DK Eyewitness - Paris Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home (Local Travel Guide)

Few people are prouder of their city than Parisians or quicker to defend its quirks. Life here is lived intensely and fiercely, with a real sense of community in each quartier : long-time street sellers ply their trade rain or shine, and few days pass without the simple pleasures of a lazy coffee, or a debate with friends over good food. Calling the city home means making sacrifices not least when it comes to apartment space but locals are repaid tenfold in having Europes best restaurants on their doorstep. Parisians might be famously haughty and aloof, but theyve got reason to believe their mode de vie is the best in the world.

Its easy to see why Paris inspires so many: the city is inarguably beautiful. Yet while defined by Haussmannian faades and romantic vistas, its not homogenous. You might fall in love with the multicultural areas in the outer arrondissements where run-down bars still serve tiny espressos or with an up-and-coming suburb like Pantin. But no matter where you are, tradition holds strong. Picking up a still-warm baguette before dinner or ending the work day with a pavement-table apro are necessities, not clichs.

There are, however, some clichs that locals roll their eyes at, and thats where this book comes in. We know what Parisians cherish the most, and weve brought together the people and places shaping the citys future. While its impossible to wholly encapsulate Paris in these pages, youll find a snapshot of its diversity. That means counter-cultural community projects, esoteric art collections, and where to find the best street markets and street style.

Whether you consider yourself a Parisian and want to unearth your citys secrets or youre looking for inspiration for your first trip, this book will help you to delve deeper. Dont settle for the best-known boulevards and brasseries. See Paris, but do it the local way.

Paris | Welcome To The City

Liked by the locals

Sure, youll get the Paris that you see in the movies. But the true magic of this city is in finding your own corner, an enchanting place that you feel is made just for you.

YUKI HIGASHINAKANO, CULTURAL COORDINATOR

g

Paris

THROUGH THE YEAR

From sultry summer parties to wintry wanders through festive markets, each season brings with it a new lease of cultural life in Paris.

SPRING

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

As life unfurls after winter, pavement terraces spring back and days are spent watching the world go by with a coffee.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS

Marking the transition from winter to spring are city-wide celebrations. Riotous dragon parades kick off Chinese New Year while chapel concerts and long dinners define family time around Easter.

GAME, SET, MATCH

Parisians cant wait for the French Tennis Open in May. Avid fans book tickets to catch a game at the stadium, but most locals gather with pals at a sports bar to watch it live on screen.

PARIS IN BLOOM

Fresh flowers and cherry blossom start to line the banks of the Seine and the big parks in April, resulting in the first picnics of the year: a Parisian pastime.

SUMMER

FESTIVAL FUN

Parisians never need an excuse to party, and June is prime time for it. The Fte de la Musique sees musicians take to the streets, Pride offers up a carnival-like parade and a jazz festival gets everyone swaying. After-parties are custom, too.

ALFRESCO LIVING

Warmer weather sees life move outdoors. On sunny days, Parisians cool off along the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette, which are transformed into beaches for Paris-Plages. Balmy nights are spent hanging out along the canal and dancing at rooftop bars.

BASTILLE DAY

The citys fire stations throw infamous champagne-fuelled parties (aka the bal des pompiers ) the night before Bastille Day. Those not too hungover line the Seine the next day to watch the 14 juillet fireworks or catch the Military Parade.

AUTUMN

CULTURAL TOURS

Parisians dread la rentre (the return), when vacations end and schools go back in September. Keeping spirits high is the start of a new cultural season. Exhibitions and plays launch, and the Nuit Blanche in October offers up an all-night party of gallery events.

HARVEST TIME

Autumn brings with it the start of the wine harvest season, and wine-loving locals flock to dedicated events. Restaurants and bars also celebrate with tastings, special menus and the odd accordion player to entertain.

COSY DINNERS

When the first cold breeze arrives, comfort food is the perfect antidote. Dinner parties are hosted and friends gather in restaurants for raclette.

CHILLY NIGHTS

Parisians resist retreating inside until the end of autumn, drawing terrace season out into November, with restaurants and bars offering cozy blankets.

WINTER

SPARKLY WONDERLAND

The City of Lights literally lights up to mark the start of the Christmas period, with extravagant shop displays and illuminated trees in pretty gardens.

MARKETS GALORE

Every Parisian has either gifted, or been gifted, a trinket from one of the citys Christmas markets. But its about more than shopping, with funfair rides, traditional stalls and gourmet treats.

WINTER SALES

Fashionistas wait all year for January, when Les Soldes are in full swing and sales tempt the renewal of wardrobes.

g

Paris

KNOW-HOW

Theres an art to being a Parisian, from the dos and donts of caf culture to negotiating the citys busiest streets. Heres a breakdown of all you need to know.