The atmosphere is sixties-seventies with a twist. Music is good and on a big screen they show old french musictelevision. When there is a rugby match it’s shown on the big screen too which gives it a sporty macho ambiance at that moment.

Nostalgique French Pub, 46, Rue de la Tour d’Auvergne, 75009 Paris, open 7/7 until 2 h

Nostalgic French Pub written by Dirk Sabbe in: Nightlife

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Marché St.-Quentin, 84 B, Rue Magenta, 75009 Paris

Marché St.-Quentin written by Dirk Sabbe in: Markets

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You can also assist to cheese degustations that change with the season.

Marie-Anne Cantin, 12, Rue de Champs-de-Mars, 75007 Paris, M° Ecole Militaire,

Excellent cheese written by Dirk Sabbe in: Events

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In front of the restaurant is the wine-shop where you can find nice wines with an excellent price/quality.

Le Miroir, 94, Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, tel 01 46 06 50 73, M° Abbesses

Le Miroir written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

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Magasin Trudon, 78, Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, M° Odéon / Mabillon

Cire Trudon, candles with history written by Dirk Sabbe in: Events

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A sunny Sunday-afternoon written by Dirk Sabbe in: Events

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At dinner as a lot of restaurants in Paris it can be quiet expensive but there are excellent deals to be had at lunchtime . Or you can just head to the adjoining salon de thé to toast your savvy tourist skills with an alfresco flute of Champagne or a fine tea.

Les Ombres, Musée du quai branly, 27 quai branly ,75007 Paris, tel. + 33 1 47 53 68 00, M° Iéna / Alma-Marceau / Bir Hakeim

The Eiffel Tower without a queu written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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Summer is here to stay, so what better idea than to scour Paris?s mysteries and lost nooks and crannies in a race against time? If that sounds like just your cup of tea, then you?re in luck because next weekend, Saturday 3rd July, the capital will be transformed into an urban playground full of treasure seekers, marking the start of the annual Great Paris Treasure Hunt.

Organised by the City of Paris, the treasure hunt will start at participating districts? town halls (3rd, 6th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th and St Ouen) from 10:00am to 1:00pm, when instructions in English and French will be distributed to participants who will have until 3:30pm on the same day to reach the final destination. To enter the treasure hunt is free and you can sign up by filling in your details online or by simply turning up and queuing on the day.

The hunt will lead participants all over the city, whereby treasure hunters will follow clues, solve riddles, speak to locals, shopkeepers, and artisans alike, whilst discovering areas of a city, such as its hidden gardens and secret passages. The first participants to reach the finishing point will be eligible to win several prizes, the top prize being a concert at an undisclosed location that evening.

The toughest of treasure hunters will also be able to win a holiday by solving the 10-part riddle that will be told at the prize-giving ceremony. This riddle will lead to a secret hiding place where a Jericho rose will hold a password and telephone number. The first participants to call in with the password will be the happy winners of the free holiday.

The Great Parisian Treasure Hunt began five years ago and was started by deputy mayor of Paris, Jean-Bernard Bros. His aims via this event are on par with the event organiser, Audrey Epeche?s: ?The initial idea was simply how to discover and rediscover the city off the beaten path, by creating an event based on interactions, encounters and conviviality?. If the past five years? treasure hunts? successes are anything to go by, then be prepared for your usually calm streets to be invaded by over 20,000 bolting charade-fiends! The very first treasure hunt took place in just one district and has since expanded to most of the city as it has attracted people from all over, who are keen to explore the city under a different light and in a more interactive way rather than through guide books.

The game will plunge you into a world of legend and myth as Paris unveils its secrets and casts its spell on you just as you thought you had finally got your head around it all.

Treasure Hunt written by Dirk Sabbe in: Events

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Cul de Poule, 53 Rue des Martyrs,75009 Paris tel 01 53 16 13 07

Cul de Poule written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

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To Bonton with the kids written by Dirk Sabbe in: Paris with kids

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Charlot is wellknown for its Seafood Platter but Charlot?s Seafood Bisque and Swordfish Steak are amongh quite recommended specialities.

Its decor is a little bright with motifs of sea, pink colors, and several mirrors making the restaurant appear larger than it is. Charlot Roi des Coquillages has a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

In short, it?s a good restaurant to experience for those looking for a nice time.

Charlot Roi des Coquillage, 12, Place de Clichy, 75009 Paris, M° Clichy

Charlot Roi des Coquillages written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

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You can drop in here for an early breakfast or a delayed supper as the cafe remains open till late in the night. During winter, you can dine alfresco at the winter terrace that overlooks the Boulevard des Capucines, while summer months see crowds filling in at the open air terrace that gives a great view of the Place de l?Opera.

While in paris, this is one destination you should not miss.

Le café de la Paix, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, M° Opéra

Le Café de la Paix written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

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Text: Aran Cravey for Vingtmagazine

Visions of the mystic splendors of the exotic East have long beguiled the imagination of Western artists. Nineteenth century painters such as Jean-Léon Gérôme and Eugène Delacroix were enchanted by the stories and decorative objects imported  from the newly colonized French territories. Fascinated by the allure and mystique of the ?Orient?  or, what we now know as Northern Africa and the Middle East, Western artists appropriated the masterful techniques and combined them with their own imaginative visions to create a pastiche of two cultures often referred to as ?Orientalism.? The term has since fallen out of favor as anachronistic, yet, the mystic charm of its artistic tradition continues to inspire the creative imagination.

In the new exhibition ?Orient-Hermès? at the Institut du Monde Arabe, Leïla Menchari, one of  the luxury brand?s premier designers, has combined the sumptuous products of the label with her own images and memories of a childhood spent in Northern Africa. Renowned for her exquisite design concepts found in the store?s Paris windows, the Tunisian born designer has created eight individual vignettes that capture the allure and fantasy of the mythic East.

Drawing from the mythology and fairy tales learned as child, Ms. Menchari brings the sensuous textures and fragrances of her heritage, together with the design and prestige of the iconic luxury brand, to create eight opulent compositions that are treasure troves for the senses.

Orient-Hermès at l’Institut du Monde Arabe written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

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La Grande épicerie written by Dirk Sabbe in: Events

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The Musée Jacquemart-André presents until August 2010 a prestigious collection of paintings by the Spanish masters offering a selection of paintings that has never been exhibited in France before. Among them are works by artists from the Spanish School such as El Greco, Ribera, Murillo, Sorolla, Picasso, Dalí and Miró. The exhibited works are selected from the private collection of Juan Antonio Pérez Simón, an important Hispano-Mexican businessman and celebrated art collector who began to build his collection in the 1970s.

From El Greco to Dali written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

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Roads along the Seine are to be closed after 43 years in an attempt to return the backs to their ” former beauty”.

The roads were built by Georges Pompidou as part of his great “expressway program”. Up to 70000 cars a day travel along the Seine’s left bank on what is known as the Pompidou expressway, a dual carriage way along the right bank built in ‘67. Pompidou was an arid motorist who once declared : “The French love their cars.”

The banks have been UNESCO World Heritage site since ‘92. Delanoe, the mayor of Paris who introduced Paris-Plage when the banks become a temporary beach every summer, said that removing cars from sections of the riverbank would help cut pollution and boost the capital’s international standing. He declared war on the “unacceptable hegemony” of cars, introducing new trams, bike and bus lanes and the Velib cycle rental scheme since 2001.The move have been welcomed by most non-motorists but car- and taxidrivers have complained that congestion has become intolerable.

Undeterred, he planned to pedestrianise a 2 Km stretch on the left bank from Orsay to Pont de l’Alma near the Eiffel Tower by 2012. There are also plans to include steps down to the water, as well as gardens ,walkways, green “islets” and a botanic garden.

To avoid gridlocks, cars will not be totally banned from the right bank, but the expressway will become a boulevard with traffic lights and bike and pedestrian areas.

“The idea is to transform an urban autoroute into a living space with areas where there will be no cars” said Delanoe.

Cars that ate Paris are given the boot written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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His new book “Parisians, an adventure history of Paris” tells the story of Paris through the lives of its most colourful citizens. These include spies, scientists and businessmen as well as photograpers, philosophers and prostitutes that are part of Parisian mythology.

The book begins at the dawn of the French Revolution, and ends a few months ago. There are also some excursions to the medieval and prehistoric past.

It traces the spread of the city from the island in the Seine that was the home of the Paris tribe to the mushrooming suburbs that inspire more fear today than when they were patrolled by highwaymen and wolves.

Reading this is an adventure, one which will turn even the briefest trip to Paris into a tumble through time.

Parisians : An adventure history of Paris written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

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Text: Rooksana Hossenally  for Vingt

The Palais de Tokyo has teamed up with an unlikely partner to create Nomiya, a floating experience to be relished up close to the heavens amongst Paris? unique skyline. Replacing the Everland hotel room, the previous project that sat on the Palais de Tokyo rooftop, the contemporary art museum has now turned to collaboration with Electrolux, the Swedish electrical appliances manufacturer, to give its visitors an exclusive slick and sophisticated restaurant concept.

Based on the tiny bars lining Japanese streets, hence its name, Nomiya is a small rectangular capsule with a table for twelve guests, designed to open the channels of communication between strangers. The floating restaurant melts into the Parisian skyline no matter the time of day: at lunchtime the capsule of glass and steel offers a bright, weightless atmosphere reflected in its white walls and clean minimalistic lines, adorned by great big bay windows letting Paris seep through the room. The views of the Quai Branly Museum and the Eiffel Tower are needless to say, breathtaking. The evenings are quite different: Nomiya is transformed as it is bathed in an almost fluorescent purple light. Its main feature becomes the Parisian nightscape dotted with tiny lights and of course, the Eiffel Tower shimmying in a sequin blazer as it watches over the French capital.
The unique piece of contemporary design was created by the artist Laurent Grasso and his brother architect, Pascal Grasso and opened last July. In the kitchen, Gilles Stassart, renowned for his experimental cuisine, oversees the innovative yet unpretentious creations presented with a quirky twist  -  radishes stuffed with foie gras, langoustine carpaccio doused in a sublime coconut and pickled ginger dressing, an osso bucco with polenta and white truffle?to say more would spoil the surprise.

Stassart elegantly combines fresh ingredients, all healthy of course if not all organic, with surprising flavours and garnish; the lunch menu is revised weekly and the dinner menu daily. The kitchen is also visible to the guests; everything from cooking, serving, to tasting happens in the one room. Guests are able to get up and move around to admire the 360° views of the capital, glass of champagne in hand, whilst stopping by to have a chat with the chef, his assistant, and the maître d?hôtel, who are also well-versed in the art of discretion for guests who prefer a little privacy. Despite Nomiya?s apparently cold appearance upon entering, the atmosphere soon warms as the staff greet the guests and the action begins in the kitchen. Soon enough the concept transpires through the guests who begin conversations across the table with total strangers; one cannot help but share the exceptional experience in such a contagiously intimate atmosphere.

To get to the restaurant guests cross the museum to the small green exterior garden, up the scaffolding and onto the rooftop. There sits the self-contained microcosm from which you can lay back and be mesmerised by Paris? changing skies and passing clouds?time stands still in this stylish little white box of serenity?

Nomiya, also known as the project ?Art Home?, is a temporary installation and will grace the Parisian skies until September. As part of the experience, and if guests choose so, there is also the possibility of participating in a two hour cooking workshop with Mr Stassart. Workshops take place from Tuesdays to Sundays from 12pm onwards (27 euros for lunchtime workshops, 45 euros for dinner workshops and 15 euros for children). Reservations for the restaurant are usually taken a month ahead, so planning your visit is essential (60 euros for lunch which includes a glass of champagne, 1/3 bottle of wine, mineral water, a starter, a main course, dessert and coffee; 80 euros for dinner including the same as the lunch menu but with cheese).  Nomiya is closed on Mondays.

Nomiya-Palais de Tokyo,13 avenue du Président Wilson,75016 Paris

Nomiya : a floating table on the Parisian skyline written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

Tags: restaurants

Considering the West’s proclivity toward drowning Asian dishes in salted sauces, the concept of Japanese-French fusion cuisine would probably drive many chefs to seppuku. Deftly ducking the perils of gastronomic disaster, Sous les Cerisiers sprinkles rather than smothers its lovingly prepared menu. While the delectable dishes may inspire the same empathy and sorrow of the fragile cherry blossom’s short lifespan the restaurant will endure the highly competitive Parisian gourmet scene through a combination of culinary craftsmanship, innovation and flair.

This careful balance of tradition and influence comes courtesy of Sakura Franck, a Japanese expatriate who traveled working the kitchens of the world before landing in Paris. Years of teaching honed her creativity, an occupation she continues to employ at Sous les Cerisiers today. Her comfort, respect and understanding of both cuisines is revealed in the menu. Dishes carefully marry the tastes of east and west, adorning the bright and clean flavors of her homeland with the vibrant sauces and ingredients of her adopted country.
At first glance the menu seems as small as the number of tables. However, the intriguing concepts of foie gras sushi and duck in sake sauce quickly appeals to the gastronomic heretic in all of us. Two giant prawns, stripped to the tail and laid in a light orange sauce, waltzed between the fresh flavor of the crustacean and the sweetness of the citrus. Steamed daurade was presented sans head, prepared in a traditional and unobtrusive Japanese fashion accompanied by rice. Dessert flipped the tables, the French stepping to the foreground with the Japanese as moral support. A rich moelleux au chocolat enjoyed the essence of the east through a sweetened green tea sauce.

Design and presentation are important to both the Japanese and French cultures. Franck collaborated with Norwegian designers Ralston & Bau to create a unique dining experience. Initially bright and open with broad windows, the room withdraws, growing softer. Intimate lighting creating the illusion of privacy without sacrificing space for partitions. Adding a little fun to the elegance is the use of opera costumes as decoration, both for seats at the rearmost table and along the front walls.
Due to the small size reservations are recommended. The bilingual staff provides formal service without rigidity, and Ms. Franck may step away from the stove to say hello. An expansive wine and sake list is complimented by what is probably Paris’ most comprehensive tea selection. Not an every night occasion but a unique experience in a crowded field, from the delicate fusion of flavors to the artistically designed dining room.

Sous les Cerisiers,12 rue Stanislas ,75015 PARIS, tel. 01.42.77.46.24,

Mº Montparnasse Bienvenue/Vavin/Notre-Dame-des-Champs

Sous les Cerisiers : Franco-Japanese Fusion written by Dirk Sabbe in: Restaurants

Tags: restaurants

They can drive a poney or for the very small go on a wooden horse.

Every Sunday starting 21 th of March until 23 the of May, from 12h , the whole family can enjoy the open doors, living the passion for horses.

Surprises, animation, workshops, even meeting with the professionels, will keep every member of the family happy. An event not to be missed !

The take-off is at l’hippodrome d’Auteuil the 21th of March, also the 28 th.

On the 11th of April, the 3th prix de la Ligue Nationale de Rugby and its players will be held at l?hippodrome de Longchamp. That day all the events and animations will be around rugby. Meeting with the players are organised for the big ones.

25th of April its a normal Dimanche au Galop a Longchamp.

Also every sunday of May there will be a lot of activities at the hippodromes, especially during the long weekends.

Hippodrome d?Auteuil – Route des Lacs – 75016 Paris
Hippodrome de Longchamp – Route des Tribunes – 75016 Paris

Les dimanches au Galop written by Dirk Sabbe in: Paris with kids

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Language

One of the best ways to avoid being a stranger is to learn a little of the local language.

The French may appear prickly at first to English-speaking visitors, but it usually helps if you make an effort to speak a little French. A simple, friendly bonjour (hello) will do, as will asking if the person you’re greeting speaks English (parlez-vous anglais?).

Be patient, and speak English slowly?but not loudly.

A phrase book and language-tape set can help get you started.

Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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Out on the Town

When visiting a French home, don’t expect to be invited into the kitchen or to take a house tour. The French have a very definite sense of personal space, and you’ll be escorted to what are considered the guest areas. If you’re invited to dinner, be sure to bring a gift, such as wine, champagne, flowers, or chocolates.

Table manners are often considered a litmus test of your character or upbringing. When dining out, note that the French fill wineglasses only until they are half full?it’s considered bad manners to fill it to the brim. They never serve themselves before serving the rest of the table. During a meal, keep both hands above the table, and keep your elbows off the table.

Bread is broken, never cut, and is placed next to the plate, never on the plate. When slicing a cheese, don’t cut off the point (or “nose”).

Coffee or tea is ordered after dessert, instead of with dessert. (In fact, coffee and tea usually aren’t ordered with any courses during meals, except breakfast.)

Checks are often split evenly between couples or individuals, even if someone ordered only a salad and others had a full meal.

Eating on the street is generally frowned on?though with the onslaught of Starbucks you can sometimes see people drinking coffee on the go.

Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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Greetings

When meeting someone for the first time, whether in a social or a professional setting, it’s appropriate to shake hands.

Other than that, the French like to kiss.

For the Parisians, it’s two bisous, which are more like air kisses with your cheeks touching lightly?don’t actually smack your lips onto the person’s face!

Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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Customs

The French like to look at people?that’s half the point of cafés and fashion, so get used to being looked at; it’s as natural here as breathing. They’ll look at your shoes or your watch, check out what you’re wearing or reading.

What they will not do is maintain steady eye contact or smile. If a stranger of the opposite sex smiles at you, it’s best to do as the French do and return only a blank look before turning away. If you smile back, you might find yourself in a Pepé Le Pew?type situation.

Visitors’ exuberance?and accompanying loud voices?may cause discreet Parisians to raise their eyebrows or give a deep chesty sigh. They’re not being rude, but they’re telling you that they think you are. Be aware of your surroundings and lower your voice accordingly, especially in churches, museums, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, and the métro.

When entering and leaving a shop, greet and say good-bye to the staff. A simple bonjour, monsieur/madame and au revoir, merci are considered a virtual necessity for politeness.

Other basic pleasantries in French include bonne journée (have a nice day); bonne soirée (have a nice evening); enchanté (nice to meet you); s’il vous plaît (please); and je vous en prie (you’re welcome).

When asking for directions or other help, be sure to preface your request with a polite phrase such as excusez-moi de vous déranger, madame/monsieur (excuse me for bothering you, ma’am/sir).

Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know written by Dirk Sabbe in: Practical

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Charting his lifetime?s work through a selection of over 300 original creations, from his beginnings at Dior, through the height of his experimentalism during the 70s, to his later refined exoticism; the exhibition celebrates the astounding range and beauty of his accomplishment, both technical and artistic.
Displayed alongside contemporary films, photographs and drawings, the work is placed in its proper cultural and historical context. It is evident that Yves Saint Laurent had an incredible capacity to draw inspiration from everything and anything – from 19th century theatre, Mondrian canvases, and Moroccan spice markets to kids on the streets of Saint Germain des Prés. Original sketches and images from his atelier prove that he saw himself above all as a craftsman, working obsessively hard to master the tools of his trade, with a deep understanding and respect for form, fabric, cut and the importance of detail. The greater significance of his work is also emphasised, showing how this relentless moderniser changed the world of fashion forever, freeing women from narrow and outdated ideas of style, and democratising high fashion by making ready to wear respectable.

Like the hundreds of mourners in Le Smoking trouser suits who lined the streets at his funeral in 2008, the retrospective at the Petit Palais promises to be a great tribute to one of France?s greatest artists of the twentieth century.

read at Vingt Paris, March 2010

Musée du Petit Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, M° Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau or Concorde

Yves Saint Laurent at Petit Palais written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

Tags: culture

More than 2000 titles, almost a collection. The owner is very passionate about movies and loves to discuss it. She did watch 92% of it.

Videoclub, 4, rue de Nemours 75009

Videoclub off the beaten track written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

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Asked why he chose Paris after having fled the persecution of Jews in Lithuania in 1930, Izis replied, ?Because it excited my imagination. It was the City of Lights. For me everything was happening in Paris. Liberty, Equality of man and Culture, that?s what made us dream.? The retrospective of his photography at Hotel de Ville “Izis, Paris des Rêves” invites us to discover this dreamlike poetry in the everyday life of Paris.

Izis, Paris des Rêves at Hôtel de Ville written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

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Artazart Bookshop written by Dirk Sabbe in: Paris with kids

Tags: paris with kids, shopping

Written by Sarah Moriarity for VINGT :

The eclectic bar-restaurant, La Conserverie, at 35 bis rue du Sentier in the second arrondissement, serves some of the best cocktails in the city. This is big praise for a place has only been in business for four months and is keeping a death-defyingly low profile. As well as a selection of classic cocktails, La Conserverie?s menu boasts a series of original recipes invented by the bar?s Paris-born bartender, Tim. Our cocktail of choice is the DuMaurier – a mixture of rum, fresh lemon juice, champagne and whole raspberries, served with gasified sugar (rock candy) on the side. “You place a little bit of rock candy on your tongue and then take a sip,” explains Tim. “I created this cocktail specifically for that candy,” he adds. The result is a literal taste explosion as the sugar pops and fuses with the drink in your mouth.

“I hope that people will return for the drinks”, says Tim. With innovative original recipes that embrace a litany of different ingredients such as Bird Tongue spice, sake and white balsamic vinegar there is no doubt that they will. Along with the cocktails, La Conserverie has welcoming, international staff, a full food menu and a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends or even to have a quiet, taste bud-popping drink by yourself.  Cocktails are priced between ?12 and ?14.

La conserverie written by Dirk Sabbe in: Nightlife

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The atmophere is one of all the art (literature, painting, music) that surrounded him and influenced him . You will see important letters, paintings and drawings from famous artists borrowed from important museums around the world.

Musée de la vie romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, M° Blanche
You can just have a stroll to the museum from the Montmartre Studio Loft.

The blue note written by Dirk Sabbe in: Culture

Tags: culture