Locate a restaurant, a toilet, find out the name or the history of a monument, go in front of everyone at the museum, discover hidden places...

Today, there are hundreds of applications to simplify your life and live your stay in Paris like a real local!

Quick, discover our compilation of the best apps for your next trip to Paris.

Waiting in line? Not for you! Thanks to "Affluences", discover in real time the attendance of a museum and avoid wasting time in front of a monument.

Also, if you want to be even more efficient, book your tickets in advance and in a few clicks on https://www.billetterie-parismusees.paris.fr/

What is this? What is it called?

Curious about the monuments of Paris that surround you? "Whatizis" is the application you need! You take a picture of the monument, statue, fountain... of your choice and the application instantly gives you its name, accompanied by audio comments.

If you want even more complete explanations (but for a fee), "Your Mobile Guide" is an even more advanced application to learn more about each monument, via local audio guides.

Where can I withdraw cash? Is there a bathroom nearby?

With AroundMe, locate a bank, a movie theater, a supermarket... around you and save a lot of time when you travel. Super convenient!

You like to walk around the city and want to keep a memorable record of your stay in Paris? Then the "Memories" app is for you! Go in search of the most beautiful spots scattered all over the city and listed by the app (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge...), take a selfie in front of it and share it with your friends!

Visit Paris differently with "Secrets of Paris".

Best rooftops, secret passages, original restaurants, unusual monuments, surprising anecdotes... discover Paris and all its hidden secrets with the application's interactive maps. Every day, the application reveals a new secret. Chhh it's great, but it's top secret!

Are you dreaming of strolls and magical places to stroll in Paris with your partner? Quickly, discover the selection of our favorite spots!

The district of Montmarte and its small "je ne sais quoi" is undoubtedly the most unavoidable address to stroll in love. Its Parisian village side and its atmosphere of the Paris of the Belle Époque, make of the Butte a place apart. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur which proudly dominates the hill, it is the whole Butte Montmartre which incarnates par excellence the Parisian romanticism. So get lost in its small winding streets full of charm and offer yourself a breathtaking view on the slate roofs of the capital.

Butte Montmartre
75018 Paris

Paris is full of many covered passages, unknown to tourists.  Among them, 10 minutes walk from the hotel, you will find the Passage des Panoramas which is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the city.

Here you can dive into the Paris of yesteryear, in a luminous and particularly romantic atmosphere thanks to the numerous glass windows and lighting.

Stroll through these beautiful passages, they are all gathered in the district!

Passage des Panoramas
11 Boulevard Montmartre
75002 Paris

We now go to the other side of the Seine, in front of Notre Dame, to the English-speaking bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Now a real institution, it is a refuge for book lovers and lovers at large!

Want to warm up with a hot drink? Sit right next door, facing the quays of the Seine, with a good book and your loved one. We can already feel your heart go boom boom.

Shakespear and Company Bookstor
37 Rue de la Bûcherie
75005 Parise

Once called the Luxembourg grotto, the Medici fountain, lined with its emblematic chairs, is the perfect place to stroll and smooch in love. Hidden on one side of the garden, it is not to be missed. To leave a trace of your passage: close your eyes, throw a coin and make a wish!

Jardin du Luxembourg
75 006 Paris

Somewhere between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris is a very singular square, the oldest in Paris (and probably our favorite): the Place des Vosges.

Its brick facades contrast with the Haussmannian architecture of the neighborhood.

Admire its square shape and the uniqueness of the height of its buildings. You will see that only two buildings are different from the rule: the King's Pavilion and the Queen's Pavilion, which faces it. When night falls and the sky turns pink, you'll think you're in a movie set...

Place des Vosges
75004 Paris

The 2022 chapter has just been closed, and 2023 promises to be full of new developments. This year, many openings are expected in Paris and Ile-de-France. Wasteland, museum, gourmet market... discover our selection of new places that will mark the year 2023.

Follow us, we'll take you there!

Yes, the largest food court in the Ile-de-France region will open its doors this year in Saint-Ouen. This future hall will be built in the Docks district, a district in full mutation, near the Seine. Open 7 days a week, from 8am to midnight, it will house a fresh produce market, various street food brands, trucks and also a cooking school. We can already feel that we are going to feast at the counter of festive stands and enjoy the specialties of local producers on the go.

Good news, history and maritime adventure enthusiasts will be able to push the doors of the Musée de la Marine again!

Located on the Place du Trocadero, this museum, often unknown to Parisians, has been given a makeover. Closed since 2017 for renovation, it has been totally reinvented to become one of the favorite cultural places of Parisians.

Entirely redesigned over a period of 6 years, this fascinating new space will plunge us into a unique and immersive journey to discover the sea, the seabed, the ships that cross it, the men and women who live there and its primordial role in our environment.

Musée de la Marine
17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris
https://www.musee-marine.fr/

The former airship hangar in Meudon (west of Paris) will soon reopen its doors to create a huge center dedicated to art.

Rehabilitated as a cultural center, this jewel of French heritage, used from 1921 to 1973 by the Air Museum to store its airships, will soon take flight.

From next March, the Hangar Y, located in the middle of the forest of Meudon, will plunge us into an incredible experience mixing art, science and technology. We can't wait!

It's official, after more than thirty years of waiting, the Maison Gainsbourg will open its doors to the public in only a few months. 

The 5 bis rue de Verneuil, in the 7th district of Paris, is already a place of pilgrimage for many. And for good reason: this house was for more than 20 years the home of the legendary French singer Serge Gainsbourg.

In addition to the museum visit, a bookshop-boutique, a café-restaurant and a piano-bar will also pay tribute to this illustrious man with the head of cabbage.

Brrrr winter is back, yes but so are its illuminations, its traditions, its sweets and its magical atmosphere!  For us, it's one of our favorite periods to enjoy Paris! Follow us, we share with you our biggest favorites to live a magical winter.

The streets are lit up, the little chalets take over the city, Maria Carey and her eternal "All I want for Christmas is you" wins our minds little by little and a certain enchanted atmosphere inhabits the streets of Paris...

Here we are, Christmas is finally here in our dear capital.

As every year, the Galeries Lafayette, located only a few minutes away from the hotel, put the package to amaze us!

Under the magnificent dome of the department store has arrived a majestic tree named Nordmann. You can follow its adventures through the animated windows of the boulevard Haussmann that trace the fantastic epic of this tree, straight from the planet Elato.

Galeries Lafayette
40 boulevard Haussmann
75 009 Paris

After Barcelona, London and New-York, CandleLight is now in Paris! 

Enjoy a candlelight concert in one of the most emblematic places of the city.

The Cabaret Sauvage, the Musée Grévin theater, the INJA, the Marché Saint-Germain, the Maison de l'Océan and even the Eiffel Tower will welcome you to experience the craziest concert by candlelight.

Fans of Chopin, Mozart, Vivaldi, but also the Doors, Michael Jackson or Queen... a varied program, starting at 15€, awaits you in the middle of a bed of flickering candles.

Program and reservation on : https://feverup.com/paris/candlelight?utm_source=parissecret&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=candlelight_par&utm_content=candlelight&utm_term=cta2

A traditional holiday dessert, the Yule log is a must-have for any end-of-year meal. In Paris, bakeries, pastry shops and great chefs rush to present their creations every year. From the most classic to the most extravagant inventions, you will be spoilt for choice.

Our favorite: the 3 logs of pastry chef Chistophe Carré, from Bo&Mie, whose nearest bakery is in the Louvre, only a few minutes walk from the hotel. The hardest part will be choosing between the flavors of "Let it Snow", "Silent Night" and "White Christmas"!

To be booked on the Bo&Mie website. From 24,90€/4-6 people.

From November 24, 2022 to January 8, 2023, go for an immersive and wonderful walk in the heart of the Parc Floral de Paris.

The "Christmas Light Paths" offer you a 2km long luminous and sound path in the middle of contemporary works. Under the trees draped in light, along the lake and the glittering gardens, you will wander for 1H30, with stars in your eyes!

Reservation on https://sentierslumineuxdenoel.francebillet.com/

In this autumn season, we wanted to do you good by giving you our best addresses of the moment!
Quickly, discover our little Parisian pleasures through our selection of addresses that will make epicureans' hearts beat faster.

Have you had enough of canteens in the wind and posh concepts?

Do you want a bistro, a real one, with pans frying and people speaking loudly?

Head for Le Petit Célestin, a true Parisian bistro that has kept its soul.

Old floor tiles, refined dishes but no fuss, red tables and checkered tablecloths... Enjoy the good smell of a bygone Paris, of authentic and gourmet dishes.

A small menu, with classics such as an insane egg-mayo, a super-crunchy calf head or a skate wing that melts on your tongue. To be washed down with a small glass of wine from the current selection!

Le Petit Célestin
12 Quai des Célestins, 75004 Paris

It is often said that to really know Paris, you have to drive through it, to explore its streets and crossroads in order to understand how the streets connect with each other. If you like to depart from the beaten track, this is an original guided tour to help you get to know Paris like the back of your hand! Hop into the legendary 

Citroën 2CV and let yourself be driven through the magic of Paris.

Notre-Dame, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, the Champs-Elysées, the Grand Palais, the Madeleine church… And you're off, your driver taking you to see the most emblematic sites and monuments of Paris, giving you a detailed overview and historical anecdotes about the city.

Duration: between 1h and 3h depending on the tour chosen, from 80€.
Reservation at https://2cvparistour.com/

Few Parisians know this, but in the heart of the famous Jardin des Plantes, there is a true alpine garden, open to the public, with nearly 2000 species of mountain plants.

Rockeries, islets of greenery, a stone tunnel, small stairs, all the conditions are met to cut you off from the tarmac and offer you a real haven of peace, in the heart of Paris.

The entrance is very discreet: the garden is accessed through the Botanical School, by taking a small underground path. 

Jardin Alpin
57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

The discreet blue gate next to 57 rue de Bretagne hides one of the best kept secrets of the Marais. Here, at the back of a paved courtyard, you will discover the confidential Bontemps pastry shop, where everything is homemade.
Antique tiles, marl lamps, mismatched dishes, bouquets of fresh flowers... Everything is definitely in good taste.
And if you don't know what to choose, we recommend their specialty: shortbread biscuits, cut from a fleur de sel pastry and topped with nice little creams!

Bontemps
57, rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

This fall, Paris welcomes you under the gesture of culture.
The museum program has been revamped and offers a selection of artists that we are eager to (re)discover. Come on, we'll show you a glimpse, follow the guide!

Do you know the story of this Ukrainian worker who became a photographer by chance?
It is the story of an engineer who, one day, is given a camera to document the daily life of the factory where he is employed. But then, he takes his mission very seriously, and takes advantage of it, back home, to take photos of his wife naked. Back at work, he develops his intimate photographs at the same time as those of his colleagues! The management of the factory - just like the KGB - does not appreciate this freedom and fires its employee. So, our inspired engineer, Boris Mikhailov, became a photographer!

From September 7 to January 15, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie is devoting a retrospective to him, featuring 800 images ranging from the humorous to the tragic.

At the frontiers of documentary photography, his work reflects on the upheavals that accompanied the collapse of the Soviet Union and the consequences, in Ukraine, of its dissolution.

Witnessing the Soviet system's hold on his country for half a century, this self-taught individual builds a complex and powerful photographic narrative on the history of Ukraine that, in the light of current events, resounds cruelly. 

Maison Européenne de la Photographie
5/7 Rue de Fourcy
75004 Paris
https://www.mep-fr.org/en/homepage/

From September 20 to January 22, Musée d'Orsay is devoting an exhibition to the famous Scandinavian painter Edvard Munch.
Too often reduced to a single work "The Scream", his range of works is as interesting as it is little known!

The themes of death, anguish and pain are common to many of his works, treated with great lyricism and poetry.
60 years of creation are thus blown away, presenting a hundred works, paintings, but also drawings, prints or engraved blocks, showing the diversity of his art.

Musée d’Orsay
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
75007 Paris
https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en

From September 15, 2022 to March 5, 2023, Palais Galliera invites you to partake in the intimacy of Frida Kahlo with this retrospective featuring, for the first time in France, over 200 personal objects from Casa Azul, the house where Frida was born and raised.

Clothes, correspondence, accessories, cosmetics, hand-painted prostheses, traditional dresses ... These personal effects were sealed after the artist's death in 1954 by her husband, the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, and were rediscovered fifty years later in 2004.

Thus, the exhibition brings us as close as possible to the artist, leading us to grasp her relationship to Mexican identity, politics, gender or her disability.

Palais Galliera
10 avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie
75016 Paris
https://www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr/en

From September 7 to January 2, alongside 120 major paintings, often of very large format, the exhibition Gérard Garouste at the Centre Pompidou grants space for the artist's installations, sculptures and paintings.

It makes it possible to grasp all the richness of the journey of this " intranquille ", whose style is not intended to be seductive but enigmatic. This painting which fears neither aberrations, nor deformations and recompositions of the figure. It is a painting that relentlessly questions, shakes up certainties: a painting that disturbs, but on the mode of a game whose rules would be constantly to reinvent.

Centre Georges Pompidou
19 Rue Beaubourg
75004 Paris
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/

Do you prefer the right bank or the left bank? Marais or Oberkampf? Place des Vosges or Buttes Chaumont?

Parisians are often loyal to their home base. From favorite parks to favorite neighborhoods, discover their favorite places!

The Marais district tops the list of Parisians' favorite neighborhoods for its village atmosphere, its numerous cafés and the charm of its narrow streets. 

Montmartre is also at the top of the list, as is the Opéra district, coming in close behind, for its liveliness, its ideal location and its vibrancy!

Finally, Oberkampf holds a good reputation among young people for its many bars and its festive atmosphere. 

Now it's up to you to explore them all and find your favorite neighborhood!

Although it is not necessarily the prettiest of the Parisian squares, the Place de la République is at the top of the ranking. For its history, its vivacity, its large esplanade strewn with cafés, fountains and skatepark but also its many nightlife spots nearby.

It is also a place not to be missed for citizen demonstrations, with its monumental statue of Marianne holding an olive branch in the center, which have made this place a popular, symbolic place, very dear to Parisians.

In the "Favorite parks and gardens" category, Parisians are particularly fond of the Jardin du Luxembourg for its large, well-kept paths, its fountain, and its magical atmosphere whatever the season.

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont comes in second place, for its hilly terrain but also for its more "flexible" rules: it's possible to lie down in the grass anywhere, to bring your dog, etc.

In third place comes the Jardin des Plantes and its magnificent tropical greenhouse. 

Jardin du Luxembourg
Métro Odéon, Mabillon ou Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris

Parisians love to drink their coffee on a terrace, whatever the season!

A real social hub, the café is a meeting place that is an integral part of Parisian culture. In the morning, for an espresso at the counter, or at the end of the day to share a drink on the terrace, people meet there at all hours to hang out, chat, socialize or put the world to rights. And everyone has selected their favorite HQ!

Of course, it's hard to name just one, but the one that has won the hearts of Parisians is undoubtedly le Pure Café, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, in Oberkampf. Its authenticity, its privileged location away from the hustle and bustle, and its location at an open angle make it a relaxed place, highly appreciated by the neighborhood's residents.

Now you are a real Parigot (Parisian), and you simply have to elect your next HQ.

Pure Café
14 Rue Jean-Macé, 75011 Paris

Hands that touch, the passions of an evening, of a lifetime, the benches of break-ups and the cafés of encounters: Paris will forever be known as the city of Love. 

To makeyour and yourpartner'shearts beat faster, we have selected for you 5 must-do activities to experienceduringyourstay: let's go, lovers! 

The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is a very popular park with Parisians, who call it "Le Luco", as well as tourists. A bucolic and very lively garden, surrounded by terraces, gourmet tea rooms and old brasseries! 

This is the romantic spot for a sunny lunch break on the lawns of the garden. 

The Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard 75006 Paris
Openingbetween7:30 and 8:15 am and closingbetween4:30 and 9:30 pm, depending on the season 

Paris, city of love? This museum (free) is proof of this! 

Located in the Pigalle district, this very well maintained museum is dedicated to the Romantic period. 

The first floor is dedicated to the life of George Sand, through objects, sensual letters and paintings testifying to her affair with Chopin. 

The second floor presents paintings, sculptures and rare objects related to love and romance. 

A smallgardenwithanice café alsowelcomesyou in a peaceful and bucolic setting for a short break at the end of the visit.

Musée de la Vie Romantique
16 rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays) 

Overlook Paris from the top of the Montmartre hill and the mythical Sacré-Coeur basilica. The lawns in front of you are the best place to watch the last minutes of the sun skimming over the city with its yellow-orange glow. 

Afterwards, be sure to have dinner or a drink in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. And also, stop by and see the "Wall of Love", where Paris shouts "I love you" in 250 different languages. 

Sacre Coeur Basilica
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
75018 Paris 

Who doesn't remember their first date at the cinema, plunged in the dark with their heart pounding? Attend a screening of a classic film at "Le Grand Action": an independent cinema, classified as art et essai, nestled in the middle of the Latin Quarter. A few steps away from Notre-Dame cathedral, this establishment has retained its timeless atmosphere. 

Le Grand Action Cinema
5 rue des Écoles 75005 Paris
Open everydayfrom 1 pm to 11:30 pm 

What could be more romantic than a walk at dusk on the banks of the Seine? Ideal for a romantic stroll at the end of the day, we advise you to go for a walk during the "golden hours": those precious minutes of warm and golden light, which magically transform any scene (and make for great pictures!) 

A precious moment, in a setting worthy of a Woody Allen film. 

We've compiled a list of excellent ideas this month that will refresh you and help you make the most of this beautiful summer in the capital, from a ramble in shaded parks to visits in air conditioned interiors.

It's hot in Paris, so it's the ideal time to descend 20 meters underground, into this labyrinth of underground passages at the heart of Paris' catacombs. The catacombs are located in the 14th arrondissement where it's 14 degrees year-round. These underground galleries were used as catacombs at the end of the 18th century when all Parisian cemeteries had been ordered to shut down for health and sanitary reasons.

Note that you can buy a skip-the-line ticket for 29 € that  includes the audioguide (normally €5). The price is significantly higher than the "normal" ticket (14 €), but it saves you from standing in long lines. ! 

Catacombes de Paris
1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy - 75014 Paris

A great favorite of many Parisians in search of cooling: the Jardin d'Acclimatation, in the Bois de Boulogne. Take advantage of its fountain, numerous water jets, atomizers and gardens to refresh yourself. Admission is 5 euros.

To keep the coolness going, head over to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, which is dedicated to contemporary art and is only a few meters away.

The centenary of the artist Simon Hantai's birth is being celebrated until August 29, as is the exhibition  la couleur en fugue  which focuses on the free expression of color and on media that invades the entire space. Impressive !

 Jardin d'acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne - 75016 Paris

The Aquarium of Paris offers a cool dive into the marine world in the gardens of the Trocadéro, in the heart of Paris!  Allow yourself to be hypnotized at the Medusarium, which hosts a variety of jellyfish that move slowly all around you.
Shiver your way around the massive main tank, which houses 32 species of sharks in 3 million liters of water. With a little luck maybe you will be able to attend their meal! 

Aquarium of Paris
Trocadéro Gardens
5 Av. Albert de Mun - 75016 Paris

Cruise through the Villette basin, the Canal de l'Ourcq, and the Canal Saint Martin on more than 40kms of waterways in these small electric boats without a license. for an hour or for the day.
Various excursions will be suggested to you based on the amount of time you have. All aboard!
Leave the helm to the boldest and stretch out your toes and watch the life on the docks unfold before you.

Freshwater Sailor
Boat at the Villette basin, 37 quai de la Seine, Paris^19th
Tel: 06 52 05 13 27
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm
Rates from 40 euros for a one hour rental for 5 people

Paris in summer oscillates between tranquility, thanks to the Parisians having deserted the city; and the excitement of all the activities offered by the city during this period.
Festivals, the banks of the Seine transformed for the summer, green parks, sales... It is a very pleasant time to visit or revisit the city.
Quick, we'll tell you why! 

It's sunny, it's hot and you feel like lounging in the sun? Trust us, we know what you're after!
For this, there is nothing like a little trip to the Palais-Royal garden, only 10 minutes' walk from the hotel, or to the Tuileries Garden, also 10 minutes' walk away, to sit in a green armchair around its large octagonal pool.
For the others, who prefer walking as a means to chill out, go for a little walk on the quays of the Seine; landscaped and pedestrianized, they offer a very pleasant summer stroll.
Stretching from the Pont des Arts to the Eiffel Tower on the left bank and from the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor footbridge to the Bastille on the right bank, this is THE place to enjoy Paris at the height of summer. 

Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy the sales in Paris.

From the beginning of July to the end of August, the summer sales allow you to make savings ranging from 30 to 70% compared to the usual prices.

With Galeries Lafayette only a few steps from the hotel, you can enjoy all the latest Parisian fashion at discounted prices. A little advice, plan on leaving some extra room in your suitcase! 

Every summer, the banks of the Seine are transformed into a seaside resort,
giving you the opportunity to enjoy free relaxation areas along the Seine. Fresh lawns, parasols, sand, deckchairs, swimming: everything has been designed to help you make the most of the beautiful days. What could be better after a day of sightseeing or a shopping trip than to cool off with an ice cream and a splish splash?

In the summer, many Parisians leave the city to go on long vacations, leaving Paris with a welcome sense of calm and tranquility. Public transport and the streets of the center are less congested and cars are less common in the streets of Paris.
On the other hand, it is also the time of year when life is in full swing, thanks to the numerous outdoor music festivals, organized from mid-June to late August. Between the Fête de la Musique (Music Day) in June, the Paris Jazz Festival and Rock en Seine, you can enjoy outdoor music if you feel like it!
As for movie fans, you can enjoy watching screenings from your deckchair, on the lawns of the Parc de La Villette.  

"Are we gonna have a terrace?"Do you hear this phrase resounding in all the conversations of Parisians since the first rays of sunshine?
Sunny, narrow, noisy, or discreet, for a gourmet break or an apéritif, they are the scene of thousands of meetings and get-togethers. Discover our selection of favorite terraces to enjoy the return of the good weather. It's a great way to clear your mind and chill out in peace. 

Take a seat, and we'll serve you Paris and a coffee on a tray!

Ideally located under the arcades, it is one of the nicest spots in Paris to bask in the sun. A true corner of paradise, it is only a few minutes away from the hotel. We recommend going on a Thursday if you want to enjoy a private jazz concert played right on the terrace. And then, if you get a little hungry, just rush to the craft ice cream cart located nearby!

110 Gal de Valois, 75001 Paris

Often overlooked, museum cafés have become sought-after places to enjoy a coffee break away from the crowds. Such is the case of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, a tea room whose shaded terrace and pastoral atmosphere offer an ideal outdoor gourmet break. It' hard to realize that we are just a step away from Pigalle or the bustle of the Place de Clichy.A true haven of peace, so secluded that it is rarely crowded.

16 rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris

Previously run by Gérard Depardieu, this place, just a few steps from the hotel, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Paris. It features a selection of fine wines and a refined menu by chef Marc Veyrat.

1, Rue de la Michodière, 75002 Paris

It is THE good (and short) French address, located on the left bank, where you can taste the best natural selection of wines and rillettes with foie gras to die for. You will not miss its flashy red light in front of the store.

26 rue des Grands-Augustins, 75006 Paris

A completely different atmosphere for this café terrace perched on the roof of the Pompidou Center.
 The breathtaking terrace, overlooking the whole of Paris, will definitely give you a good view. With its design and geometrical decor, entirely glazed, you can see all of Paris in one glance. We allow you a few seconds to spot the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and Notre Dame!

 19 rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris.

Yes, urban love exists. And it can happen at any time, right around the corner.
So, unexpectedly, we fall in love with a square, a park, a view or a small street...
Hurry, discover these places that will make you fall in love with Paris. 

This address is one of the real treasures of Paris. And it's also one of the most photographed places in the city. And rightly so, because it offers, by way of a small paved path, a very lovely view of the basilica and of the "Pink House."
(For the record, it owes its name to the fact that it led to the old Montmartre drinking trough.)

A little advice, extend your walk to the vineyards below.

