Image by Frédéric Moussaïan

French Ligue 1 is probably not the most exciting football (soccer) league in Europe, and Paris, with only one team in the major domestic championships – which makes a big exception, if you think of London, Madrid, Rome, Moscow… – is not known as a big football destination. Though, all football fans I know who got the chance to enjoy a game at the Parc des Princes agreed it was an unforgettable experience.

Indeed, its impressive heavy concrete structure and its boiling atmosphere (the continuous concrete structure makes the sound of the choirs remain inside) are the two main characteristics of the stadium, a real « cauldron », and a fortress hard to take for opponents. The modern and better-known Stade de France, built for the 1998 World Cup in suburban Saint-Denis (North of Paris), might be a great piece of architecture and engineering, it will never equal the Parc des Princes for its soul, its passion, and its choirs, especially when the two main groups of fans sing, answering to each other.

The local team, the Paris-Saint-Germain, had its most glorious time in the 90s, competing with all best European teams and reaching 5 times in a row European Cup semi-finals (including a victory and a final), a rarely equaled performance. Now with the arrival of Qatari funds and world-class new players, the PSG is finally coming back to the top of the league! 

Tickets are unfortunately quite expensive especially if you don’t book or buy them in advance. Information here.

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Parc des Princes | Relaxing, Festivals & events | Match ticket from € 20
24 rue du Commandant Guilbaud | Quartiers Chics
Check the schedule

Image by Tamara Mesaric

La Bellevilloise is one of the important night life spots in Paris. There are lots of places where you can “live” culture during the day in the city, however the night palette of this kind is not so easy to find.

In today’s version Bellevilloise was opened in 2005 on the spot where there used to be (in 1877) an after Parisian-Commune worker’s cooperative. In those days it was dedicated to education and animation of the workers living in the area.

Today, the place took the same name and the motto is “dedication to light and creation”. Although nowadays you will meet mainly “bobo”(bourgeois boheme) public, but not exclusively.

There are different things going on even at the same time, as it is a music club, an exposition place, a bar and a restaurant with the stage (separated in 4 different rooms). From exhibitions, rock or world music concerts, to dj-ing, interactive workshops, film festivals to even bio markets there is always something interesting to participate in.

Once you are in rue Boyer you surely won’t miss a good concert, either in the nearby club la Maroquinerie (23, rue Boyer) or in La Bellevilloise. The pleasant choice is yours.

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La Bellevilloise | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Festivals & events
19,21 rue Boyer | Belleville/Nation | +33146360707
Wed – Fri 17:30 – 00:20, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 02:00

Image by Harriet O'Brien

Run by Usines Éphémère – a not-for-profit organisation that converts wastelands into cultural centres for young artists – the Point Éphémère is a cafe, nightclub, exhibition centre and concert venue all rolled into one.

Artists’ and musicians’ studios and workshops are also housed there making it one of the most innovative cultural projects in Paris today.

Simple food and inexpensive drinks are available until late and the canal-side terrace is a great hang-out and a perfectly protected sun-trap.

Leaflets and flyers with information on concerts/club nights and exhibitions can be found in almost all bars and on their website.

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Point Éphémère | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Snacks, Festivals & events | Club nights € 10.00
200 Quai Valmy | Belleville/Nation | +33140340248
13:00 – 02:00 daily (later if there’s an event/concert on)