Things to do in Paris other then the usual attractions.

Question

I will be in Paris this fall for a few months and was looking for ideas of what to do, see, discover in Paris and cities throughout France, other then the Eiffel Tower and other popular attractions. What are the best hidden cafes, restaurants, and secrets of the city?

Answer 1

1) Have dinner with an icon of the Hippie era.

Jim Haynes is one of the founders of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and founder of the London Traverse Theatre Company. He started Suck, the sexual freedom newspaper, in Amsterdam in 1969 and taught Media Studies and Sexual Politics at the University of Paris 8.

He throws a dinner party every Sunday night. The crowd will include college professors, artists, the occasional rock star of famous actor. Give him a phone call or send him an email and you'll be invited. Details are on his website at: http://www.jim-haynes.com/index.htm

2)Go Rollerskating

Every Friday night except when there is rain, the City of Paris and the Paris Rollerskating Association organize a skate thru the streets of Paris from about 10 PM till 1 AM. There can be anywhere from several hundred to several thousand people participating. Just head down to the Place D'Italie and join the crowd.

3) Become a member of the least exclusive club in the world

The Café Metropole Club meets every Thursday after noon. membership is very exclusive...you have to show up. details can be found here: http://www.metropoleparis.com/aclub.html the people who show up are a collection of expatriates and tourists. A good place to meet some nice people and get some good advice about current events.

4) If you're interested in Jim Morrison then go have a drink at Le Mazet (61 Rue St. Andre Des Arts). Its the bar where Morrison had his last drink in public.

5) Check out my favorite hangout in Pars, Aux Trois Mailletz at 56 rue Galand in the 5th. there's a caberet show in the basment but the ground floor bar/restaurant has a piano and various performers. Good music, friendly people and decent food and drink.

6) For a great little restaurant go to La Methode at 2 rue Descartes in the 5th. Its on a lovely little square, the food is classic but with an inventive twist here or there. Prices are reasonable and there is a good selection of wine.

Answer 2

Check out Jim Morrison's grave.

Answer 3

the cafes on the walk from the louvre towards champs elyses are good.  also there is a nice fountain you can sit around there