The Paris Traveler

Back in the 18th Century Montmartre was filled with more than thirty windmills. Today, however, only two are left. (And no, I’m not talking about the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle!) The Blute-fin and the Radet make up the Moulin de la Galette which has been immortilized by some of the most famous artists in the world, Van Gogh and Picasso to name two!
Renoir’s famous painting of the Bal du Moulin de la Galette, which is in the Musée d’Orsay and Toulouse-Lautrec’s Moulin de la Galette are among some of the most well-known paintings depicting Paris in the era of the …read more

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The Rue Mouffetard, which Parisians call “La Mouffe” has been written about and immortalized in poems and songs. It is afterall one of the oldest streets in Paris, with homes dating back to the Middle Ages, but for me it’s a great little street to hang out in for a good part of a day or evening.
Not only does it have a terrific street market, there are plenty of little shops to browse around in. Some are filled with items so kitsch that you just have to buy something for the fun of it, or for that person who has …read more

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The Fête à Neu Neu going on in the Bois de Boulogne is one of the oldest fairs in Paris that was started in 1815 by Napoléon I.  If you love rides and attractions, then this is the place to be.  If you’re a jazz lover, then this is the place to be.  If you don’t want to watch the rugby matches with tens of thousands of people at the Hôtel de Ville, then once again, this is the place to be!  There are five restaurants taking part; one will have a giant screen showing the rugby matches just in case there are …read more

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If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you about a great place to have a drink, listen to music (sometimes), have dinner, see a film, or just chat with other movie lovers, filmmakers, and sometimes celebrities. All this and at a price you can afford!
Le Bar à Vins du Cinéma des Cinéastes is located just off the Place de Clichy; not really a hot spot on the tourists’ “must see” lists, but a place that is always hopping both day and night. Tour buses pass by constantly on their way to and from Montmartre or the Moulin Rouge, but …read more

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Think nightlife in Paris and many people will think of the Lido, the Crazy Horse Saloon, or the Moulin Rouge, but if you’re looking for somewhere to laugh and have fun, and is a little outside the norm, then Michou’s is the place to go.
Michou who’s been an entertainer for years, started his cabaret in the 60’s and is still the director of his show. Quite the character, Michou is always dressed in blue; his large spectacles are no exception.
The stage is rather small, but the entertainment by a bevy of transvestite performers is anything …read more

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So you’ve been in Paris for awhile and you still haven’t met any Parisians to tell your friends about when you get home, well fear not. There’s a restaurant in the 13th arrondissement where you can rub elbows with the locals; and when I say “rub elbows” I’m not exaggerating!

Le Temp des Cerises is a worker’s co-operative restaurant run by a number of people all taking turns doing different jobs. The atmosphere is congenial, where you’re treated more like an old friend rather than a customer. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine invited me to have dinner …read more

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Who isn’t looking for a terrific little restaurant in Paris that not only serves good traditional French cuisine, but is also very friendly, and not very expensive!? Just about everyone, right! Well I know just the place. “Parnasse 138″ is that kind of restaurant.
They have several menus to choose from, plus a large variety of daily specials written on a blackboard which changes daily. I was a little skeptical at first with such a wide selection, but everything we tried was excellent. The service is very friendly, but somewhat chaotic and the whole ambiance feels almost like you’re having dinner …read more

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Okay, so I have a sweet tooth, I’ll admit it, and Ladurée has been satisfying the sweet tooth of Parisians since 1862 and has some of the best pastries around.  They’re not only known for their tartes aux citrons, which happens to be my favorite, they’re also known for their macaroons, religieuses, millefeuilles, and other decadent desserts.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good lemon tart; and I have spent years sampling them all over Paris!  No surprise then that I can just look at a tart and can tell you if it’ll be good, or not.  It was a process of …read more

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If you want to be seen or to people watch while you’re in Paris, then you can skip the Dans Le Noir experience.  If you want a new kind of dining experience, then try this restaurant in the 4th Arrond.   You will literally be in the dark!  The idea is interesting to say the least. 
As for the decor, hmm, I really can’t say.  Is the chef at all concerned about presentation when he sends out your food?  I don’t know, but don’t worry, you won’t see a thing! Your other senses, however, will be heightened as you begin to eavesdrop on the …read more

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Pick up a Pariscope at any kiosk while you’re in the City of Lights.  The price is very reasonable at 0.4 €.  This weekly magazine tells you everything that’s happening in Paris for the week. It comes out every Wednesday and lists restaurants, art exhibits, theatres, clubs, cinémas, concerts, Paris by night, and much more.  Prices and times for all events are also included. 
You can even find freebies listed.  Free concerts or recitals, and even free shows that you can see now and again at Radio France.  I’ve attended several of these presentations which are fun; and it’s interesting to watch …read more

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