Mingle with athletic types who brave the cold Paris winter temperatures. Along Paris' Left Bank is where at one time the sounds of car horns were common, but since Summer 2013 the soundscape has changed. Today this 2.3km stretch is where you can hear a harmony of the ding-a-ling-ling of a bicycle bell alongside the din of conversations from a mix of tourists and locals who harmoniously glide through this urbanised, yet wild space.
Whichever the season, and it's great for a bracing autumn walk, it's a space that has been reconquered from the swell of car traffic, allowing people to get together smack in the centre of Paris and chill out, longboard, stroll, keep fit, picnic. Historically, Paris is famous for having 37 bridges along its river Seine. And this new artisanal urban project gives us the chance to appreciate five of them from their bellies.
The bridges are also a series of access points to get down along the 2.3km pathway of Voies sur Berges. Featuring Pont Alma, which although isn't pretty is really solid looking. Pont Invalides has decorative stone features. Pont Alexandre III is adorned with a two-tone scheme of pure-white against a shocking-jade.
My favourite is Pont Concorde which on a really sunny afternoon comes to life with reflections of the Seine dancing on its belly. Wind-up at Pont Royale and you're in good proximity to pay a visit to Musee de Louvre.
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"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
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"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
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"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
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"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
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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.
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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!
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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...
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Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
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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!
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The "Gardens of the Quai Branly Museum" in Paris are next to the Eiffel Tower. What I love the most about them is that they're for free! Not to be missed.
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The "Modern Art Museum of Paris" is free, which, as it so happens, means fewer tourists! Come here to enjoy some Modigliani, Picasso or Matisse in peace...
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"Les Mouettes" in Paris is an authentic French bistrot from the '70s-'80s. It's got honest, simple bistrot food in big quantities & fantastic flavors!
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168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters