You must visit Freep'star in le marais district for vintage clothes....small space with basement full of EVERYTHING. super cheap too!

the bookstore next door is great too

Posted By Alexander on March 18, 2009, 5:57 PM

You have to go and have a salad at cafe du Marche..going to Rue de Cler is a great experience...not to be missed...great way to spend a morning or afternoon

Posted By Dean Hughson on March 19, 2009, 10:15 AM

Arguably the best Macaroons are to be found at LaDuree, in the 8th, just off the champs elysees, 2 minutes from La Madeleine.

There is also a small, old movie theater which plays many old Americna films (think 1930's black and white)steps from the arc de triomphe, on ave. MacMahon. Tickets I believe are around $6 or $7 dollars.

There is a great Sunday market at Bastille, which includes a man selling delicious 'Churros' for about $2. Afterwards, you can enjoy brunch at Cafe L'industrie, a little known cafe that actually exists on 2 sides of the street, just a 5 min walk on a quiet street from the market. There is also salsa dancing lessons at Barrio Latino, in the same area, on Sunday afternoons, I believe at 3pm.

My favorite little park, usually unbeknownst to tourists, is found in the 8th arrondisement, and is called 'Parc Monceau'. It's very picturesque, and popular with the locals.

Posted By melissa Whitlock on March 19, 2009, 12:17 PM

Check out the hotel Sully St Germaine on Rue des Ecoles. Great location, great prices, clean and attractive.

Great souvenirs around the corner, too, from an international boutique.

Posted By Steve McCown on March 19, 2009, 12:51 PM

Visit the best park in Paris, Bois de Boulogne.

Posted By john on March 19, 2009, 12:56 PM

A macaroon taste test would make for a fun and extremely tasty day. Start with the classic at Laduree on the Champs (I love their pistachio or their rose macaroons), then head to 72, rue Bonaparte to sample Pierre Hermes' gorgeous and creative treats. Finally, a trip to Fauchon for a macaroon and foodie eye candy!

Posted By Kate on March 19, 2009, 12:58 PM

La Duree makes the absolute best macarons in Paris. The line to buy them goes out the door. I dream about them on a regular basis

Posted By A Cohen on March 19, 2009, 1:10 PM

Macaron? and other delicacies:
Gerard Mulot, 76, rue de Seine
magnifique!

Posted By Anne Buchanan, San Francisco on March 19, 2009, 1:15 PM

Agreed on La Duree macaroons. But don't be fooled by the fancy store on the Champs Elysees - you can also purchase them on the first floor of the Printemps Department store...there was no line there for me!

Also - I had unforgettable scallops at Chez Gabrielle (tiny little joint) if you're looking to splurge. 7, rue de L'Etoile - off of the Arc de Triomphe.

The Brasserie at the Hotel du Louvre was also one of the best meals I've ever had.

If you're checking into boutique hotels at all - the Victoria Palace is beautiful! They are so detail oriented (the purple in the bathroom marble matches the color of the bath soaps) and family run. They also provide you with neighborhood maps of local shops for the anything from chocolate to wine.

Posted By C. McIntyre on March 19, 2009, 1:40 PM

For a great traditional French meal at a reasonable price, go to L’Ebauchoir (opens at 8:00pm, closed Sunday all day and Monday noon, 01.43.42.49.31, 43-45 rue de Citeaux, 75012; line 8 Faidherbe-Chaligny or line 1 Reuilly-Diderot). We ate lunch there twice on our last trip and it was excellent. I suggest the 13.5 Euro lunch menu with starter, main course, dessert and drink.

Posted By Jane on March 19, 2009, 1:54 PM

Before trying to rent a bike make sure your credit card has a smart chip. Most Americans are out of luck because our credit cards don't have smart chips.

Posted By Mary Beth on March 19, 2009, 2:05 PM

Absolutely one of the best, and most often overlooked restaurants in Paris. Fun, full of locals, great food at a great price!

This place is ALWAYS on my list when I go!

http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/www/visit/

Posted By Dustin on March 19, 2009, 2:38 PM

La Duree's macarons are the best (I esp. love the cassis!). For a classic French restaurant, try Perraudin, 157 rue St. Jaqcques (tiny basil ravioli and fromage blanc...mmmmm). The dining room in the Musee d'Orsay is fabulous, as well. The Place des Voges is great for window-shopping (licking the windows, as the French say) and gallery-crawling, but nothing budget about the prices. There is a chain of restaurants, Brasserie d'Or which has lovely chocolate croissants and other delicious breakfast things and is still inexpensive.

Posted By Diana B on March 19, 2009, 2:38 PM

Lest anyone misinterpret my note, it is a bit facetious. My partner and I have eaten in restaurants all over the world and, although we prefer to find champagne food at beer prices, we occasionally splurge. On one trip to Paris several years ago we made reservations at La Tour d'Argent expecting to be in for fine service and outstanding cuisine. What we found was the snobbiest bunch of wait staff we have seen before or since and food that was not worth ten percent of what we paid. Sometimes knowing where NOT to waste your time is as important as where TO go.

Posted By Phil on March 19, 2009, 3:00 PM

i was in Paris in high school and am dying to go back! i know one place we went i will definitely go back to is Le Refuge des Fondue. Tiny little fondue restaurant, very laid-back and fun - you sit at long communal tables and drink your wine from baby bottles (hey, then ya don't spill anything when you reach for the fondue pot!)

might be a touristy thing though - i have no idea, i was 16 when i was there!

Le Refuge des Fondues
Address 17 rue des 3 Frères, 75018
Metro: Abbesses
Tel: 01 42 55 22 65
Open: 7 pm – midnight every day
Price: Menu at 15 €

Posted By libby on March 19, 2009, 3:17 PM

Our favorite macaroons come from Dalloyau near Luxembourg Gardens, but if you are taste testing, try the ones from McDonald's (yes, that McD) on the Champs d'Elysees. They are a great treat for the price!

PS If you figure out how to get around the credit card issue on bike renting, let us know! This was very disappointing.

Posted By Seakat on March 19, 2009, 3:21 PM

My husband and I did a 2.5 hour Night Bike Ride of Paris which finished off with a ride down the Seine and all the free wine you wanted. It was so fun riding the crazy Paris streets at night. We went all over. We took the tour from a group near the Eiffel Tower. They are there with a sign. I can't remember their name. They were super. How about taking part in the Sat.(I think) roller blading that they all do. Can't wait to do that in the very near future. Discover Rue Cler. A neat place. We love Paris!!!

Posted By lYNDA on March 19, 2009, 3:32 PM

Carette in place Trocadero has lovely macarons and pastries.
I loved going to Portes de Vanves flea market -small, Sat and Sun mornings, Good antiques and kitsch.

Posted By bmanley on March 19, 2009, 3:41 PM

Macaroons - Pierre Hermes without a doubt.
Another restaurant - Le Souffle - great Souffles for mains and dessert.

Posted By mrw on March 19, 2009, 4:12 PM

Just the usual update on the best, 3 star hotels on the left bank - still my favorite side. Like the sound of the comment from the night bike rider and will try that next visit. Also, best way to get up=to=date info on church concerts. I saw a wonderful one at Saint Chapelle back in 2001! Of course, I'm looking for your info on great little bistros and cafes. Bon chance and bon voyage.
Lynn

Posted By Lynn on March 19, 2009, 4:21 PM

Take the Sandemans free walking tour of Parishttp://www.newparistours.com/ . I did this last year with my daughter and 18 year old granddaughter and we all really enjoyed it. Even though I had been in Paris several times previously, I learned some new things and they really enjoyed it for a first trip. He even offers suggestions on places to eat. You tip the guide at the end. This year, my daughter and I are considering the Paris pub crawl!

My vote is for Laduree for the macaroons or try the Gallerie Lafayette cafe in the wine shop where you can have a macaroon with champagne!

