The Institut du Monde Arabe has permanent and temporary exhibitions on all aspects of the Arab world, but although I have only ever attended a few of these, I still regularly visit the building simply to admire Jean Nouvel's magnificent creation.
It is a spectacular construction of glass and steel, with a south-facing façade of 240 moucharabiehs. The diaphragms of each were supposed to open and close according to the light, and although they have never truly been functional they are still offer a shadowy beauty when viewed from the inside.
If you have a fear of heights you may wish to end your visit at ground floor level, but it would be a shame to miss the 9th floor terrace. The building can be entered freely, with glass lifts whizzing you up through the belly of the building and spitting you out alongside an upmarket restaurant. Walk past this to the open terrace and enjoy the exceptional position of this structure.
The building echos the curve of the Seine at this point, giving panoramic views over the Ile St Louis and Notre Dame towards the North and East of the city. My photo is of the terrace viewed from below - if you want to see the view from the top you'll just have to go there yourself!
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
by
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
"Jardin Nelson Mandela" in Paris is a new public garden. What's remarkable is the number of shadows to be found there -- useful to remember in the summer.
by
"Fontaine de La Croix" in Paris is a folie that's a street relic of a roundabout with many bizarre details that make it very attractive to me...
by
"Musée de l'histoire d'immigration" Paris started off as a small museum on ex-French colonies; now it celebrates immigration into France. Lovely terrace
by
"Rue du Pelican" in Paris has an isolated space that feels like a time capsule. One can build tall stories of what shady goings-on must've gone on here...
by
"Charonne" Paris is an area that in my opinion has been the area which has managed to keep its original identity the most. I love the benches here...
by
"Les Douches Gallery" Paris is situated in what was once a public bath built in the 1930s. The gallery itself is fascinating, but the building is better!
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