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 From furniture to clothes via art |
Place de la Bastille Paris France +33 1 4742 9056 |
The Bastille area finds its source on Place de la Bastille. It is an informal area of the 11th arrondissement; the triangle formed by Rue du Faubourg-St-Antoine, Boulevard Beaumarchais and Boulevard Voltaire marks it out. The Bastille area used to be the centre of Paris' fine furniture industry, and home to many skilled artisans and cabinet-makers. Indeed, its Rue du Faubourg-St-Antoine remains one of the best places in Paris to buy furniture and other articles for the home. But the Bastille hasn't rested on its laurels; once again it's the fashionable place to visit. It has modern restaurants, clothes and shoe shops popping up everywhere and, notably, an enormous Gap store right next to the shop of legendary French designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier. Rue Charonne is also worth a visit for its increasing number of designers and art galleries. Whether you want to shop for shoes, furniture or art, the Bastille area, formerly the centre of Paris' fine furniture industry, has a lot to offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Axel Vogt  |
 Photo: Vince Connare |
 Game-making workshop |
27 Rue Montreuil Paris 75011 France +33 (0)1 43 56 13 38 http://www.kapla.com/centre_ka... |
The Kapla centre is located at the tip of the Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, close to the Bastille. The district is extremely charming. The furniture makers and all other trades involving wood are housed in the Faubourg. More and more fashion designers have also recently decided to open shops in the district. The writer Patrick Sûskind, in "the Perfume" very accurately describes the atmosphere (and the smell!) of the street. The Kapla centre offers workshops for children. With small pieces of wood called Kapla, they can build monsters, houses or cars. Children, a lot more than their parents, know that game and love it. The centre also offers to babysit your kid during the course! They're really friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Looks Like a Merry-Go-Round |
110, rue Amelot Paris 75011 France +33 1 47 00 28 81 http://www.cirquedhiver.com/bo... |
This strangely-shaped building was dreamed up by Louis Dejean, owner of the summer circus grounds in the gardens of the Champs-Elysées. Wanting to expand his business year-round, he commissioned Hittorff, the architect of the impressive Gare du Nord, to build what was called the "Cirque Napoleon". Completed in 1854, the 20-sided polygon was greatly admired at the time and innumerable circus acts thrilled the crowds. These days, the building is unfortunately often empty, but the exterior alone is worth a visit, with its elaborate horse sculptures and carousel-like decor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eclectic Venue |
77 Rue de Charonne Paris 75011 France http://www.theatrelafenetre.com |
Concerts, musicals, plays, and shows for children all enjoy a place at La Fenêtre, a venue which might include complementary crêpes and cider with a selection of recitals (usually the last Sunday of the month) or sell tickets to a comedy show on a sliding scale (the patron chooses whether to pay half price, full price, or to support the project and venue by paying extra). Conveniently located just a short walk from the Place de la Bastille, the space accommodates about 80 and a bar welcomes the audience on the way to their seats. Rental of the venue is possible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the newly born in Paris |
Rue des Couronnes rue Piat Paris 75020 France |
Recently designed (1988), this park is a favourite amongst the locals. In spring, the flowering shrubs are an olfactory miracle. Its terraced layout offers an exceptional view of the city (including the Eiffel Tower) whilst out for a jog. In summer, children take over the modern fountains and improvise all sorts of games. Sports lovers enjoy working out a sweat on the basketball and football pitches whilst the lawns invite you to relaxation. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amadeo Ochoa |
 Photo: RK Walker |
 Photo: Chairhead |
 Photo: Joel |
 Photo: Juliette Lelchuk |
 Photo: Patrick T. Power |
 Photo: Anna Toss |
 Photo: RK Walker |
 Photo: Laurent Hennique |
 Photo: Francesco Rossi |
 Photo: Lisa Steinbrueck |
 Photo: Thibaut §-) |
 Photo: Ibster Ibstein |
 Photo: EtienneMeunier |
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Guided bike tours of the capital |
22 Rue Alphonse Baudin Paris 75011 France +33 1 4887 6001 http://www.parisvelosympa.com |
This small company offering guided bike tours of the city in a variety of languages (including English, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and German) aims to give visitors and Parisians alike the chance to discover parts of the city not normally accessible by bus, car or on foot. 'The heart of Paris' tour does justice to Paris's historic districts and more of the capital's hidden treasures - including the beauty of Paris at dawn - are within easy reach thanks to the variety of other circuits available. All tours last three hours. Booking required (call +33 1 4887 6001). A three-hour tour including guide, bike and insurance costs around EUR 34; bike hire per day around EUR 13. Review © 2007, Wcities |
