette de veau, or rump steak) into the busy dining room, while dinner comes with a change in menus and ambience—the checked plastic tablecloths are traded for white linen, and magret de canard au cassis (duck breast with cassis liqueur) and filet d’agneau a l’estragon (lamb steak with tarragon) take center stage. Thursday is steak-frites day, when regulars crowd in at lunch for their weekly dose of the yummy house fries
Lasserre
André Malraux, Salvador Dali, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich—the list of celebrities who have dined at this legendary restaurant is understandably long. What famous person wouldn’t want to eat in this superb dining room, where the ceiling opens when the weather is willing? A silk-draped, arch-windowed affair, the room glistens with fine porcelain, silver knickknacks, and crystal candelabras. The young chefs have recently brought new life to the classic menu, adding their own subtle creations, such as sea bass with vegetables in chardonnay, or roasted lamb confit with artichokes and apples. Reserve at least 2 weeks ahead. Dinner jackets required for men.
Lazare
Before the Gare St-Lazare train station had its recent makeover, about the only thing you could get to eat was a limp sandwich. Today, you can eat like a king as you wait for your train to come in, and I’m not talking about the Burger King that opened up on the main level. Eric Frechon, one of those Michelin-starred chefs, is the great mind behind this gourmet enterprise, which serves as cafe, bar, and restaurant. The lofty ceilings, wood furnishings, and white walls give the place relaxed air, as does the menu, which features French comfort food like boeuf bourguignon, cod brandade (a sort of fish shepherd’s pie), and Toulouse sausage with mashed potatoes. Don’t be fooled, though, granny is definitely not in the kitchen. A gaggle of young intense cooks bustle about, preparing each dish with the best ingredients and designing each plate with care. Breakfast is served from 7:30–11am and tea time is 3–6pm
Le Comptoir du Relais
The brainchild of super-chef Yves de Camdeborde, this small and scrumptious bistro is still bringing in the crowds almost a decade after it opened. During the day, it serves relatively traditional fare, say, a slice of lamb with thyme sauce or maybe the panier de cochonaille, a basket of the Camdeborde family’s own brand of smoked meats. On weeknights, it’s a temple to haute cuisine, with a five-course tasting menu. You’ll need to reserve several weeks in advance for this meal, which changes every night and is nonnegotiable—the chef decides what you are going to eat. There are no reservations at lunch or on the weekends, when the bistro menu is served from noon to 11pm, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Le Grand Véfour
Channel centuries of history at this illustrious restaurant, where Napoléon, Danton, Hugo, Colette, and Cocteau all once dined. Thanks to Guy Martin, chef and owner for the past decade, the food is as memorable as the magnificently preserved 18th-century salon: Signature dishes like Prince Rainier III pigeon and truffled oxtail parmentier share the menu with new creations with contemporary flavors like sumac and star anise. The desserts are incredible, especially the palet (a thick biscuit) with milk chocolate and hazelnuts, served with caramel and sea-salt ice cream. Reserve at least 2 weeks in advance, and note that the lunch fixed-price menu is a third of the price of the fixed-price dinner.
Le Violon d’Ingres
Decked out in shades of cream and chocolate, this is the most elegant and refined of the three Christian Constant restaurants on rue Saint-Dominque. The menu treats classic dishes with kindness and care, giving each a dash of delicious originality. Menu choices might include roast sea bass in a sliced almond crust with capers and lemon, Pyrénées lamb roasted with spices, and the chef’s own cassoulet. Top it all off with a vanilla ice cream-filled macaron floating in a berry soup
Mangetout
This affordable taste treat comes courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Alain Dutournier, the force behind Pinxo. For a relative pittance, you can get a delicious two- or three-course set meal that might start with a golden broth decked with fresh shrimp and vegetables, continue with a surprisingly light blanquette de veau (veal stew), and finish up with a tourtière, a flakey apple tart that is usually found in the French southwest, Dutournier’s home sweet home. The quality of the ingredients and the cooking is superb and the price is right. As the dining room is tiny, dinner reservations are essential
Spring
One of the city’s most talked-about restaurants has a chef who is—gasp—American! Try not to think about that and just enjoy the amazing dishes that come out of the kitchen. Chef Daniel Rose, native of Chicago, pays utmost respect to all things French while adding a dash of Yankee daring to his superb creations. The menu changes all the time, but it might start with quail eggs with lemony eggplant caviar, followed by filet of sole with mussels, smoked ham, and green tomatoes. It’s a four-course fixed-price menu only, which doesn’t seem to be a problem for diners, who fight for a seat here. The buzz is so strong and the capacity so small (40 diners max) that you should reserve around 3 months in advance
Saturne
There are not very many glass-roofed restaurants in Paris, and even fewer with a kitchen like this one. The chef’s Scandinavian roots are evident in the decor, with its sleek blonde wood and white walls. But it’s what’s on the plate that makes it difficult to get a reservation here: exquisitely refined combinations of flavors and textures, described on the menu as a list of ingredients. Resembling works of contemporary art, dishes might combine gnocchi, chestnuts, and truffles, or guinea hen with purple artichokes, and spring garlic, and could be followed with a concoction of carrots, citrus, and olives. At lunch you can choose between a menu of three, five, and seven dishes; and dinner, there’s a one fixed-price menu for one and all.
NIGHT LIFE
Moulin Rouge, Paris
When the music hall was opened in 1889, its owners, Oller and Zidler, claimed that it would become a temple of music and dance... A lot of people would agree, because this home of the can-can dance still offers a spectacular musical dance entertainment. However, the others would say that the tickets are overpriced... Perhaps one day I\'ll see it for myself.
Lido de Paris
The difference for those of you choosing between Crazy Horse and lido, the lido production is outstanding. There are at least a hundred girls. A live horse comes on stage, a lifesize elephant. Every act is totally different, many costumes. It is also topless, and the girls do look good. But they are not as close up as crazyhorse, and not as beautiful. But the act is so impressive that it doesnt matter. An iceskating rink appears on the floor, with figureskater, waterfalls emerge as well. There are very cute men in the production at the lido too. Waterfountains spring up from the stage. Lido has a dinner show, or you can just buy half a bottle of champagne, and it is the same price, about $120 per person. Crazy Horse is a small theatre, looks like fifty seats. all very close to the stage. The lido is a theatre, probably can seat at least 300 people. I believe there is dancing there at the dinner show. Just down the block there is a great Gay discoteca, club, that is so much fun. Sometimes they only let in gay men. It is called the queen. Across the street is a coffee shop/bar/cafe. You will see it, its black and purple. Its very good and great for people watching.
Seine, Paris
On a clear summer evening you could do worse than to join the many Parisians and visitors for a stroll along the banks of the Seine at sunset.I took this first photo from the bridge called Pont de la Tournelle, looking towards Notre Dame Cathedral. By coincidence this is the same view that was described by the nineteenth-century French poet Théophile Gautier (1811-1872) in his poem Soleil couchant, though he had a large flaming cloud in the sky
Jazz Clubs, Paris
Historic cellar-like underground jazz club in the Latin Quarter. Oozes atmosphere, reminds me of Audreys beatnik dance scene in Funny Face. Actually a one time hotspot for post-war jazz, frequented by intellectuals and literati like Sartre and Boris Vian. Now an older crowd and a tamer, but satisfyingly classic taste.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
It might sound boring for those of you who like to go clubbing or dancing or bar-touring at night, but believe me: just sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower (at the Trocadero gardens) and watching people pass by, the boats sail along the Seine river, and the wonderful lights of Paris all around you is a WONDERFUL night activity!! I did it twice during my stay and I loved it -- and I had some company once, so its also a good activity to do if you just want to stroll and chat with someone. This is what I call to *LIVE* Paris to the fullest and enjoy every single minute of it! The lights of the Tower dont go down until 1 AM or so.
Walking, Paris
A must for every trip to Paris, is a stroll after dark. We were here in early June and it didn\'t get dark until almost 10pm. A good start is at the Eiffel Tower. At 10pm, for about 10 minutes, the whole tower twinkles with thousands of lights. It\'s magical! It seems to be the popular thing to have a picnic on the Champs du Mars while waiting for dark.
Barrio Latino, Paris
This is restaurant with four floors a bar and nightclub. The wait staff pushed around a glass covered trolley where they dispense snacks from. The first and third floors are dance floors with its own blend of funky Latin sounds.