My secret nook of Paris: readers’ favorite locations to go to within the French capital

A chocolatier to cherish

Of all of the chocolatiers’ home windows in Paris, Au Chat Bleu at 85 Boulevard Haussmann by no means fails to lure me in. It jogs my memory of an old style candy store I believed solely existed in England – however it’s additionally very, very French. It brims with seasonal specialities and delicacies you by no means knew existed, alongside conventional pâtes de fruits, vibrant bonbons in jars and novelties, such because the chocolate bouchées impressed by the founders’ beloved Blue Persian cats. The right place to fill up on items to carry again out of your travels (or just deal with your self).
Eleanor

Immerse your self within the allure of French cinema

I lived in Paris for seven months throughout my college years and watching French movies helped to enhance my language expertise. I’d attend weekly viewings organised by Misplaced in Frenchlation: a challenge arrange by a French and Australian duo who wished to allow non-French-speaking residents and guests to expertise the allure of French cinema. Each Friday there’s a screening of a brand new or basic French movie with English subtitles. Not solely do you get to discover completely different cinemas every week, generally there’s a Q&A session with the movie’s director, producer or translation staff.
Hinna Ghafoor

Nature stroll on a former railway line

On a current sunny autumnal journey to Paris we found the long-abandoned railway line referred to as La Petite Ceinture, which used to bypass the town till the Thirties. It’s now a stunning nature stroll with sections bringing the completely different elements of Paris collectively. We liked the elevated fifteenth arrondissement part and stopped for a glass of rosé at Voie 15 in Vaugirard station.
Alice

A deep dive into the resistance and a sculptural gem

After making the error of not checking whether or not the key galleries had been open on a Tuesday we had been left looking – and found two delights. We took a deep dive on the French resistance and its greatest heroes on the Musée de la Libération de Paris on Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, within the 14th arrondissement. The museum brings to life the lives of the peculiar and extraordinary individuals who fought in opposition to Nazi Germany and concludes in an thrilling day-by-day stroll via the occasions resulting in liberation. Not far away, on rue Victor Schœlcher, is the Fondation Giacometti. Right here you possibly can immerse your self in Giacometti’s recreated studio and, via the sculptures, hint the event to his distinctive fashion that bore The Strolling Man I, additionally on show.
Laura Haddon

The perfect rooftop view of Paris … at no cost

For an excellent (and free) view of the town, go to the highest ground of Galeries Lafayette (the one close to l’Opéra Garnier) and head for the terrasse. It’s a stunning spot with lengthy opening hours, so you possibly can even see Paris sparkle within the night. And if you wish to strive the well-known Angelina desserts and scorching chocolate with out queueing, strive their cafe within the Louvre (no more than a 5-10 minute wait).
Joanna

Scrumptious treats within the seventeenth arrondissement

Rue de Lévis within the seventeenth arrondissement isn’t on most itineraries however it’s a improbable spot to discover. It’s received an excellent mixture of small outlets, bars and locations to eat, and has extra of an area market really feel than touristy locations. There’s no scarcity of scrumptious treats and artisanal petites choses on provide on the stalls, and even some toy outlets and some of the ever present Parisian graphic novel retailers. Strive the macarons at Maison Arnaud Delmontel, then go to Les P’tits Potes for a glass of one thing pretty.
Boz

Home of jazz

Spend a night at La Gare (1 Avenue Corentin Cariou), an earthy jazz bar tucked away within the nineteenth arrondissement. The venue, a small home subsequent to a railway line, its facade displaying graffiti and a big painted face, oozes acceptable mystique. Simply missed throughout daytime, the pull of the night-time crowds brings all the things to life. The programme flits between jazz and membership nights, providing a reliably eclectic and shocking evening out. Come for a drink and a dance, keep for a jazz flautist invading the stage for an impromptu jam (not assured).
Jonathan

A basement stuffed with Monet

On a Sunday, seize one thing scrumptious from the market beneath the prepare tracks on the Boulevard de Grenelle. Then hop on the metro to the Musée Marmottan Monet to discover an eclectic combination of artwork, together with a brilliant basement gallery of Monet work. Take pleasure in your market lunch within the quiet little park simply outdoors the gallery, it’s the right place for people-watching.
KT

A style of west Africa within the suburbs

Away from the crowds of the close by Bastille, within the less-visited Charonne neighbourhood, is Waly-Fay (Rue Godefroy Cavaignac), a pioneering afro-French restaurant that focuses on trendy west African dishes. I lately spent a rowdy birthday dinner with shut pals in its chic-but-friendly eating room, as we drank our approach via Ti-punch and hibiscus cocktails and indulged in pepper-spiced soups, peanut rooster and vibrantly flavoured seafood. In case you’re searching for a unique aspect of Parisian delicacies, otherwise you need to take out a vegan buddy, this locals’ favorite could be an excellent place to start out. Mains begin from about €14.
Sophie

Successful tip: fabulous folly in le parc

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a exceptional sight within the nineteenth arrondissement. As soon as a refuse dump, the park was constructed late within the reign of Napoleon III and centres on the dramatic Sibyl’s Temple, a folly that sits on a powerful 50-metre cliff. Take a stroll across the synthetic lake surrounding the island, comply with meandering streams carved into rock and look out for the native herons, which gaze down on park guests from their perch on the 63-metre suspension bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Bertie Kirkwood