"kiss17th"

Snowy Paris

2009-01-15T18:58:00.012+01:00

Aaaah, many Parisians were happy over the festive season as it was the first snowy winter Paris has seen in a long time. And why happy you say? Because of the "F" word - yes folks, we're talking "Fashion". It was a chance to show off and wear all those big winter coats and furry hats, those long winter knee high boots and mostly a time to feel real European and a tad crazy from the minus something degrees! Below are my snapshots of the city under snow....

mmm....could this be Karl Lagerfeld walking along rue de Grenelle?

Place du Palais de Bourbon and rue de Bourgogne

Seine River next to Gare de l 'Est

Don't you just want to cuddle up to this thing?!

The Eiffel Tower from Invalides

The irritating Velibs - Paris's latest mode of transport

Thomas Jefferson's feet at passerelle de Solferino

Esplande des Invalides

and just for fun!

December De-Lights

2008-12-22T16:50:00.015+01:00

The winter has officially nipped Paris in the bum - yes it's freezing here folks! But do not fear as there is plenty happening to keep us all feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. For starters, 'tis the season of festivities and shopping (well, that's pretty much all year round for Paris) so with Christmas and Hanukkah in the air the city of lights is simply oozing with more lights making walking around the city at night a feast for the eyes. However, for those searching a feast for their bellies, a brisk walk along the lower part of the Champs Elysees will greet you with a very cool Christmas market with every second hut selling Belgian waffles, pancakes and crepes...and I'm talking serious nuttela here.The shops are open generally 7 days a week during the holiday season and the streets are packed with avid shoppers, my favorite is the Marais neighborhood where even a friendly 'pere noel' will stop to give directons to lost tourists (and who said the French weren't friendly?)During the 8 days of Hanukkah, a candle is lit at different landmarks around the city one of which is at the Eiffel Tower. Expect to hear lots of music, dancing on the street and free donuts being handed out!After a night of indulging in these 'forbidden' holiday delights, I recommend a bit of exercise in the form of ice-skating. As tradition has it every December, in front of Hotel de Ville a little slab of pleasure comes to life with an ice-skating rink, merry-go-rounds, and of course more food. This is a must for the romantic at heart. Though if you're not the skating type, it can still be quite amusing to spend an afternoon with your loved one watching skaters fall on their bums....

Champs Elysees Christmas market - nearest metro is Champs Elysees Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13) in the 8th arondissement.
Ice-skating - nearest metro is Hotel de Ville (lines 1 and 11) in the 4th arondissement.

Rose Bakery

2008-11-16T19:08:00.014+01:00

I just discovered probably the friendliest cafe in Paris! This place called Rose Bakery is a great spot to enjoy a nice hot cuppa, a wholesome lunch, catch up on some work, read a book or even a great spot to meet new people! There is a cool welcoming vibe where most of the staff are English speakers and wear natural smiles - wait, are we really in Paris?! (...just kidding of course...). This is the regular and beloved spot for my dear new fellow South-African-Paris-based friend who I met there for the first time over a yummy hot chocolate. The tables as covered with paper table-cloths that serve as a canvas on which to scribble ones thoughts of the day - which I think is pretty cool, as after all, great thoughts come by with great cups of hot-anythings.... What I loved most about this place was that there was no sign on the door - but instead huge glass doors showing off a naturally bright, warm beige and silver, cave-like cafe - and everyone knows this is Rose Bakery! Apparently there is a RB in London and 2 in Paris. The one I visited was in the colorful Marais district found at 30 rue Debelleyme in the 3rd arondissment - nearest metros are Filles du Calvaire and Saint Sebastien Froissart (the other is located at 46 rue des Martyrs in the 9th). Might I add, it's also into organic products - which is a huge plus! And what's really nice too, is that their customers seem to be the loyal-make-myself-chez-moi type or the highflyers seeking a place to relax and just be!

La Palette

2008-06-30T21:30:00.012+02:00

To break away from all the touristic traps and enjoy a typically Parisian glass of wine in a typically old-fashion traditional Parisian bar - stroll over to La Palette.
This Latin quarter cafe (located on the left bank in the Saint Germain Des Prés area) is always bustling with the bohemian chic who come to socialize over a number bottles of wine and nibble on some ham and cheese 'croque monsieur'. The out door terrace literally overflows with the locals and laughter while waiters dressed in traditional black and white uniforms weave from table to table.

The wine list is apparently still the same over the last few decades with the most popular whites being the Sauvignon, Saint Véran, Pouilly Fumé, Chablis, Champagne and the reds being the generic-Bordeaux, Brouilly, Saint Emilion, Graves, Morgon. One can either order by the glass or the bottle (I say go for the bottle!)

You must take a peak inside or maybe even go stand and drink at the bar's counter just to appreciate the decor. It is classified as "classe" which means no alterations or renovations are allowed hence safe-guarding its authenticity of the 1920's. You kinda get the sensation that you are standing in a black & white movie, photograph or an old oil on canvas painting of the Paris back-in-the day of Picasso!

Situated at the heart of the art galleries district sitting charmingly on the corner of Rue de seine and Rue Jacques Callot.

43 Rue de Seine 75006 Paris
Metro : Odeon (lines 4/10)

Grand Palais

2008-05-24T15:48:00.009+02:00

The Awesome Grandeur of Grand Palais

Nestled in the 8^th arrondisse- ment in probably one of the most beautiful junctions in Paris is a building one can't miss, The Grand Palais ("Grand Palace"). This massive glass and cast iron exhibition hall is a real feast for the cultural-seeking-eye - simply stunning and totally worth a pop-in! What I love about this place is that while it's "arty" its also has that glorious, industrial, kick-ass feel to the place. I say this because its exterior is a blend of classical lively façade with rebellious art nouveau ironwork and its inside is so belittling, beautiful and vast in pistachio greens and mustard yellows. Every year (this year being the second year running) the Grand Palais hosts "Monumenta" in which they invite a leading artist to create and exhibit 'monumental' works of art to 'flirt' with the ginormous space and its energy – I love this concept! Indecently, I went to check out the second artist to display there, American-born revolutionary sculpture Richard Serra's work titled Promenade – which takes the form of a spectacular landscape of steel – whopping slabs of steel might I add! It's on display until June 15, 2008).

The Grand Palace has been a public exhibition hall for more than 100 years and hosted many other grand events from antique car shows to fashion extravaganzas for some of Paris’s top designers, including Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.

I even found a youtube link to Chanel's Haute Couture Spring Printemps '08 Paris show at the Grand Palais, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcgUFBa9g98

Before you rush off for a visit, note that there are actually three different areas in the Grand Palais, each with a different entrance: the Palais de la Découverte (a science museum) is at the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, the Galeries National du Grand Palais (an exposition hall) has an entrance at the Clémenceau Square and the entrance to the Nef du Grand Palais (this event hall I wrote about) is at the Avenue Winston Churchill (opposite the Petit Palais). Nearest metro is Champs Elysees Clemenceau line 1 & 13

By the way, did you know that the Grand Palais is the largest existing ironwork and glass structure in the world? This place just gets even cooler!

This is me caught posing next to one of Richard Serra's steel slabs on display.

Lafayette Gourmet truck

2008-05-19T23:27:00.010+02:00

Forget Starbucks! (if that's possible) - Gallaries Lafayette has come up with the cutest little red truck - called Alto Cafe - parked just outside the department store's main entrance with coffee-on-the-go for sale to shoppers passing by. The little red truck comes equipped with snaks, chocolates and drinks. Though I know it doesn't sound too exciting, but the idea is cute and it is perfectly positioned for the shoppers needing that bit of a sugar-rush. There is something just so damn Parisian about this little red sugar truck! It seems the French know just how to combine the art of 'cafe' with that of shopping, resulting in a 'tres-chic' time-out experience. Located at 40, Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. Nearest metro is Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette

Cinedoc

2008-05-16T20:50:00.013+02:00

A hidden cinematic corner

Strictly for movie lovers! Walking along Grand Boulevard one can find a "passage" called "Passage Jouffroy" which a walk all the way until the end leads you to a little ally on the left called Galerie des Livres (Book Gallery) and yes folks, you guessed it, its all about books! I was drawn into one shop in particular called "Cinedoc" – which specializes in everything to do with the world of cinema from books, to posters to photographs to old press clipping and some classic collectors DVDs - and it's amazing! It's a very modest little place that offers plenty for movie lovers with even a section dedicated to Bollywood. Cinedoc has been around for 20 years and apparently, according to the shop employees, is the only one of its kind in Paris. I warn you that this little place can draw you in for quite a while rummaging through their stock. Running across the shop is a long table covered with alpha- betically filed envelopes which contain images and photographs of cinematic icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Robert De Niro and Marilyn Monroe – each image sells for around 20 euros. As for the abundance of books adorning the shelves, unfortunately most of them are in French, but there is a small corner dedicated to books in English.