Rue de l’abreuvoir (Water Trough Street)
75018 Paris

You might have already seen her in the series " Emily in Paris " because it is on the Place de Valois that the young American works for the fictitious agency "Savoir."On this small cobbled, pedestrian square located a 10-minute walk from the hotel, you will find the Valois bistro and the Patrick Fourtin Gallery with black storefronts that fully harmonize with the decor.

Place de Valois (Valois Square)
75 001 Paris

A small secret square, perpendicular to Rapp Avenue in the 7th arrondissement, reveals a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. A pretty black gate, a facade designed by the architect Lavrirotte and a green setting, plunge us into a majestic Paris, straight out of a movie.

Square Rapp (Rapp Square)
33 avenue Rapp
75007 PARIS

This small island created at the beginning of the seventeenth century is a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris.

It has the distinctive feature of housing many private mansions with impressive facades and the openwork bell tower of the church gives the island a country feel.

Unchanged for nearly 4 centuries, its architecture and village atmosphere combine to make it a place of incomparable charm

Île Saint-Louis
75004 Paris

Welcome to the oldest square in Paris (and in our opinion one of the prettiest)! It is made up of 36 identical pavilions, with the exception of the King's pavilion to the south and the Queen's pavilion to the north that are deliberately higher.
Feast your eyes while strolling under its arcades or along the paths of the central garden.

Is there anything more romantic? We have yet to find it!

Place des Vosges
75 004 Paris

As Sacha Guitry once said, “Being Parisian isn’t about being born there, it’s about being reborn there”.

Use our tips to make your stay in Paris the absolute best!

Visit Paris in absolute freedom with the daily Paris Visite Pass package.

It’s available for 1 to 5 consecutive dates and lets you use the metro, RER (Regional Express Network), buses, trams, and the Montmartre Funicular as much as you want.

Make sure you download the RATP (Autonomous Parisian Transportation Administration) app to avoid getting lost and visiting during rush hours!

Booking a hotel in the center of Paris makes visiting the all the districts and finding your destinations much easier. The Opera district is one of the most central districts and gives you super easy access to the 4 corners of the capital thanks to the multiple metro lines available. Also, walking to your destinations makes discovering Paris a much richer experience!

A lot of top "haute cuisine” chefs are opening “bistro-style” restaurants in Paris.

These restaurants are 50% bistro/50% haute cuisine with creative dishes using fresh, seasonal products.

Here are two out the many examples we could recommend: Gabylou in the 17^th arrondissement and l’Office in the 9^th arrondissement.

Paris has so many choices available to you.

Making reservations is the best way to make sure you can try out a restaurant. Weekday lunch formulas (starter + dish + desert) usually cost between €25 and €35.

Make the most of your time in Paris by NOT waiting in line!

Booking tickets in advance helps, which you can do at https://www.billetterie-parismusees.paris.fr/ in just a few clicks.

Also, we suggest not visiting 3 musuems in one day. One museum per day is the best way to enjoy your stay.

And for even easier visits, the “Paris Museum Pass” gives you unlimited access to all of the capital’s museums for 2, 4, or 6 days. Find it at www.parismuseumpass.com

The best part about coming back from a trip is giving souvenir to friends and family. Paris, the capital of fashion and good food, will always have something for your loved ones to look forward to…

Just make sure to leave enough space in your bags, you may be coming back with a suitcase that’s heavier than when you left!

No more kitchen magnets and ugly key chains. Here are our souvenir tips for the next time you go on a trip!

Eclairs, lemon tarts, Paris-Brest, napoleons, macaroons… choosing just one of these delicious treats catching your eye from the shop window will be hard indeed.

Amongst the numerous pastry shops in Paris, from the little pastry shop in a street corner to prestigious addresses of well-known pastry chefs such as Cyril Ligna, Pierre Hermé, or Gaston Lenôtre, it’s impossible to not find something suited to your tastes.

One good address that’s located right next to the hotel: Pierre Hermé. We highly recommend visiting if you love macaroons!

Pierre Hermé
39 avenue de l’Opéra
75 002 Paris

There’s no longer a need to present the market Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, which offers over 7 hectares of booth selling antique furniture and objects.
Walk around, rummage, negotiate, and buy THE gem that hits the nail on the head.

Bargain hunters from all over the world come to find signed furniture, trinkets, and other knick-knacks. It’s a unique and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

There is also the “Puces de Vanves” located in the south of Paris that is less known and more affordable. You can find anything from an old china set to a 50’s purse to old records and you’re sure to bring back a unique souvenir from your trip to Paris.

Puces de Saint-Ouen
Metro: Garibaldi, ligne 13 / Porte de Clignancourt, ligne 4 / ou Saint-Ouen, ligne 14.
Opening times depend on the markets.

Puces de Vanves
Avenue Georges Lafenestre
75014 Paris
Metro: Porte de Vanves Ligne 13
Opening time: les samedis et dimanches matin de 7h à 13h. Saturdays and Sundays from 7 am to 1 pm.  

Flit around under the dome of Les Galeries Lafayette, which is a 10-min walk from the hotel, and bring back a 100% Frenchy souvenir to your loved ones.

An elegant perfume, a dress made by a small French creator… there’s little excuse to leave this temple of style with empty hands!

Another address that Parisians love is “Merci”, with a keen selection dedicated to house decoration and located in the 3^rd arrondissement.

Galeries Lafayette
40 Boulevard Haussman
75009 Paris

Merci
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais
75003 Paris

A true open-roofed bookstore is open on the quays of the Seine.

Come discover the second-hand book sellers of Paris that have become part of the urban setting for centuries.

Old postcards, books from older eras, botanical posters… rummage through these souvenirs, borrowed from history and filled with poetry.

On the right side, from Pont Marie to Quai du Louvre, and on the left side, from Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire, 226 second-hand book sellers and their 900 booths are waiting to welcome you and show off their treasure trove.

Would you like to start off the new year with “Cheese”?
You can capture your stay in Paris with the city’s most beautiful spots as backdrops and see the capital from a different perspective.

Continue reading to discover our selection of the 5 most instagrammable places in Paris that are ALL under a 10-minute walk away from the hotel!

This is the perfect spot for a poetic picture.

A soft breeze of poetry has been noted in the Palais-Royal’s Garden over the last few years. Along allée Collette and allée Jean Cocteau, you can find “poetry benches” scattered around the Palais-Royal’s Garden, which was often by the two artists.

The wood of the benches is engraved with the beautiful phrases of not only Collette and Jean Cocteau, but also Tristan Tzara and Stéphane Mallarmé, in invitation for visitors and dreamers alike to walk amongst the poets.

Our favorite phrase: “Un secret a toujours la forme d’une oreille" (A secret is always shaped like an ear) by Jean Cocteau

Jardin du Palais-Royal
43 Rue de Valois
75001 Paris

Located right next to the Palais-Royal’s Garden, these 260 black and white-striped, octagonal columns are one of the symbols of Paris.

Their slender design and symmetrical structure make any picture fabulous (it’s magical). Their differing heights makes taking photos at different angles much more fun!

Les Colonnes de Buren
Galerie de la Cour d'Honneur
2 Rue de Montpensier
75001 Paris

One cannot simply talk about Paris without talking about the Opera.

Located in the area after which it is named, Opéra Garnier is one of the city’s patrimonial flowers, built at the end of the 19^th century during one of Baron Haussmann’s major projects.

As a high place of culture in the 9^th arrondissement of Paris, it’s magnificent architecture in an ideal place to photograph the essence of Paris. Even better? It’s only a 4-minute walk away from the hotel.

Opéra Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009 Paris

You don’t even have to enter to admire the museum’s beautiful glass pyramid! The Louvre is one of the most emblematic places in Paris, and only a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Any photo taken there is spectacular, be it during the day or at night. It’s even more magnificent when the rain plays with the lights.

Musée du Louvre
Rue de Rivoli
75 001 Paris

The rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette means a breathtaking and dizzying view over all of Paris. When the sun sets, go up to the Galeries’s 8^th floor and strike a pose amongst the city’s skyline.

Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris… there are so many things, you’ll have to make sure your camera has even space!

Free acces and only a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Galeries Lafayette
25 Rue de la Chau d'Antin

75009 Paris

8ème étage 

This month, the hôtel États-Unis Opéra is sharing 5 secret addresses that aren’t shown in any tourist books.

From a sweet café-bookshop to the most well-hidden courtyard in Paris, we’re lifting the veil on the secret sides of our beloved city. Let’s take a walk through out-of-sight streets, open double doors, and enter 4-digit codes.

If you thought Paris was only small terrasses, think again!

Hidden behind trees in the middle of the Buttes Chaumont, discover this old hunting lodge over a drink or dinner. It’s the perfect place for lovers of a friendly, bohemian ambiance.

Pavillon Puebla,

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Opposite of 43, avenue Simon-Bolivar, Paris 19^ème
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am and on Sunday from 2 pm to 2 am.

The Cour de Rohan is hidden a few meters from boulevard Saint-Germain et place de l’Odéon, an intriguing Parisian curiosity that even most citydwellers know nothing about. But it is more than a courtyard: The row of 3 small courtyards seemingly suspend time.

If the gates are open, feel free to push past them and discover the Paris of yesteryears. This was where notable artists came to be inspired and it’s said that Georges Bataille organized parties frequented by Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus.

The entrances to Cour de Rohan are neighbored by Cour du Commerce Saint-André and rue du Jardinet, a few meters from Le Procope, Paris’s first café. Your decision to venture into the courtyard is rewarded by a spectacular sight: Various styles of architecture joined together by greenery, a truly curious and marvelous balance.

Cour du Rohan

Next to Cour du Commerce Saint-André and rue du Jardinet, Paris 6^ème

Halle Saint-Pierre, a simple marketplace 25 years before, holds various temporary expositions and doubles as a bookshop. A small island of clarity and calm hidden in the shadows of Sacré-Coeur offers a private atmosphere for those seeking warmth around a small coffee.

One thing’s for sure, no tourists can be found in the place du Tertre!

Halle Saint-Pierre

2 rue Pierre Ronsard, Paris 18^ème
Open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 10 pm to 6 pm.

This is THE romantic spot to take your partner: A secret, beautiful rose garden found in the heart of the Marais.

It’s one of the capitals least-known gardens, tucked away from the street and only accessible by walking down rue de Hesse and crossing the porch acting as its entrance.

Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur

Walk down rue de Hesse or rue des Arquebusiers and cross the small porch in front of you. Paris 3^ème

Though its reopening took a bit of time, it was well worth the wait. Hotel de la Marine is an emblematic monument of place de la Concorde and a Parisian heritage that takes you to the heart of the 18^th century. A royal storage unit where the royal furniture was bought and stored.

Despite not being as well-known as the Louvre and other tourist-packed Parisian museums, its time will come!

Visiting the apartments is like entering a movie, the era’s universe becoming almost life-like. “Le Confident”, an innovative, connected headset immerses you into a unique experience:
Life at court during the Age of Enlightenment with its characteristic melodies, discussion, people, and noises.

And if you want to continue your experience, why not quickly visit Café Lapérousse before you leave!

Hôtel de la Marine

2 place de la Concorde, Paris 8^ème

Open every day from 10:30 am to 7 pm.

Here we go. After a few days of hesitation, we finally turned on the heat and took out our winter jackets…. Brrrrr

But fall in Paris is far from boring; it's even one of our favorite seasons for discovering the city.

Yes! Because Paris in the fall has a very special charm.

You will quickly discover our little pleasures of the season. 

After sleeping in for a good while, hop into your shoes and go have brunch at Treize au Jardin.

If you're sleeping at the hotel, you can walk there, going by the Louvre and then crossing the Seine by the Pont des Arts (give yourself around 30 minutes for the walk).

After this morning walk, enjoy a well-deserved brunch in this café with an English-speaking flair. An American and a Swede run this happy café where brunch is served every day. It's not the most French address, but it's lavish, delicious and you are right in front of the Luxembourg!

Treize au jardin, 5 Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Brunch for €17, served daily.

After this nice little brunch, go and admire the fall colors in the Luxembourg Gardens, which is convenient because you're right next door to it.

"Fall is winter's spring" said Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

At this time of year, walks in the park have that “je ne sais quoi”, that unexplainable sweetness that tints each walk with sweet nostalgia.

The trees have not yet lost all their leaves; they are even topped with sublime golden leaves, some of which are already cracking under our feet. We hide under soft sweaters, but we don't suffer from the cold; the city lights up with a new light… fall would almost become our favorite season.

Luxembourg Gardens
75006 Paris

After summer vacation, the tradition of the new cultural season starts in France, and each year there is one major exhibition after another! This is the perfect time to discover or find your favorite artists.

And if your taste for art involves a little snack when you leave the museum,

we recommend the Carnavalet museum which, in addition to offering free access to its permanent collections, suggests stopping for tea in its magnificent courtyards in the Jardins d'Olympes.

Carnavalet Museum
16 rue des Francs Bourgeois
75004 Paris

Every year it's a tradition. On the 3rd Thursday of November, we celebrate new Beaujolais. Synonymous with celebration, conviviality and joy, it's the only wine celebrated in wine cellars and bistros all over France.

So beginning November 18th, set off to discover this fruity wine that you will find in all Parisian bars and restaurants. Light and perfect for an aperitif, enjoy it with cheese, charcuterie and lots of friends!

A wine cellar that we recommend: Le Verre Volé, nearthe Canal St. Martin, which offers a very good selection of natural wines.

Le Verre Volé
67 rue de Lancry
75010 Paris

Open every day from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. then from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Let’s start off this new school year by heading straight to the museum!

They’re celebrating with some new and exciting expos and events that you just can’t miss.

Here are our top 4 expos that Paris is impatient to show you.

Henri Cartier-Bresson always said that Paris was “a melting pot”.

In just one click, he could capture some of the greatest historical moments as well as the smallest details of everyday life.

This flash-back offers visitors the photographer’s poetic and historical outlook of the capital. He continuously discovered the city, starting with its inhabitants, be they Parisian celebrities or average, everyday folk.

He witnessed some of history’s greatest events such as Paris’s Liberation in August 1944 and May of ‘68.

“Poetic geometry”, the master of hastily-taken photos offers us glimpses of Paris past where life was both much more simple and much more complicated.

While this expo isn’t new by any means, we’re adding it for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure as we love it so much!

From June 15, 2021 to October 31, 2021

Musée Carnavalet, 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris.

https://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/expositions/henri-cartier-bresson-revoir-paris

L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped: This was Christo’s, a genius plastic artist famed for his monumental work, last project.

From September 18 to October 3, his last work, in tribute to the late artist, will be available to all.

The Arc de Triomphe will be wrapped in 25,000 meters of blue, recyclable, polypropylene fabric and 7,000 meters of red rope.

Wrapped up like a present, this unprecedented work will be freely admired by all who pass. If you want a panoramic view of Paris from the terraced rooftop, you’ll have to buy tickets.

From September 18, 2021 to October 3, 2021

Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris.

After having been acquired by MoMA and held in New York, the collection of photographer Thomas Walther will be shown in Paris at Jeu de Paume, their first ever international exhibit.

Does the name Thomas Walther sound familiar? The Swiss collector spent the first half of the 20^th century searching for and taking the most beautiful, avant-garde photos of his time. El Lissitzky, Alexandre Rodtchenko, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Claude Cahun… over 230 photoshoots and hundreds of photos are to be discovered in Paris.

The societal destruction World War One had caused was what gave way to the birth of “modern” photography.

Surrealism took its place on the artistic stage, offering viewers new, revolutionary art.

From September 13, 2021 to January 30, 2022

Jeu de Paume, 1 place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris.

https://jeudepaume.org/evenement/chefs-doeuvre-du-moma/

Though she wasn’t discovered until 2009 a few days following her death, the American street photography genius marked her place in history for her pictures of the streets of New York and Chicago.

Fascinated by the urban scene, she studied the streets and chose her models for their uniqueness, though numerous self-portraits taken in mirrors and shop windows appeared in her work.

An anonymous photographer and movie director who spent her life working as a nanny. It was the son of an antiques seller who bought a box of her negatives for 380 dollars.

He then studied this unknown artist, discovering the life of a nanny passionate about photography, so obsessed that her Rolleiflex never left her side. She was daring, able to travail the world alone. She was one-of-a-kind, living amongst piles of magazines she idolized.

This expo is offering the public first-time access to the photographer’s never-before-seen archives, super 8 movies that have never been shown, as well as audio recordings.

From September 15, 2021 to January 16, 2022

Musée du Luxembourg, 19 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris

https://museeduluxembourg.fr/fr/actualite/la-billetterie-de-lexpo-vivian-maier-est-ouverte

To celebrate Hotel Etats-Unis Opéra’s reopening, we’ve selected a few Parisian pleasures for your learning pleasure.

Inspired by the feeling of putting your hand in a bag of coffee grains (bonus points for getting the Amélie Poulain reference), we want to share these simple, true to Paris, pleasures with you, in hopes that you find them the next time you visit.

What would Paris be without its cafés and its bustling terraces? We’re so happy they’re opening again!

Sit down in a Gatti chair and watch server quickly serve your espresso on a small, marble table, confirming that you are indeed in Paris. The city’s simple, unique, and unmissable atmosphere bathing you in warm, end of summer air.

Our favorite café: Le Progrès, its authentic atmosphere at the heart of Montmartre.

"€3 per kilo !"

Wander around the stalls and sellers for a feel of the real Paris!

A happy reunion of colors, smells, and regulars who come to stock up on fresh produce. From antiques to popular knick knacks to expensive items… a quaint market offering a large range for you to choose from.

Our favorite: Marché de Saxe for its great selection of items and wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower.

Marché de Saxe. Avenue de Saxe. 75007 Paris

When you enter the world of Paris, it’s always fun to watch its inhabitants go about their day. They walk past you like living pictures.

An old woman with a shopping bag struggling to walk, another woman walks by, her stilettos clicking, before she disappears into the subway.

Even Parisians will tell you that Paris is full on never-ending surprises: A secret passage, a surprise door, each street corner has something new to show you.

Get lost in the Parisian alleyways and look for beautifully decorated hidden doors!

You can find styles varying from art deco to art nouveau to Hausmannian, sometimes hidden and sometimes out in the open. Stand in front of them and imagine what life was like behind the doors.

Our favorite: The door of the Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil

Be it a small neighborhood park or a magnificent Parisian garden, end you day in a calm, green paradise, where children’s laughter melts into the far-off noise of Parisian excitement.

Our favorite park is right by the hotel: Jardin du Palais-Royal

Jardin du Palais-Royal. 43 Rue de Valois. 75001 Paris

Dear Customers,

We are happy to be able to welcome you again from August 27, 2021, after these few months of closure. We have been busy implementing all the health measures required by the government, so that we can welcome you under the best possible conditions and protect both you and our team.

If, when you arrive, we don't shake your hand as usual, please understand, nothing has changed, we are always very happy to see you. Smiles are hiding behind our masks; our eyes cannot lie!

We look forward to welcoming you, and we are here to answer any questions you may have.

The team of the Hotel Etats-Unis Opéra

Dear clients,

Due to the current health crisis and according to the measures related to COVID-19, we regret to inform you of the exceptional closure of our establishment until further notice.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Take care of yourself.

The Team of the Hotel Etats-Unis Opéra

Discover our itineraries for a whole day or evening getaway for two.
Breathtaking walks, mesmerizing views of Paris…

Be it by scooter, bike, or on foot, slip into the Parisian alleys and go on an adventure to conquer Paris.

And because your stay is at Opera, in the very heart of Paris, these getaways are just a step away! 

Stroll along the water or ride along the quays.

Your trip will take you by booksellers and historic monuments.
Pass by the Île Saint-Louis, walk along the Quai de la Tournelle, take a detour to the Île de la Cité and its beautiful Place Dauphine. Take Pont Neuf and continue your journey to the Institut de France and its golden dome.

The view is even more spectacular at dusk.

And if you feel up to it, why not stop for a small picnic by the Seine? 

Cross the winding alleys of the oldest district of Paris: the Marais. Its name reminds inhabitants and visitors alike that it was once an old swamp area, "marais" meaning "swamp" in English. It designated the entire flood zone on the right bank of the Seine.

Today, pretty cafes, private mansions, and designer boutiques have taken over the area. Here, the numerous historical treasures cover every street corner! Its exceptional architecture will dazzle you throughout your trip.

Here are the must-sees: Place des Vosges, rue des Rosiers, rue des Francs Bourgeois, rue de Bretagne, and place du Marché Sainte Catherine.

Feel like going back to your college days? Want to imagine yourself studying at the Sorbonne?  The head to the Latin Quarter!  Located on the left bank of the Seine, between Notre-Dame de Paris and the Luxembourg garden, it will dazzle you with its monuments and architecture.

Walk across the Quartier de la Colline, pass in front of the magnificent Lycée Henri IV, the Saint-Etienne du Mont church, the Pantheon, and go towards the Sorbonne district.
This lively district, full of cinemas, small cafes, and bookstores is reputed to be the district of intellectuals.
The Sorbonne, Assas, the École Normale Supérieure and many prestigious high schools have settled here. This student tradition dates back to the 13th century, when many schools were born in the neighborhood. Its name also refers to the courses given in the Middle Ages, exclusively in Latin.

The paved alleys and small cafes give Paris a village feel. Walking around the neighborhood is probably the best way to discover it. Let yourself be carried away by your desires, each street is as pretty as the next.

Its astonishing maze of small winding cobbled streets and its steep flights of stairs will lead you to breathtaking panoramic views.
Formerly a welcoming place for artists, the district has kept its charm and its unique small village atmosphere. Rather than supermarkets, a multitude of small food shops and an incredible choice of restaurants, bars, and theaters dot these pretty alleys. 

Our essentials in the district: rue Caulaincourt, rue de l'Arreuvoir, place Dalida, place Marcel Aymé, the legendary Place du Tertre, or even avenue Junot. 

This month, the Hotel Etats-Unis Opéra has toured the capital to find the best addresses for hidden and "secret" bars and restaurants.

Discover the addresses that only a select few are aware exist. 

Placed in a delightful dead end in the 20th arrondissement right next to Père Lachaise, the restaurant "Caché" ("hidden" in English) has chosen its name well.

In a printing house turned loft, Caché contains is a refined, designer restaurant offering well-made and seasonal dishes. On weekends, you can even come and have brunch there.

In addition, it houses a secret cocktail bar with a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

RESTAURANT CACHE
23 Villa Riberolle - 75 020 Paris
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Brunch: €38.
Tel: +33 01 71 39 54 51
https://www.cache-paris.com

Ping-pong table in the living room, cozy bed as a bench…

"Derrière" takes making people feel at home to heart. Its heterogeneous decor and its apartment-style floor plan will make you feel like you've been invited for an evening with the most Parisian of your friends.

The family kitchen will further reinforce this "just like home" ambiance.

Huge shout out to the the casserole with porcini mushrooms as a starter, a real treat.

A very popular address that requires reservations!

PS: Will you be able to find the secret room? Here's a clue, it's behind a mirror...

LE DERRIÈRE
69 Rue des Gravilliers - 75003 Paris
Tel : 01 44 61 91 95
Open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm (12 pm to 4 pm on Sundays) and 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Lunch menu: €24. A la carte dishes: ranges from €24 to €36. Brunch: €39
https://www.derriere-resto.com/

If you're looking for a quiet drink somewhere discreet, then rue Choron in the 9th arrondissement of Paris is the place to be. Walk through the "Il Professore" restaurant and discover in hidden gem in the back room: the secret "Gocce" library bar.  

Take a seat in a velvet armchair by the crackling fire and enjoy a cocktail under an enveloping and dim light.

 The messed up books and upside down paintings will make you questions how many drinks you've really had.

The Italian restaurant Il Professore that houses Gocce is not our best place to eat in the area however. If you're feeling hungry, check out "Caillebotte" right next door: their dishes are served with finesse and creativity.

GOCCE (behind Il Professore)
7 rue Choron  - 75009 Paris.
Tel: +33 01 45 26 52 15
Open from 6 pm to 2 am
Cocktails: starting from €13 

CAILLEBOTTE
8 Rue Hippolyte Lebas - 75009 Paris
Tel: +33 01 53 20 88 70
Open Monday to Friday, 12:30 pm to 2 pm and 7:30 pm to 10 pm
Dish of the day: €14. Menu: €19.Dinner menu: €38
https://www.restaurant-caillebotte.com

The Hotel Etats Unis Opéra also has a hidden bar. Behind a thick red curtain, right next to our reception, discover "Le Buckingham", a bar that looks like an English club.  Soft light, wood paneling, soft music, quality whiskey, cocktails to die for. No need to wander off to discover all that Paris has in store for you.

There is also an entrance at number 32 on rue Saint Augustin, after crossing the doors of this mysterious airlock…

PS: Can you find the doggy bar?

LE BUCKHINGHAM
32 Rue Saint-Augustin - 75002 Paris
Tel: +33 01 42 65 93 77
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 1:30 am - Cocktails: around €12
https://www.hotel-etats-unis-opera.com/fr/bar-anglais-quartier-paris/

And here is the latest addition to our selection: the "Moonshiner". To find this gem, you will first have to push the heavy enigmatic doors located at the bottom of the pizzeria "Da Vita" near the Bastille.

Turn your modern evening into the era of prohibition. Gramophone, retro decor... enjoy a delicious cocktail by candlelight, installed in a large club chair.

LE MOONSHINER
5 Rue Sedaine - 75011 Paris
Tel: +33 09 50 73 12 99
Open everyday from 6 pm to 2 am
Cocktails: around €12

Like every year, Christmas has illuminated the streets of the capital. The city of light must honor its reputation and adorn itself with its finest decorations. It's a magical time to visit Paris!

Between the Christmas markets, the windows of department stores, the lights, concerts , skating rinks, or ephemeral evenings... Paris is celebrating. Discover our selection of unforgettable activities.

From December 26 to 29, from 5:30 pm to midnight.

• At Place de la Concorde:




• 5:30 pm: participatory dance workshop for the whole family


• 8 pm: live


• From 9 pm to midnight: DJ set

• At Place de la Bastille:




• 5:30 pm: the family boom, a program for children and adults


• 8 pm: live

From 9:30 pm to midnight: DJ set

The winter ice rink under the impressive nave of the Grand Palais is back! It is the largest pop-up installation in France and the largest ice rink in the world.

You have from December 8,2019 to January 6, 2020 to put on your skates. Enjoy gliding around in a magical setting at sunset, alone or in sweet companionship.

When evening comes, so will the dance floor! When night falls, the ice rink will transform itself into a gigantic dance floor so that you can glide to the sound of a DJ and shine under the disco balls for part of the night.

GRAND PALAIS ICE RINK
At the nave of the Grand Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill - 75008 Paris
Franklin D.Roosevelt or Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau metros
More information about times and prices: https://www.legrandpalaisdesglaces.com/fr/horaires-tarifs-acces/

Come to the auditorium of the Maison de la Radio on December 22 at 8 pm for an exceptional Christmas concert.  

For these end-of-year celebrations, the Maison de la Radio is organizing a magical concert: a Venetian and Austrian evening, baroque and classical, light and festive.

Do you hear that? It's the sound of Christmas.  

MAISON DE LA RADIO
116 Avenue du Président Kennedy - 75016 Paris
Access to the concerts is via the main entrance: PORTE SEINE
Passy, Ranelagh, or Javel-André Citroën metros

The Christmas windows of department stores have become a must-see attraction in the capital. And that's great because the hotel is right next door! There are magical scenes where animated figures and magical decorations coexist.

This year, the Galeries have been transformed into a Christmas hive.

 Eleven windows of the department store offer adorable little scenes where bees are seen preparing for New Year's Eve.  The enchantment continues under the dome of the department store where a huge Christmas tree with winter flowers and voluminous Christmas balls comes alive every 30 minutes under the flight of bees.

GALERIES LAFAYETTE
40 Boulevard Haussmann - 75009 Paris
Chaussée d'Antin or Lafayette metros

Japanese, Parisian bistro, trendy brasserie, Italian, vegetarian... the neighborhood surrounding the hotel is full of good addresses.

From the famous Japanese district rue Sainte Anne to the little gems around the Saint Honoré market, la Bourse, or le Sentier, there's something for everyone's taste buds!

Be it a typical bistro or small intimate address, discover our gourmet selection around the hotel. 

Located in Jean-Paul Gauthier's former sewing workshop, Daroco is a chic Italian trattoria in the neighborhood.

Held up by majestic concrete columns and decorated with marble tables, duck-blue benches, and large plants scattered around the restaurant, this trattoria makes us want to look around! Its huge, 7 meter high ceiling mirror, so high it makes your neck stiff, gives even more depth to this majestic decor.

As for the cuisine, we recommend their fluffy pizzas, which come straight out of the wood oven, and chef Frederico Schiavon's fresh pasta.

DAROCO
6, rue Vivienne
Métro Bourse
Open every day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Tel: +33 01 40 28 45 18
http://www.daroco.fr/

We think that this is one of the best value for money restaurants in Paris!
As a temple of Norman cuisine created in 1832, Pharamond is one of the first "bouillons" of Paris. "Bouillons" are popular restaurants of the nineteenth century and the ancestors of fast foods.

Its Belle Époque decor has been kept intact on 3 floors, its stained glass windows, large mirrors, and spiral staircase keeping the charm of yesteryear.

The "bouillon" offers unpretentious traditional dishes, with starters at 5 euros and dishes at 10. Deviled egg, leek vinaigrette, ham puree: your taste buds will jump right into these classic meals and regressive flavors. If your looking to eat in a place steeped with history, this is the restaurant to go to. Mitterand was particularly fond of it! Given its success, it's best to arrive before 12:30 pm for lunch and before 7:30 pm for dinner.

LE PETIT BOUILLON PHARAMOND
24 rue de la Grande Truanderie
Métro Les Halles ou Etienne Marcel
Open every day from 12 pm to 12 am
Tel.: +33 01 42 21 93 71
https://www.pharamond.fr/

Rue Sainte Anne is known for its many Japanese restaurants, so for a change in scenery, visit Sanjo, a ramen restaurant with a simple and zen decor.

This is where you can watch chefs in white aprons prepare refined but mouthwatering bowls of ramen before your eyes. Special shout out to the homemade noodles that will convince even the most skeptical with one mouthful. 

Please note that the restaurant does not take reservations and seats at the counter are expensive. For lunch, go at the beginning or at the end of service, around 2:30 pm.

SANJO
29, rue d'Argenteuil
Métro Pyramides
Open every day except Sunday from noon to 2:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:15 pm
Tel: +33 01 43 43 23 98
http://sanjo.fr/

Close to the very chic Rue de la Paix, discover the address that clashes the neighborhood: Le Petit Vendôme, a real local bistro that looks like your typical bar.

Snails, andouillette, rib steak... Immerse yourself in an authentic atmosphere with slate menus, Formica chairs, and sausages hanging from the ceiling. Here, the workers rub shoulders with tourists, models, traders, or even stars in a happy Parisian atmosphere.

For a quick, on the go lunch, you can also opt for the sandwich option (cantal, sausage with garlic, country ham...) they are reputed to be the best of all Paris! The Tuileries Garden and the Palais Royal are also nearby, if you've been able to wait until now to visit.

LE PETIT VENDOME
8 Rue des Capucines
Métro Opéra, 4 Septembre, or Madeleine
Open for lunch: from 8:30 am to 18:30 pm (except Sunday)
For dinner: from 7 pm to 11:45 pm (except Sundays and Mondays)

Are you more spinach than grilled steak? Then Wild and The Moon seems to be for you.

A temple of healthy food, this healthy canteen tries to democratize organic.

Whether you eat in or get it to go, discover a 100% local and ethical menu, cold pressed juices with high nutritional power.

And here, we recycle everything we use. Even peelings and fruit pulps are turned into crackers!

Be careful, it's without additives but very addictive.

WILD AND THE MOON SAINT-HONORE
19 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré
Métro Pyramides
Open every day from 8 am to 10 pm (except Saturday and Sunday, open from 9 am)
https://www.wildandthemoon.fr/fr/210-wild-the-moon-saint-honore

Renowned for being the capital of romance, Paris attracts admiring glances and mythical imagination throughout the world.

Discover those places that will make your and your lover's heart beat a little bit faster. From true classics to little-known spots, now you'll know how to bewitch your other half during your next visit to Paris! 

The tradition is said to have begun in Hungary or maybe Cologne... here lovers from around the world have come for years to hang padlocks on the wire fence of the bridge. There were messages in all languages, initials and names of all sorts. The bridge has been witness to their time in the capital and their romance.
Unfortunately, because of their weight, the padlocks had to be removed in 2015. However, the Pont des Arts will always be known as the lovers' bridge.

Pont des Arts
75001, Pont Neuf Metro station 

Renowned for being one of the most charming places in Paris, the Place de Fürstenberg, located in the historic district of Saint Germain des Prés, will enchant you.
We highly recommend you to go for a walk after dark, when the small street lamps light up, and there are fewer passers-by. 

Place de Fürstenberg
75006, Metro station Saint Germain-des-Prés

Don't miss it, it's one of the park's hidden treasures.
The little Italian-style bridge at Parc Monceau stands in the middle of a stream that meanders along for several metres. 
Although less majestic but equally as charming as the Pont des Arts, you will hardly believe that you are in the heart of Paris. 

A a little anecdote, Marcel Proust liked to walk there to get inspiration from its surroundings, scents and colours for the characters of his books.

Parc Monceau
35 Boulevard Courcelles
75008, Metro station Monceau

Stroll along rue Mouzaia and imagine yourself living in one of these small houses. You would surely have a bike, a cat and three toddlers playing in the garden.
 Daydream amongst a long row of maisonettes and gardens In this popular neighbourhood of Paris's 19th arrondissement.
You will see that the neighbourhood is built like a labyrinth, which is delightful to get lost in. Follow your instincts, and stroll hand in hand in this bucolic and secret corner of Paris.

Mouzaia district
Rue de la Mouzaia
75019, Metro station Danube or Botzaris 

Discover this beautiful garden, hidden so well that few Parisians know of its existence. Originally planted for students of the Parisian Pharmaceutical University to learn the name and properties of plants, this garden is now open to the general public. The large number of medicinal plants and exceptional trees are a sight to behold.

You can find it at 4, l’avenue de l’Observatoire, walking down the ally and turning left.

Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris
4 Avenue de l'Observatoire
75006, métro Vavin or Notre-Dame des Champs

Walking in Paris can sometimes be something from a movie.

Its cobbled streets, its residents, its majestic squares, its beautiful bridges, its mystery.
For decades, Paris has inspired many filmmakers, highlighting its many neighborhoods, its favorite spots, and its eclectic atmosphere.
(Re)discover the city of light through our selection of Paris-dedicated films. 

18 filmmakers declare their love to Paris and reveal how they truly see the capital. A dive in each district of Paris, stories of admitted, experienced, incongruous, dizzying, or abused love. 

Beyond its clichés, the film gives us an uninhibited vision of the city, highlighting its magnificent paradoxes.

In the short film for the 14^th arrondissement, an American tourist sitting on a public bench says "this is when I started to love Paris. And this is when I felt that Paris loved me. »

And this is when we both fell madly in love".

What does Paris like through Woody Allen's love struck point of vue? A sweetness of life, a mischievous grace?
Madly in love with this city, the director shows us a powerfully light romance.
We follow the story of a Hollywood screenwriter staying with his American wife in Paris. Stuck between his ultra-conservative parents-in-law and a pedantic and haughty university friend, he is able to escape this heavy atmosphere one evening when a mysterious car picks him up. He is sent into the 1920s with Hemingway, the Fitzgerald couple, Picasso and his mistress Adriana...

By brilliantly assuming clichés, the film is an open declaration to the beauty of ancient times, to Paris, and to love. 

A classic that brims with old clichés, but that is too beautiful for us to not want to get lost within the fantasy!

Removed from her fanciful interior world, we follow the story of Amélie. Working in a café in Montmartre, she is always meeting all sorts of original characters. She decides that it's up to her to spread happiness in the lives of those around her.

With a free, casual, and winding camera, we follow her daily life in the cobbled streets of Paris, her crazy investigations, and her first love at first sight.

Just like in an accepted cliché, we're off on a free ride through a carefree, volatile, and poetic Paris. 

Marion, a true Frenchy from the 14^th arrondissement of Paris, introduces her hometown and her family to Jack, a New York architect with whom she shares her life in the United States.

Between cultural misunderstandings and crazy French lunches with her alter-globalist parents, we watch as this couple discovers, argues with, and loves each other in the streets of Paris. 

The sun shines, Parisians come and go, and coffee terraces are once again filled with cozy chatter. There is no better time to visit Paris.

And when the temperatures get too high, you can always cool off in a gallery or museum. This is our opportunity to offer you our selection of the latest unmissable exhibitions! 

The most fashionable art center in Paris invites us to discover the other side of fashion.

An ode to sensuality, highlighting one of the most secret areas of our body: the back.

Enhanced in the history of art but paradoxically neglected in contemporary "obsessed with the face" fashion, the subject is rather original and unexpected.

Combining fashionable sculpture, the exhibition offers high-fashion and ready-to-wear silhouettes, selected for their blend of a unique vision of the back and workwear, uniforms, and camisoles.

Sometimes dressed up with a train or cleavage, other times constrained by a      fastening or oppressed in a corset, the exhibition questions the relationship we have with this area of our body and invites us to face our back.

From July 5 to November 17, 2019

MUSEE BOURDELLE
18 rue Antoine Bourdelle - 75015 Paris
From Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Closed on Mondays and certain holidays
Métro Montparnasse Bienvenue
http://www.bourdelle.paris.fr/en/exhibition/back-side/fashion-behind

Visit the Atelier des Lumières for an immersive experience surrounded by Vincent Van Gogh's most iconic canvases.

Discover a visual and sound creation that retraces the fascinating life of this misunderstood genius of his time.

The exhibition immerses us in the heart of his work through more than 2,000 life-size, moving images.

Between exhibition and show, it is above all a journey that is offered to us. A chaotic, disproportionate, tormented, poetic journey, like Van Gogh.

This work of sound and light also invites us to grasp painting in a new, much less static way.

Careful, tickets can only be bought online, there is no on-site ticketing booth.

February 22 to December 31, 2019

ATELIER DES LUMIERES
38 rue Saint-Maur - 75011 Paris
Every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Métro Voltaire/Saint-Ambroise/Rue Saint-Maur or Père Lachaise
https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/node/1032

Nearly 100 years after the discovery of his tomb, Paris dedicates an exhibition to Tutankhamen, the child king who became the most famous figure of ancient Egypt.

La Villette opens the doors of the past to delve us into the privacy of this young king, to share his tragic destiny, and to accompany him in his perilous journey to the beyond.

For the ancient Egyptians, death was not seen as an end but as the beginning of a new life. The deceased was surrounded by funerary objects to accompany them on their journey.

This highly educational experience reveals the rituals, the trials that await them, the objects, statues, furniture, and weapons that will help them reach eternal life.

The exhibition has been so successful that it has been extended until September 22!

From March 23 to September 22, 2019.

GRANDE HALLE DE LA VILLETTE
211 avenue Jean Jaurès - 75019 Paris
everyday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Métro Porte de Pantin
https://en.lavillette.com/programmation/tutankhamun_e164

There is a Japanese phrase that might have been found to describe Sally Mann's "mono no aware" prints that could translate to "sadness-tinged beauty". A kind of sweet melancholy that permeates her clichés from the beginning of the exhibition.

This luminous darkness follows her everywhere: from her native Virginia to the desolate roads of Mississippi.

It's often summer, children are sometimes naked, diving or emerging from the water. With disturbing grace and haunting beauty crossed deaf allusions to sexuality, her clichés disturb as much as they fascinate.

From June 18 to September 22, 2019

JEU DE PAUME
1 place de la Concorde - 75008 Paris
From Tuesday to Sunday. Tuesday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesday to Friday: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Closed on Mondays
http://www.jeudepaume.org/index.php?page=article&idArt=3449

The theaters, department stores, sumptuous gardens, historic monuments, and lovely cafes make it one of the capital city's most lively areas.

Between small pedestrian streets and grand animated boulevards, the Hotel Etats-Unis Opera is located in a quarter will not cease to surprise you!

Follow the guide to get to know every nook and cranny. 

Discover an architectural masterpiece just 3 minutes from the hotel: the Opera Garnier.
Considered the most beautiful opera house in the world, its baroque and ostentatious style will take you back to another era.

Marvel at the ceiling painted by Chagall, take the grand staircase and, for a moment, imagine yourself in the place of Parisian aristocracy in the nineteenth century.

Free or guided tours. Skip-the-line tickets are available at the hotel reception desk.

Place de L'Opera - 75009 Paris

The Galeries Lafayette are located right next to the hotel: the biggest brands as well as the young designers all have their corner there. 

Its superb dome and its wide range of shops make it one of the most popular places in the world for shopping. 

Galeries Lafayette

40 Boulevard Haussmann - 75009 Paris

When leaving the hotel, head to the picturesque Saint-Honoré market square that you can get across and admire along the way.

Continue on to Rue de Rivoli and pick up a pastry to-go at Angelina, number 226.

Head to the majestic Place Vendôme at the entrance of the park before settling yourself beside the large pond and fountain at the Jardin des Tuileries, to read like a true Parisian while munching on your delicious pastry.

Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden)

75001 Paris

Angelina Tea House

226 Rue de Rivoli - 75001 Paris 

Contemplate the emblematic works of the most visited museum in the world. 
From Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo, your journey will be punctuated by world-renowned works.
The museum is huge so we recommend that you spend at least 3-4 hours there to get a real feel for the collection. Here you can find all our tips for preparing for your visit.

Also remember to enjoy priority access to avoid the queues with our free tickets available at the hotel's reception desk.

Louvre Museum

99 Rue de Rivoli - 75001 Paris

Opening Hours:

• Saturday to Monday, 9 am to 6 pm. Open at night on Wednesdays and Fridays until 10 pm


• Closed on Tuesdays. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.

http://www.louvre.en/

Strolling along the streets lined with small shops and café terraces is an undeniably Parisian pleasure. Rue Montmartre is one of those streets where we love to indulge in these little pleasures that we never get tired of.

Rue Montmartre - 75002 Paris

Drouot is the oldest auction house in the world.
Jewelry, paintings, furniture, rare objects ... sales are held year-round. Few know that these are open to the public.

An unusual, little known activity, which could nevertheless interest art lovers or even just the curious.

You will discover all the codes and the rituals of the auctions in a solemn and convivial atmosphere.

To attend, there is no need to register or show any credentials; just simply go ... and enter!

Hotel Drouot

9 Rue Drouot - 75009 Paris

Check upcoming sales and opening hours: https://www.drouot.com/

Rue Sainte-Anne is full of gourmet Japanese locations. Ramen, sushi, Udon ... you'll be spoiled for choice to try authentic Japanese recipes. Because here, unlike many restaurants, the cooking is done by real Japanese chefs! 

For a quick lunch break, for example, take a bento takeaway at Juji-Ya at number 16, and sit in the gardens of the Palais Royal.

Rue Sainte-Anne - 75002 Paris

Jardins du Palais Royal (Royal Palace Gardens)

2 Galerie de Montpensier - 75001 Paris

Take the historic passages and galleries to cross the city: an unusual tour of part of Paris' exceptional heritage.

Small bookshops, lovely cafes, and antiques are strewn along your walk through the "belly of Paris".

The best known: the Passage des Panoramas, the Galerie Vivienne and the Passage du Grand-Cerf.

Passage des Panoramas

11 Boulevard Montmartre - 75009 Paris

Galerie Vivienne

5 Rue de la Banque - 75002 Paris

Here, the rolls of fabrics are superimposed in the windows of buildings steeped in history and rub shoulders with young start-ups or web agencies with a home in this lively area of Paris.

The Sentier Quarter is composed of small and sometimes quirky streets where we love to stroll and breathe in the eclectic spirit of Paris.

Take Rue d'Aboukir, Rue de Cléry, Rue du Mail, Rue des Petits Carreaux, or the famous Rue Montorgueil, a pedestrian street dotted with grocers, florists, and lovely cafes.

Rue Montorgueil - 75002 Paris

Bouffes-Parisiens Theater, Michodière Theater, Variety Theater (Théâtre des Variétés) ... the area around the hotel is full of theaters. Comedy or tragedy, you only have to choose the scenario for the end of the day!

Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens

4 Rue Monsigny - 75002 Paris

Théâtre de la Michodière

4 bis Rue de la Michodière - 75002 Paris

Théâtre des Variétés (Variety Theater)

7 Boulevard Montmartre - 75002 Paris 

Here are some amazing stories about the city of Paris, fun and useless anecdotes that we like to share over coffee.
Because in the end, Paris is also that: unimaginable stories on every street corner. 

No, Montmartre has not always been a bohemian neighborhood where pigeons, small bistros, selfie sticks, and caricaturists all come together.

At the time of the great works of Baron Haussmann, broke Parisians came to find refuge in this higher and more remote area of Paris.
Called the maquis of Montmartre, wooden cabins were erected between rues Caulaincourt, Girardon, Lepic and formed a village of odds and ends. 

The legend of the Phantom of the Opera began in 1873: during a violent fire of the conservatory on rue Le Peletier, a young pianist lost part of his face as well as his fiancee, a ballerina at the conservatory.
Inconsolable and disfigured, he took refuge in the basement of Opera Garnier, while it was still under construction, two years before its inauguration.
Since then, rumors have been that he haunts the underground lake of the building, fed by the employees.

Even today his box, No. 5, remains unoccupied...

In 1871, following the riots of the City of Paris, many buildings of the capital were burned. Among them, the headquarters of the Police Prefecture of Paris.
The numbers were then relocated to Ile de la Cité, in a barracks built on the site of the former poultry market in Paris.

It didn't take much longer for the police to inherit the names of the former tenants of the premises!  

Have you ever noticed the imposing Roman numerals on the cobblestones of Place de la Concorde? They form one of the largest sundials in the world.
Its 23-meter high obelisk can read the time according to the position of the sun. 

You've certainly walked over it without knowing that you were walking on the oldest bridge in Paris! Built at the end of the 16th century to reach both banks, the Pont Neuf definitely does not bear its name well. 

Between Canal Saint Martin and Buttes Chaumont, the fighting rink, now today Place du Colonel Fabien, was used for fighting animals from 1781 to 1833.

It was a large arena in which fights between dogs and bulls, pigs, bears, or wild boars were organized.

In 1833, a decree put an end to this squalid fighting. 

It's difficult to imagine that this calm and cared-for garden was once a bustling place, and this for centuries.
At the time of the Revolution, life under the arcades contained a nice mix of genres.
High place of debates and debauchery, prostitutes surveying the garden came across the thinkers, like Diderot, then the big names of the French Revolution like Danton or Robespierre.

Did you know that there were 14 ghost metro stations in Paris?
Most were closed at the beginning of the Second World War when a large part of the personnel was mobilized.
At the time of the Liberation, stations that were too little used or too close to neighboring stations were not put back into service.
For example, the St Martin station, located just 100 m from Strasbourg-St Denis.

In 1772, Louis VXI approved the construction of a bridge that would cross the Seine from the Place de la Concorde. Due to lack of funding, its construction was stopped.

It was finally the French Revolution that allowed its completion: once the Bastille prison destroyed, the stones were used to complete the construction of the bridge. 

It is precisely under the tracks 3 and 4 of the Gare de l'Est that there is a still-intact bunker.  

Built in 1939, this shelter was a place of retreat in case of an aerial attack.
Its role was to house the staff to keep the trains running.

Built by the French authorities, it was occupied by the Germans after the defeat of 1940. We can also find inscriptions on the wall that testify to their visit.

Exceptionally, the bunker sometimes opens its doors to the public for visits. 

Far from the tourist attractions and the Parisian hustle and bustle, we propose an unusual crossing of Paris to you.

These confidential places, often unknown to Parisians, will allow you to discover a whole new side of Paris.

Discover all around the hotel, in the 2nd district, all kinds of passages and galleries. Get lost in these historic and emblematic labyrinths of Paris.

In the nineteenth century, there were over a hundred! Today, only 21 have survived.
At a time when Paris had neither sidewalk nor electricity, their goal was to protect the well-to-do population from the mud and the hustle and bustle.

Passage des Panoramas

10 rue Saint-Marc - 75002 Paris

Passage du Grand-Cerf

10 rue Dussoubs - 75002 Paris

Cairo Passage

2 place du Caire - 75002 Paris

Galerie Vivienne

5 Rue de la Banque - 75002 Paris

Away from crowds, the Gustave Moreau museum houses the artist's former family home. A little gem located in the heart of Paris' 9th district. You're sure to be enchanted by its marvelous spiral staircase. 

Musée Gustave Moreau 

14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld - 75009 Paris 

It is behind a small blue door, not far from the des Arts and Crafts Museum that hides the Anchor Passage. A small paved lane, lined with colorful houses.  Considered as one of Paris' oldest passages, it now houses several shops including the last umbrellas' workshop; Pep's. 

Passage de l'Ancre

30 rue de Turbigo et 223 rue Saint-Martin - 75003 Paris

We can not invite you too much to push the banal-looking door of 91 rue Lecourbe to discover the curious orthodox parish Saint-Séraphin. After the 1917 revolution, it was the rallying point of the Russian community.
This tiny place of worship that looks almost like a cottage is still home to two maple trees, one of which is still growing through the roof!
It's like being anywhere but in Paris.

Église Saint Séraphin de Sarov
1 rue Lecourbe - 75015 PARIS

The greenhouses of Auteuil, in the 16th district, are without a doubt one of our most confidential and adored addresses in Paris... 

Enter the tropical, hot and humid atmosphere of this little Amazon world. 

Jardin des serres d'Auteuil
3 Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil - 75016 Paris

Venture behind this wrought iron gateway to discover the discreet Damoye courtyard, a cobblestone alley, leading to Daval Street which is home to climbing plants, workshops and art galleries. A rural atmosphere close to the Place de la Bastille's frenzy.

Damove Court

Starting at 12 place de la Bastille
Ending at 2 rue Daval
75011 Paris

In the midst of Parisians who have abandoned their shoes to enjoy the grass under their feet, get lost in the Cave of Buttes Chaumont Park: it is home to a curious waterfall. 

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

1 Rue Botzaris

75019 PARIS 

Enjoy being in the 19th district to come face to face with one of our favorite views of Paris.

Butte Bergeyre, perched 100m above sea level is a peaceful subdivision of the 19th arrondissement. Only one road and two stairs can lead you to this secret plateau, which is unknown to Parisians. This small hidden village located to the west of Buttes Chaumont culminates Paris and offers you a panoramic view of the capital. It is no coincidence that Jacques Audiard or Jean Paul Goude made their home there.

If you had not fallen in love with Paris so far, you're off to a good start.

Butte Begeyre
Accessible by the street Georges Lardennois
75019 Paris

For lovers of Asia, discover the Maison Loo, a pagoda in the middle of Paris' 8th arrondissement! An Asian art collector decided to transform his Haussmann mansion in 1925 into this impressive red pagoda.

Maison Loo 

48 rue de Courcelles  

75008 Paris

Discover Crémieux street, only a few steps from the Gare de Lyon.

Cats bask on the house-steps of this pretty paved street which is lined with small houses and colorful facades. Some recognize Notting Hill, others imagine Portobello.  

Stop at number 8, there is a small plaque that shows the record level of 1m75 (5.74 feet) reached during the floods of 1910. 

Rue Crémieux

Starting at 228 rue de Bercy 

Ending at 19 rue de Lyon. 

75012 Paris 

Summer is here, which means that it's the perfect moment to once again open our address book and share some rare gems with you: Terraces in the sun, hidden from noisy suburbs, and sometimes unknown even to Parisians. Let's go!

It's a haven of peace, even on Sundays, when the museum has the most crowds. Fountains, a lake, mosaics, neoclassical columns, all you need for a XIXth century ambiance. You'll have to wait until May 16, 2019 to visit, as beautification projects started in March 16. 

Avenue Winston Churchill – Paris 75008

Métro Champs-Élysées ClémenceauTuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm

http://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en/petit-palais/cafe-restaurant

The place is worthy of an embassy or ministry despite a quality of service that is not to everyone's liking. There is a bar and a restaurant, but only the restaurant offers access to the terrace. Play it smart by ordering an entry to share and a good bottle of wine to enjoy in a calm environment.

217, Boulevard Saint Germain, 75007 Paris

Metro Solferino

Monday to Friday, lunchtime and evening.

http://www.mal217.org/fr/restaurant-bar_2/restaurant

It is a quiet village in the middle of a busy Paris. The square is surrounded by 4 establishments offering a terrace where the experienced travelers know to order a drink rather than a bite to eat.

Place du marché Sainte Catherine, 75004 Paris

Métro Saint Paul

As one of the most romantic and gastronomic places in Paris, the terraces of this one Michelin star restaurant offer an unforgettable experience with impeccable service.

A 10-minute walk from the hotel.

10 Galerie de Valois - 75001 Paris

Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 am to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 10:30 pm

Tel.: +33 (0) 1 40 20 00 27

https://restaurantdupalaisroyal.com/?lang=en

This affordable hotel offers tables and parasols spread over 1,500 square meters for large groups and families. It's an address to consider when finding a place to sit and drink outside gets difficult.

74, rue Amelot, 75011 Paris

Métro Saint-Sébastien - Froissart

Monday to Friday, from 4 pm to 11:30 pm

https://lesjardinsdumarais.com/f

We recently mentioned this address, the Museum of Decorative Arts's  restaurant does not practice the prices that could be expected based on its surroundings. And if the sun gets too hot, you can take refuge inside where a space of exquisite decoration awaits you.

A 10-minute walk from the hotel.

107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 ParisTel: +33 01 42 60 41 96

Monday to Wednesday, from 12 pm to 11 pm and Thursday to Friday, from 12 pm to 11:30 pm

https://loulou-paris.com/welcome/

It's simple, country-style restaurant in the park of the Buttes Chaumont in the Pavillon Puebla. The address has become very fashionable since its change of management and is quickly stormed on the weekends in the summer.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 1, rue Botazris, 75019 Paris

Métro Place des Fêtes

Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 8 pm

We imagined meeting Georges Sand, Frederic Chopin, or Sarah Bernhardt as the scent of this crystallized place inspires the romanticism of 19th century Paris. This Montmartrois Hotel, Bar, & Restaurant has a sometimes-questionable quality of service, but it will always off the type of calm able to slow down your internal processor. Cautious travelers prefer buying a drink over eating. No booking required. It is best to arrive early if you dine in the evening.

23, avenue Junot, Pavillon D - 75018 Paris

Métro Lamarck - Caulaincourt

Monday to Saturday, from 6 pm to 2 am and Sunday, from 6 pm to 12 am

https://www.hotel-particulier-montmartre.com/en/bar-le-tres-particulier.html

It's new and trendy: Since April of this year, a 400m2 terrace awaits you on the 2nd floor of this hotel designated by Philippe Stark where the rules are usually avoided in order to entertain the bohos. Bar and snacking. Food lovers will have to stop at the pastry shop on the ground floor where an impressive selection is offered with a service that needs a bit of tweaking but is promising.

Métro Franklin D. Roosevelt

1-7 rue Jean Richepin, 75016 Paris

Every day starting from 8 am. Closing time to be confirmed.

https://brachparis.com/terrace-rooftop-paris-16/?lang=en

A place also located in Montmartre, almost anachronistic, that this time really was visited by Georges Sand and Frederic Chopin. Comfort and tranquility guaranteed in the small garden of the museum where we are offered drinks, sweet and savory pies, salads, and cold and hot drinks at reasonable prices.

Metro Saint-Georges

16, rue Chaptal - 75009 ParisTuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.

http://museevieromantique.paris.fr/fr

Here is a very interesting address located at a 7-minutes walking distance from the hotel Etats-Unis Opera, for those who love truffles, a "sunny kitchen", and the wine of Provence.

Truffle Bar is what you read as your push through the door to find a rustic room in a building in the 18^th district. The cook works in front of clients. Padded benches, comfortable tables, natural stone walls, and a curious Templar cross. The atmosphere is muffled and soft music can be heard in the background.

The Commanderie de Peyrassol was founded in the thirteenth century in Provence by the order of the Knights Templar, hence the cross. Today, the estate covers 950 hectares, 100 of which are devoted to a wine business that started in 1256. The Commanderie de Peyrassol  is also a collection of monumental works of art exposed in the heart of the vines. In short, a highly-recommended stop if you're passing through Provence.

The estate produces white and red wines as well as exceptional rosé wines that offer a very interesting mix of tastes with the Mediterranean truffle dishes on the menu. We chose a Château Peyrassol made of of Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Ugni Blanc, and Rolle grapes. It is a very sublte rosé with notes of citrus, peach, apricot, and flowers.

Depending on the season, the house offers several varieties of truffles and you will sometimes have to make a choice when ordering:

• In winter, you can taste the French truffle, harvested from mid-November to mid-March mainly in the south-east of France as well as the winter truffle, which grows in the same areas and is harvested at the same time as the French truffle. Its veins are wider and clearer and it has a garlicky smell, though less taste.


• In summer, you are offered the summer truffle, also called the truffle of Saint John, whose origin is Italian but it is also a French truffle grown in Australia.

In Autumn, it is mainly the burgundy truffle that is produced in Burgundy from mid-September to January.

French truffle and winter truffle

The truffle has a subtle taste of truffle essential oils which are often used in restaurants. These are synthetic flavors that are powerful and long-lasting in the mouth, but who subtlety is not that of a true truffle flavor. So the taste of truffle dishes at Un Jour A Peyrassol is more discreet and opens up more at the end.

We start with a burrata whose maturity has been perfectly mastered. The dough is fat, creamy, slightly sour, and smooth on the outside but firm on the inside. It's remarkable. The harmony with the toast, truffle, and rosé wine is really superb.

We tasted the fresh tagliatelle, olive oil from the commanderie, and minced truffles. It's almost too generous in tagliatelle. The dish is quite delicate and subtle. Take your time when eating to really enjoy it.

The risotto is very creamy and delicate, with a long-lasting taste in the mouth. It can be accompanied by Jean-Luc Poujauran's excellent bread.

You can also opt for the truffle carpaccio that fits quite well with the southern image of dishes served here, more assembled than transformed, made of quality products (€39 - €28 for lunch).

Finally, perfection is awarded to a dish often served and often missed: the crème brulée. The temperature stays at its core, the enamel caramel is thick, the cream is firm, the vanilla is present, and the truffle is the last taste offered.

Bon appétit!

UN JOUR A PEYRASSOL

38 rue Vivienne – 75002 Paris

From Monday to Saturday, 12:30 to 2:00 pm and 7:30 to 10:00 pm

http://www.unjourapeyrassol.com

La commanderie de Peyrassol : https://www.peyrassol.com/

Easter is coming, which means it's time to talk to you about chocolate. A less than 10-minute walk from the Hotel Etats-Unis Opéra will take you to three top chocolatiers, whose creations are brought to life by hand. We have tested the chocolates from these well-known companies for you. Here are the results of our tests as well as some fun stories.

This was our favorite.

The first store opened at 126 rue du bac in 1819. It still exists today. 5 new stores opened between 1830 and 1930. The Maison Foucher is now one of the 10 oldest Parisian houses still owned by the founding family.

The products offered in the store are handcrafted with quality components: chocolates, cherries, candied chestnuts, marzipan, fruit paste, and of course the timeless macaroons.

Different sizes of assorted chocolate ranging from small to large are offered (180 gr - €24.50, 260 gr - €33, and 400 gr - €49) or an average of €13.00 per 100 grams.

We will only talk about one chocolate in this article but we tested five in our previous one (read our article).

For Easter, La Maison Foucher has published its essentials which we have presented below.

Praline Cracus: Dark chocolate shell, hazelnut & almond filling, and praline nougatine. The praline is very powerful with a long-lasting taste. The nougatine has a nice crunch. Not too sweet. It's so delicious.

Remarkable reception and highly skilled.

FOUCHER Opera

30, avenue de l'Opéra - 75002 PARIS

www.chocolat-foucher.com

Sulpice Debauve was the pharmacist of King Louis XVI. He developed "a new combination of cocoa, cane sugar, and medicine, after Marie Antoinette complained to him about the unpleasant taste of the medicines she had to take."

The queen, who loved hot chocolate, was so happy that she named Debauve's lozenges "pistole". Debauve was thereafter the chocolate supplier of Napoleon I, then the supplier of Louis XVIII, Charles X, and Louis-Philippe.

In 1819, Percier and Fontaine, Napoleon Bonaparte's architects, designed Debauve's store, located at 30 Rue des Saints-Pères in Paris. The store on rue vivienne, closer to the hotel, opened much later but stays in the spirit of the flamboyant empire decoration of its older sister.

In addition to the know-how passed down and kept by the three families who succeeded each other at the helm of the business, Debauve and Gallais selected high-quality cocoa beans and offered a particularly appreciated candy cover.

• 
  

  Boule d’Antan : Covered with 72% cocoa. Almond and hazelnut praline filling. Powerful, but subtle cocoa with a long-lasting taste. The chocolate is a bit small. The praline is rather shy and lacks luster.

  
  


• Toasted almonds. Dark chocolate cover. A very rich candy. Crunchy almonds. Subtle sugar. A great success.

• 
  

  Palet Ganache: ganache filling and 99% cocoa cover

  
  


• 
  

  Fleur de lys: Candy made for the coronation of Charles X in 1823. Ganache filling

  
  

The non-decreasing price by weight is €15.50 per 100 grams, which makes Debauve and Gallais one of the most expensive chocolatiers in the capital. Debauve & Gallais offers, among other things, an interesting selection of qualitative and varied assorted chocolate tablets.  The house offers qualitay packaging. The welcome is personalized and you are guided throughout the sale.

DEBAUVE & GALLAIS

33 rue Vivienne, 75009 Paris and 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris

Monday to Saturday, from 9 am - 6:30 pm

https://debauve-et-gallais.fr/en/

With over 25 years of experience, Jean Paul Hévin is one of the best chocolatiers in France. He has been the pastry chef at Joël Robuchon since 1976. He quickly grew passionate about chocolate. In 1986, he was names Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France). As a picture is worth 1,000 words, watch these two short videos: 

Jean Paul Hévin is unique in the creativity and modernity of his creations. For example, he makes chocolate cheese aperitifs or spicy-flavored chocolate candies. We hope that the international development ambition of this talented and creative chocolatier does not detract from his hand-made production. His products are also excellent as classics and the quality of his pralines and ganaches is indisputable.

• Carnonado: hazelnut praline, almonds, and nougatine. 65% cocoa coating. An excellent praline that explodes in your mouth. Gourmet candy and subtle sugar.


• Amareno: Gianduja praline filling, almonds, and dark chocolate. 65% cocoa coating. Here, the praline is very compelling as it's more subtle than rich.

• 
  

  NHK: Almond praline, giantanduja, hazelnuts, and dark chocolate. 65% cocoa coating. The praline is more airy, very crisp and generous. It has a long-lasting taste.

  
  


• Rock: Almonds and hazelnut praline, slivers of nougatine. 65% cocoa coating. The praline is just as beautiful in its creaminess and crispness. The milk chocolate is a little sweet.

The price of assortments is about €10.80 per 100 grams. Very minimalist reception and advice at the store in the Galeries Lafayette. You could opt for the store on rue Saint-Honoré where the staff is better trained and the assortment is more varied.

JEAN PAUL HÉVIN

Galeries Lafayette Gourmet - 35, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

https://www.jeanpaulhevin.com/en/

And if those wishes become reality?

The museum is located on rue de Rivoli, a 10-minute walk from the Etats-Unis Opera Hotel. Its inauguration dates back to May 1905. It was placed in the Marsan wing of the Louvre Palace. There are 150,000 conserved objects and 6,000 are displayed in the 9,000 m² galleries, a third of which is devoted to temporary exhibitions.

The permanent exhibition consists of collections of:

• Jewelry


• Toys


• Wallpaper


• Glassware


• Fashion and textiles


• Advertising and graphic design

The collections are classified chronologically:

• Middle Ages and Renaissance


• 17^th and 18^th century


• 19^th century


• Art Nouveau and Art Deco


• Modern and Contemporary

The Museum of Decorative Arts's nave is currently presenting the first retrospective in France of the creations of a little known Italian architect designer; Gio Ponti (1891 - 1979), who is all the same considered one of the most creative during the 1950-1960 period. The 50-60's style currently in vogue, this exhibition will be an opportunity to enrich your references in terms of architecture, design, and decoration.

The scenography of the exhibition was entrusted to the talented architect Jean Michel Wilmote who has just renovated the Lutetia hotel.

To know more about the exhibition: http://madparis.fr/en/about-us/exhibitions/current-events-1322/musee-des-arts-decoratifs/tutto-ponti-gio-ponti-archi-designer/

Upcoming exhibitions: http://madparis.fr/en/about-us/exhibitions/touring-exhibitions/

The Decorative Arts Museum offers free access to a beautiful reading room with 160,000 books on the decorative arts, design, graphic arts, architecture, art history, garden art, costume, and fashion.

THE MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS

107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm - evening opening on Thursdays until 9 pm.

• Museum of Decorative Arts and Temporary Exhibitions (excluding nave): € 11


• Decorative Arts Museum Pass and all temporary exhibitions (including Tutto Ponti exhibition): € 15


• Free for visitors under 18, visiting European residents aged 18 to 25, and others: (details here)

Online ticket office: http://billetterie.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/gammadn/adnnet/

The Museum of Decorative Arts offers a restaurant of rare elegance, with one of the most beautiful terraces of the capital. Its decoration was done by the decorator Joseph Dirand (he notably created Monsieur Bleu, the magnificent restaurant of the Palais de Tokyo).

Chefs Benoit Dargère and Gilles Malafosse, who worked at Monsieur Bleu, offer a menu of sunny dishes from Italy and the French Riviera, as well as some classic favorites. Quality products and careful creations. Starters between € 15 and 25, dishes between € 19 and 30, and desserts between € 13 and 20.

LOULOU – Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107 Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
Tel: 01 42 60 41 96

Open 7 days a week from 12 pm to 2 am

Lunch & dinner serving times:

12 pm to 11 pm from Monday to Wednesday, 12 pm to 11:30 pm on Thursday and Friday

https://loulou-paris.com/welcome/

To get to the Musée d'Orsay, first go to Place Vendôme. This square was built under Louis XIV and is one of the most beautiful in Paris (read our article). Head towards the Tuileries Garden, which is the oldest park in Paris and a beautiful sight to see in any season (read our article). Follow the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor to cross the Seine, which offers one of the most stunning views of Paris. The Musée d'Orsay will be in front of you.

The Musée d'Orsay has quite simply the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.  The museum conserves 6,000 works, 4,000 of which are presented on three stories.

This former train station was transformed into a museum in 1986 thanks to a visionary architectural project that still offers an exceptional contemporary scene. The Musée d'Orsay is one of Paris's must-see spots.

On November 24 2018, the Museum completed the renovation of its Impressionist galleries. Its objective: offer a clearer path, rework the light, notably using the color of the spaces, and provide explanatory keys of the works

Until January 27, 2019: The exhibition is an exploration of the dialogue between Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his son Jean. Two creators, two arts that express a taste for freedom and profound humanity through paintings, photographs, films, and costumes.

To avoid queues: 

• Purchase your ticket online or ask for it at the concierge desk of the hotel. The online ticketing address is at the bottom of this article.

Here are the recommended slow hours for your visit:

• The middle of the week, including Wednesday and Thursday morning


• During lunch time


• Sunday around 5:00 pm


• Thursday evenings

This building was constructed starting from 1810 under the order of Napoleon I to accommodate the State Council on the ground floor and the Court of audit on the first floor. 

The palace was burned down in 1871 during the events of the Paris Commune. In ruins until May 1900, the building was then transformed into a train station (the gare d’Orsay or the gare d’Orléans) as part of the preparatory work for the Exposition Universelle of 1900.

Since the station's platforms were too small, destinations were restricted to suburban traffic from 1939 onwards. Forty years later, Valérie Giscard d'Estaing, President of the Republic launched an architectural competition with the goal of transforming the building into a museum. The Orsay Museum opened 7 years later after 3 years of work.

There are two cafes where you can enjoy drinks and snacks: Café "Campana", located at the exit of the impressionist gallery and the Café de l'Ours, located at the bottom of the nave. TripAdvisor reviews are "pretty reserved" on the price/quality ratio...

It could be very interesting to visit the restaurant located on the 1^st floor in the old restaurant of the train station, which was probably the lost room of the old state council. The baroque decor is quite breathtaking. A menu of the day, starter/dish or dish/dessert is offered at €22. Though don't expect fine dining... 

Rates

Buy and book your visit to avoid queues. The price of entry for a child or an accompanying person is €12.40 and €15.40, otherwise: https://musee-orsay.fnactickets.com/place-spectacle/ticket-evenement/musee-musee-d-orsay-entree-journee-manorsa1-lt.htm

Opening Hours and Website

• From 9:30 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, open at night until 9:45 pm on Thursday


• https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/

For most travelers, the most simple and effective solution to search for hotels is to use a booking centers (booking.com, hotels.com, Expedia ...). While travel agencies were gradually shelved, reservation centers are the first booking channel. Several questions arise:

• Is it a free service and it is difficult to use?


• How to assess the quality of information provided on these sites?


• Is the booking secure and easy to cancel?

Whatever booking centers is used, no booking fee is charged to the traveler. But the service is not free either. The bill is in fact paid by the hotel and it represents 15 to 20% of the room rate. So what is invisible to the traveler, represents a burden of such an amount, it is indirectly reflected in the price of the room. Indeed, how a hotel could it sustainably reduce its prices by 20% without degrading its performance?

It is easy to understand why the hotel has an interest in the client reserving directly with the hotel and that's why you can see, by visiting the hotel's website, that the prices are almost always lower than on a reservation website. This difference varies from 10% to 15%.

Furthermore, the hotel will reserve its promotions to its website to make a difference and attract more customers who want to book directly. Finally, over-classification can be offered to a customer who booked directly with the hotel but rarely to a “booking center” client where the margin is very low.

Two important elements that impact in the selection of the room should be taken with reserve on booking centers:

• The hotel’s presentation order does not rank from a quotation. It may in fact depend on the rate of commission paid by the hotel or the existence of a special offer granted by the hotel at the booking center. A more expensive room than another, with equally benefit, coupled with a promotion, can be presented earlier in the list.


• The availability of rooms and the stock of remaining rooms are what the hotel has decided to make available to the booking center. It almost always keeps a few rooms to rent directly.

Payments on booking centers are completely secure, like those on the sites of hotels, which are almost 100% reliably transferred to specialized operators.

Whether in a booking center or directly on the hotel web site, you will almost always find a possible 24 or 48-hour cancellation before your arrival date. You will also find that a price often "non-cancellable" is often 10% cheaper. The cancellation policy is always written in the online sales process. Read carefully.

In summary, the clever traveler's interest is to verify the information collected on the site of a booking center by visiting the hotel's website to have the lowest price and the actual room availability.

Happy searching!

The Etats-Unis Opéra Hotel is ideally located if you're into theater. There are at least 11 theaters within a 10-minute walk from the hotel:

• The Théâtre de la Michodière


• The Pépinière-Théâtre


• The Théatre Daunou


• The Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens


• The Opéra-Comique


• The Théâtre Édouard VII


• The Théâtre de l'Athénée


• The Théâtre des Mathurins


• The Théâtre Michel


• The Théâtre des Variétés


• The Théâtre du Palais-Royal

The most literary: The Théâtre de l'Athénée

The most beautiful halls: The Théâtre du Palais-Royal - The Opéra-Comique

https://www.theatresparisiensassocies.com/: specialized in Parisian theater. Search by genre and artist. Notify all "English Friendly" shows

https://www.theatreonline.com/: specialized in Parisian theater. Search by genre, hall, and artist. Many of the audience viewers have left reviews.

https://www.offi.fr/theatre/populaires.html: historical figure of Parisian releases. A very synoptic selection of the best shows of the moment.

https://www.ticketac.com/spectacles/: all shows in France. Highlights its prices.

From 09/15/16 to 12/16/18

Play by Alexis Michalik

Duration: 1h50

In 1897, thirty-year old Edmond Rostand had not written anything for two years. He proposed to famous actor Constant Coquelin a heroic comedy in verse. The play still needed to be written and Edmond Rostand had to face the whims of his actors, producers' demands, his wife's jealousy, his best friend's love stories, the lack of enthusiasm from his friends. But Edmond Rostand was determined to write this play, for which he had only found a title: Cyrano de Bergerac.

1st to 4th category, from €17 to €52

From Tuesday to Friday at 9 pm, Saturday at 4 pm and 9 pm, Sunday at 4:30 pm

Website: https://theatrepalaisroyal.com/edmond/

From 09/07/18 to 01/06/19

Comédie Boulevard by Bernard Murat

A French play with English subtitles

Duration: about 1h40

English subtitles

In the fifth month of his wife's pregnancy, Vincent knows he is going to have a son. He goes to his sister's house where he meets up with his childhoods friends and announces the name of his future son during dinner. Thinking that this is good news and that everyone will like it causes a cataclysm. This is the starting point fora comedic settling of accounts between these characters.

What's in a Name is a hit comedy that was adapted to the screen in 2012 in the vein of the Dinner Game or Cuisine et Dépendances.

1st to 4th category, from €30 to €58

From Tuesday to Saturday at 9 pm, Saturday afternoon at 5 pm, and Sunday at 3:30 pm.

Website: https://www.theatreedouard7.com/e_affiche_detail_spec.php?id_spectacle=64&rub=1

There are six movie theaters located within the perimeter of the Etats-Unis Opéra hotel. Most of the movies shown are in their original language. Here are some tips on how to choose and let's shine the spotlight on two legendary movie theaters offering a unique experience.

For our foreign friends, it should be noted that in France, the undisputed leader of cinematographic news on the web is Allociné. Every movie can be found. It provides complete information on movies, with of course the novelties, the films for a given theater, all the movie theaters for a given movie, the trailers and fact sheets of films, etc. Only problem, the website is only in French. Below are all the movie theaters in the perimeter of the Etats-Unis Opera hotel. Clicking on a link will give you the program of the selected movie theater from the Allociné website.The language of each movie screening is provided: VF (French language) or VO (original language). There is a wide selection of English films subtitled in French.

• Gaumont Opéra (Premier) - 32, rue Louis Legrand


• Le Grand Rex - 1, boulevard Poissonnière


• Gaumont Opera (Capucines) - 2, boulevard des Capucines - 38, boulevard des Italiens - 32, rue Louis Legrand


• Gaumont Opéra (Français) - 38, boulevard des Italiens 75009 Paris


• Max Linder Panorama - 24, boulevard Poissonnière 75009 Paris


• UGC Opéra - 32, boulevard des Italiens 75009 Paris
  

We advise you to buy your ticket online on Allociné, you'll save time and avoid missing your screening.

• See all movie theaters on Google Maps: click here


• See Allociné: http://www.allocine.fr/

This is not the biggest movie theater in Paris, but it is by far the most representative of the big theaters in the last century. The Max Linder Panorama movie theater is the last panoramic mono-screen movie theater in Paris and is one of the two most legendary in the capital. It was bought in 1914 by burlesque actor Max Linder who inaugurated it in March 1919, almost 100 years ago!

The movie theater has obviously been renovated several times. The last renovation dates from 2005 with an Art Deco-type style. It is composed of an orchestra, a mezzanine, and a balcony and can accommodate 580 moviegoers in highly comfortable conditions. Max Linder is equipped with a film projector, a 4K digital projector, and its curved screen is 16 meters long by 6.70m wide. It offers optimal projection quality.

MAX LINDER PANORAMA
24, bd Poissonnière - 75009 Paris

http://maxlinder.com/

Inaugurated for the first time in 1932, the Grand Rex is first and foremost a beautiful Art Deco architecture whose façade is inscribed with historical monuments. Its design is inspired by Radio City Music Hall in New York.

One million moviegoers visit it every year. In 1960, it had more visitors than the Louvre. It is a multiplex with seven rooms, but if you do visit, choose the largest room, which offers 2,700 seats, leather armchairs for the orchestra and the mezzanine, a balcony, and  the biggest screen of Paris, measuring 25 meters long and 11.30 meters high.

The Grand Rex is the other Parisian institution in the Cinema category. It was the theater of famous demonstrations: in 1957, the escalator of Grand Rex was inaugurated by Gary Cooper. In 1963, Alfred Hitchcock presented his new film The Birds. The Grand Rex is also the venue for major previews with film crews as well as special events called "Marathons", bringing together fans of Star Wars, Hunger Games, and other cult series.

LE GRAND REX

1, Boulevard Poissonnière - 75002 Paris

https://www.legrandrex.com/

Enjoy!

Boulevard Haussmann is a 10-minute walk from the Etats-Unis Opéra Hotel. It includes two department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, and is definitely worth a detour, especially as the Christmas season approaches.

We already devoted a previous article to the presentation of these large department stores. You can always refer to it for an overview of the essentials of what you will see (read our article).

From mid-November, the animated shop windows remain a mythical attraction that amazes all children. You can also admire one Paris' most beautiful expressions of Art Nouveau, enjoy a breathtaking view from the rooftops, and, of course, let yourself be tempted by an exceptional offer.

With over 1,300,000 square feet of retail space, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps represent one of the densest shopping areas in Europe, where all the major brands are presented side by side in a spectacular setting.

Christmas window displays are a tradition that dates back to the mid-19^th century. They are created by artisans specializing in automatons and particularly fascinate the children.

In the Galeries Lafayette main store (Coupole store), dedicated to women's fashion, you can admire the Art Nouveau railings, topped with a sumptuous glass dome roof, which is truly the most beautiful in the world for a department store.

A must see is the Lafayette Gourmet, which is the most beautiful gourmet grocery store on the right bank. The very best of French and international gastronomy is offered here: foie gras, truffles, caviar, oysters, bellota hams, macarons, teas ... also offering several tasting and catering areas as well as many gift ideas.

Each of the two department stores offer a panoramic terrace (Printemps, men's department, 9th floor, and 7th floor of Coupole, Galerie Lafayette) where you can, in both cases, enjoy avery nice view of Paris along with food and refreshments.

Enjoy your visit!

PRINTEMPS

64, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Monday to Friday: 9:35 am to 8:00 pm (Thursday until 8:45 pm) - Saturday: 10:30 am to 7:30 pm - Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm

Website: https://www.printemps.com/

GALERIES LAFAYETTE

64, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 8:30 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm

Website: http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/

On the occasion of the 160^th anniversary of Japanese-French relations, the best of Japanese culture will be presented throughout France for eight months as part of "Japonisme 2018".

The FUKUMA exhibition and Ryoki IKEDA's installations, which we saw, started in July and kicked off more than 50 events: exhibitions, live shows, cinema, and arts of life.

Here, we present two events that seem particularly interesting. You can consult the full program on the official website, Japanism 2018

Kabuki is characterized by a highly codified and sophisticated game, intonation, gestures, costumes, makeup, and sets.

It began in the early 17th century, and kabuki remains the most popular traditional Japanese theater style to this day. UNESCO has ranked kabuki among the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. If you love Japanese art and have never attended a kabuki, I highly recommend running to buy a seat. You can also try to come without a ticket. Supporters are usually renouncing their place, selling their tickets in front of the theater.

Presented in the beautiful hall of the Palais de Chaillot, SHOCHIKU GRAND KABUKI brings together two classic and popular pieces of Kabuki repertoire, played by two famous figures of this art:

Nakamura Shidô II is also a film actor. You've probably seen him on screen in Clint Eastwood's Iwo Jima Letters or John Woo's Red Cliff.

Nakamura Shichinosuke II is the descendant of a long line of kabuki actors for seven generations. He is also a film actor and has acted in the Last Samurai. Shichinosuke interprets both male and female characters (Onnagata)

If you appreciate architecture, do not miss this exhibition. Tadao Ando is one of the greatest living architects on our planet. He is the undisputed master of concrete and light.

Tadao Ando is a Nobel Prize winner in architecture and is self-taught. Like Le Corbusier, who influenced his creations, his approach is part of a functionalist trend opposing the frantic construction of buildings under economic and social constraints, and producing a "staggering landscape."

The exhibition will present the architect's history and the perspectives he has opened through models, sketches, drawings, and videos.

Tadao Ando is one of the four architects selected to lead the commodity market project, which will soon house the collections of the Pinault Foundation.

Know more : cliquez ici

Mahabharata - Nalacharitam

A stunning show, full of not only aesthetics, finesse, and musicality, but also humor.

November 19 to 25, 2018

Learn more: click here

Bunraku (puppet theater)

You will have the privilege of seeing one of the greatest Japanese puppeteers in the person: Tamao YOSHIDA, who received the title of "living national treasure." He has performed more than 10,000 times during his career. He is accompanied by gidayû (narrator) Chitose-dayu TAKEMOTO and shamisen player Tomisuke TOYOZAWA.

October 12 and 13, 2018

Learn more: click here

Official program: : https://japonismes.org/en/officialprograms

We spoke just three years ago of this beautiful address located 10 minutes walk from the hotel Etats-Unis Opera. We made a new passage.

The room, which offers an open kitchen, has not changed and is still nice. It is clean, warm, the tables are spaced and the room is not noisy, even when the restaurant is full.

Zébulon is accessible gastronomy. On weekdays for lunch, the starter is 22 € and the full meal 28 €. For dinner, the menu which is renewed every month consists of 5 starters, 5 dishes and 3 desserts for 45 €. The 6-course tasting menu is offered at 65 €.

The wine list is full of choices. There are well-known brands but also a nice selection of organic and natural wines from small harvesters.

The chef's name is Takashi Aoki. Trained in Tokyo, he left Japan to pursue his career in France where he worked among others at Clos des Sens (**) in Annecy, France. Suquet in Laguiole (**) alongside Michel Bras and at l’Ambroisie (***), Place des Vosges.

Takashi Aoki is particularly agile to sublimate quality products by limiting their transformation, and to create beautiful combinations of flavors all in finesse and subtlety. His dishes are cultural meetings with a Japanese touch where it is difficult to identify the flavors since mixtures are very delicate.

The dishes are beautiful and the plates are very well prepared.

We start with a marinated bar, sesame vinaigrette and Jerusalem artichokes with a curry sauce. The freshness of the products is remarkable. It's sweet, delicate, it's a nice blend with subtle flavors.

Wild garlic can be found in the forest from the end of March, when the bear finishes its hibernation. As for the chard that our chef has chosen young, it is a vegetable today neglected because it fades very quickly and must be consumed fresh. It offers a crisp, which accompanied by a very sparkling vinaigrette, is a very nice accompaniment to the veal as well as subtle. A nice summer recipe.

Desserts are served with this sponge cake, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, apricot purée and Smith granny sorbet. It is a good idea to have mixed this rather neutral cake taste with an apricot purée, which brings the acidity, fruits of excellent quality and the sorbet which brings freshness.

And finally, still beautiful colors and beautiful associations with this lemon cake, creamy mango, passion and sorbet coriander. There is crunchy, fondant and creamy with complementary flavors.

We embellished all this with a Menetou-Salon 2016, served slightly fresh, from Philippe Gilbert, who has devoted his entire self without being masculin biased, especially on leg of lamb (40 €).

The service is a bit young but still friendly. We will be well advised to ask a comment on the coveted dish whose products may vary marginally depending on the market.

Booking is strongly recommended.

Bon appétit.

ZÉBULON

10 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris

From Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 20:00 pm

https://www.Zebulon-palaisroyal.com/

It's brand new, a world first, and it's just amazing in terms of sensations. It took three years of development, the involvement of a hundred people, and shooting in Paris using a drone equipped with 7 cameras, to make this project possible.

Imagine flying above Paris with a jet pack. See this individual backpack thruster? Well, this crazy dream has been made possible thanks to virtual reality and it's very close to the Hôtel Etats-Unis Opéra

We arrive at a boarding terminal where we recieve the boarding pass. Crew, screens, safety instructions... everything is done to get us prepared.

After crossing the gate, we arrive at the end of a corridor in the flight room.  It's like being in a sci-fi movie. Jet packs are mounted on jacks. It moves and seems ready to fly. We equip ourselves with a virtual reality helmet, we fasten our belt, and we hold our breath.

Takeoff. Vibrations and bursts of air blown onto our face add to the realism. After a few seconds of climbing up a silo towards the top of the building, we find ourselves above Paris.

Even though it's virtual reality, the images are very real. They were filmed in August 2017 at sunrise between 6 am and 8 am. The images are a bit pixelated, but itreally feels like we're flying, it is very immersive. By moving our head around, we take advantage of the panorama as a whole and we can see the turbines of our jet pack in action. Looking down, we even feel a bit dizzy.It's quite magical, the  extraordinary view and colors of Paris are breathtaking.

We see Paris as we've never seen it before: the gargoyles of Notre Dame, the flight over the Seine at low altitude, thePlace de la Concorde, diving into the interior of the Eiffel Tower before going up by turning ourselves around to appreciate the view from all angles, the gardens of Trocadero and its basins, the 360° view of the Arc de Triomphe, the roofs of Paris...

The attraction is aimed at a wide audience and privileges the beauty of the panoramas with the aerobatic sensations. Piloting and acrobatics are not part of the program. The movements of the simulator, very well synchronized to the images, are quite soft and convincing. We let ourselves be carried and we admire the view.

The "outing" lasts 13 minutes and costs €15. It's cheap, but for 3 euros more than a Ferris wheel ride at the Place de la Concorde, there was no hesitation. Careful, the number of places being limited, I advise you to buying tickets beforehand on the website Flyview. You present your during your visit, using either a paper or electronic version. You must arrive 15 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket.

Have a nice flight!

FLYVIEW 360

https://www.flyview360.com/

30 rue du 4 septembre - 75002 Paris

From 11:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m on Sunday through Thursday

From 11:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m on Friday, Saturday and public Holydays

Founded in 1882, the Musée Grévin is one of the oldest museums in Paris. It was created on the initiative of the journalist Arthur Meyer, who then directed the daily Le Gaulois and wanted to show the figures making one of his newspapers.

The museum immortalizes some remarkable paintings of French history, like the captivity of Joan of Arc during her trial, that of Louis XVI at the temple, or the assassination of Marat by Charlotte Corday. The wax characters are staged in an always realistic, sometimes dramatic, setting, which provides a striking realism.

The first sculptor to whom Arthur Meyer addressed was the caricaturist Alfred Grevin. The two men were mainly interested in bringing news items to life and did not hesitate when facing any obstacle to reinforce the realism of their project. Having acquired a real guillotine, staged in a painting showing an execution, Arthur Meyer resolves to give it to the Madame Tussaud museum after a woman visiting Grévin recognized the severed head of her son in the basket at the foot of the guillotine. 

The museum presents more than 200 wax figures in galleries and a meticulously maintained, flamboyant baroque style.

The museum has a historic Italian theater of more than 200 seats. It was even listed in the inventory of historical monuments by André Malraux in 1964. In 1892, the world's first cartoon was projected there: "Pauvre Pierrot (Poor Pete)." Georges Méliès debuted there. The place was decorated by Antoine Bourdelle and Jules Chéret.

About fifteen trades are needed to achieve a "figure": molders, sculptors, painters, hair implanters, costume designers, dental and ocular prosthetists, prop masters, decorative painters... The faces are modeled in clay or plasteline during the installation sessions or from classic or 3D images.

The museum reveals the secrets of making its figures. Children will love to touch the wax, resin, eyes, hair, and fabrics, and smell the hot wax or oil paint.

For children aged 7 to 12, the museum also offers a journey through past and current events in groups of fifteen participants, accompanied by a comedian playing a personality and tagging along during the discovery of more than 200 characters. At the beginning of the journey, children are invited to choose a costume and the character they want to illustrate.

MUSÉE GRÉVIN

10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris

From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 09:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays

Ticketing: http://www.grevin-paris.com/en/page-offre/our-offers

The "passage" is a typically Parisian concept born in 1776 and further developed in the first half of the 19^th century. Paris had up to thirty covered passages in the 1850s and shared its idea with provincial cities such as Bordeaux or Nantes and abroad. Today, Paris has 24 passages, 18 of which are classified as historical monuments, and 10 of which are concentrated in the 2^nd district.

We are sharing with you two passages which we hope will help you discover the Paris of old. To follow them, we recommend using the following Google Maps link on your smartphone:

  - Route No. 1, 1.5km covering 5 passages. Estimated walking time: 1.30 to 2 hours

  - Route No. 2, 3.8km covering 9 passages. Estimated walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Here we will talk about the main passages and at the end of the article, you will find a complete table for each place with its respective wikipedia.fr page. Depending on the languages ​​available, you can branch off to the Wikipedia page language of your choice.

Opened in 1947, it covers 75 meters. Close to the Hotel Drouot, it has attracted several antique dealers, collectors of old books or old postcards, booksellers... A photo store has been in the same location since 1901.

It is a fairly long passage covering 140 meters. Since its creation, it has been one of the most visited passages in Paris. It starts at the continuation of the Passage des Panoramas. It has a metal frame with a glass roof and marble pavement. It was renovated in 1987.

Here you will find several interesting shops; books, prints, toys, stationery, and at one of its ends, the Musée Grévin and its famous wax characters, which will interest the little ones for sure.

It is the oldest covered passage in the capital, and probably the most popular by now. It has preserved a patina of authenticity able to plunge you into the Paris of the 19^th century. Its commercial activity is rather centered on food, art, and postcard, money, autograph, and old stamp collectors. You can see period façades like the Marquis chocolatier and the Stern printing house (read our article).

It is one of the longest and most beautiful galleries in Paris. It definitely deserves a detour (read our article). If you are a wine lover, visit the Maison Legrand, a wine merchant offering a choice of 350 types, 3,000 wines, and 10,000 references.

Nearly 12 meters high and with a wrought iron structure flanked by a glass roof, this passage offers beautiful light to stroll in and many shops of atypical and creative craftsmen to discover: creators, decorators, designers, dry goods, a gallery, and an interesting brewery at its end.

Located just 800 meters from Hotel Etats-Unis Opera, the Louvre is the place not to be missed during your visit to Paris.

This temple of culture is visited by 9 million people each year, making it the most visited museum in the world. With 60,000 m² (645,835 ft²) of galleries and 35,000 works of art, this museum is the cultural hub where it is best to come after preparing for your visit first. Here are some pointers that will aid in your approach to the museum.

Admission is free on every first Sunday of the month, from October to March, but this is obviously not the peak time for attendance.

Admission is free for visitors under 18 years of age, and for residents in the European Economic Area between the ages of 18 and 25. Be sure to take proof of identity with you.

The admission price is € 15. Websites that offer you higher rates under the "Coupe file" packaging will provide you with a ticket that gives you exactly the same rights as a ticket bought online from the Museum's website.

Unless you like standing in line at the museum ticket booths, you have two options for buying your tickets:

-  Buy your ticket online: https://www.ticketlouvre.fr//louvre/b2c/index.cfm/home

-  Ask at the Hotel's reception desk

Do not dream about wandering alone through the galleries. The museum is always very busy. However, you can avoid, if possible:

• Between 11 am and 4 pm


• School holidays.


• Rainy days


• Free periods

It would be better to come:

• Starting at 9:00 am, especially on weekends


• Days with fine weather

After 4:30 pm and, even better, in the evenings (until 10 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays)

Do not enter through the pyramid because there are often lines and it is the meeting point for groups. It would be better to use the access from the Carrousel shopping center at 99 rue de Rivoli; it is faster and has a smoother flow.

Again, go against the current and give up the classic circuit: Mona Lisa - Venus de Milo - Victory of Samothrace: the rooms containing these works are packed.

The museum's collections are divided into 8 departments:

• Oriental Antiquity


• Egyptian Antiquity


• Greek and Roman Antiquity


• Islamic Art


• Sculptures


• Art Objects


• Paintings


• Graphic Art

By allowing only 30 seconds per work, you would have to spend 8 hours per day for 36 consecutive days to see all the works on display. Therefore, you must set up priorities for your visit.

Consult the program of temporary collections, events, and shows: http://www.louvre.fr/en/homepage

The Louvre was first a fortress, built from 1190 to 1202 by King Philippe Auguste. The foundations of the castle are still visible in the museum's free access areas. An interesting model is on display.

The museum project was prepared under the reign of Louis XIV and it was during the French Revolution of 1789 that part of the Louvre became a national museum.

Before the implementation of the "Grand Louvre" project, initiated by President François Mitterrand, we could see a parking lot in front of the galleries, and the picnicking that was allowed in the courtyard produced excess rubbish and litter that was not taken care of properly.

The construction of the controversial glass pyramid allowed the occurrence of entries to double. The relocation of the Ministry of Finance, occupying a major wing of the palace, will double the amount of possible exhibition space and the number of visitors will triple in 30 years.

To find out more about the Louvre Museum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

99, rue de Rivoli – 75001 Paris

Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en/homepage

Open:

• Saturday through Monday, from 9 am to 6 pm. Evening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays until 10 pm


• Closed on Tuesdays. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th

Located 600 meters from the hotel Etats-Unis Opera, Lavinia holds 6,500 brands of wine, champagne, spirits, and accessories, sourced in more than 30 countries. Lavinia is by far the largest wine cellar in Paris. This store holds all the answers to your needs, with prices ranging from 5 to 20,000 € per bottle.

The 1,200 square meters (12,916 square feet) of sales area are split over three stories. While the offer is impressive overall, the extent of each tray is kept at human-size, to avoid making customers overwhelmed. The atmosphere is quite friendly and it is even common to talk with other guests. The store makes a point of recruiting sommeliers to its sales team who will help you without looking down on you.

You will also find several "tasting tours" that will allow you to taste a selection of "favorite" wines, as well as Grands Crus, all thanks to a prepaid card.

All the wines are presented horizontally to guarantee the best storage conditions and preserve the wines of oxidation. The temperature of the store is constantly set at 19°C (66°F), and the lighting is optimized using low voltage. Only the cellar for the old, more fragile wines is set at 14°C (57°F).

The selection is segmented into a prestigious international offer, particularly a selection of small properties with a more artisanal and authentic approach,which is Lavinia's signature.

The "good deal" is the store's bar. The menu doesn't offer 180 wines by the glass, the prices charged are not those of a classic bar. As it is written on the wall, " the wines are served at store prices and don't have a "corkage fee" ".

You can choose your bottle in the store by telling your sommelier salesman that you want to taste it at the bar. For white wines and champagnes, they are refreshed in ten minutes. Don't worry if you don't finish your bottle, it will be reconditioned in a nice bag.

A restaurant located next to the bar serves from 12 pm to 4 pm. 

If you are a non-resident of the European Union, the store will deduct the tax from your purchase (-12%), starting from 180 € worth of purchases.

If you want further your discovery of wines and enrich your wine culture, the store offers  tasting courses every Saturday, by level or theme. The experience is interesting. Reservation can be done online (click here).

The video about the store: 

The Bon Marché is another alternative with a cellar twice as small (550m² / 5,920 sq. ft.), located on the left bank. The atmosphere is particularly neat and the visit is worth the detour whether you are passionate or not.

Lavinia organizes your event in a private salon starting from 49 € per person for groups of 10 to 50 people. Quote: amorael@lavinia.com

Enjoy!

LAVINIA

3 boulevard de la Madeleine, 75001 PARIS

Tel : + 33 (0)1 42 97 20 20

Store: 10 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Saturday

Restaurant: 12 pm to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday
Wine Bar: 4 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday

Website : http://www.lavinia.fr/fr

The Saint-Honoré market square neighborhood offers several good restaurants. We had devoted a previous article to Absinthe, owned by the Rostand family. Here is another address managed by the same family, which should tickle your fancy if you are someone who loves good meat.

The restaurant is located rue Gomboust, 100 meters from l'Absinthe and 300 meters from the hotel Etats-Unis Opera.

There is no pointless style effect for the room's decoration which is a mixture of tradition and modernity with a semi open kitchen. The room is bright. There are beautiful bistro tables that have a nice sanded-oak-top and wall, as well as a quilted leather mural which is quite fun and elegant.

The tables are laid with simplicity but show-off their conviviality and warmth: cloth napkin, antique cutlery, colored tumbler and crystal bistro glass.

The suggested meal at noon is quite attractive: a pre-decided meal at €22 including an appetizer, the meat of the day with its trimmings and a gourmet coffee. The restaurant also offers 3 meal choices to 32, 38 or €45 with an appetizer, meat and a dessert.

The appetizers are served for the entire table and are shared "like at home". The same principle applies for some dishes like our magnificent ribs of beef and veal chops.

The menu offers a very good selection of meat such as Charolais beef tartare cut with a knife, hazelnut and black radish pickles, the Pig Brochette with Satay Spices, the beautiful Flank Beef Steak coming from the famous "Black Angus" of Scotland, the superb Irish beef rib for 2 people (800g) and many others.

But above all, and it deserves the detour, the restaurant is equipped with a Josper wood oven, the top of the line professional oven that provides a melting texture and a braised flavor which would be impossible to have at home.

The flank is served in a cast iron skillet accompanied by homemade fries that have been cut with a knife. The fries are put in the deep fryer twice, which allows them to obtain crispy surface and soft to heart. You can also opt for mashed potatoes, a mix of young salad shoots and apple sticks or seasonal vegetables roasted in the oven.

Finally, a good creme brulé which is very well served, having very vanilla taste and a very crunchy texture on the surface and close to the heart.

You will find a wide choice of wines by the glass from € 4.50 to €8. You should consider spending about €50 with the wine and coffee included for a meal consisting of good products prepared by professionals who know their job.

THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE CAFÉ

10, rue Gomboust - 75001 Paris
Tel. : +33 (0) 1 76 21 77 60
Open every day from 12:00 pm to 2:15 pm and from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
http://www.cafedesabattoirs.com/

This just open, brand new 1700 m² (18298 ft²) space is located only 600 meters from the hotel Etats-Unis Opéra. It is essentially devoted to four disciplines: CrossFit, Boxing, Cycling, Yoga, and 40 coaches are available to athletes.

The difference of this gym compared to a classic gym is that it is specialized in individual or small group coaching. As in all sports pedagogy, progressive effort is what is needed. With a Coach, we work without pain and more effectively in the long term. There also two services that are generally absent in gyms: A cafe that you can visit before or after workouts and a shop.

The interior design is Brutalist, and the atmosphere is young, dynamic and very international.

It is THE workout method at the moment. As you may know, Crossfit is a muscle training program that mixes different activities such as gymnastics, weightlifting, athletics, fitness, and various cardio exercises. The fully equipped room measures over 280 m² (3013 ft²).

This space holds two rings and punching bags in a bright atmosphere.

English, French, and Thai boxing is practiced. Self-defense courses as well as introductory sessions to martial arts are also offered. 

It is probably the domain in which technology has most spectacularly developed. 30 fitness bikes and a persuasive coach await you in a bright and worked atmosphere where you can live an amazing collective experience. Landscapes are projected on a giant screen. You'll be able to "go through" passes, down winding roads, sprint, while individual and collective performances are displayed in real time. It's as stimulating as it is fun.

Taking care of the body and returning to our roots seems to be continuously popular. The room has focused here on a traditionally feminine activity, but things are changing in particular as extraordinary virtues of Yoga, both for the body and for the head, are becoming more widely known!  Is it not ultimately an essential aspiration to feel good in every way?

A well-lit 170m² (1829 ft²) room is offered to help you live the awakening of your senses and the search for spirituality. Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and more, not to mention Pilates, are offered.

Nor more "forgetting" your sneakers or shorts to avoid working out: 300 clothing items and 150 pairs of shoes are sold over 250m² (2690 ft²) in a universe extending from the other rooms.

This is not really a bar where you would come to order a nice little white at the counter. You are invited to meet after or before training to talk and meet other people in a friendly atmosphere Here, everything is clean, organic, and connected. Various events combining sport, fashion, art, and culture are also organized here.

What to think when leaving the gym? You can learn to dose out your efforts and work on your progress. It's rejuvenating, friendly, and stimulating.

It's up to you to try. Have a good workout!

RATES AND PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

Rates:

• Single class: 35 €


• 10 classes: 290€


• Individual coaching: 80€


• 10 coaching sessions: 700€

Hours:

• 7 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Friday


• 9 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays


• 9 AM to 1 PM on Sundays

LA SALLE DE SPORT PARIS

12 Boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris

Tel: 01 42 65 00 78

http://lasalledesport.paris/

It is an outing you will not forget. There is the ritual of climbing the steps of the marble staircases, the grand hall, the thick carpet, the hubbub of the audience, the orchestra tuning up, the waiting anticipation while admiring Chagall's ceiling, and finally enjoying the show itself.

Would you like to experience, or re-live, all this at Garnier?

We have selected 3 shows from the Opera Garnier's program, which is divided between operas, ballets, and concerts, which we hope will give you a great experience. 

Opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Duration: 2:45 - 1 Intermission

Mozart wrote this opera seria (serious opera as opposed to the opera buffa, that is, comic) shortly before his death and could not refuse this request for the coronation of Emperor Leopold II as King of Bohemia and, all the while, he was composing the Magic Flute. This opera has long been unappreciated yet it contains some of Mozart's most beautiful pieces.

Titus, the Emperor of Rome, loves Berenice. He learns that the ambitious Vitellia is carrying out a plot to marry her. The latter manipulates Sextus, who is enamored of Vitellia and a very close friend to Titus. After going through various stages of judgment, the emperor finally shows his benevolence and forgives the conspirators.

Ticket prices: from € 45 to 290, depending on the category and date of reservation.

Opera in 3 acts by Georg Friedrich Handel - Length: 3:05 - 1 Intermission

Fans of Handel's classic and solemn style will be satisfied with this last piece in this genre composed by the master in 1751; it is often considered by music lovers as Handel's testamentary work.

To deliver his people from the yoke of the Ammonites, Jephta prays to God to give him victory and he swears that, if victorious, he will sacrifice the first person he meets. The victory realized, Jephta, to his great sorrow, sees his daughter coming towards him. With words of lamentation and resignation, death is prevented by the providential intervention of an angel who saves Jephta's daughter from the sacrifice.

The work features an aesthetic and creative staging directed by Claus Guth who has done previous adaptations of Handel.

Dance opera in four scenes by Christoph Willibald Gluck - Duration: 2:20 - 1 intermission

It has been 12 years since Pina Bausch's dance opera was in the Paris Opera's ballet repertory. It is one of Pina Baush's first works, created in 1975, and you can find the purity, finesse, and modernity of the artist's movements in the choreography.

Hades, god of the Underworld, authorizes Orpheus to bring Eurydice, his beloved, with him on the condition that he does not look at her once throughout the journey. Eurydice is astonished by Orpheus' indifference to her. She begs him and her insistence gets the better of Orpheus' determination and he yields and turns to her, condemning the lovers to eternal separation.

Ticket prices: from € 45 to 209

Read our article "Visiting to the Opera Garnier: unforgettable!"

Opéra GARNIER

Place de l'Opera

75009 Paris

https://www.operadeparis.fr/

In 2015, renowned perfume house Fragonard opened a new museum on the site of the former Éden-Théâtre, just 600 metres from the Hotel des Etats-Unis Opéra. The museum, which spans 2,000 square metres, houses some 3,000 exhibits. You can also check out the sales showroom, which offers a wide range of products at attractive prices.

Fragonard does not rely on costly marketing campaigns like its competitors; instead, it follows a generous and passionate approach in terms of both the contents of the bottle and the path that leads to its creation.

The venue in which Fragonard reveals some of its secrets is an industrial space that brings to mind a perfume factory of the early twentieth century. The architectural heritage of this Eiffel building is treated with the respect it deserves: decorative mouldings, Neoclassical columns, metal girders, brick walls and a beautiful glass roof.

The story that is told here begins in Egypt, where evidence of several ancient perfume factories has been found in Alexandria. Perfume was once used for worship in the same way that incense is still used in Christian ceremonies.

5,000 years of perfume-making history are covered: you can see Egyptian kohl pots, Greek aryballoi, lekythoi, pomanders, perfume burners, precious bottles in strange shapes, elegant travel cases and more. These spectacular exhibitions, punctuated by informative videos, are designed to both delight and educate visitors.

There's no escaping the enormous copper stills, and we are reminded of the distillation techniques that allow us to produce essential oils. We learn that distillation is not the only technique used to extract perfume: for example, we discover that animal products have also been employed in the production of perfume in the past (amber, musk, castoreum, etc.), although these have been replaced by synthetic products nowadays.

Every Saturday, Fragonard invites visitors to take part in a fun, creative and educational activity where the goal is to create your own scent. The workshop lasts an hour and a half and is led by a professional (in either French or English).

Booking: https://www.fragonard.com/fr/atelier (french only)

The museum's showroom shouldn't be written off as a tourist trap; its prices are genuinely eye-catching. Fragonard does not employ the marketing strategies typical of most cosmetics companies: colossal advertising budgets, luxury stores, overpriced bottles and packaging and, to top it all off, almost nothing in the bottle despite the significant cost of the product.

Since Fragonard does not engage in these extravagant marketing campaigns, it can afford to lower the price of its products and invest in museums.

Perfumes, body care products, soaps, scents and gifts are among the items on offer.

In 1926, Eugène Fuchs bought a small and traditional perfumery in the pretty town of Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Eugène Fuchs named his perfumery after the renowned painter Fragonard, who was the son of a local glove-maker and perfumer.

Today, the perfume house has 3 factories, 6 museums and 20 shops, and is still owned by the family. Let's hope it lasts.

FRAGONARD – MUSEE DU PARFUM

3-5 Square de l’Opéra-Louis-Jouvet, 75009 Paris

Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Museum

website: http://musee-parfum-paris.fragonard.com/

Fragonard website: www.fragonard.com

Located 4 minutes away from the Etats-Unis Opera Hotel, this Michelin-star restaurant is a product of the Rostand family, who have been restorers for six generations. Michelin star chef Michel Rostang and his daughters Caroline and Sophie have opened several gourmet bistros: Flaubert, Dessirier, both in the 17th district, Café des Abattoirs , Odette in the 1^st district, and Absinthe, located at place du Marché Saint-Honoré.

The restaurant, held by Caroline Rostang, a graduate of the hotel management school in Lausanne, proposes "a simple, young, and friendly cuisine", as she says, but we could also add creative and talented.

The décor is a warm, bistro-style with touches of industrial style. 

The chef Damien Laporte offers a menu with starters at 13€, dishes at 24€, and desserts and cheeses at 11€. You can then choose from combinations such as dish/dessert for 32€, starter/dish for 35€, and starter/dish/dessert for 45€.

For example, thefamous " hot duck ", a club sandwich made of grilled brioché bread, a slice of freshly stir-fried foie gras, rocket, and parmesan shavings, candied tomatoes, thin slices of smoked duck breast, all brought together with barbecue sauce. 

One of the special features of this place is that you can order absinthe. This alcohol, initially called "green fairy" or "blue fairy", saw its consumption explode in the latter part of the 19th century at the same time as its price dropped, wreaking havoc among the population. It was summed up as absinthe, and under the pressure of anti-alcoholic leagues, doctors, the Catholic church, and the press, the distribution and production of absinthe were totally banned from 1915 to 2011.

This restaurant has one of the largest offers of absinthe,  with about fifty varieties offered at the end of the meal and also in "green time". You can accompany the tasting of "crocks": rillettes of sardines, fresh bush with black olives, marinated vegetables...

You can also visit the restaurant's website, which offers some interesting recipes such as crabcake, grandma's waffles, or fresh, quick, and easy-to-reproduce beet and cheese gaspacho.

You are serviced with great attention and quality.

ASYNTHE

24, Place du Marché Saint-Honoré - Paris 1st district

From 12 pm to 2:15 pm and from 7 pm to 10:15 pm (10:45 pm Friday and Saturday) from Monday to Saturday noon.

Website: www.restaurantabsinthe.com

Tel. 01 49 26 90 04

Passing through the beautiful Place Vendome (read our article), you will quickly find the jardin des Tuileries, which is only 750 meters from the United States Opera hotel. The Jardin des Tuileries is the oldest and largest park in Paris after the Parc de la Villette. Many activities are proposed: nature, exhibitions, activities for children, cafes and restaurants, and even a fun fair in the summer.

The wide alleys lined with lime trees and elm trees create an ideal route for walkers and joggers. It is also a place that we recommend if you like to read or simply rest, in harmony with a particularly pleasant nature in the summer.

Following on from the Louvre Museum, the Garden hosts two museums: the Jeu de Paume Museum and the Orangerie Museum

The Jardin des Tuileries also offers a good variety of activities for children:

• Guignol Theater


• Mini sailboat racing in the two large bassins


• Pony rides

Every year, in July and August, there is a traditional fun fair composed of some sixty attractions, installed without sound system for the comfort of all.

The Jeu de Paume museum's exhibitions focus on photography and image and offer stylish, aerated, and didactic scenes. Until September 24, 2017, the Jeu de Paume Museum is presenting Ed van der Elsken, one of the most important Dutch photographers of the 20th century.

See the presentation of the exhibition:

For its part, the Orangerie Museum focuses on impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Among the masterpieces of his permanent exhibition, you can see Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" in 360°. It is beautiful!

Until August 21, the museum is presenting a private collection belonging to the Bridgestone Museum. Its founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, was passionate about Impressionist painting and modern Western and Japanese art: from Monet, Renoir, Caillebotte, and Cézanne, to Matisse, Picasso, Pollock, Shiraga, and others.

An overview of the exhibition:

At the beginning, the Tuileries garden was part of the monumental Palais des Tuileries, which has today disappeared. This palace was a royal and imperial residence from the reign of Henri

IV up to that of Napoleon III. The insurrections of Paris Commune cause the destruction of the Palais des Tuileries on May 23, 1871. After three continuous days of fire, only the ruins remained, which were razed in 1883.

It was Catherine de Medicis who ordered the construction of the Palais des Tuileries from 1564 onwards as well as the construction of an Italian garden. The garden was then completely redesigned by André Le Nôtre in 1664 under the order of Louis XIV and his architect Jean-Baptiste Colbert.

PRATICAL INFORMATION:

Opening hours:

• From 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., from the last Sunday in September to the last Sunday in March


• From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in September

Websites:

• Jeu de Paume Museum: http://www.jeudepaume.org/


• Orangerie Museum: http://www.musee-orangerie.fr/ 

It is not easy to go your own way when you’re the daughter of one of the most prestigious chiefs (Guy Savoy). And yet, Caroline Savoy proves that it is possible with her restaurant (V)ivre.

To begin with, what does this signature seem to say? Isn't it time to get back to the  basics and taste the pleasures of life, share a good meal and good wines with friends or family?

"We created this restaurant as we like to be received as guests" is inscribed on the facade of the restaurant. Beautiful promise that seems sincere, judging by the pretty smiles of this team.

Bruno Blain (sitting), a friend of Caroline Savoy is from the beautiful region of Sancerre where it is impossible not to love the wines, accompanied by a delicious chavignol. He is passionate about cooking and, of course, wines. The head, Rémi Gonzalez (standing on the left) worked, among others, at Apicius and l’Hostellerie de Plaisance. 

Deep blue, solid wood, leather armchairs and upholstered chairs, elegant tableware, fabric towels and lighting design, hifi vintage, here is a decor that sends out privacy! You will feel at home.

What Caroline and Bruno are looking for is selecting, transforming and serving quality products, valuing artisan producers, from the French countryside, at the service of gourmet kitchen, generous and accessible.

Caroline selects her suppliers with great demand and it is in a concern of transparency that ishe wants to announce the list. At (V)ivre fresh products are delivered daily. Cheeses come directly from at least 5 different farms. The market gardener Thierry Riant, in Yvelines, delivers (V)ivre fruits and vegetables of quality that he produces in small quantities for a few big restaurants. For the Bio, it's Annie Bertin in Islands and vilaine, partner of the chef Marc Veyrat, who was selected.

For lunch, the "Plat du marché" is at 19 €. The starter / dish or the main course / dessert is € 24. Finally, the starter, main course and dessert are at 28 €.

A short menu, updated every month, consists of 3 starters (12 €), 3 courses (22 €), 1 cheese platter and 3 desserts (8 €).

We are in bistronomie (gourmet bistro). There is also a menu in 6 services - offered at 59 € with a wine and food option at 89 €.

Turnip raw, turnip mousse with burnt bread, long turnip condiment and yuzu.

Cold soup and cucumber pickles, fresh goat cream with mint, crunchy seeds and smoked herring. To accompany, for example, a Sancerre.

Strawberry jelly with Brunoise mousse, milk shake and strawberry sorbet.

On leaving (V)ivre, the promise seemed to be well-kept, because I had a good time and I was not the only one. You have to test it. I loved it.

(V)IVRE

3 Rue de la Michodière, 75002 Paris

From Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 23:30

Tel: 01 58 22 89 90

http://www.restaurant-vivre.com/

You will notice a very long storefront when arriving at 1 rue de Villedo near Saint Anne Street where there are about fifty Japanese restaurants. Only about a ten-minute wait and we will come and get you. Immediately when you enter, you walk past a large open kitchen where five Japanese kitchen workers are busy.

The decor is attractive and sober and we kept the architecture with its moldings, its brick walls, its old cement floor tiles and vintage furniture. The room is quite long and not wide.

The service is fast and very attentive and is taken care of by a brigade of Japanese servers who do not speak French or English whatsoever, but we make ourselves well-understood and everyone is pleasant.

I first ordered a Tamagoyaki, which is a very good, slightly sweet omelet, and a Chirashi-Zushi. It is rice accompanied by a cooked salmon filet, salmon roe, and vegetables. All this with green tea. Excellent. I then ordered a basket of shrimp fritters (Tempura Moriavassé). Two large fresh shrimps and a few vegetables in dumplings. The dumplings were light and crisp.

But we must also mention the Udons which are the house specialty. There are some fifteen items on the menu served in hot soup with prices ranging from 10 to 18€.

I could taste the Tsukimi Udon, with a raw egg. The broth is very fragrant and the Udons are firm. It was very successful for a low price.

In summary, the Kunitoraya is a very good Japanese restaurant with fast and efficient service. The prices are very appropriate for the quality and it is a venue that is perfect for a lunch or dinner before a show. The restaurant does not take reservations.

The restaurant is located a 7-minute walk from the United States Hotel Opera, in the Pyramid district, very close to the Opera.

Kunitoraya

1 Rue Villedo, 75001 Paris

Website: http://kunitoraya.com/villedo/villedo1

18 months of closing were necessary to undertake work involving ventilation, renovation of the costume shop, and especially the restoration of the hall, the Bizet, and Favart rooms. Everything has been refurbished: Paintings, gilding, marbles, mosaics, woodwork, and stucco but also parquet floors and changing armchairs. A considerable project that cost 18 million euros. The reopening of the Opera-Comique is therefore an expected event.

See images of the site:

• 
  

  From April 26 to May 7: Alicone of Marin Marais. Place prices from 5 to 135 €

  
  


• 
  

  From April 24 to October 5: Le Voyage de Michel autour de la Terre - Chronicle of Act II of Light Thursday, by Karlheinz Stockhausen. Place prices at 5, 10 and 15 €

  
  


• 
  

  From June 9 to 19: The Timbre d’argent by Camille Saint-Saëns. Place prices from 6 to 135 €

  
  


• 
  

  September 25 to October 5: Miranda by Henry Purcell. Place prices from 5 to 135 €

  
  


• 
  

  From October 18 to 22: Kein Licht by Philippe Manoury. Place prices from 5 to 135 €

  
  

The Opera-Comique was founded under Louis XIV. His repertoire revolved around pantomimes and parodies of operas to circumvent the prohibitions resulting from multiple lawsuits brought by the Comédie-Française.

The Salle Favart was inaugurated in 1783 in the presence of Queen Marie Antoinette. It suffered two fires, including the 1987 fires that cost 84 lives. The room was rebuilt for the second time in 1840. It was the first French theater with completely electric equipment.

The characteristic of the Opera-Comique is that "the sung songs integrate into spoken theater", while the opera is entirely sung.

Jérôme Deschamps, former director of the Opera-Comique takes you on a visit:

OPÉRA COMIQUE

Place Boieldieu

http://www.opera-comique.com/

The oldest, still active, music hall in Paris is a 5-minute walk from the United States Opera hotel. A true living legend, Olympia has an impressive list of artistic guests that no other French room can boast to match:

Gilbert Bécaud, who beats the record and was present 33 times, Johnny Hallyday, Sylvie Vartan, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Barbara, Edith Piaf, Coluche, Jacques Tati, Jane Birkin, Marcel Marceau, Mistinguette, Marlene Diectrich, Joséphine Baker, Oum Kalsoum, Lizza Minelli, les Jackson five, Yes, les Beatles, les Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, John Baez, Elton John, to name a few.

Olympia has 320 shows a year, the largest program of French halls, both in volume and notoriety.

  - Tokyo Hotel, March 21, 2017
  - Sting, April 12 and 13, 2017
  - Path Metheny, May 23, 2017
  - The Beach Boys, June 1, 2017
  - Brian Ferry, June 23, 2017
  - Blondie, June 28, 2017
  - Sylvie Vartan, September 15 and 16, 2017
  - Véronique Sanson December 16 to 23, 2017

  La conciergerie de l’hôtel Etats-Unis opéra est à votre service pour réserver.

Joseph Oller, father of the Moulin Rouge, builds rollercoasters in 1928 on a vacant lot... 28 boulevard des Capucines, but the police headquarters, fearing fires, demands the closure of the attraction. Oller proceeded with its demolition and built a theater with 2,000 seats. Olympia was born.

A new episode came about with the 1929 crisis that pushed Olympia into bankruptcy. Olympia was bought by Jacques-Haïck who turned the theater into a music hall. A few years later, in 1954, Jacques-Haïck completely rebuilt Olympia and asked Bruno Coquatrix to take over.

In 1961, new difficulties. Olympia was on the brink of death. Bruno Coquatrix asked Édith Piaf for help, who stayed for three months, even abandoning some offers. She was followed by Jacques Tati who presented Jour de fête colorized in part for the occasion. The comedian opened up and performed "live" at the entrance to Olympia and on stage. Olympia was saved.

Rare archive showing Jacques Tati at the Olympia in 1961:

In 1997, for real estate, financial, and technical reasons, Olympia was completely destroyed and rebuilt almost identically in 7 months 30 meters from its old location. Arnaud Delbarre, former director of the Olympia, entrusted us with some secrets and anecdotes about the legendary venue: 

Arnaud Delbarre explains in this video under which context Bruno Coquatrix changed the Music Hall's logo in 1954. Olympia's "O" is a reference to a symbol of Paris and represents the shape of the capital's ring road. After some titanic work, the hall was considerably distant from its old location, and housed underground. The number of places remained the same but the seats were removable, allowing the reception of an additional 1,000 people, or 3,000 spectators.

We saw the public Bar but we discovered a 2 ^nd: the Marylyn bar, located in the boxes, which were rebuilt identically. The feat had moved Mick Jagger when he saw it for the 2nd time. You can also see the pool room where there never was a pool table. Bruno Coquatrix, Eddie Barclay, and Lucien Morisse organized their auditions there. Under the inquiring eyes and ears of the jury, 15-50 often unknown artists were paraded and had 30 seconds to show their career.

Yves Montand « A paris »  – Olympia 1981 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0do-UYWZKoY

Gilbert Bécaud et Bruno Coquatrix en 1968 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUxCMQ9uUkY

L’adieu à la scène de Jacques Brel - Olympia 1966 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnpnIRWEHjQ

Josephine backer "April in Paris" – Olympia 1964 : http://www.ina.fr/video/I15092397/josephine-baker-april-in-paris-video.html

Bruno Coquatrix raconte son incroyable histoire sur Oum Kalsoum :http://www.ina.fr/video/I15021912/bruno-coquatrix-sur-oum-kalsoum-video.html

A great show!

OLYMPIA

28 Boulevard des Capucines - 75009 Paris

Program and ticketing online: http://www.olympiahall.com/

Paris is full of classic brasseries, typical from the roaring twenties, but it is not always easy to find one with a Belle Époque decor, with friendly service, and a menu of well-prepared traditional dishes with good products.

This beautiful brewery located at a 10 minutes walk from the hotel USA Opera deserves a visit.

In reality, as proudly announced on the awning, the case was set in 1854, before the birth of the Belle Époque period (1880-1914). This is also the creation of Le Petit Riche, one of the 10 oldest restaurants in Paris. The facade and interior woodwork are from a time and experience that you can live in this place, and resembles what the well-off employees from early last century might have before or after leaving the theater. 

Art Nouveau furniture, antique tiles, tables, traditional Kentia palm trees ... all the ingredients of the classic Parisian brasserie. 

The table is nicely topped, bistro glasses, silver cutlery, upholstered bistro seats. It looks nice!

The menu is full of choices. Entrees are between 8.50€ and 19€ including a delicious salad of green lentils and lard chips.

In the fish (19€ - 36€) you will find, for example, a delicious pike quenelle crustacean sauce or filet of Dieppe sole and julienne vegetables.

As for the meat, there are traditional dishes such as Charolais beef tartare, French fries and mixed salad, the 5A sausage with Vouvray, served with mashed potatoes and mustard sauce (22€), or an excellent Corrèze veal chop, mashed potatoes and veal sauce (34€).

If, like me, you are a lover of rum babas, there is rum baba whipped cream (9€) and other delicacies between 7.50€ and 9.50€.

It should be noted that Le Petit Riche has probably one of the best cellars in Paris, specializing in Loire wines. The restaurant is indeed the owner of a troglodyctic winery near Vouvray, containing more than 5000 wines aging in optimal conditions.

Finally, we leave this beautiful place with the feeling of having tasted delicious and generous traditional French cuisine, served with professionalism and appropriately priced.

It is true that fusion cuisine is fashionable, but this 1 Michelin star restaurant does not follow a trend. Kei Kobayashi, chef of theKeirestaurant, is a lover of French cuisine, which he revisits day after day with his Japanese culture.

 "I want my customers to try my amazing cuisine and live a unique experience, and most importantly, find it very good! " He says. It seems that the goal has been reached: Ranked 11^th by TripAdvisor, which contains over 13,000 Parisian restaurants, Kei had continued to rise since its opening in 2011.

If a gastronomic journey is able to carry you as high as the most beautiful symphony, and if the gustatory, olfactory and visual discoveries forge and intoxicate you with unforgettable memories, then you will not regret your experience at Kei.             

It is a television show with the chef Alain Chapel that will be the revelation of Kei Kobayashi (Alain Chapel, three Michelin stars, best worker in France, trained Alain Ducasse). At 21, the restaurateur's son packed his bags for France and worked alongside Jean-François Trap and Christophe Moret (Alain Ducasse Restaurant at the Plaza Athénée).

He bought, with his wife, his restaurant in 2011 and quickly obtained his first star.

Even higher, farther and farther, that is what he learned from Alain Ducasse. With his chef, he challenges himself every day, he seeks fragrances, textures, colors to surprise its guests.

It's true that it seems a bit in the clouds. It's white, it's bright, clean but quiet and intimate. The table setup is simple but refined.

This decor, both classic and contemporary, expresses the cherished Japanese tradition and modernity. It is neither arrogant nor ostentatious, as if this kitchen Paganini wanted us to focus on what is on the plate. 

At lunch, three menus are available with 5 to 8 courses:

• Lunch menu at 56 €


• Tasting Menu at 120


• Prestige Menu at 155 €

 For dinner, 3 menus with 6 to 8 dishes:

• Discovery Menu at 99 €


• Tasting Menu at 145 €


• Prestige Menu at 195 €

It is a food festival that keep coming in a never-ending symphony. We float, we fly!

The plate setup is a real graphic lesson, the harmony and softness of the colors create a moment of poetry. Assemblies that are dazzling to the eye and palate. It's subtle, delicate, and well-balanced in flavors and textures.

See the preparation of the stuffed artichoke tempura: 

Kei Restaraunt

5 rue Coq Heron - 75001 Paris

Tel:  +33 (0)1 42 33 14 74

Open Tuesday to Friday, except Thursday at noon

http://www.restaurant-kei.fr/welcome.html

Pralines, glazed chestnuts, cherries ... many specialties that are as beautiful to admire as delicious to taste. We have tested them for you.

The classical packaging is elegant but you can also opt for a vintage illustration, originally commissioned by the Maison from artists of the period, starting from 1890.

We have tested 5 chocolates: 

Powerful and lingering in the mouth. The crunch is delicious!

Amandine: Almond praline - beautiful chocolate power with a great impact on the palate. The marzipan is not too sweet and the aromas are natural, which is not common: aromas vitaminised with almond essences that give them an artificial flavour are too often found.

Coque-noix: Almond praline, dark chocolate shell topped with a walnut kernel - an original arrangement combining the finesse of the worked product and the raw material of the nut.

We are not particularly fans of ganache, but we really enjoyed it.

Marzipan-pistachio: Pretty chocolate coating, subtle marzipan - perhaps deserves more filling but that may depend on taste.

The Maison also offers a range of "Origine" chocolate bars.

For his part, Louis Foucher was behind the Maison's development: he opened 5 new shops between 1830 and 1930 and organised delivery of its products.

A year ago, we began a major renovation program for the hotel, which has just been completed. Now we are pleased to show you a preview of the renovation in photos.

Renovations were done on:

• The guestrooms


• The lounge area of ​​the lobby


• The meeting rooms

We took the liberty to remove the carpet and update with wood flooring, both for better cleanliness, give a more contemporary decorative look, and create a brighter space.

We changed all the bedding and we opted for brand name products. These include bed bases and two-meter long quilted mattresses that are both supportive and comfortable.

Finally, the entire textile decor was transformed: window coverings and curtains, bed covers, cushions, throws, and seat upholstery. We created three color schemes. 

To ensure the best quality, we chose Italian fabrics and had them made in France.

Tous les documents de communication ont été entièrement remaniés et nous avons ajouté un plateau de courtoisie pour offrir des boissons chaudes à nos résidents. 

Finally, as we know it's very important to you, the WiFi speed was increased as we transitioned into high speed internet.

In the lounge, we selected a French furniture brand to provide furnishings with comfort, elegance and robustness. The blinds were also replaced. 

Finally, all the furniture, electronic equipment and wall decoration in our meeting room have been redesigned. We also reworked our buffet selection and lunch plates that can be served at the hotel bar, if our groups wish so. 

We are pleased to bring you extra comfort, leisure and services without affecting our existing rates.

If you’re looking for a restaurant, head over to the Passage des Panoramas, where you’ll find them in abundance. It’s ten minutes’ walk from the Etats-Unis Opéra Hotel, and the stroll is worth the detour if you fancy sampling the atmosphere of 19^th century Paris (read our article).

At number 57 you’ll find Canard & Champagne, which has taken over the site of the old chocolaterie Francois Marquis, founded in 1818.

Jean-François Monfort, co-founder of the establishment, knows his craft (formerly maître d' at the Terroir Parisien, founded by Yannick Alléno, 3-star Michelin chef – read our article) and has made excellent use of the space.

All the historical features such as wood paneling and decorated ceilings have been conserved and are showcased spectacularly, combining tradition and modernity. 

It’s done with a personal touch, and makes a change from the kind of thoughtless designs we see appearing here and there these days. Lovers of interior design will appreciate it.

The restaurant has a large terrace which is heated in winter, a room on the first floor and a second in the basement which will open shortly. On the first floor, if your eyes drift to the far end of the room, you might find yourself chuckling as you think of Septime hectoring his team in “Le Grand restaurant”.

The menu is limited, but the culinary concept is well thought-out. The idea is simple: offer good pairings based on products which are authentic and quintessentially French, but which are also some of the most appreciated in France and overseas.

Quality produce has been selected from small producers. On the champagne side, we find products from Chartogne Taillet, Laherte, Jean Michel Sélèque, and Frèrejean Frères, all associated with prestigious names like Ruinart, Don Pérignon, Bollinger and Roederer…

The duck is organic and has the Red Label for quality. It comes from small breeders in the Vendée, Alsace and the South-West, where the birds are raised and fed outdoors. The meat is delicious and pleasantly fatty without being too heavy.

The restaurant is committed to offering fine dining at an affordable price. Grand cru champagnes are on offer from €8-9 for a glass. For lunch, the menu offers Fast Duck, including a sucrine lettuce heart and a dish of the day for €17.50. The same set menu with the dessert of the day comes to €20.50.

A set menu including a starter and a main course is also available for €25.00. Desserts are between €8 and €9.50.

You can start with a well-balanced foie gras mi-cuit, sprinkled with poppy seeds and accompanied by chutney and toasted rustic bread. You could also opt for a sucrine lettuce heart, seasoned with Greek yogurt, piquillo peppers and finely ground chives. A creative marriage of flavors which works brilliantly.

The duck breast fillet, served pink with a crispy surface, is thin and firm. It comes with a red kuri squash purée, thick-cut house fries or seasonal vegetables.

For big eaters, the chocolate profiteroles topped with almonds won’t do your wallet any harm at €8.

On termine son repas avec la perception qu’un vrai travail de recherche de qualité a été fait, autant dans le décor que dans la sélection et la préparation des produits, pour un prix tout à fait correct.

Canard et Champagne

57, passage des Panoramas - 75002 Paris

Tel : 09 81 83 95 69

Site web : http://frenchparadox.paris/fr/

Here is an original restaurant 7 minutes walk from the Etats-Unis Opera hotel. Uma is a successful blend of three quite distant cultures, Japanese and Peruvian, interpreted by a French. Japanese immigration to Peru began in the late nineteenth century. Back then, Japan faced demographic crisis while Peru needed workers. Nikkei is the successfully blended gourmet kitchen.

The name Uma is a diminutive form of Japanese Umami, (う ま 味^?), or 'savory taste', which is one of five basic tastes together with sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltines. "Its effect is to balance taste and round out the overall flavor of a dish." (Wikipedia). So, the stage is set: it is a quest for multiple and varied tastes we can find only in Uma.

This refined setting actually expresses the Japanese art of living, partly influenced by Zen Buddhism, and enhanced by the variety of dense and deep colors of Peru. That is the reason why we prefer the upstairs room.

Ce que nous apporte la cuisine asiatique c’est d’abord une façon de partager un repas. On ne commande pas son assiette mais plusieurs qui seront placées au centre de la table et partagées. C’est dans cet esprit que la carte est conçue surtout pour les entrées qui sont des petits plats comme ceux que l’on trouve dans les izakayas (lire notre article sur la Maison du Saké).

Aux commandes des cuisines nous avons Lucas Felzine Il est sorti major de la prestigieuse école Ferrandi et a fait ses armes chez William Ledeuil et Alain Passard. Lucas Felzine s’appuie sur ce qu’il a appris et ce qu’exige la gastronomie nippone : le respect d’un produit de qualité. 

The menu offers several starters to share, such as Ceviche of shrimps (€15.00), Fish tacos, Guacamole and tea coating (€13.00), Tuna Tiradito or Jiaozi (Duck & Foie Gras - €10.00)

The dishes can be ordered separately but we recommend that you proceed in the same way as mentioned, that is, ordering as many dishes as visitors and placing them at the center of the table.

You can taste, for example, marinated Cobia with Aji Amarillo (€25.00) or Crab tempura (€17.00). The plates are as beautiful to the eye as to taste buds.

UMA

7 Rue du 29 Juillet, 75001 Paris

Phone: 01 40 15 08 15

http://uma-restaurant.fr/

Open Tuesday to Friday

Lunch: 12:15 to 2:30 pm

Dinner: 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Cocktail bar: 6:00 pm to 1:30 am

Place de la Madeleine is just a 10-minute walk from the Hotel Etats-Unis Opera. If you like music, you should think about scheduling a visit. What's special about L'église de la Madeleine is, indeed, the quality and diversity of its music programming.

The church also has two organs, built by the famous organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1845. The great pipe organ boasts 58 stops spread over 4 manuals. The instrument is not one of the largest in the capital, but its quality, especially that of its pipes, and its strength are still very impressive. A choir organ is also used for services and some concerts.

Every Sunday at 4 p.m., the parish offers free entry to its organ recitals.

Improvisation by François-Henri Houbart, organist at L’église de la Madeleine

The Samarkand ensemble 

The church plays hosts to many orchestras, with concerts held nearly every other day. Many concerts are free. Paid concerts vary in price, costing between €20 and €40. A complete list is provided on the church's website. Despite its slightly dry presentation, and the fact that it only exists in French, the content is comprehensive and deserves to be available.

A large majority of the scheduled concerts are centered on classical music.

Youtube has a number of audio recordings made at the Madeleine, but most of them are not of professional quality, which acts as a poor substitute, due to insufficient recording equipment and a large amount of reverberation produced by the space.

To avoid a long search that might discourage you, we have provided the recordings that we felt best represented every musical style, and we hope that this selection meets your expectations.

Concert to support Japanese victims of the earthquake - (2011) - Directed by Shuntaro Sato

Guo Gan and Didier Lockwood

Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra

We remind you that the hotel concierge service will be happy to reserve any seats you would like.

After your visit, you can observe the alignment of l'Assemblée Nationale (also neoclassical) with the Place de la Concorde obelisk and the Madeleine Church.

See the musical programs at La Madeleine: http://www.eglise-lamadeleine.com/la-musique

Learn more about La Madeleine:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Madeleine,_Paris

This fabulous place is located just behind the Etats-Unis Opera Hotel, facing Fontaine Gaillon, ad is owned by Gérard Depardieu (read our article).

Founded by Alsatian Charles Drouant in 1880, Drouant was originally a tobacco bar. Very soon, the place became popular. Frequenters came here to taste the oysters that Charles Drouant used to bring from his brother-in-law, an oyster farmer in Brittany.

In 1946, Jean Drouant, heir to his uncle Charles, took over the management of the house and founded the Hotel School of Paris by Jean Drouant.

In 2006, Antoine Westermann both the 3-stars Alsatian chef and a relative of the Drouant family, becomes the new chief and owner of the place and renames the place to "Drouant by Antoine Westermann"

Meanwhile, this elegant and refined restaurant has also been a home to Goncourt, the old and prestigious literary award. Since its creation in 1904, the award has become known and recognized around the world, and is presented every year in November. Founded in 1903 by Edmond de Goncourt, the Goncourt Academy gathers together to discuss literary news every first Tuesday of the month in the Goncourt lounge, on the first floor of the restaurant. During the meeting in September, the jury announces a selection of books and decides on the winner of the annual Goncourt Award at a luncheon during which they cast their vote. 

At Drouant, the Baladin menu features an appetizer, main course and a dessert for 45 euros. You may simply try their daily special for 20 euros. Who says the starred restaurants are unaffordable?

Finally, we propose this digestible pineapple recipe signed by Antoine Westermann. Preparation time: 10 minutes:

• Cut pineapples into cubes and put them onto a rosemary sprig


• Put caster sugar in a fairly large saucepan without water. Heat and brown them. Stir regularly and especially avoid overdoing


• Then deglaze with 2 or 3 pieces of butter


• When the butter is melted, mix pineapple and cook it. Do not cook it longer than 2 minutes


• When the pineapple is caramelized, deglaze it again with a mixture of orange juice and lemon juice


• After that, add the leaves that you previously removed from your rosemary sprig


• Brew for 1 minute


• Grate a lime on a plate


• Serve and enjoy!

Drouant by Antoine Westermann

16-18, Place Gaillon - 75002 Paris

Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 0:00.

Tel:  +33 1 42 65 15 16

Website: http://www.drouant.com/

La Maison du Sake, established only two months ago in the neighborhood Montorgueil, is run by Youlin Ly, who received the title of "Sake Samurai" by the Japan Sake Brewers Association. As its name suggests, La Maison du Sake (French for "The House of Sake") is dedicated to Sake, in true Japanese spirit.

Saki has nothing to do with the Chinese Baiju, that strong alcohol obtained by distillation and served to you in a "cheeky" glass accompanied with nougat.

As we wrote in our article on Workshop Issé (another place in Paris to enjoy Sake), sake is a wine made by fermenting rice and is just 14 to 18 percent proof. Originally, sake has been served in a small container called a "choko" or "guinomi" made of wood, glass or metal. Today, western wine glasses are used more commonly because it allows the flavors to better reach their fullness. Quality sake is usually drunk cold but can also be served warm or hot depending on the dish it's accompanying.

The place is large (550 m²) and beautiful, prices are reasonable, and of course it's very Japanese!

The entrance is through the bar and its "sakeiary." To the right of the bar is a store and in the back of the establishment, an "izakaya". The izakaya is a bistro where you come taste liquor accompanied by small servings of food, somewhat in the spirit of tapas.

The design of the restaurant is airy, fresh and warm.

In the manner of a traditional izakaya, there are 3 small private rooms: Take care to place your shoes in a locker and step onto the tatami before sitting around the horigotatsu (a Japanese coffee table placed over a small pit where you put your legs). Close the clausta, if you want more privacy.

Fine sakes are offered. If Chinese Baiju is a rather rustic drink, sake is a precious wine with a higher price. It runs here between 30 and 50 euros a bottle. Carafes are available for between 15 and 25 euros for a large one and between 8 and 15 euros for a small one. You can also start with the reasonable prize of €3 a glass to test it out before you start.

Food is available for between €4 and €14 a serving. The flavors are subtle, and containers and presentation are in accordance with the Japanese culinary tradition: a lesson in stylishness. If you want dinner, count on about 4 or 5 servings.

For lunch, only "Donburis" are served. Donburis are originally a rice bowl embellished with various kinds of fillings.

Donburis at La Maison du Sake are served in little boxes stuffed with meat, fish or vegetables. There are three menus:

• Choice of donburi: €11


• A donburi, with a drink or dessert: €13


• A donburi, a drink, and a dessert: €15

If you want to keep in the Asian tradition, forget the traditional "entrée-main dish-dessert" and opt for collective order of multiple dishes that will be placed at the center of the table and shared, as is done in the izakaya. In Southeast Asia is where more than anywhere else a companion stays true to the word's etymology: the one you share bread with.

La Maison du Sake chooses a Japanese prefecture each month. I went on a Sunday, and I was able to check out 5 producers from Shikoku Island. Tastings were very courteously offered. I tasted 3 excellent sakes and was handed a small booklet as attractive as it was instructive on the production on Shikoku Island.

It all depends on your habits, your plans for the day, and your physiological needs, but any good nutritionist will tell you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When balanced, it can fill you with energy to start the day. Neglecting this meal is to cause stress and suffering on the body.

In 3 and 4 star hotels in Paris, the price of breakfast varies between €12 and 20 on average. Prices that can sometimes make you want to try an alternative, such as a breakfast from the bar of a traditional Parisian bistro for example.

Nutritionally and financially, the coffee, orange juice, croissant from the counter plan is not such a good idea. Why?

The Anglo-Saxons know: the body needs salt to start the day. Bacon, scrambled eggs, omelets, sausages are important for producing dopamine, the starter the body needs early in the day. Fats could also be better incorporated into breakfast. An egg a day doesn't present any particular cardiovascular risk.

Low "glycemic index" sugars contained in whole wheat breads and traditional muesli are to be consumed with less caution than those contained in the white breads, puffed cereals or jams.

Fruit is preferable to fruit juices because they contain useful fibers that reduce carbohydrate assimilation rate.

We will not lay out the list of arguments here that say that a large cream croissant and orange juice is a real torture to the body.

As for the math?

• A double espresso: €4


• A chocolate croissant/bread: €1.3


• Fruit juice: €4.50

That's about €10, no doubt eaten in a place that might be nice but often noisy or on the run, and at 11:00 we are hungry.

There are of course other alternatives, and here, we give you two interesting offers. You do the math.

The Lazare café, opposite Saint Lazare Station, established by Eric Frechon (3 Michelin stars while he was head chef in Bristol), offers a very Parisian concept and is quite suitable for a "vintage" breakfast in a very tidy place. It offers traditionally French quality breakfasts from 7:00 to 11:00.

A selection of great coffees at different strengths (Ristretto, Espresso Decaffeinato for €3) or as a double (€6) as well as vegetable juices and fresh fruits (€6.50). A slice of fresh bread, farm butter, jam or honey or a butter croissant or chocolate bread (€3.50 each).

The breakfast menu includes a hot drink, fruit juice or vegetable juice and a slice of bread or a pastry for €10.

Chez Claus, 14 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau: on the weekend from 9:30 to 5:00, one can check out 4 different brunch menus in the spirit of the German "Frühstück" at prices ranging from €16 to 32. For example, the "The Frühstück" brunch is composed of a hot drink, a fresh juice, a bread basket, ham plate, comté cheese, fromage frais with chives and many other surprises for €32. Reservations necessary. (tel : +33 (0)1 42 33 55 10)

This choice will ultimately prove the most suitable as long as:

• The place is quiet, pleasant and soothing, which is generally the case for hotel dining rooms


• The buffet is complete, balanced, energized and product quality is sufficient


• The service is there: the distributors' solution for everything is as sad as it is cold


• The price is within a reasonable range

It is in this sense that we have shaped our breakfast offer with our culinary adviser in order to best satisfy our customers.

What is the best way of getting to your hotel from the airport? What means of transport should you use in Paris? What you need to know about taxis in Paris. Good tips and common pitfalls to avoid.

You have just arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport. Provided that you are not carrying too much luggage, the quickest and cheapest way to get to Paris is the express train, or 'RER', which costs just €10. You will be guaranteed a seat, as the two stations that serve the airport are at the beginning of the line. There is also a shuttle bus service, the 'Roissybus', which takes you directly to Paris and stops near to the Palais Garnier, costing €11. It takes a little longer but you will not need to change.

If you are coming from Orly airport, provided that you are travelling light, you can take the tram number T7 and alight at Villejuif Arragon station, where you can change and take metro line 7 to get off at Palais Garnier.

If you are leaving the airport before 6.30 am or after 8.30 pm, one option may be to take a taxi, as there will be little traffic at this time.

The minimum fare to the centre of Paris is around €60-65 from Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and around €40-45 from Orly airport. You may have to wait a long time for a taxi. It is better to pay in cash. If not, you should make sure that you ask the taxi driver if credit cards are accepted. Unfortunately, taxi drivers rarely accept them.

No. There are around the same number of taxis in Paris as there are in New York, but there are around 25 times fewer private hire taxis. Furthermore, taxis in Paris mainly operate through a booking system, so it is difficult to hail a cab in the street, especially at certain busy times.

They should have their light on (green or white) If a taxi is going to stop, they will probably lower their window in order to show their credentials. They will ask you where you wish to go and will either agree to take you or not. Can they turn down the journey?

Yes, if:

• You want to go to a district that is far away


• You are in a group of 4 people, meaning that you will probably exceed the maximum authorised capacity for the vehicle


• You are travelling with a pet


• If they are finishing their shift within half an hour and your destination is too far from the taxi depot.

Le « Tip » est n’est pas une obligation mais simplement la reconnaissance d’une satisfaction et il n’est pas de règle d’en donner systématiquement.

The taxi driver is required to ask you if you have a preferred route. If you are unsure, ask the taxi driver what he would suggest and nod knowingly. It will always be better than replying that you don't know.

Legislation requires that taxi drivers cannot pick up a customer if they are at least 50 metres away from a taxi point. At a taxi point, you are entitled to chose your vehicle, but it is inadvisable to do so. A good trick is to chose a vehicle that accepts credit cards. They are often more comfortable and you are less likely to be refused by the driver, but it may take you longer to find a cab.

You would need to have a graduate degree in taxi driving in order to fully understand how the fares work. But the taxis are equipped with a meter, which can be verified by the taxi police (known colloquially as the boers). It is therefore very unlikely that the meter will display the incorrect fare. As regards supplementary fees, every 4^th passenger will mean an increase of €3 and €1 will be charged for each item of luggage over the 2^nd bag,

Information about fares: http://www.taxisg7.com/more-taxis/paris-taxi-fares

It is advisable. If your taxi does not have a credit card terminal or if the machine is not working, having the right amount would be an advantage. In any case, it will not be quick and easy to receive your change from the driver.

It would certainly be more sensible to do so. However, you should bear in mind that taxi drivers in Paris apply a fee for having to drive to the airport from their previous location and will still run their meters if you are late. If you book in advance, it is probable that this fee will be even higher!

