Petit Fer a Cheval
This charming, historic bar in the 4th arrondissement and the heart of the Marais, is my all time favourite. Great food, full of character and friendly staff.
L’Hotel du Nord
Leaving Canal St Martin, and entering through red velvet drapes, you will discover a zinc bar, black and white flagged flooring and tiled murals on the walls.
Ambassade d’Auvergne
Mashed potatoes whipped into a silken white purée, delivered to the table and spectacularly stretched, as high as the arm will go.
Parc Monceau
Only a short stroll from the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe with a pretty lily pond and surrounded by elegant homes.
Bastille Markets
The Bastille Markets are everything you could hope for in a typical Parisian Market; vibrant, colourful, delicious and intoxicating.
Marché aux Puces de Montreuil
Colourful fabric, car parts, halaal food, fur coats, old books and more. Slightly on the seedy side but that keeps it interesting.
Le Train Bleu
This wonderful bustling restaurant, located in the Parisian train station, Gare de Lyon, is nothing short of spectacular, frescos, sculptures, banquette seating ...
Chez Gladines
A bright cheery & inexpensive Basque café with red & white checkered tablecloths, friendly staff, good hearty food and a bustling atmosphere.
Marché d’Aligre
This small ancient and charming undercover, neighbourhood market which is full of friendly vendors and a sumptuous array of food also has a small flea market outside.
Galeries Lafayette Paris
With its magnificent stained glass cupola, adorning 7 storeys of fashion and luxury goods, this is shopping seduction at its best.
Merci
Sitting at the end of a cobbled lane-way, is a tiny red car with the number plate; Merci. You have just arrived at the stylish and innovative concept store.
Chronicles of Old Paris by John Baxter
This wonderful book, is bursting with information and history and a must read for anyone visiting Paris or interested in a short history of the city.
Ben L’Oncle Soul
He is cool, he is smooth and he is funky. He is the uncle of soul, well that is how his name translates.
Le Cordon Bleu
Slip on the starched white apron, ensure you shout oui chef and be prepared to be taken on a culinary experience in this world famous institution.
Paris Arrondissements
This handy pocket sized map book and essential tool, will ensure you don't get lost in Paris and is well worth the investment
Luxembourg Gardens
Most Parisians will tell you the Luxembourg Gardens is their favourite park, it is easy to guess why.
Cemeteries
The Cemeteries in Paris not only offer a pleasant walk but you can also discover the resting place of many famous people and wonderful sculptures.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Tuileries history unfolds like a terrific saga. Once home to a Palace, Kings and Queens, a riding school, menagerie, hunting, fire and massacre.
Dinner with Jim Haynes
If you are looking for a unique experience and fancy the idea of having dinner in a private home in Paris ...
Passage du Caire
A unique façade, a magnificent glass ceiling, 360 metres in length, Passage du Caire is the oldest and longest Passage in Paris
Paris Graffiti & Street Art
In Paris you can find defacing graffiti but mostly, talented street art. Some using stencils, plaster casts and even Rubik's Cubes.
Sunrise … Sunset
Whether admiring the sun sink down behind the Eiffel Tower from Pont Alexandre bridge or Montmartre, or reflecting pretty light on the Seine as it comes up, the light in Paris is spectacular.
Le Passage des Princes
Amber lamps, giving off a warm, golden glow, with a beautiful glass ceiling, the entire passageway is dedicated to toys.
Passage Verdeau
Explore antiques, rare books and vintage postcards beneath the elegant, neoclassical, glass ceiling, then continue over the road to Passage Jouffroy.
Passage des Panoramas
Built in 1799 and inspired by the Oriental Souks, Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest passageways in the world.
Passage Jouffroy
Sift through old books at the famous bookstore; Librairie Paul Vulin as you walk upon geometric black, white and grey tiles and discover the quaint Hotel Chopin.
La Cuisine Paris
I was assigned a small chicken to de-bone, all the while, learning knife and chopping techniques.
Le Cochon à l’Oreille
A friendly welcome and good food is what to expect in this gorgeous tiny ancient cafe with six tables, a zinc bar, tiled murals adorning the walls. An absolute treat.
Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques
The oldest pet cemetery in Europe and the final resting place for TV star Rin Tin Tin.
La Contrescarpe
Cozy nooks, comfy leather lounge chairs, timber floors and books tucked into alcoves, in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with delicious and very affordable food.
Clown Bar
Tucked away in the high Marais you will find this sweet little belle époque zinc bar with painted glass ceilings, wall tiles depicting clowns frolicking around and good food.
Bouillon Chartier
If only these walls could talk, you would learn about 100 years of food, laughter and romance. Take a journey back in time, in the famous, historically listed dining room.
Père Lachaise
The sprawling and leafy Cemetary, Père Lachaise, is the resting place of many famous people and is a wonderful way to spend a pleasant, relaxing day.
Au Rendez-vous de la Marine
This unpretentious little gem, tucked away from the usual tourist circuit in the 19th, is extremely friendly and dishes up hearty, inexpensive traditional food.
Sentier Métro
The unique and striking blue and red signage of Sentier Métro, suspended from a spectacular façade on Rue Réaumur is the only surviving sign of two ever produced.
Porte Dauphine Métro
Sitting in a lush green park, the Hector Guimard canopied beauty of Porte Dauphine would have to be the prettiest Métro entrance in all of Paris.
Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre
The jewel of Place Colette. Murano glass beads and aluminium make up this colourful metro entrance to celebrate the centenary of the Metro.
Montparnasse Cemetery
It's only fitting that Montparnasse Cemetery has a large number of film makers, artists, authors and publishers buried here.
Pain de Sucre Paris
If you find yourself wandering around the Marais, I encourage you to visit Pain de Sucre Paris. I doubt that you will resist leaving empty handed. This is take away food, Parisian style.
Saint-Georges Métro
Opposite the stunning l'hôtel de la marquise de Païva, with it's intricate façade, adorned with Gothic and Renaissance statues you will find the unique Saint-Georges métro entrance.
Château de Chantilly
Situated 50kms north of Paris and a short 25 minute train ride, makes the sumptuous Château de Chantilly a pleasant and easy day trip just outside of Paris.
Senlis
Charming cobbled streets, pretty stone cottages and a vibrant market can all be seen in a day from Paris in this Medieval town but an overnight stay ...
Côte Jardin
Oozing style and charm with an attention to detail, Côte Jardin is everything you ever dreamed about a French country Bed and Breakfast, located in the delightful village on Senlis.
Passage du Grand Cerf
Natural light drenches this elegant passageway from its 12 metre high glass ceiling with unique boutiques.
Passage du Prado
Rarely mentioned in travel guides, with not a tourist in sight, this unique passage was once in the heart of fashionable Paris.
Passage du Bourg l’Abbé
Subtle and elegant pastel interior, muted by natural light from the unusual curved glass ceiling.
Maison d’hotes Stella Cadente
Quirky, luxurious and attention to detail, the perfect place to rest your weary body after a day of exploring the delightful UNESCO listed medieval village of Provins.
Marché aux Puces – Porte de Vanves
A friendly, vibrant place to spend a weekend morning where you will find a treasure trove of antiques and retro items.
Paroisse Saint-Eugene – Sainte-Cecile
Neo-gothic metal arches bursting with colour and one of the prettiest churches in Paris where Jules Verne was married.
Provins
Medieval town oozing charm, with half timbered houses punctuated by pretty water ways and well preserved ramparts and architecture from the middle ages.
Viaduc d’Austerlitz
This beautifully designed metal railway bridge with a nautical theme, surprising attention to detail and an engineering feat, held a record for 91 years.
Belle Époque Brothels
Lavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
Square de Montsouris
A hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
Lavirotte Building and Square Rapp
Exquisite Art Nouveau building with one of the most beautiful doors in Paris & a tiny square that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
Pont de Bercy
Unique, photogenic, off the beaten path, and a personal favourite. Linking the 13th arrondissement with Bercy in the 12th and dating back to 1863.
La Galcante
Vintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu
A secret garden in an unusual location, right in the centre of Paris that thousands of tourists pass by each day without knowing it exists.
Musée Jacquemart-André
I love poking around former residences of the bourgeois and Musée Jacquemart-Andre is one of the finest you will see in Paris.
How to Use the Paris Metro
Learn how to use the Paris Metro and look like a local. Detailed tips on how to purchase tickets and navigate the underground.
Passage de l’Ancre
Who would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Maison de Victor Hugo
Nestled in a corner of Place des Vosges, is the former home of famous author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame; Victor Hugo.
Using Your Mobile Phone in Paris
Finally by trial and error, I have discovered the best product that suits my needs and hopefully, you too will find this information useful.
Rue Crémieux
A tiny paved street, that oozes charm, lined with pretty colourful houses that will take your breath away, still one of Paris' best kept secrets.
Unlimited Data in Paris
Paris without data is no fun, if your phone is locked or not, this is the solution to stay connected in Paris complete with free delivery.
Musée Nissim de Camondo
A splendidly elegant mansion and former home of the Camondo's with an evocative, unforgettably tragic family history.
Scams & Annoyances in Paris
With a few tips and tricks under your belt, hopefully you won't fall prey to the opportunistic scams that take place in Paris.
Musée des Arts Forains
Transport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
Tucked away behind an unassuming green gate, you will discover this enchanting hôtel particulier. An absolute delight.
Villa Olivier-Métra
Pretty cottages with colourful shutters line this serene leafy path with quaint personal touches added by residents who have a playful sense of humour.
How to Find Your Way Around Paris
With a Paper Map. Learn about Arrondissements with this handy pocket sized map book. I will take you step by step how to use it.
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute
Hidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
A remarkable and historic reading room with its spectacular ceiling, books lining the vast long walls and rows of green reading lamps.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Nothing short of spectacular, offering panoramic views and modern art, this new museum is sure to become another Paris icon.
Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine
Lurking deep in the cellars of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is one of Paris' best kept secrets, Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine.
Free Wi-Fi In Paris
There are more than 250 free wi-fi hot spots in Paris supplied by the city. These include parks, libraries and town halls, not always convenient but possible.
An Angel in Paris
Soaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
Petit Palais
Not as small as its name suggests. Elaborate ceiling murals, magnificent mosaics, grand staircases a pretty garden café and it is free.
Bibliothèque Richelieu
Millions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
Muséum national d’histoire naturelle
This museum would have to be the most dramatic and stylishly arranged natural history museum in the world. Be dazzled in awe ....
The Secret Passage
This lush and adorably sweet top secret passageway is a pure delight. Let me show you where to find it and how to gain entry. But sssh ... it's our secret.
Musée Cognacq-Jay
This stunning home of Samaritaine Department store founder, Ernest Cognacq-Jay and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, includes Fragonard, Rembrandt, Cézanne ...
Passage Boudin
Creeping vines, colourful flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean is just some things you will find.
Cité Florale
A secret micro village hidden away, in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Discover why it is called the Floral City.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
This wonderfully, quirky, informative, interactive museum, doesn't take itself too seriously. Exploring the history of hunting.
La Butte aux Cailles
A secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
Musée Bourdelle
Former home and studio of the artist; Antoine Bourdelle, who was famous for his monumental public statues and friezes, is an exceptional free museum.
Rue de Mouzaïa
Off the beaten path, Rue de Mouzaia will make you feel blessed that you discovered this secret hideaway and it’s surrounds in the 19th arrondissement.
Musée Zadkine
The small sun drenched former home of Ossip Zadkine allow light to bounce off African influenced work, giving the museum a quiet sense of calm and elegance.
Rue des Thermopyle
Apart from locals taking a short-cut, or Parisians on a quiet stroll, what you will find here is a wisteria filled, rustic cobbled pathway.
Musée Rodin
The newly renovated mansion and former home of the artist, has an equally rich and inspiring history as Monsieur Auguste Rodin himself and then there are the gardens.
Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur
Hidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
Maison La Roche – Foundation Le Corbusier
At the end of a leafy private lane is an iconic tribute to the architect of modern architecture.
Musée Carnavalet
Located in the heart of the Marais, this museum is dedicated to the history of Paris. Boasting 600,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Salvador Dali Sundial
Many people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.
Palais de Tokyo
Contemporary and cutting edge exhibitions of modern art, a very chic restaurant, late night openings until 12am and a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
Musée d’Orsay
The former railway station, sitting on the left bank of the Seine, has the largest collection of impressionist and post impressionist art in the world.