Man, there is even that 'old movie' smell gracing the air…

Cinedoc can be found at 45-53 Passage Jouffroy in the 9^th arrondissement. Nearest metro is Grand Boulevard line 9 . www.cine-doc.fr

Bois de Boulogne

2008-04-30T19:40:00.007+02:00

Paddle and chill at the Bois de Boulogne

Now here's a fun thing to do on one of the rare hot days in Paris….head over to the Bois de Boulogne, hire a raft with a group of friends and paddle around the lake.

Perfect opportunity to take in the wonderful views – and I'm not talking just about the natural scenery but also the 'dynamics' between couples on a raft - some get romantic, others showoff muscle power – either way, its mostly where Parisians just chill and pretend they are in the country-side. The Bois de Boulogne is just a very cool spot for a picnic, some touch rugby and of course paddling on the lake. It is located in the 16^th aarondissement and apparently is bigger than New York's Central Park, it is the subject matter of one of Edouard Manet's paintings and apparently by night, it is one of Paris's most renowned red-light districts! Ooolala!!

(by the way, for non-French speakers, this name can be a bit of a mouth-full to pronounce, so here is some phonetic help "bwa de boolon")

Home Maid restaurant and take away

2008-04-24T20:41:00.009+02:00

A "Home Maid" treat in the city

Situated just a few minutes walk from the famous luxury department store "Printemps" is a perfect little yummy retreat called Home Maid restaurant and take away. This little place opened less than a year ago and has a real authentic charm about it. Walking in, one is greeted by a very cool and cheerful staff all wearing orange aprons and name-tags! The vibe is comfy with a snug indoors and a very pleasant outdoors seating area. Along one of the walls are 3 large lively paintings depicting a hip Parisian woman looking very chic and at ease – I secretly think it's a reflection of the joint's charming owner, Cynthia who seems to run the little place with such flair!

But wait, there is more! A little staircase on the side leads to the basement level where one is greeted with a very chic, trendy little room – enough to seat about 16 people or perfect to hold a private event. The room is simply yet strikingly decorated with white brick walls, black and white tables and chairs, a plasma screen and one small chandelier. This room has already hosted the likes of private parties, luncheons and an art exhibition.

So what's on the menu? Everyday boasts something different, but it goes something like this: The take away dish would be chicken skewer and an assortment of vegetables and rice. The main dishes would be tomatoes and mozzarella and vegetables and ricotta. The soup of the day would be cauliflower with nuts, the dessert a mix of red fruits and apple, and a fruit juice of grape, apple and orange. Simple, healthy, tasty and light!

Prices are very reasonable and range from €2,90 to €8,90

Home Maid is open Mondays to Fridays from 12:00 – 15:00, serves lunch only and is also a wi-fi zone. It is located at 97 Boulevard Haussmann in the 8^th aarondissement, nearest metro is Miromesnil on lines 9 and 13.

Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre

2008-04-13T00:25:00.009+02:00

Sacré Coeur is pretty, but what surrounds it is even better!

Big fat warning – visiting the Sacré Coeur and its cute little alleys and artists square is very picturesque, but completely over-crowded, and just way too touristy. I recommend going there just to have your photo's taken with the Sacre Couer as your background, then turn around and snap another this time using as your background the famous setting from the French movie Amelie (make sure to get the carousel in the shot) – then get out of there as fast as you can!

Break away from the crowds of the artists's square (right to the Sacré Coeur ) and wind your way downwards through the little streets and soak in the fabulous, quieter side of Montmartre.

Go down to Place Marcel Aymé – a square named after French novelist, children's writer, humour writer as well as a movie and theatre playwright. Marcel Aymé's most celebrated short story is Le Passe-Muraille or The Walker-Through-Walls. At this square once can see a sculpture of the story's protagonist 'Dutilleul' literally walking through a wall.

Moving along down the curving roads one comes across Place Dalida – a square named in honor of the Egyptian born, Italian origin, French singer Dalida. This square is situated right in the heart of the Montmatre and is the area where the 55 golden records and recipient of a diamond disc singer chose as her home for its heights and space. The city of Paris erected a bronze memorial there of Dalida's face over-looking the neighborhood she lived in for 25 years where her legacy reigns in this tranquil square. This 'sensuous lady of disco' has become a cult figure to a new generation of fans and is considered to be one of the most influential people who left the greatest impact on French society.

