Cocktails haven’t always been a strong suit in the French capital. Just a few years ago, procuring a decent mixed drink– much less a thoughtfully created and beautifully presented one– posed a bit […]
Nightlife
Roaming Paris’ Oberkampf Neighborhood, from Nightlife to Street Art
With its eclectic mix of trendy bars, nightclubs and concert halls, the lively Oberkampf neighborhood in Paris is a haven for foodies and partygoers. This hip section of the 11th arrondissement boasts great […]
Art on Water: Fluctuart, First Floating Urban Gallery, Opens in Paris
Opened in July 2019, Fluctuart is the world’s first floating “urban art center”. Docked at the foot of The Pont des Invalides on the left bank of the Seine River, this free gallery […]
How (& Where) to Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tastings in Paris
The French may not celebrate Thanksgiving, but on the third Thursday of November they find something of their own to be thankful for: wine. To be specific, the yearly vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, an unpretentious, […]
Exploring the Gambetta-Ménilmontant Neighborhood in Paris, from Shops to Nightlife
For a taste of Paris far from the madding crowd and the done-to-death tourist track, head over to the Gambetta- Ménilmontant neighborhood. Tucked in a little-trampled stretch of the northeast that’s roughly adjacent […]
4 Paris Jazz Festivals to Mark in Your Calendar Now
Paris is legendary for its longstanding jazz scene, rivaling New Orleans’ and New York’s at certains points in history. While the golden era of Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Django Reinhardt bringing the […]
How to Enjoy Paris Gay Pride (Marche des Fiertés LGBT+) in 2019?
Summer in the French capital necessarily means festivals and music filling the streets, the long days seeming to stretch out even further amid the joyful din. And what better way to kick off […]
In Review: The Ice Kube Bar in Paris (Gimmick or Intriguing Night Out?)
Featuring Siberian temperatures, surreal bunker-like surroundings that might remind you of Superman’s icy lair, and a jetset-aspiring clientele, the Ice Kube bar at Paris’ Kube Hotel claims to offer a singular nightlife experience. […]
In Review: Breizh Café & Cider Bar, for Creative Cocktails & Bréton Nibbles
Bréton-style savory pancakes and cocktails: if the combination sounds a bit odd, that’s because it is. But as I recently discovered, it can also be an eye-opening and delicious one. At the Breizh […]
The 5 Best Places for Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: Bars & More in the City Center
Last summer, I spent a little under six weeks living and working in Bordeaux, as I prepared to write a local guide. Like almost everyone, I knew coming in that the capital of […]
In Review: The Grand Pigalle Hotel in Paris
Situated in South Pigalle, a formerly seedy Parisian district that’s recently been colonized by hipsters, foodies and fashionistas, the Grand Pigalle Hotel has only been open since 2015. Yet it’s quickly become […]
Paris Boat Tours & Cruises: Are They Worth Your Time?
Most “top attractions” lists for the French capital suggest a boat tour of the Seine or other waterways in Paris. But since these sorts of sightseeing cruises are so commonplace– and hardly original– […]
In Review: Lapérouse, a Romantic Paris Restaurant With History Galore
First opened in 1766 as “La Maison Lapérouse”, this distinguished restaurant and bar situated smack on the banks of the Seine is a favorite spot for well-heeled literary and artistic types. It’s a place […]
In Review: Au Sauvignon, a Paris Wine Bar That Transcends Trendy
Opened some 65 years ago around the corner from the iconic Hotel Lutetia, Au Sauvignon is a Paris wine bar that’s been owned and operated by the same family since 1954. It seems […]
Nightlife Notes: La Bellevilloise, for Laid-Back Drinks & Live Music in Paris
Ever since moving to the northeastern side of Paris, I’d been curious to give La Bellevilloise a try, having heard that it’s a closely-guarded favorite for a night out among locals of […]
In Review: Le Bouillon Belge, a Parisian Beer Bar With Rough-and-Tumble Charm
The first thing I’ll say about Le Bouillon Belge is that it isn’t remotely close to any place in Paris where most tourists care to set foot. Situated on a sleepy and […]