Situated in what was once a public bath built in the 1930s, the gallery Les Douches is one of Paris's best-kept secrets. For anyone passionate about architecture, history or photography though it should be an essential place to visit.
Although the gallery itself is fascinating, up a wonderful staircase, edged by yellow water pipes and tiled shower units that are still in place (one of which is still in operation!), much of the success of the venue is down to its art director, Françoise Morin. She's a dynamic bundle of energy with a passion for photography and photographers (mostly American) that she is always itching to pass on.
It's just a few steps away from the increasingly popular (and increasingly upmarket) Canal Saint Martin district. If you're there, do make the effort to hunt down this unique destination!
5 Rue Legouvé
€
free
178940300
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rue Mallet-Stevens" in Paris is notable for the 'villas' designed by the aforementioned, and the works by Le Corbusier...
by
"Rue Férou" in Paris has a mural of Rimbaud's Bâteau Ivre on what is now a tax center. It's all written by hand by calligrapher Jan Willem Bruins.
by
"Coutume Café" is THE place in Paris you should take any sceptic who still believes it is impossible to find a good cup of coffee in the French capital...
by
"Chapon Chocolat" in Paris is the only high-tier chocolatier that has a chocolate mousse bar! The owner drew inspiration from picking ice cream flavours...
by
"Assemblages" is a wine bar in Paris you should definitely visit if you're walking through Place des Vosges. The owner is a cabinet maker - and it shows!
by
"Rue du Montparnasse" in Paris is THE place to be to try authentic French savory crêpes, aka galettes, just like they make them in Brittany.
by
"Jardin Catherine-Labouré" in Paris was an orchard that belonged to the Filles de la Charité convent; today, it's the perfect place to take your kids!
by
"Les Copains du Faubourg" with its English bulldog mascot makes a perfect egg & bacon roll that never fails to draw me in...
by
"Maison POS" in Paris is a fruit & veg seller is focused on organic fresh produce. It's a pleasure pantry where you can discover local tastes!
by
"Chez Antoine" in Paris is great any time of day! It's the kind of place they always remember my order - a Pizza Sicilienne usually...
by
"La Kabane" in Paris is a go-to place of mine for citron, coconut, triple chocolate and granola cookies! I love their dog...
by
"Refuge BD" in Paris is a local comic book or BD shop where I've been doing 'click & collect' during the lockdown...
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips