{"id":457,"date":"2018-09-13T17:21:01","date_gmt":"2018-09-13T16:21:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine\/?p=457"},"modified":"2021-03-03T17:13:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T17:13:00","slug":"insider-tips-from-our-resident-paris-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/insider-tips-from-our-resident-paris-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider tips from our resident Paris experts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paris is instantly recognisable \u2013 the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, crimson pergaloniums bobbing on Haussmann balconies. Yet past these icons lies a city brimming with diverse experiences; we spoke to our Paris experts Judy and Stephanie, who hand-pick the finest hotels in the city, to give us an inside glance at what makes the City of Lights so enthralling…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Experience artistic Paris<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s when I\u2019m in Montmartre, that I feel most \u2018Parisian\u2019…\u201d<\/em> says our Paris expert Stephanie Tan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be put off by Montmartre\u2019s touristy side; Instead, dodge through the crowds of selfie sticks and embrace the breathtaking views from the steps of the Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur. Dive into the narrow streets of this hilltop \u2018artist\u2019s quarter\u2019 and make like a movie star (Amelie Poulain was filmed in the Caf\u00e9 des deux Moulins here); \u201cYou can find all these typical French bistros where locals go to enjoy a meal or a coffee, listening to the accordion. It may seem a little clich\u00e9d, but it\u2019s authentic; and incredibly charming!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are alternative artistic adventures to be had too. If the long queue shuffling past the Louvre\u2019s Mona Lisa isn\u2019t for you, why not seek out the the l\u2019Atelier des Lumieres? Located in an old foundry in the 11th arrondissement, this is Paris\u2019 first digital art centre, hosting immersive exhibitions across 2,000 square metres \u2013 and not a selfie stick in sight\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nibble on Paris\u2019 best bits<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor a romantic weekend, you can find all these divine restaurants, such as La Tour d\u2019Argent, popular for the Philippe Labb\u00e9 cuisine…\u201d<\/em> The city is famous for fine dining, but if you want to indulge in a little haute cuisine at high-end places like L\u2019Abeille or Septime remember to book well ahead. For authentic French food without breaking the bank, try a bistro option. Every neighbourhood has its own treasures, but Bistrot Paul Bert in the 11th is a Parisian classic and Caf\u00e9 Constant in the 7th also comes highly recommended (and doesn\u2019t take bookings).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a different type of foodie experience, our expert Judy Garber recommends getting lost in Parisian markets; \u201cAs an unconditional food lover, I would always go to the \u2018March\u00e9 des Enfants Rouges\u2019 during the weekend: this place is the ultimate spot to try delicacies from across the globe. The \u2018Rue des Sentiers\u2019 and its area are also a must: I recommend you try the Jewish patisseries in the Florence Kahn bakery.\u201d<\/em> Alternatively, visit the Marche Belleville-Menilmontant (get there early) and savour both local produce and North African specialities. Great food spills out along the Boulevard de Belleville, with patisseries and caf\u00e9s perfectly situated for a spot of market respite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paris by water<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake a stroll along the Canal St Martin and fall in love with all the artist\u2019s galleries\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A classic Seine river cruise on a Bateaux-Mouches offers a unique perspective of Paris\u2019 elegant architecture. But for something a little more intimate, \u201c…opt for the Marins d\u2019Eau douce experience on the Canal St Martin or on the Ourcq Canal, where you\u2019ll feel like a born and bred Parisian.\u201d<\/em> Explore the area\u2019s cluster of galleries, eateries and boutiques \u2013 Le Point Ephemere being a popular local meeting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paris beyond the centre<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRecently, I have been spending time in the 18th and 20th arrondissements, known as \u2018La Villette \u2013 Belleville \u2013 Menilmontant Triangle\u2019. This is an up-and-coming area, with a cosmopolitan feel \u2013 <\/em>To me this is where the heart of Paris beats the loudest.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central Paris has much to offer but if it you are prepared to travel out a little, the lanes of Belleville will reward you. La Bellevilloise is a great venue for food, drinks, dancing and exhibitions \u2013 perfect for brunch (with live jazz on Sundays). La Fleche d\u2019Or and Le Cabaret Sauvage also offer music, but if that sounds too noisy, the P\u00e8re Lachaise cemetery combines tranquility and the chance to commune with Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. Whatever you do, drop into the fashionable bars lining Rue De M\u00e9nilmontant for a cocktail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t