Posted By JoAnn on March 19, 2009, 4:47 PM

For a museum treat(and you can actually get in without a line) try the Musee Carnavalet, on Rue Sevigne, in the Marais. The museum is stocked full with great historical paintings and prints of the city, odd iconography, and a huge scale model of Medieval Paris. If you love Parisian history, you'll love this place. I promise.

Posted By Mike D on March 19, 2009, 5:19 PM

There are so many small cinemas all over Paris showing a variety of films from all over the world. Be prepared for tiny screens and few seats, not like the larger multi-plex chains (UGC, Gaumont). Most of the small independent cinemas are in the 5th and 6th arrondisements, such as the "Action Christine" , "Action Ecoles" "Le St. Andre des Arts", "l'epee des bois" and so on.

A favorite spot is the "Monument aux deportes" in back of Notre-Dame. A beautiful monument overlooking the Seine.

As for sandwiches.....best bet is to buy a crusty baguette and your own choice of cheese or other fillings and picque-niquer......

Posted By Suzette on March 19, 2009, 5:39 PM

and musée carnavalet is FREE!! for cheap american coffee w/ refills and unsweet swedish cakes, go to the IKEA furnished café at the centre culturel suedoise a block west of the musée. and the exhibits are FREE too.(both closed mondays)

must get a veggie falafel cheap at €6, stuffed and filling(rue de rosiers-3min from musée)). follow the frenchies and eat at a park bench or steps of a small church around the corner.

for a really good dinner, les papilles in the 5th.-rue gay lussac. minutes from pantheon & jardin de lux. prix fixe market menu €29. simple, delicious country cuisine served in cocottes so you serve yourself. great crowd, ambience; fine selection of wines..is also a wine store/bar. ck out the website.

for gelato, ck out amorino's. fav flavors amaretto, pistachio, café; mocha, banana. just get a small for €3. big serving..get 2 flavors. so worth it.
int he marais, ile st louise.

walk market street rue st andrés des arts in the 5th. there's an amorino's here too. good inexpensive dinners at café de paris. lively pedestrian street chockfull of students, resident parisiens and of course, tourists like you.

mike g.

Posted By mikel on March 19, 2009, 5:57 PM

Angelina's has the best hot chocolate on the planet. It's located near the Louvre.

Posted By Stacey on March 19, 2009, 6:20 PM

Go to Pierre Herme, the coffee macaroons are very good.The food building for Le Bon Marche is wonderful. The Christine Ferber jams are available there and they are less expensive than at Pierre Hermes

Posted By Sandra on March 19, 2009, 6:40 PM

Oh, you have to check out this blog--parisdailyphoto.com. It is a daily picture of Paris taken by a friendly Parisian that has great ideas for places to go, things to do, and interesting people to meet!

Posted By Christie on March 19, 2009, 6:50 PM

The Paris Mosque has a pleasant tea room where you can have a glass of tea and little middle eastern sweet treats. They have a souq too.
An online friend is there now and mentions a cafe where an American artist goes every day to draw the patrons: Cafe Le Select, 99, Boulevard de Montparnasse, 75006, Paris. (There is a book: Paris Cafe: The Select Crowd.) Go there for us please.
Can't wait for the report.

Posted By Robin on March 19, 2009, 8:30 PM

We want to go for two weeks but I do not want to spend the time in a hotel. So how do we find an apartment to rent?

Posted By pete on March 19, 2009, 8:41 PM

La Ferme St. Aubin, 76 rue St. Louis
on L'Isle St. Louis (the island near Notre Dame)
wonderful cheese store! superb location on
the calmest, quietest place, and really in the middle of Paris. Get some bread, nosh and sit on a bench and watch the boats go by. After, wander down the main drag, rue St. Louis.

Posted By Alan H. Rosenberg on March 19, 2009, 8:47 PM

I just got back from a trip to Paris, where I discovered the Maison Kayser boulangerie on Rue de la Glaciere (corner of rue Daviel). They have several baguette sandwiches and my favorite was the rustique poulet on a whole grain baguette. Highly recommended!

Posted By JennH on March 19, 2009, 8:49 PM

For the best macarons, you must go to Pierre Hermé: 72 rue Bonaparte, 7e. Metro: St. Germain des Pres.

Do not miss the wonderful confiserie l'Etoile d'Or and the delightful owner, Denise Acabo: 30, rue Fontaine, 9e,  Metro: Pigalle or Blanche.

Check out the cool little movie theater le Studio 28 (w/ light fixtures designed by Jean Cocteau): 10, rue Tholozé, 18e. Metro: Abbesses, Blanche.

Have the best buckwheat crepe EVER at the Breizh Café--and it is open on Sunday: 109, rue Vielle du Temple, 3e. Tel: 01 42 72 13 77.

Have a lovely dinner at l'Entredgeu, the place is tiny so make a reservation: 83, rue Laugier, 17e. Metro: Porte de Champerret. Tel: 01 40 54 97 24

Have a great time!

Posted By Margaret on March 19, 2009, 10:02 PM

For a tasty, unique casual meal, L'as au Felafel in the Marais (the only eatery Mark Bittman of the NY Times visits EVERY time he is in Paris).

For remarkable concerts in stunning settings, check the handbills/posters for the various churches: La Madeleine, Saint Julien le Pauvre, etc. Affordable, too.

For Impressionist art, do not miss the Musee d'Orsay or the L'Orangerie.

Posted By Carla in Canada on March 19, 2009, 10:57 PM

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/ has a lot of stuff about Paris that will be very relevant to what you are after

Posted By Mikala on March 20, 2009, 2:08 AM

Check out the movie theatres on rue Champollion in the 5e. There are 3 on this block long street:
Le Champo, the Reflet Medicis, and the Filmotheque. Also the Accatone is nearby on rue Cujas and the Studio Galande, rue Galande. There are many different screenings every day. Visit La Pagode (a beautiful Japanese pagoda) cinema in the 7e. Don't miss a trip to the Grand Rex in the 2e. It's an unbelievable movie palace complete with leather armchairs.
Be sure to check out any tiny Parisian grocery store. You will find a variety of treats that simply can't compare with what we can buy in America. For example, cheeses, pate's, and packaged chocolate mousse.

Posted By Elizabeth on March 20, 2009, 3:55 AM

Two things:

There's this awesome little Irish Pub near the Sorbonne. Both food and drinks are great. If you go, look for a bumper sticker on the wall that says, "He's Not Here..." it's from Chapel Hill, NC. It's a Tar Heel tradition.

Also, if you like photography, check out www.ParisSetMeFree.com. Sab Will is the photographer and takes visitors on personalized walking tours of Paris.

Have fun!!

Posted By Wendy on March 20, 2009, 9:00 AM

I LOVE macarons and did a taste tour of the bakeries last year. I compared pistachio only to be fair. My tops are:

1) La Duree - My fave, although the long takeout lines can be a chore (there are locations in the 6e and 8e as well as the Champs and Au Printemps).
2) Fauchon - This is in the 8e (up the street from La Duree on Rue Royale) - close in taste and texture to La Duree, but more expensive
3) Gerard Mulot in the 6th - solid choice but distant third from the first 2
Notable mention: Bon Marche food hall - slightly chewier texture, but quite tasty and good value

Other spots I tried:
- Pierre Herme didn't make a standard pistachio, and I didn't care for their fancy version
- Dalloyau - sweeter than the others, not really my taste
- Paul - also a bit too sugary and soft

Also, they make great panini sandwiches at the little stand next to the McDonald's in the 5th (across from the Musee de Cluny). 3 euro for a sandwich and a drink, and a short walk to the park at St. Julien le Pauvre with a fabulous view of Notre Dame. Have fun!

Posted By Melissa on March 20, 2009, 10:26 AM

Gerard Mulot for macarons? Yes, but they are SO much more! The most colorful small pastry shop in all of the left bank! Also, Polidor on Monsieur Prince de Conde (near Odeon Metro) is crowded(think long tables, elbow-to-elbow, sharing water pitchers & sometimes conversations), but think cheap, solid country food.

Posted By Martin on March 20, 2009, 11:27 AM

Pierre Hermé and Gérard Mulot are MUSTS!! And not just for the macarons. They are destination stops for me.

Posted By Cheryl on March 20, 2009, 12:59 PM

You must go to Angelina's for the hot chocolate no matter what the temperature outside

Go to the restaurant Le Souffle not too far from Angelina's

Stop in at LeComptoire at Odeon for a delicious lunch (impossible to get in for dinner)

Posted By Irene on March 20, 2009, 4:06 PM

The Jacque-Mart Andre Musee 8e is a small museum which was originally an 18thC residence with orignal furnishings and a nice collection of primarily 18C French Art. Good cafe as well.

Posted By Toby on March 20, 2009, 6:07 PM

for apartments in paris, ck out parisattitude.com. AVOID agency parisian homes...they are crooks!!

Posted By mikel on March 20, 2009, 6:23 PM

yes, l'as du falafel on rue de rosiers in the marais is THE best for takeout vegetarian falafel...delicious, cheap, filling. also love the falafel w/ chicken liver...freshly sautéed.

excellent coffee & mocha eclairs at dallayou too.

and if you can find it, gateau basque..basque almond cake. i miss that!!

Posted By mikel on March 20, 2009, 6:27 PM

TAKE me with you. I have been to Paris 23 times and would go again in a heartbeat.
best little known museum Musee Jacquarte Andre.
great seafood Huitre et Demie on Mouffetard.
est ice cream Berthillon on Ile St. Louis.
Best onion soup Bar art the Intercontinental off Rue de Rivoli.
Best duck Chez Cusin at Montmartre.
Best Frenc cabaret Lapin Agile Montmartre.........

Posted By joann on March 20, 2009, 7:49 PM

Two of my favorites: Le Souffle and Aux Délices de Manon. Both in the 1e.

Posted By Stephanie on March 20, 2009, 8:07 PM

Le Relais de Venise at Porte Maillot (1 line on the metro). I've never seen tourists there (could just be me focusing on the steak). It's just french style steak (bathed in butter/garlic/parsley) and fries, no other choices. Really- this is the original L'Entrecote (famed steak place). There is always a line and people actually wait.

Posted By Tanya on March 20, 2009, 8:18 PM

check out the hammam/steam baths/spa at the mosque de paris in paris 5th. just 3 minutes from metro place monge. check out online for days open for men/women. transports you to another world..of soaring mosaic marble temples with skylights, exotic smells..bathing suit required. consists of very hot(w/ cold plunge pool), hot, cooling rooms, showers. lay down on the the warm marble slabs and douse yourself with water from the taps. objective: relax! about 2-3 hrs is good time to spend. abt €25, splurge for the gommage/scrub for €12. bring a towel and shampoo. cool down/nap in the room by the entry straight out of arabian nights. then order mint tea at the terrace café after. go with a friend ir by alone. Original, trust me!

Posted By mikel on March 21, 2009, 9:25 AM

There is a small street near the Saint-Michel Metro station that has more good, inexpensive ethic restaurants (all types) per meter than any other place I know. The street name is Xavier Privas. It runs between Rue Severin and Quai Saint-Michel. We found it on our first visit to Paris in 1974, and have been back every time we returned, including 2007. It was till great.

Posted By Susan McNeely on March 21, 2009, 10:55 AM

L'Oisive The http://loisivethe.com/
Dans la quartier de La Butte aux Cailles. Paris 13éme.

I've been following the story of this cafe since before its beginning on the owners blog and dreaming of stopping in there when I someday visit Paris. I hope you'll make it there too.

