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 Barge Party |
3 Quai Malaquais Paris France +33 1 4046 8512 http://www.laballeaubond.fr/ |
If you're looking for an ultimate partying experience on a barge in Paris, La Balle au Bond serves the purpose. With a cafe, orchestra, magician, and DJ as well as concerts from time to time, this barge is never a boring place. Up to 200 people can dine and groove to the music at a time. Moreover, the premises can be rented for private shindigs. Parking is also available on the quay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Audio taped tours |
Place du Châtelet Cedex 06 Paris 75001 France +33 1 4549 2991 http://www.calliope.fr/ |
Once you are on the Calliope tour, your guide becomes a puny audio CD. You can listen to your tapes about the Arc De Triomph as you walk past it. The same goes for the other landmarks and monuments. The taped talks are interspersed with information and anecdotes. So enjoy the trip alone and undisturbed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Outdoing Leno and Letterman |
1 Place de la Concorde Paris 75008 France +33 1 4703 1250 http://www.jeudepaume.org |
If you're a Charlie Chaplin fan, then a visit to the Jeu de Paume is a must. The exhibition, 'Charlie in Pictures' displays a host of documents and photographs from the archives of the Chaplin family. This exhibition is on till September 2005. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Taxidermy Wonder |
46 Rue du Bac Paris 75007 France +33 1 4222 3007 http://www.deyrolle.com/ |
You are welcomed by stuffed animals, standing on their hind legs and dressed as humans, as you enter the Deyrolle. The animals are arranged in hilarious ways, some depicting to be having a tea party or peeking through a window, a couple of rabbits are found sitting together. It also houses useful natural-sciences teaching materials. The collection of insects and sheels will leave you awe-struck. The butterflies on display are beautiful and seem almost alive. Take your kids for a fun cum educational outing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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City Scenes |
Passage Vérot-Dodat Paris France +33 1 4236 0113 |
Located in a two story building, this gallery holds items from the 19th century to the present. From furniture to object d'art, giving visitors an idea of how people lived or what preferences for household goods they had. In the past, Karl Lagerfeld has displayed his photographs and paintings on city life here. Drop by to see other interesting exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joline Anthea 'Anthéaïs' Jammer  |
 Photo: David Pichevin |
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A paradise for the reckless consumer |
Forum des Halles Paris France +33 1 4742 9056 |
In the square formed by Rue de Rivoli, Boulevard Sébastopol, Rue Etienne Marcel and Rue du Louvre. The Halles used to be a huge fruit and meat market, and was called the "belly of Paris" by writer Emile Zola. Today, it has become one of the biggest underground shopping areas in the French capital (the Forum des Halles). This huge shopping arcade offers a selection of shops catering for a young and mixed crowd, as well as cinemas and a swimming pool. A few streets away lies the Centre Georges Pompidou cultural centre. And, all around this commercial centre, there are hundreds of cafés and boutiques selling clothes, accessories, interior design and funky gifts. Les Halles, in the very heart of Paris, practically overflows with cafés and boutiques. This area is also home to Paris's largest shopping centre, the Forum des Halles. With 5 metro lines (1,4,7,11,14) and 3 RER lines (A,B,D) giving direct access to the centre, every Parisian can get here in just a few minutes. Metro: Châtelet, Les Halles. RER: Châtelet Les Halles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Simply Magical |
Quai Malaquais Paris 75006 France +33 1 4354 0808 http://www.metamorphosis-spect... |
What do you get when you combine fine dining with theatre? A place called Metamorphosis. An old barge cleverly converted into a dining area and stage with a glass roof, attracts lots of people everyday. The traditional cuisine served here goes well with the illusions, jokes, mimicry, magic and other shows performed. Be there among the 120 who get fascinated each night. Their services are available at quai de Montebello from April until the end of October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giorgio Fano |
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Home to Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo |
34 Quai du Louvre Entrée principale: Pyramide & Cour Napoléon Paris 75001 France +33 (0)1 40 20 50 50 http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commu... |
Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery". The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35000 pieces and a surface of about 740000 sq. ft., the Louvre cannot be taken in in one day. The museum comprises eight departments: Eastern and Middle-Eastern Antiquities including treasures from Mesopotamia, Syria or Iran dating back to the Neolithic period; Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiquities dating from 6000 BCE to 600 AD; Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Art which includes among other pieces, famous Empress Eugénie's and Louis XV's coronation crowns; Paintings from 13th century to 1848 and Prints and Drawings (viewed by appointment). Besides famous Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Veronese's Wedding Feast at Cana, you will admire paintings from Italian Renaissance (Titian, Raphael, etc), masterpieces of Dutch Painters like Rubens, Van Eyck as well as Vermeer's Lacemaker. Also, very famous among French people, don't forget Dürer's Self-Portrait, Delacroix's Liberté Guidant le Peuple or David's Coronation of Napoleon. Among sculptures, in addition to Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, pay a tribute to Michelangelo's Slaves. Insider's tips: bring some patience and buy your tickets online to escape the long lines. Also, come back at night to see the Pyramids illuminated! Admission:EUR 8,50. For lectures, movies and music, consult the Auditorium's program. - Aurélie Pichard Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Paris en Décapotable |
2 Place du Palais Royal Paris 75001 France +33 6 64 50 44 19 http://www.parisauthentic.com/... |
Return to the era of Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" (1960), when you tour the City of Lights in a French Convertible 2CV. With its one of a kind tour, you will see "Paree" as it was meant to be seen, and might have been seen during the time of the classic French film "Breathless". See the Eiffel Tour, Champs Elysées, Musée du Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, along with the unusual insight of your tour guide. Tours from 20 EUR per person. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mama Marina |
Port de Solferino Paris 75007 France +33 1 4343 4030 http://www.marinadeparis.com/ |
If you want to cruise through Paris in style, La Marina de Paris will help you do so. Choose from two fabulous boats to sail on - Grand Pavois and Vert Galant. There's a wide variety of French food on offer and the service will make you feel like a king. Make your reservations and don't forget to carry your passport and I.D card on the day of your cruise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bonnie Bogle |
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High Culture in the City of Light |
Place de l'Opéra Place de l'Opéra Paris, Île-de-France France +33 0 1 40 01 17 89 http://www.opera-de-paris.fr/ |
The Paris Opera is a world-class venue that offers an annual calendar of cultural events including operas and ballets. A typical year will feature "The Damnation of Faust", "The Bat" or "Othello", and programs of the Bolshoi Ballet. Each year there is an elaborate New Year's Eve ballet that includes some of the greatest classics of the art. This elaborate offering is the ultimate high end of international culture and is a great way to celebrate the New Year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art Museum |
28, place de la Madeleine Paris 75008 France +33 1 42 68 02 01 http://www.pinacotheque.com |
This museum, in the heart of Paris, is dedicated to art in all of its forms and uses its 2,000 square meters (21,527 square feet) of space to bring art to the city of lights. Exhibits range between fine arts, photography, and sculpture, contemporary and traditional work, depict tranquil landscapes or vibrant cultures. A boutique sells souvenirs of the visit for adults and children. Group visits are welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exquisite flavours in a luxury setting |
38 Rue Cambon Hôtel Ritz Paris - 15, place Vendôme Paris 75001 France +33 1 4316 3050 http://www.ritzparis.com/ |
This is an excellent way to discover the most refined aspects of French culinary art. Under the patronage of the late Auguste Escoffier, one of the founding names in French gastronomy, cookery courses are given in French and English in the kitchens of the luxurious Ritz Hotel. A four hour demonstration followed by a tasting session, lets participants acquaint themselves with the techniques of the greatest chefs. Week long courses enable you to improve your skills, whether you are a professional or just have passion for good food! Courses for kids are also available. The student entrance is to be used to get access to the Escoffie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elizabeth McGuire |
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 Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde |
Rue de Rivoli Paris 75001 France +33 (0)1 4020 9043 http://www.v1.paris.fr/en/visi... |
Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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