Posts by Lily Heise - Je T'aime, Me Neither:
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What’s New in Paris’ SOPI (South Pigalle) Neighborhood?
The Parisian district known as SoPi, South Pigalle, has seen a gradual evolution from a somewhat seedy and sleepy residential area bordering the red light district into one of the hippest neighborhood of Paris. This movement is proving to be more than a passing trend thanks to a steady stream of inventive restaurants, contemporary cafés, and original shops.
Where to Eat Around Notre Dame in Paris
Paris has hundreds of fabulous restaurants. Nevertheless, it can be hard to find a good venue among the dining options around Notre Dame, the most visited site in all of Paris. However, if you avoid the mediocre establishments lining the Latin Quarter and drift a little further afield, there are some hidden gems. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of these best restaurants near Notre Dame …
Our Top Coffee Spots in Paris’ Saint Germain Neighborhood
The St. Germain district is synonymous with cafés. While its reputation was built on legendary Parisian cafés like Les Deux Magots and Le Café de Flore, these days there’s a whole new variety of cafés percolating throughout the neighborhood. Here’s where you can get the best coffee on the Left Bank.
How to Choose Champagne for New Year’s Eve
No other beverage is more associated with New Year’s Eve than champagne. Viewed by many as the pinnacle of sparkling wines, the art of champagne making has been perfected in the eponymous French region for centuries. Selecting the right bottle for the most sparkling night of the year can be a daunting task. These expert tips will help guide you choose the best champagne for New Year’s Eve.
Alternative Christmas & New Year’s Events in Paris
Paris is one of the most magical cities over the holidays. From gorgeous light and window displays to an extra joie de vivre circulating through the streets, the Parisians’ love of the festive season abounds. There’s actually much more to do beyond admiring the most famous holiday lights and window displays. From unusual light shows to pop-up markets, here are some unique happenings in Paris over Christmas and New Year’s, sure to add a special touch to your holidays in the City of Light.
Treize au Jardin: American Comfort Food in Paris
Treize au Jardin is both restaurant and tea salon, an inviting and whimsical space perfect for lunch, brunch, apéro or un petit café and decadent dessert en terrace. Treize is now open until 9pm seven days a week, making it an original place for an after-work drink. Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays, and is best enjoyed with a tea pot of gin and tonic. They even have a resident florist who makes beautiful bouquets you can pick up on the fly.
Les Batignolles: A Hidden, Hip, and Authentic Paris Neighborhood
Over the past few years, les Batignolles has been gradually getting hipper and hipper thanks to a steady stream of contemporary restaurants, cool cafés, and creative concept stores. The area is one of the best places to get a taste of authentic Paris. Sample it by seeking out these new additions to the district.
Where to Lunch Near the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a must for most visitors to Paris, however, as with many heavily touristed sites around the world, the dining options right nearby can be rather bleak. Luckily a mere few blocks away you can have a delicious meal at the following restaurants.
Paris Podcasts: Favorites for Francophiles
The popularity of podcasts has created a flourishing selection of excellent Paris-themed shows for Francophiles to choose from. Whether you’re interested in quirky historical facts or want an insider’s perspective on current trends, here are some great podcasts for both residents and lovers of Paris alike.
Parisian Squats: Alternative Venues for Art, Music & More
Squats in Paris have evolved a great deal since the French revolution and even more particularly during the 1970s-80s counterculture era. Today we are seeing an increase in a new breed of squats, which are active participants in the city’s cultural and social landscape bringing dynamic community oriented activities from concerts to art exhibits and from yoga classes to job banks to the city.
Paris’ Only Cheesemaker: La Laiterie de Paris
The eastern side of the 18th arrondissement, known as La Goutte d’Or, has been developing into the city’s most interesting food hub over the last few years. From micro-breweries to farmer co-ops, the district is now home to Paris’ first cheesemaker. Opened last December, word has been getting around about this unique and talented urban producer of cheese and other dairy products.
Aujourd’hui Demain, Paris’ First Vegan Concept Store
The continued growth of vegetarian restaurants and speciality shops in Paris is proving to be much more than a passing trend as an increasing amount of Parisians are swapping out their steak-frites for a bol végé. The green movement in Paris has recently gone one step further with the city’s first Vegan Concept Store, Aujourd’hui Demain.