Posted By Monyca on March 21, 2009, 9:17 PM

Laura-
Here's the link to the Paris Design Guide I wrote with all my favorite haunts and insider places.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/02/paris-design-guide.html

bon voyage!!

anne

Posted By Prêt à Voyager on March 23, 2009, 11:42 AM

Hello to everyone, and thanks so much for your help! I just arrived in Paris, armed with all your suggestions and recommendations. Not surprisingly, I'm looking forward to my taste test of macarons all over the city. It's a tough assignment, but someone has to do it. Since I'm also planning to write an article about neat little cinemas in Paris, your picks are a great help; I've compiled them into a list in order to check them out. I'll report back upon my return!

Laura

Posted By Laura MacNeil on March 23, 2009, 12:17 PM

Would love to know where you wound up staying since there were few hotel suggestions. I'm going back in September and need to find a three star hotel.

Posted By Sandy on March 23, 2009, 1:25 PM

3 star hotels...nice, affordable, clean, centrally located, modern rooms, free wifi. Hotel Alison in the 8th or Hotel Atlantis in the 6th. google for info. have stayed at both and really good value for paris. and i am picky!

Posted By mike on March 23, 2009, 2:31 PM

actually, avoid eating at le comptoir in the 6th. it's much ado about nothing. and expensive. it's still a scene because of it's location and fashionistas & japanese tourists who don't know any better. and it's terrace seating in warm weather where you can dine while inhaling the fumes of buses that run right inches away from your plate.

HOWEVER, right next door is a sandwich take out counter also run by le comptoir that i think has the BEST chicken salad sandwich in paris-only €6.

if you want a reasonable, unforgettable and delicious dining experience in paris, go to les papilles in the 5th or le ami jean in the 7th.

Posted By mike on March 23, 2009, 2:43 PM

Laduree is the original, I think? It is worth going to see the pretty displays of pastel-colored cookies -- and they taste great, bien sur.

Also try the hot chocolate at Angelinas, close to the Louvre. I actually recall enjoying one of the hot dogs w/ bechamel & melted cheese on the steps up to Montmarte but perhaps it was the ambience...

Posted By Meredith on March 23, 2009, 4:35 PM

I heard from a friend living in Paris that the Velib system is on the outs due to thefts and fatal accidents. Anyone have any solid news on this?

Posted By Kate on March 24, 2009, 6:20 PM

the velib continues to be a financial success since its debut and is still very popular with parisians. yes there were accidents butthey can't be blamed on the VELIB! more due to reckless driving among both bikers & motorists. true that the bikes have been stolen and has been found as far as bulgaria but that doesn't impact the riders.

Posted By mikel on March 25, 2009, 7:24 PM

P.S. as far as i know, fatalities have been few. it isn't as if there's been a spike in road accidents due to the velib. remember, in paris and most of the major cities in the EU, biking is a common means of transport.

Posted By mikel on March 26, 2009, 9:16 AM

My husband and I, middle-aged New Yorkers, will visit Paris for the first time in a few weeks. We're wondering what we should plan to do on France's Labor Day (May 1, Fete du Travail). We understand government offices and museums will be closed, but other sites must be open for tourists. Will there be a parade or other activities, perhaps near the Bastille area? We'll arrive in the city on April 29 and move on to Nice on May 3.

Posted By Marticia Madory on April 5, 2009, 9:48 PM

go to paris.com. english website run by the city of paris for info. all major tourist spots will be open...except museums.

Posted By mikel on April 8, 2009, 7:40 PM

Macarons: Laduree near Madeleine Metro stop. The best!
Paninis par excellence from street vendor near Odeon Metro entrance.
A new local boulangerie at corner of Rue de Cotte and Theophile Roussel in the 12th near the Flea Mkt (Ledru Rollin Metro stop) is fantastique and very friendly and helpful to strangers. There's a nice little block park nearby, with a 19th century Cafe across the street on Rue Antoine, where they play Thelonious Monk and early Miles Davis in the late afternoon.

Posted By Jeff Walsh on October 7, 2009, 1:24 AM