Drinks
While binging on 10 pints of beer isn’t really traditional Parisian style, we do take our apéros pretty seriously.
Here are two of our favourite spots for a before dinner cocktail or three:
New to Paris and planning to stay a while? Check out our insider tips for how to make the most of your time in the City of Light from the people who have lived it and learned.
Sure, the Eiffel Tower is still breathtaking, and yes, the view while crossing the Pont Neuf never gets old. But there is a whole other side to Paris that’s less obvious and more authentic. Welcome to the OFXpat’s Guide to Paris.
The architecture may not be as opulent as in 16th and 17th arrondissements, but l’est is full of Parisian charm. Once you’ve done the major tourist attractions, venture east and dive into the heart of what makes Paris so original and so incomparable.
While binging on 10 pints of beer isn’t really traditional Parisian style, we do take our apéros pretty seriously.
Here are two of our favourite spots for a before dinner cocktail or three:
Paris, and France, have always been famous for food, of course, but the capital has had its restaurant revolution similar to many other major cities. Ten years ago, restaurants would boast “Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine” - all under one roof. You can now get great region-specific cuisine in hip surroundings to boot. From Neo-Bistro and Bistronomie to soul food and vegan delights. It’s all here now.
Gravity is a kind of cave à manger (wine bar serving food) but instead of wine, they serve great cocktails. Delicious small plates made by the Quebecois chef are served in scandi-inspired décor. If the cocktail menu hasn’t sold you, it’s worth going just to see the ceiling. Trust us.
44 rue des Vinaigriers 75010. Metro: République or Jacques Bonsergent. Reservations possible.
Go to the Le Fooding website for a good, reliable selection of restaurants by arrondissement, in French and English.
Sure you could spend a lifetime and still not see everything in the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. But what about somewhere a little different? Somewhere where you don’t have to queue or buy tickets way in advance? Here are our favourites for those ready to venture off the beaten track.
Very close to the Sacré Coeur but a million miles away from the throngs of souvenir shops you have to pass to get there, this unusual museum dedicated to l’art brut (or outsider art) is housed in an attractive building with a pleasant salon de thé and bookshop.
2 Rue Ronsard, 75018 Paris. Metro: Anvers
This is a great industrial space with contemporary exhibitions that often feature big names like Amish Kapoor or Niki se Saint Phalle. It’s also a place for concerts, theatre, resident artists, and kids practicing their hip hop moves. On site, you’ll find a restaurant, a second hand clothing store, a bookshop and a kind of free play centre pour les petits. What’s not to like?
5 rue Curial 75019. Metro: Riquet.
This park is not only a great grassy urban park with rides, a playground and an IMAX cinema, but it’s also home to La Cité des Enfants with games, experiments and discoveries galore.
211 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Metro: Porte de Pantin or Porte de la Villette
http://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/au-programme/expos-permanentes/la-cite-des-enfants/
Burgers are now ubiquitous in Paris, and there certainly is a lot of web space dedicated to who has “the best”. These days, there’s something for everyone from purist American style beef patties to burgers slathered with roquefort or comté as a French twist. Our favourite is Paris New York: top-notch ingredients served in a cool space with plenty of seating.
50 rue du Faubourg Saint Denis 75010. Metro: Strasbourg Saint Denis.
Go here for an up to date list of best burgers:
http://scope.lefigaro.fr/liste/les-meilleurs-burgers-de-paris-55449620/print/?do_print
Go here for a list of Aussie style cafés: http://www.nomadicnotes.com/aussie-style-cafes-in-paris/
Dong-Huong is a Belleville institution - since 1984. Don’t miss the bun cha heo nuong - delicious bits of juicy pork, rice noodles and pancakes. Yum!
14 Rue Louis Bonnet 75011. Tel 01 43 38 25 74. Metro: Belleville
Go here for more tips on Vietnamese places:
http://www.myloveforparis.com/2014/03/three-vietnamese-restaurants-you-should.html
Here are a few more of our favourites spots that we simply had to include. See you there.
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