Its easy to go drinking in Paris: most cafs stay open late and serve alcoholic drinks as well as coffee, and old-fashioned wine bars and English-style pubs can be found everywhere. That said, certain areas specialize in late-night drinking. The Marais offers trendy but relaxed caf-bars; further east, the Bastille and Oberkampf areas have lots of youthful venues, many doubling as clubs. On the Left Bank, the Quartier Latin has lots of postage-stamp-sized studenty dives, while St-Germain is the place for cheery posh partying.
Shopping
One of the most appealing shopping areas is St-Germain , with its wide variety of clothes shops and gourmet food stores. Designer wear and haute couture are concentrated around the Champs-Elyses and on rue du Faubourg-St-Honor , while more alternative fashion boutiques can be found in the Marais, especially around rue Charlot , and in Montmartre, in particular on rue des Martyrs . If youre short on time, make for one of the department stores, such as Printemps or Galeries Lafayette on the Right Bank, or Bon March on the Left Bank. For quirky one-off buys and curios, head for the atmospheric passages (nineteenth-century shopping arcades), just off the Grands Boulevards .
Nightlife
The best clubs in Paris double up as live venues, but dancefloors rarely warm up before 1am. Good eclectic venues include the boats moored beside the Bibliothque Nationale , and Oberkampf classics such as LAlimentation Gnrale and Le Nouveau Casino . Serious clubbers should chase down the latest soire, though the clubs Rex , Showcase and Social Club are generally good bets. Rue des Lombards has some classic venues, notably the jazz club Le Sunside .
Our recommendations for where to eat, drink and shop are listed at the end of each Places chapter
Itineraries
Paris was founded on this tiny island, which rises out of the River Seine.
The magnificent Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame is the uplifting, historic heart of the city.
This chapel is an exquisite jewel box, walled in medieval stained glass.
The riverbank quays lead west to the Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city, and beyond to the square du Vert Galant, where you can sit and watch the Seine flow by.
LunchHead away from the tourist bustle, south into St-Germain, for lunch at contemporary bistrot , .
These gardens are filled with people playing tennis or chess and couples strolling round the elegant lawns.
This handsome pedestrian bridge runs from St-Germain to the Louvre; you can pick up the Batobus beside it and head downriver.
This grand old railway station houses some of the most beguiling Impressionist works ever painted.
Continue on the Batobus to this world-famous structure, ever more thrilling the closer you get to it.
DinnerHead over to Montparnasse for a meal at small but perfect bistrot , .
Begin the day with a crash course in modern art the Muse National dArt Moderne has an unbeatable collection of Matisses, Picassos, and more.
Stroll down this picturesque market street, where grocers, butchers and fishmongers ply their trade alongside traditional restaurants and trendy cafs.
LunchStop off at , an old-fashioned bistrot serving confit de canard and other staples.
One of a number of nineteenth-century shopping arcades dotted around the area, this is probably the finest, with its lofty glass ceiling, floor mosaics and Grecian motifs.
The handsome arcaded buildings of the Palais Royal enclose peaceful gardens and shelter quirky antique shops selling pipes, Lgion dHonneur medals and lead soldiers.
Saunter along the chestnut-tree-lined alleys of the Jardin des Tuileries, admiring the grand vistas, formal flower beds and fountains.
An impressive piece of town planning, with a gold-tipped obelisk at its centre, broad avenues radiating off it, and grand monuments, such as the Arc de Triomphe, in every direction.
DinnerEat out on the wonderful terrace or in the classy dining room of the .
Art lovers Paris
Paris was long the undisputed international capital of art. The cafs of Montmartre and Montparnasse may now be haunted only by the ghosts of the great Impressionists and Modernists, but in the citys galleries you can come face to face with their living works.
The museum celebrates Pariss Modernists, and has a stunning mural by Matisse and a great view across the Seine.
The gallerys distressed-chic interior is home to cutting-edge contemporary artists such as Dran.
Rodins stirring sculptures are housed in an elegant mansion, now fully open again after a splendid revamp.
LunchStop for a hearty lunch at the relaxed .
An exceptional collection of works by Picasso set in a beautifully renovated Renaissance mansion.
If youre going to tackle the mighty Louvre, take on a less well known wing, such as French sculpture or Objets dArt.
DinnerWind down with a meal at the excellent be sure to make a reservation, though, as this modern bistrot is deservedly popular.
Budget Paris
Despite Pariss reputation as an expensive city, there are many treats to be enjoyed for free, plus plenty of good-value deals to be had at restaurants.
Set on a quiet street, this hotel is a steal at 60 for a simple double with sink, or 69 for one with a shower.
Touring by bus is enjoyable and inexpensive; try the #29 from Gare St-Lazare, which goes past the Opera Garnier, through the Marais, and on to Bastille.
Theres no charge to visit this Parisian landmark, but the real draw is the view from the terrace.
One of the citys best free museums is the Muse Carnavalet, devoted to the history of Paris.
Lunch