L’Objet qui parle
  • 10
  • Mar
  • 2014

This antique boutique is attractive by its originality. The place offers old cups and plates, lusters, ironic old bottles or kettle. But it also has framed old mirrors in baroque style, old lanterns, and more.

Besides, all the objects are well chosen so that this is the right address to collect original kitchenware: small cups for tea and coffee…

L’Objet qui parle, 86, rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris.

Rue du Mail
  • 25
  • Nov
  • 2013

A unique Parisian name and a completely Parisian concept. The interior is very Art Déco , like a big loft of 700 M2.

They have an exhibition space where they present artists and where the fashion shows of Rue du Mail take place. Also the workshops,showroom and a boutique are all under one roof.

The boutique is in the sous-sol and you have to make an appointment to shop.

It’s as Parisian as you can get : it feel exclusive but everyone is welcome to make an appointment. It’s not real couture, it’s something much more modern, but the dream is still there.

Rue du Mail, 5, Rue du Mail, 75002 Paris, tel +33 1 42 60 19 20, commercial@ruedumail.com

The bassin the la Villette (2)
  • 02
  • Apr
  • 2013

5/ Bar 61, 3 Rue de l’Oise, 75019 Paris

A friendly bobo cafe with a permanent photo exhibition depicting bars around the world. The terrace, opposite a specatular graffiti wall, is the perfect suntrap at lunchtimes. It has a discerning wine selection and probably the best tartines grillées (toasted open sandwiches) in Paris.

6/ Ô77, 77 quai de la Seine, 75019 Paris

This former bicyle repair shop is now a restaurant run by a welcoming Lebanese family team of uncle and niece, who mix their own and traditional French food in a trendy lounge atmosphere. Friendly service, big salads, an a good selection of organic French beers, including one that contains a (legal) dose of hemp.

7/ AICV Location vélos, 38 bis quai de la Marne, 75019 Paris

If you can’t be bothered with the red tape involved in Paris’s Vélib’ rentabike scheme, this is a traditional cycle-hire palce. Get a two-wheeler for three hours for 6-8 Euro and either pedal down the canal path to Bastille, or head northwards through vast parc de la Villette, and out into the suburb of Pantin.

8/ Dépôt Flandre, 63 quai de la Seine, 75019 Paris

This quirky bric-à-brac warehouse is open seven days a week and purveys everything from Pernod water jugs to bistro tables.

(out of the Metropolitan Nov 2012, written by Stephen Clarke)

Charming picnic places – 2
  • 28
  • Jul
  • 2012

3/ EPICERIE GENERALE AND PONT DES ARTS

At this typical French épicerie you can buy all good. They also offer ready-made picnic baskets with bread, cheese, vegetables and wine.

Epicerie Générale, 43, Rue de Verneuil, 75007 Paris

4/ BOB’s JUICE AND CANAL SAINT-MARTIN

Bob did open his smoothie bar three years ago. Here you can grab some biological or vegetarian goodies and have a seat near the canal.

Bob’s juice, 15, Rue Lucien-Sampaix, 75010 Paris

5/ PINK-NIK DU PINK FLAMINGO AND JARDIN DES FRANCS-BOURGEOIS

A cute pizzeria with a special service. You orde your favourite pizza, grab a pink balloon and have a seat nearby at the garden. A pizza boy will bring you your hot pizza.

Pink Flamingo, 105, Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris