Episode 8

EPISODE 8: Our little black book of Paris addresses

Wanting to find out more about some of the places mentioned in this episode? Here we bring you a handy summary of each one that is mentioned – and how to find out further information.

What?
Left Bank
Why?
The term used to describe the area of the city to the south of the river, while the Right Bank defines the part to the north. There’s a good-natured rivalry between the two with everyone claiming their half of the city is the better one.
Where?
Southern half of the city
More info here

What?
Le Bon Marché
Why?
One of the first modern department stores, Le Bon Marché was founded in 1838 and then revamped extensively in 1852. Today, it is where the well-heeled Parisians do their weekly shopping, with everything from top labels to beautiful perfumes and a superb food hall (see below).
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Le Grand Epicerie
Why?
The fancy food hall of Le Bon Marché (see above), this place is a smörgasbord for the finest French ingredients. From the freshest organic fruit and veg to the best in bonbons and confectionary to the most magnificent range of mineral water around, it’s all here for your delectation.    
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Cycling in Paris  
Why?
With an ever-growing number of cycle paths in Paris, bicycles are a great way to get around the capital. You can also rent a set of wheels at any of the self-service stations dotted across the city.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse
Why?
Located in a little courtyard, behind the Bon Marché department store, you will find the place where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830 and requested the creation of the medal that came to be known as the Miraculous Medal. 
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Les Fêtes 
Why?
The term used colloquially for the festive season in France. Not as commercial as in some places, the holidays here tend to be less about consumerism and more a traditional celebration with family through fine food, good wine and beautiful decor.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
7th arrondissement
Why?
Home to the Eiffel Tower, the French parliament and some of the city’s best museums, this is the heartland of well-to-do French residents. Naturally, you will also find beautiful boutiques, amazing antiques and fabulous food too.
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
AMAP (Association pour le maintien d’une agriculture paysanne)
Why?
A popular food scheme enabling Paris residents to order fresh, seasonal and organic fruit and veg. Participants commit to a weekly allocation and take it in turns to help out – a good way to connect with local neighbours – as well as visiting the farms.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
Rue du Bac
Why?
One of the best-known streets on the Left Bank, rue du Bac is home to everything from lovely cafés and brasseries to gourmet food stores, posh boutiques and an old vintage poster shop – not to mention some very fancy residences.
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Square des Missions Étrangères
Why?
There are many pocket-size parks dotted across Paris, and this small square off rue du Bac is a lovely green haven where you can relax in the beating heart of the city. Surrounded by beautiful architecture, it features a beautiful statue, well-kept flowers and smart green benches.
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne
Why?
The two big boys of the Paris park scene, these king-size havens are located in the east and west of the city respectively. The Bois de Boulogne is the better known, but the Bois de Vincennes is actually the larger of the two – covering an area three times the size of New York’s Central Park.
Where?
12th and 16th arrondissements
More info here

What?
Hotel Crillon
Why?
One of the very top hotels in Paris, the Crillon recently reopened after a major renovation. Known for its international clientele, it is a popular spot with the likes of Anna Wintour, fashion editors and captains of industry.
Where?
8th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Champs-Élysées
Why?
Regarded by many as the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées is flanked at one end by Place de la Concorde and at the other by the Arc de Triomphe. While its gloss may have faded a little in recent years, it is still well worth a visit.
Where?
8th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Golden Triangle (or Triangle d’Or)
Why?
Located between three of the capital’s best-known boulevards (the Champs-Élysées, avenue Montaigne and avenue George V), this exclusive enclave is the place to go for the famous fashion houses, designer boutiques and some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants.
Where?
8th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Assemblée National
Why?
One of the two houses in the French Parliament – the other being the Sénat (Senate) – the Assemblée National is located in the stunning setting of the Palais Bourbon. Dating from 1728, it is possible to visit the premises by pre-booked guided tour.
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
8th arrondissement
Why?
Home to the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Golden Triangle, this uber-wealthy area is filled with high-end shops, swanky restaurants and art museums such as the Grand Palais. It is also where the president’s official residence, the Élysée Palace, is located.
Where?
8th arrondissement
More info here

What?
La Défense
Why?
Characterised by its futuristic high-rise skyline – at least when compared with the rest of Paris – La Défense is a major business district located 3km west of the city. It is here that many of the big insurance, oil and gas companies are located.
Where?
 Île-de-France
More info here

What?
Place des États-Unis
Why?
A public plaza in the 16th arrondissement, close to the Arc de Triomphe, the place des États-Unis is notable for its tall trees, surrounding smart streets and the statue at its heart, Washington and Lafayette. It is also home to the Musée Baccarat – showcasing around 1,000 pieces of crystal. 
Where?
16th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Place de l’Étoile
Why?
The roundabout to be avoided at all costs by foreign drivers, place de l’Étoile (also known as place Charles de Gaulle) is the point where 12 straight avenues converge – and mayhem ensues. Famous for good reason, driving there is not for the faint-hearted…
Where?
8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements
More info here

What?
Avenue Foch
Why?
One of the most prestigious streets in Paris, avenue Foch is home to many grand buildings, including those belonging to the Onassis and Rothschild families. It was also where Prince had an apartment for a number of years where he would host celeb-studded parties.
Where?
16th arrondissement
More info here

What?
16th arrondissement
Why?
The place to be in the 70’s and 80’s, the 16th arrondissement was where the YSL set made their homes back in the day. Still offering a certain cachet today, with all the best shops and services, it is also home to lots of lovely properties from the end of 19th century with mirrors, mantelpieces and magnificent floors.
Where?
16th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Le Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais
Why?
Two beautiful exhibition venues, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palace were famously built for the World Fair of 1900. Well worth a visit for their stunning architecture, they also offer permanent exhibits and interesting expos.
Where?
8th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Trocadéro
Why?
Offering one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, just across the river, the public area of Trocadero is open 24-hours a day and there is no admission fee. On one side are several museums and on the other the Jardins du Trocadéro.
Where?
16th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Champ des Mars
Why?
Located between the Eiffel Tower to the north-west and the École Militaire to the south-east, the Champ-de-Mars is a public park that can be accessed freely. It can, however, get very busy – especially at the weekends – and you won’t get far without someone trying to sell you an Eiffel Tower keyring.
Where?
7th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Modern-art museums
Why?
With a thriving contemporary art scene, Paris is home to some of the best modern-art museums in the world. Among our favourites are the Musée d’Art Moderne, the Palais de Tokyo and the Pompidou Centre – as well as fashion hotspots such as the Palais Galliera, Cité de la Mode et du Design and the Yves Saint Laurent museum.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
Monsieur Blue
Why?
Offering an unrivalled view of the Eiffel Tower, Monsieur Bleu is a fantastic restaurant located at the Palais de Tokyo. Serving delicious dishes based on fresh, regional produce, it also has a lovely Art-Deco interior and a fabulous terrace.
Where?
16th arrondissement
More info here