Quartiers Chics Paris – All our local tips

On the edge of the chic 8th arrondissement this café/bar/lunchroom is an ideal place for a (Sunday) brunch.

Both modern and traditional, they offer all you need in terms of pastries, teas etc, but in a fresh and modern decor.

Service is young and efficient and child and dog friendly. The terrace is heated, so even during winter you can sit outside.

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Café Lacombe | Coffee & tea | Coffee € 3,50
37 avenue Mac Mahon | Quartiers Chics | +330143809225
07:00 – 23:00 daily

If you are a modern art enthusiast planning to visit Paris, you probably already heard of the Pompidou Centre, this pluridisciplinary cultural centre that, among other things, hosts the National Museum of Modern Art and organizes really interesting exhibitions.

But what you may not know is that the city of Paris also has its own modern art museum, and that its collections have no reason to be jealous of Centre Pompidou’s!

Immediately after the entrance hall, you can visit the impressive room dedicated to Raoul Dufy’s La Fée Electricité, one of the biggest paintings in the world, which retraces the history of electricity through the ages. Collections are downstairs (free of charge, like in other museums run by the municipality), and exhibitions on the main floor.

The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (full name!) is located in the East wing of the Palais de Tokyo, near Chaillot hill, in the aristocratic 16th district. Mostly visited for the Eiffel Tower, this area is also full of museums, some of which are part of the new “Colline des Musées” discount programme:

- the West wing of the same building hosts the Palais de Tokyo centre for contemporary art (and a cool trendy restaurant: Tokyo Eat, check the Tokyo Eat article)
- Musée du Quai Branly, focused on primitive arts, on the other bank of the river, next to Eiffel Tower
- Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (architecture and town planning museum).

And also (not part of the programme):
- Musée Guimet, specialized in Asian arts
- Musée Galliera, a fashion museum run by Paris’s municipality.

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Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris | Art & culture, Relaxing | Exhibition +/- € 6.00
11 avenue du Président Wilson | Quartiers Chics | +33153674000
Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

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 soccer 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 90’s, 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 equalled performance. But even if recent results are not great, the fans have always remained faithful, and the Parc is generally full, with a great atmosphere.

Tickets are unfortunately quite expensive (at least €30) especially if you don’t book or buy them in advance. More information here.

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Parc des Princes | Relaxing, Festivals & events | Match ticket from € 30
24 rue du Commandant Guilbaud | Quartiers Chics
Check the schedule

As the name suggests this restaurant is located in an old railway station. The heart of the restaurant is formed by the large central space, where at old times the trains used to depart and arrive.

Now tastefully decorated, this more upscale restaurant serves a clientèle that does not want to compromise on food, service and atmosphere. Although a little bit out of the city center it is definitely worth the experience.

Reservation recommended. If you make a reservation by phone you get a free a glass of Champagne!

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Restaurant La Gare | Restaurants (French) | Menu from € 31.00
19, Chaussée de la Muette | Quartiers Chics | +33825001222
12:00 – 02:00 daily

This eclectic, funky spot gives diners a unique experience and tantalizing menu options offer something for everyone.

Tokyo Eat is located on the ground floor of the Palais de Tokyo museum – a contemporary art museum with continually changing exhibits, and definitely worth visiting before or after your meal.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll notice immediately that a fun dining experience awaits you as you sit down at the brightly colored plastic tables and take a glance at the diverse menu that’s clearly taken its inspiration from all corners of the world.

For a delicious main dish, try the chicken curry served in a tower-like rolled banana leaf. A perfect blend of spices and copious serving of chicken, vegetables and rice are sure to delight your taste buds. The extensive wine list also provides a wealth of choices and the perfect pairing for any meal. I never miss the simple but delicious ice creams and sorbets as a dessert – a trio of flavors served with macarons are the perfect way to end a delicious meal.

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Tokyo Eat | Art & culture, Restaurants (Fusion) | Main dish with wine € 35.00
13 avenue du President Wilson | Quartiers Chics | +33147200029
Tue – Sun 12:00 – 01:00