These are just 2 highlights of an abundance of esteemed attractions in this area, such as the house van Gogh and his brother Guillaumin lived in, in 1886 – 54 rue Lepic.

Pompidou Centre - free aerial view of Paris

2008-04-12T18:07:00.008+02:00

There are many structures to climb in order to get an aerial view of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arch de Triumph) – and nearly all of them charge an entrance fee. However, I highly recommend the (free) view from the top of the Pompidou Centre. Not many people are aware of this little treasure, but riding the 6 flights of escalators right to the very top, one is greeted with a breathtaking view of the city – and what's more, one of Paris's trendiest restaurants is nestled at the top, known as Chez George – giving one a fabulous excuse to pause for a coffee, lunch or dinner while taking in the view…

Just some facts, the Pompidou Centre is named after Georges Pompidou who was the president of France from 1969 – 1974 and as it so happens, this original cultural institution was his brainchild too.

Of course there is so much more to the Pompidou Centre and it's really worth a visit to see it's exhibitions, films, stores, live street performances in its pavilion, and much, much more….. it's a real cultural bliss! The Pompidou Center is open every day, except Tuesdays and its address is Place Georges Pompidou found in the 4th aarondissement - nearest metros Rambuteau and Les Halles

L'Hotel - a taste of Oscar Wilde

2008-04-11T20:18:00.015+02:00

I just happened to stumble upon L'Hotel while taking a walk along the Rive Gauche – and what an enchanting find!! Other than the cozy-chic vibe one gets just by walking inside, what makes it really special is that it's the place where play writer, novelist and poet Oscar Wilde spent the last year of his life and consequently, it's also the very place where he died. It was also a frequent hang-out for Argentinean writer Jorge Luis Borges until the 80's.

L'Hotel is a luxury 5 star boutique hotel with only 20 rooms - each room done up completely different with its own character and style. There is even a room called "the Oscar Wilde" which is made up in a traditional English style and it even features framed letters from the hotel staff urging him to pay his hotel bill (which he never lived to do).

This year (2008) Harpar's Bazaar declared it as winner of best urban hotel in the world and its restaurant "Le Restaurant" has been awarded one Michelin star!

This is another fabulous example of Paris's hidden gems that simply makes you understand why some of history's most renowned artists chose these specific spots and found their inspiration. If you're not going to book a room there, then it's a great place to just go for a drink at their snazzy bar (dress cool though!) - there is definitely something crazy but beautiful about this hotel.

It is situated in the heart of the cultural and artistic center of Paris and a stone throws away from St Germain at 13 rue des Beaux-Arts in the 6^th arrondissement.

Private sales!

2008-03-29T14:56:00.004+01:00

So I recently discovered (and took part) in what is called Ventes Privees, or in English, Private Sales. To just hear about these sales you really have to be in the 'in' crowd so to speak or at the very least join their facebook groups (sometimes Google searches for them helps too). How these things work is simple- at the end of every season private outlets hold exclusive sales of elite clothing brands (sometimes as much as 75% off!!) and sell them to the public via private sales. These usually take place in a small outlet store that is packed with all the 'last season' goods and usually run for about 3 days until all stock is virtually sold out. Also, these outlets generally don't have change rooms, so expect to see people trying on clothes behind clothing rails! Be warned - one can't just arrive and hope to get it, one has to have registered to attend these sales (such as through facebook!) or be in possession of an invitation or have your name on the 'guest list'. If you've done all this, then arrive early because the waiting line can be long and only a limited number of people are allowed in the store at one time. Also be aware to expect the line to stretch far with many beautiful French woman all with one thing on their mind! So for those wanting to come to Paris for some exclusive shopping, yes this could be quite the production, but it's kinda worth it - especially if you are into buying from brand names such as Chloe. Expect to pay something around 600 Euros for a bag that was initially 1300 Euros - but at least you leave with the handbag you've always dreamed of (until the next season that is!) and can beautifully boast your Parisian purchase to friends and family back home ...

Le Paris Metro

2008-03-25T15:32:00.011+01:00

Paris Metro's first line came to life in July 1900, endearingly called 'Line 1'. This is my favorite (most central and one of the cleanest) metro lines in Paris which runs from the very west, La Défense to the very east, Château de Vincennes. While the Parisian metro system is a very good one in terms of frequency, there are also a number of metro stations that simply scream for you to get out and just admire them from one end of the platform to the next. Such is the line 1, and my very reason for favoring it over the others, where for example, one of its stations Louvre-Rivoli is made to look like an extension of the Louvre itself with art works and sculptures coating the magnificent marbled walls. Continuing along line 1 to the Bastille station, one can also admire the walls of this platform which were bedecked with tiled imagery in 1989 to celebrate the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Another station worth a cultural visit is line 13's Varenne showcasing exhibits from the Rodin Museum like an imitation of The Thinker. Keep in mind that there are plenty more stations that boast great works of art in murals, staircases, displays, etc (but definitely not all, so don’t get too excited!). Another thing to totally look out for is architect Hector Guimard's enchanting Art Nouveau entrances to the metro stations which grace the sidewalks with beautiful curvilinear floral motifs. Incidentally, Guimard is considered to be the most prominent representative of the French Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the 20^th century. Now how is all that for the price of a €1,50 metro ride?

Rue Poncelet street market

2008-03-23T14:50:00.016+01:00

Rue Poncelet rue Bayen boasts one of the best and typically Parisian street markets – offering an oasis of the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, wines, cheeses, pastries, bakeries – the list goes on! If you really want to do 'the characteristically French thing' – then a visit to this market is definitely it. One can purchase a straw basket for just 10 euro's and then weave yourself through the crowd of French food lovers while pausing at all the stands to buy the food your heart desires.

Incidentally I think this is a great place to spot the 'authentic' Parisians - either walking around with their designer dogs, wearing berets, carrying a baguette under their arm or enjoying an espresso at one of the cafés (great photo opportunity!).

I do warn you that everything looks so good, that you will land up 'eating with your eyes' and probably buying more than you should. Who cares! The food is so good that it's an absolute necessity to let go and indulge!! The rue Poncelet street market is also considered to be, as markets go, a very classy one, so expect prices to be a little higher than a regular market. Along the street are also some of the best food stores Paris has to offer such as the fromagerie Alléosse, where many Parisians religiously make their way to this spot to buy its dazzling aged cheeses. So once you've queued for your warm French baguette, tub of cheese, a roll of salami, a bottle of wine, a handful of strawberries and a melt-in-your-mouth pain-au-chocolat, I recommend taking a 10 minute stroll to Park Monceau and setting up a little picnic on the grass under a tree next to the pond…

The rue Poncelet rue Bayen market is open every day (except Mondays) from 9:00 – 19:00 and Sundays from 9:00 – 13:00 and is located in the 17th aarondissement. The nearest metro is Ternes (line 2) – or it's just a few minutes walk from the Arch de Triumph.

Free Art (galleries tour)

2008-03-21T18:51:00.018+01:00

There are apparently 479 art galleries in France! Art lovers who want to see art while in Paris (other than the Louvre!), and all for free, I suggest taking a stroll through the art gallery districts and popping in to check out the works on display.
One can find these art galleries in the following four districts: Beaubourg-Marais, East Paris/Bastille, Rive droite-Matignon et Rive Gauche. I personally walked around the ones concentrated in the Bastille area.
Most of these galleries are promotion galleries (as opposed to traditional) displaying contemporary and avant-guard art. These galleries expose some very cool modern and classical collections of art by both local and world-famous artists.
One of the most famous of these promotion galleries is that of Emmanuel Perrotin located at 76 rue de Turenne in the 3rd aarondissement and Galerie Jean-Luc & Takako Richard which apparently during fashion week, plays home to Karl Lagerfeld's collections - this one is located right next door (3 impasse Saint-Claude, 74 rue de Turenne). I also checked out the Eva Hober Gallery which displayed some very original work of artist Michael Schouflikir (small scale, big message figurines). My 2 favourite of his works on display is one titled 'Panoratma' - a figurine of a small rat sitting on a ridge admiring the view with his bicycle parked nearby him. The other is titled 'Ca Va Trop Vite' which is a figurine of a snail with boeing engines attached to each side of its shell. This kind of tour is ideal for a chilled afternoon while taking in a whole lot of culture!

Space Invaders

2008-03-21T18:11:00.006+01:00

Here is a very cool way to explore Paris - and by foot! A street artist named Invader has been "invading" Paris since 1998 by pasting characters inspired from the video game Space Invaders in strategic spots all over the city (apparently he has also done this in cities all over the world too such as LA, NY, Tokyo, London, Mombasa etc - but Paris, the city where he lives remains the most invaded!). These images resemble the little space ships and are made up of small coloured tiles. He then documents this as an "Invasion", with maps of where to find each invader - making for a great way to tour the city by following the map - kind of like a treasure hunt! Many people have missioned out to try find and photograph as many of these 'spaceships' as they can - loads of fun when you do find them! These weather-resistant and long-standing mosaics also depict characters from other video games from the 1970's and the locations are carefully chosen for their conceptual or strategic settings. One can find them in both very popular areas or very hidden ones too. So put on your comfy walking shoes, grab a bunch of friends and hunt for these creative works of art while taking in the city!

Hotel Amour restaurant

2008-03-20T15:23:00.008+01:00

Apparently one doesn't come here for the food - one comes here to be 'seen'. Just my kind of place! I therefore decided this was the spot to hold my birthday lunch and invited a group of friends who merrily described it as 'a sex-in-the-city' luncheon. Hotel Amour is appropriately located in the steamy 9th aarondissement of Paris - in the Moulin Rouge area with one its creators being the man who practically owns the Parisian night-life scene, artist André. He also happens to be one of the founders of the famous club Le Baron and Paris-Paris. The other creators are Thierry Costes of the Costes family and Emmanuel Delaveine. So with such well-known names behind this joint, one can expect to see their celeb friends and famous DJ's wondering the premises.

Now back to the restaurant itself...
Its decoration has a very cool simple feel with wooden vintage tables and chairs, plain walls with just a splash of red and back furniture. A bright red banquette graces one of the corners, and above which is an unpretentious shelf holding a small collection of books and a fully stocked bar waves hello from the opposite corner.

However, just outside is what makes this restaurant most desirable - a charming lush green patio/ courtyard which becomes very popular during the sunnier seasons for a breakfast, cocktail or just for a social scene.

The food was really good too! I highly recommend their Argentinian Entrecote with a side of house special french-fries and a small salad, taken with a bottle of red wine (we ordered the Chateau La Claymore 2004, Lussac St Emilion - excellent!) and for dessert a dreamy chocolate fondant. Incidentally, the bread which they serve with your meal comes from the bakery found on the same road as the hotel which is Sarkozy's favorite and orders from there everyday. The menu is set at very reasonable prices too.

All in all, it was a very cool and relaxed birthday lunch, we left the restaurant slightly drunk, well fed and very happy! The hotel is located at 8 rue de Navarin in the 9th - nearest metro Pigalle, line 2.

Place des Vosges

2008-03-18T22:32:00.003+01:00

Place des Vosges is the oldest (and most beautiful) square in Paris located in the Marais in the 4th aarondissement. It was built by Henry IV and is a symmetrical square measuring 140m x140m. Stepping inside the square one almost seems to leave the city behind and revel in its tranquility. This is the perfect spot to lay on the grass and relax under a tree on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There is also a fabulous fountain (named after King Louis XIII) inside the park where many Parisians go in for a "dip" during the summer season. Surrounding the park are early 17th century architecture buildings and on the street level are galleries, boutiques and cafes which are cradled by beautiful arcades. If you're lucky, you can see live musicians performing under the arcades (mainly strings) - hearing an opera singer there is a real bonus - the acoustics are fabulous! Writer Victor Hugo famous author of "Les Miserables" lived here and its possible to visit his home (free of charge! open 9:00 - 18:00, closed Mondays)

Angelina's

2008-03-18T19:54:00.009+01:00

A must place to visit! Angelina's is a tea-room/restaurant situated just facing the Tuileries Gardens in the 1st aarondissement. It's been around since the Belle Epoque in 1903 and is most famous for it's exhilarating hot chocolate (house specialty: Chocolat a l'Africain) and pastries (house specialty: the 'Mont-Blanc' which comes from the Italian Alps and consists of meringue, whipped cream and sweet chestnut cream).
The decoration has remained almost untouched since its opening over a hundred years ago except for the Art Deco chandeliers which were later added in the 1930's. Some of it's most famous and loyal clientel included Coco Chanel and Marcel Proust. During the 1970's it used to host fashion shows and today the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Jean-Paul Gaultier still host private fashion events there - and of course, the world of fashion still remains among its faithful customers. Angelina's is a real symbol of the charming Parisian lifestyle...
Located at 226 rue Rivoli, in the 1st - nearest metro Tuileries (line1)