From the 1^st March 2016, a flat rate will be charged for this fee. The additional fee will be €7 for a direct booking made at the airport and €4 for an advanced booking. You will also be subject to a pick-up charge of €2.60, which is always applied.

You can also install the Paris Taxis app, which is provided by the City of Paris.

Paris is not very spread out as a capital city. You can walk around Paris in just over two hours. You can reach the outskirts of the city from the Hôtel Etats-Unis Opéra in little more than an hour.

If you wish to use public transport, it is advisable to use the metro or bus. It is advisable to buy a carnet, or book of 10 tickets, rather than opting for a special tourist ticket or weekly ticket, as it is unlikely that you will get full value out of them given the central location of the Hôtel Etats-Unis Opéra.

The Paris metro network is very extensive. It is served by a total of 302 stations and 16 lines. Opening hours: 5.30 am until 1.30 am on weekdays and 5.30 am until 2.15 am on Saturday and Sunday. Please note, these times refer to the arrival times of the trains.

Read our article "Tips and helpful advice for travelling to Paris": http://www.hotel-etats-unis-opera.com/en/news-district-paris-france/1006/great-hints-and-tips-for-making-the-most-of-your-trip-to-paris/

A legendary establishment which is unlike any other; an atmosphere which will plunge you directly into Paris of the belle époque.

Do not come to the restaurant expecting gourmet food. This is ordinary, reasonably priced, everyday cooking in a place with a wonderful atmosphere. This restaurant transports you back to the Paris of the early years of last century. Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier and later Piaf and Cerdan were customers.

The Chartier brothers founded this public canteen in a former station building in 1896. The workers or clerical staff who ate there could “have their own serviette”.  Regulars would leave their effects in their own little draw. 

The trip starts in the small alleyway off the rue du Faubourg-Montmartre. Come if you can just after opening, around midday or 7.30 p.m. as it is always crowded. You will be met by the serving staff and shown to your place. Do not be surprised to share your table with other customers; it is the house style. Then you can chat informally with them.

Look around and find yourself in 1900. It’s all around you. Notice the waiters in their traditional black jacket with their long white aprons. Service is fast and efficient. They take your order and bring your food in no time.

You will find all the traditional French dishes on the menu. For instance, I like leeks with vinaigrette, snails, beef muzzle vinaigrette, andouillette grilled in mustard and calf head in gribiche sauce. The entrées cost from 1.80 euro to 6.80 euro while the main dishes are from 8.50 euro to 13.50 euro.   

You will not miss the ritual of paying the bill. Like the order it will be scribbled on the paper tablecloth by the waiter; just like in the old days.

Bon appétit!  

Practical information:

Chartier

7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre – 75009 Paris

See the menu
Opening hours: Daily from 11.30 a.m. until 12 midnight.
Web site: www.restaurant-chartier.com

Having presented the must-visit Maille store with its great culinary gift ideas, let us now introduce you to another place only five minutes from the Hôtel Etats-Unis Opéra. You have to stop by this store if you love cooking or want a 'spicy' gift prepared by a French cuisine chef.

Olivier Roellinger is an emotional person who loves to connect. He travelled around Malaysia and India, discovered Kerala and Kochi, then continued his journey to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mexico and Madagascar. And he bought spices. Starting with 500kg, his orders soon increased to one then five tons.
Olivier Roellinger respects this product, and he also respects the work that goes into it. "Dignity in trade is being able to buy quality products from someone who can earn a living from that quality," he explains. That is why his products are mostly organic and meet fair-trade standards.

Roellinger is anything but commonplace. There are only three Roellinger stores in the world, and that’s great! Olivier Roellinger has no desire to branch out into merchandising and set up small stores in every capital city. The rarity value and uniqueness of this experience fuels its quality. So make the most of your visit to Rue Sainte Anne and take some of this wonderful experience home with you.

What will you find in this store? Spice blends of course, pure spices, a wide variety of peppers, chilli and salts, rare vanillas and infusions, along with affordable gift boxes that make an original, elegant present.

Get your nose ready to enjoy this olfactory adventure!

Practical info:

Epices Roellinger

51 bis, rue Sainte-Anne

75002 Paris

Website: www.epices-roellinger.com

Open every day from 10am to 7pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

In honour of Pierre Boulez, Opera Garnier is bringing him together with three major names in music and choreography, as well as two creators whose works he has overseen: György Ligeti and Igor Stravinsky. 

Polyphonia is the fourth ballet created by Christopher Wheeldon for the New York City Ballet. A former star dancer at the New York City Ballet, Christopher Wheeldon has a classic approach to dance but draws on minimalist, modern music such as that by Philip Glass, Steve Reich and, in this case,  György Ligeti.

Wayne McGregor leans towards a more modern approach to choreography, but is less open in his musical choices. The resident London Royal Ballet choreographer offers us here his exciting new work on the Anthèmes II composition by Pierre Boulez. 

Last but not least, Le Sacre de Printemps - a masterpiece by Pina Bausch - will be the climax of the evening. With is expressive strength and undeniable theatrical sensitivity, "This German choreographer has transcended and illustrated the music of Igor Stravinsky, staging it in a brutally beautiful, now legendary setting" (Opera Garnier).

Founder of Tanztheater Wuppertal and resident of Wuppertal in Germany, Pina Baush was considered one of the leading figures of modern dance and in particular the dance theatre style she is said to have created.

Le Sacre du Printemps tells the story of the Russian pagan ritual sacrifice of a young girl in early spring. It is in two parts. First the carefree dance of the young girls, then the arrival of the men heralds the second part: selecting the Chosen One and sacrificing her.

Forty years have passed since Pina Bausch created her work, yet Le Sacre du Printemps has lost none of its impact or contemporary feel. This take on the ballet by Pina Bausch has been one of the most acclaimed and commented on by audiences and critics alike since its creation.

Garnier Opera: www.operadeparis.fr/en/season-15-16/ballet/christopher-wheeldon-wayne-mcgregor-pina-bausch

Dates:

• Thursday 3 December 2015      7.30pm


• Saturday 5 December 2015       8.00pm


• Monday 7 December 2015         8.00pm


• Wednesday 9 December 2015   7.30pm


• 14-18 December 2015              7.30pm


• Saturday 19 December 2015      8.00pm


• 21-25 December 2015              7.30pm


• 30-31 December 2015              7.30pm

Tickets: €10 to €250

Our hotel's concierge service is available to book your tickets for you.

Top tip: enjoy half-price Category 1 seats by buying your tickets from the Madeleine kiosk, open Tuesday to Saturday 12.30-8.00pm and Sunday 12.30-4.00pm. This is for same-day ticket sales only. (Address: 15 Place de la Madeleine)

If you are a fan of the muffled atmosphere of English clubs, you will love this warm, intimate bar which opens its doors from 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday in the heart of the Opéra district

Arrive along Rue Saint Augustin and you will see the Buckingham Bar and its Dog's Bar at number 32. Step inside to discover its traditional, opulent decor with oak paneling that contributes to the soft atmosphere, and provides noticeably good acoustics. It is the polar opposite of the high-decibel venues where the noise leaves you exhausted.

You will also notice how the tables are well spread out, which provides comfort and discretion.

In charge at the bar is Hélène, whose specialties are cocktails and whisky. Let her know what you like and she will suggest something you will never forget. Feel free to ask her for a traditional cocktail or, even better, a tailor-made creation: her specialty. Take this opportunity to step up to the main bar, which runs the entire width of the room, and admire her unique skills and talent as she prepares your drink.

The drinks menu is bursting with cocktails, mocktails, a wonderful selection of whisky and bourbon, wines and Champagne, aperitifs and digestifs, as well as hot drinks and a country platter for when you get hungry.

Expect to pay €10.50 to €13.50 for a cocktail, and €9.50 to €16 for a whisky.

Paris is a large capital city with a unique charm. Like New York or London, Paris is an extraordinary place and brims with charm throughout the year. Whether you visit during the hot summer days of August when the streets are quiet, or at Christmas, when the city is bustling with holiday spirit, you’ll be struck by the romantic feel of the most-visited city in the world. From museums to live shows, shopping, monuments, parks and tourist attractions, Paris is always a magical place for visitors both young and old.

- Average temperatures:
- June to August: 59/79° F
- May and September: 57/72° F
- April and October: 52/63° F     
- December to February: 43/54° F 

March and November: 46/57° F

The French have a lot of vacation days and Parisians love to get away from the city whenever they can. Paris is quieter when school is out and is nearly empty during the month of August. There are also fewer people around when Parisians leave for the ski slopes. Fewer people in the city means reservations are easier to make and hotels and flights are cheaper. So try to come during a school vacation period!

- From October 17^th to November 2^nd
- From December 19^th to January 4^th
- From February 20^th to March 7^th
- From April 16^th to May 2^nd
- From July 8^th to September 1^st

During the weekend, you will find fewer workers commuting into Paris and residents also like to get out of the city whenever they have the chance. The end result is the same: hotel and flight prices are lower and the crowds have thinned.

You will need to spend a minimum of three days in Paris. Paris is not just the city of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Élysées. If you only visit the highlights listed in your travel guide, you won’t have the time to soak up the full charm of the city.
In order to grasp the full charm of the city and create some authentic memories, you need to visit the city on foot and take the time to explore. For example, you will need an entire afternoon to explore the village of Montmartre – a unique place that is sure to win your heart.

A five-day stay is better. Plus, hotels often offer better deals for stays of five nights or longer.

Finally, don’t wait until the last minute to book your stay.  You may have heard that you should wait until the last second to book a hotel room in order to get the best price – this is not true. Hotels that offer discount rooms on specialty websites are not the most appealing places to stay.

See our great deals: www.hotel-etats-unis-opera.com/en/promotion-paris-france/

It would be too tedious to simply give you a short list of museums, monuments and sites to visit, and that’s not what we are here for. Paris has 180 museums and monuments to visit, as well as more than 200 theaters, 450 parks and gardens and 80 movie theaters.

Last October, another exceptional museum opened its doors in Paris: the Louis Vuitton Foundation. You won’t want to miss out on seeing this museum, famous for its cutting-edge architecture, a collection of stunning works of art and a breathtaking, gorgeous view of the city.
Save time when planning your visit by going to http://en.visitparisregion.com/, an excellent bilingual website.

Are you in Paris already? Take advantage of the fact that it’s a strategic access point to other cities in France and Europe.
France is a country with a rich culture and authentic traditions, as well as a wide variety of geographical regions and even climates.
Charming villages, historical sites, castles and unforgettable stays are yours to experience – you won’t regret it! But don’t forget to plan your trip in advance. Roughguides.com is a visually pleasing website for English speakers. With its array of dazzling photos, it will help you quickly find the right place to stay: http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/france/.
Have fun planning your trip!

Before or after your walk in the Palais Royal district (read our article), take a detour down Rue de Richelieu and stop in at number 10, Zébulon. Its understated façade painted in elegant colors draws your gaze and invites you to step inside. The tasteful décor was designed by a talented interior designer and is a blend of tradition and modernity. It reflects the very soul of the restaurant, with its wine cellar ambiance, open-plan kitchen and bar featuring prominently. This Nordic-inspired décor is open, airy, charming and without pretension, with plenty of space between each table. 

In the kitchen, a cosmopolitan team of chefs busily practices its craft before our eyes. The team is overseen by Yannick Lahopgnou. Yannick Lahopgnou began his career at the Lutetia, followed by a stint at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Réserve de Beaulieu in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. He then spent two years learning the secrets of cooking fish in the Michelin-starred restaurant Unisson des Cœurs in Osaka. Upon his return to France, Yannick spent four years at Le Meurice. Today he is a chef who is inspired by his roots and international cuisines and guided by the precision required by the finest restaurants. At Zébulon he has reinvented the great classics of French cuisine.

In the kitchen, a cosmopolitan team of chefs busily practices its craft before our eyes. The team is overseen by Yannick Lahopgnou. Yannick Lahopgnou began his career at the Lutetia, followed by a stint at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Réserve de Beaulieu in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. He then spent two years learning the secrets of cooking fish in the Michelin-starred restaurant Unisson des Cœurs in Osaka. Upon his return to France, Yannick spent four years at Le Meurice. Today he is a chef who is inspired by his roots and international cuisines and guided by the precision required by the finest restaurants. At Zébulon he has reinvented the great classics of French cuisine.

So with this in mind, what will you find on your plate?

You won’t see any raw produce placed directly on the plate, nor ingredients that have been simply assembled together. Every dish is prepared in the kitchen. The menu offers a selection of five starters, five main dishes and five desserts and changes every month.

Each dish is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of spices. A true delight for the senses.

The wine list at Zébulon includes 150 different wines, including an extensive selection of organic wines. Prices start at €30 a bottle.

You’ll enjoy a warm, friendly welcome from the attentive wait staff.

Book a table soon before this beautiful restaurant receives its first Michelin star and the prices start creeping up!

Menu: one starter, one main dish, one dessert (choice of five starters, five main dishes and five desserts): €45

Lunch menu: €20

A la carte: around €50 per person:

• Starters: €12 to €15


• Main dishes: €26 to €28


• Desserts: €9 to €10

Zébulon

10 rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris

Telephone: +33 (0)1 42 36 49 44

Place de la Madeleine is located less than a ten-minute walk from Hôtel Etats-Unis Opéra. It is the spot in Paris for lovers of fine food: Hédiart, Fauchon, Maison Prunier and Maille all have shops here.

One of these four destinations is totally unique. If you love sauces and condiments or if you are searching for a gift idea that is special, chic, inexpensive and represents the best in French culinary art, make sure to visit La Maison Maille, a leading specialist in fine mustards and vinegars.

La Maison Maille was founded in 1747. It was the official supplier to the court of King Louis XV and today the brand is known worldwide.

There are only four Maille boutiques in the entire world: Paris, London, New York and Dijon.

The first thing you should know about this Burgundy-based specialist is that it serves fresh mustard on tap, like a bartender serves beer:

• Chablis and black truffle mustard


• Chablis mustard


• Wholegrain Chardonnay mustard


• White wine mustard


• Sauternes mustard

My two favourites are the first and the last ones.

• For the first mustard, the scent of black truffle is strong, with a long finish. It pairs nicely with Chablis (a white Burgundy wine). But please note that this product is only available part of the year, depending on the truffle season.


• My other favourite is the Sauternes mustard. Sauternes is a white, late-harvest Bordeaux wine with a very fruity, sweet flavour. It makes for an equally fruity and very soft-flavoured mustard.

The boutique sells really elegant stoneware jars that may be reused and refilled in the boutique. The jars are available in two sizes. The price of mustard on tap is lower if you save your jar and bring it back. So each time you travel to Paris (or New York or London!), make sure to bring your stoneware jars with you.

On the other hand, you can also simply save the jars and fill them with whatever you like. They will always be more decorative than a mustard jar from the supermarket.

The boutique also has a wide assortment of mustards in every flavour. Some are available for tasting. Maille prides itself on constantly seeking new flavour combinations and its collections change on a regular basis. The vinegars are also excellent. One of the secrets to the perfect salad is starting with high-quality ingredients. Maille offers a wide range of flavours that will give a unique touch to your salads and other dishes, to the delight of your friends. Don't forget to pick up one of the leaflets with menu ideas while you're at the boutique. 

You can mix and match the mustards and vinegars of your choice to make a personalised gift. The boutique offers an array of lovely boxes and paper bags to wrap them. The end result? A sleek, chic and oh-so-Parisian gift that is the pinnacle of French culinary art. Your friends and family will adore their customised, one-of-a-kind, elegant gift: who doesn't love good food?

The only problem is that the boutique is extremely popular and receives a lot of visitors. It's best to go during the week or, failing that, on a Saturday morning rather than in the afternoon. There has only been one instance when I received less than stellar service while at the boutique. Other than that, I would rate their service quality very highly. The sales staff speak English and are well-trained, very polite and extremely efficient.

So don't delay, try a new Maille mustard today!

Le Petit Colbert is located on the former site of the Mellifère Restaurant, only a two minute stroll from the Etats-Unis Opéra Hotel and close to the Bouffes Parisiens and Michodière Theatres. This typically Parisian bistro features classical décor from the Belle Epoque era, with bistro tables and chairs from early last century, large mirrors, copper decorations and mosaic floor tiles.

Everyone knows the famous Grand Colbert in Rue Vivienne. That great establishment bought the former Méllifère in 2011 to turn it into its little brother.

The bistro’s authenticity can be seen in its pretty, classical front window and lovely terrace – which incidentally is the perfect place to enjoy a lunch in the sunshine. No need to ask twice, just hand me the menu!

Such a traditional French bistro menu! Seasonal dishes with seasonal produce: eggplant caviar, salmon tartare, sea bass filet, duck confit, veal kidneys, skate wings and more. In line with recent legislation, the owner proudly and clearly indicates which dishes are home-made – nearly all of them in fact!

I put the question to the manager, who told me that all the ingredients are indeed fresh: fish, meat, vegetables, béarnaise sauce and herbs. Even the fries are home-made! Here, ‘freezer’ is a dirty word. There are also weekly specials. Today it is salmon rillettes (€7.50) and Neapolitan linguine with fresh basil and country ham (€15).

First courses range from €6.50 to €15.50, main courses from €14.00 to €24.00, and deserts €7.50 to €12.

Now let’s talk wine. When I visited, the wine list was being overhauled. The young restaurant manager plans to offer a selection of wines sourced directly from boutique producers. Those wines alone merit a second visit. Expect to pay €4.50 to €6.50 for a glass and €21.00 to €65.00 for a bottle.

As tradition demands, the duck confit is cooked in duck fat over a low temperature and served with freshly prepared sautéed potatoes. And don’t forget to try the Baba au Rhum. The Italians love this dessert and I tasted a large number of them in Naples. And at Le Petit Colbert, I was not disappointed!

Enjoy the sunshine and bon appétit!

Le Petit Colbert - 8 Rue Monsigny - 75002 Paris
tel : +33 (0)1 40 20 42 16

http://www.lepetitcolbertparis.fr/

If you have a craving for a saké tasting paired with exquisite Japanese dishes in the heart of Paris, Workshop Issé (and its adjoining restaurant, the Bis) is the perfect place for you. This can’t-miss location is right next to the Hôtel États-Unis Opéra.

It’s a fine food store and gourmet restaurant all in one, with a special focus on sake.

Workshop Issé is, as its sign says, a "little corner of Paris that whisks you straight to Japan with its vibrantly authentic flavors and smells. We’ve selected the very best products of the finest natural quality.” People say that it has the best selection of saké in Paris!

In the shop you’ll find saké (of course) and fine food products with no extra additives made by small Japanese producers using authentic, traditional techniques. Products are sourced and selected personally by Mr. Toshiro Kuroda, a renowned saké expert and owner of the Issé brands.

You’ll also find soy and miso sauces, vinegars, seaweed products, spices, daishi (a broth made of seaweed and/or bonito, a cousin of tuna) and a selection of rice and noodles.

Today saké is a newfound source of inspiration for Michelin-starred chefs. Eric Briffard, a meilleur ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France) and head chef at the Hôtel Georges V, was introduced to saké by Mr. Kuroda and now includes a  selection of dishes carefully paired with different varieties of saké on his menu.

As our Japanese friends already know, saké is a type of wine with an alcohol content of between 14 and 17%. It is made from fermented rice. It is not a distilled product and is nothing like the Chinese alcohol known as baiju, which is a rice-based alcohol that is extremely strong and burns in the throat.

The Japanese first started making saké starting in the third millennium BC, once they started developing rice paddies. Rice first needs to be polished to strip away the vitamins and protein while maintaining its starchy core. There are two main families of sake: Ginjo sakés and Junmai sakés. Junmais have no added alcohol, which is why they are a favorite among purists.

Mr. Toshiro Kuroda explained all this to me and had me try two different sakés. This wine is discreet, subtle and complex. A red wine is bold and has its own strong personality. Saké seems softer and more discreet, allowing it to be paired more easily with foods such as cheese, fish, veal and even stronger flavors like jamón ibérico.

The menu changes every day. On the day I went, the Bis offered a selection of starters for between €12 and €14, including a dish of thin slices of raw scallops with beetroot, cilantro, hazelnut oil and a fromage blanc sauce, as well as a tartare of prawns with marinated vegetables, avocado and a miso sauce. Other highlights include octopus, crab, veal, and more.

3 dishes: jamón ibérico with white miso (€18), sweet and savory duck confit with soy sauce (€17), braised sukiyaki (slow-cooked beef and raw vegetables, €35).

You can enjoy your saké with a direct view of the chef as you admire his culinary talents at work. Please note: there are only 10 tables, so make sure you call ahead to book a table.

Kampai!

WorkShop Issé and Bis

10 et 11 rue Saint-Augustin - 75002 Paris, France
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 96 26 74

Lunch at the Workshop: Monday to Saturday. We open at 12 pm (noon) and the last dinner service is at 2 am.

Dinner at the Bis: Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 pm.

Workshop Issé: http://www.workshop-isse.fr/

Paris is a town of hidden passages. Although there were more than 150 under the Second Empire, nowadays, around thirty remain. They epitomise Paris of the ‘Belle Époque’ and retain an authentic and traditional atmosphere.

Stroll down the Boulevard Poissonnière, near the Hôtel États-Unis Opéra, perhaps stopping off at the Musée Grévin. Two outstanding passages are situated opposite one another: the Passage Joufroy and the Passages des Panoramas, home to more than 260m of galleries just waiting to be discovered.

The Passages des Panoramas was built in 1799 and renovated in 1830. It has recently experienced a revival and a positive change of fortunes. Traditional, eclectic and timeless boutiques, cafés and restaurants abound, miles from the mainstream shopping malls which increasingly blot our landscape.

Caffè Stern is situated almost at the end of the passage. The boutique, which is classified as an historic monument, has remained unchanged and is one of the oldest in France. In 1834, an engraver by the name of Stern set up shop here, and became renowned for his high-quality work: menus for some of the biggest restaurants in town, medals, bank notes and share certificates were produced in this workshop, situated a stone’s throw from the Paris Bourse. It’s obvious why, at the back of the boutique, there is a huge safe with a 50cm thick reinforced door.

The premises were closed for nearly seven years for renovation, which was conducted with great skill and respect for the original internal architecture, discretely incorporating modern elements. The Alajmo brothers, owners of the ‘Le Calandre’ restaurant in Padoue and the ‘Gran Caffè Quadri’ in Venice came together with David Lanher, a passionate chef who owns a dozen restaurants in Paris. They called upon the services of architect Dominique Averland and designer Philippe Starck to bring to life the place that everyone is already talking about.

In terms of personality, quality, originality, finesse and culture, this Italian restaurant is one of the most interesting private addresses in the capital. Thanks to Antoine Mery, chef and culinary consultant who worked with Philippe Stark, for introducing us to this newly opened hidden gem.

It is not decorated in the Baroque style, but the original décor has simply been perfectly renovated. There are Starckian touches: a bejewelled wolf and lynx guarding the entrance and a white rabbit holding his traditional pocket watch. 18^th century woodwork, herringbone parquet flooring, cuirs de Cordoue, and furniture from the 16^th-18^th centuries, not to mention the open views of the kitchen.

The coffees it serves are reminiscent of those served in good cafés in Italy and which are increasingly difficult to find in Paris. The coffee beans are ground for each of its typically Italian coffee recipes: from the classic espresso to the ‘Lì per lì’, a small cappuccino originating from Trieste and the ‘Senza fretta’, prepared in a Neapolitan cafetiere.

It’s also an opportunity to taste some reasonably priced nibbles (€2.50).

Eating here isn’t cheap, however, with a meal costing between €90 and €100. There would appear to be some debate as to whether or not this restaurant represents good value for money.

The second drawback is that we have begun to expect toilets which reflect Philippe Starck’s creativity. The single cubicle in this restaurant, which you often have to wait your turn to use, falls somewhat short of the mark.

But these reservations aside, it is a venue not to be missed and if you speak Italian, you may chat with the waiters, all of whom have an unmistakable Italian accent.

Caffè Stern

47, passage des Panoramas - 75002 Paris

+33 (0)1 75 43 63 10

Opening times : 

• From Tuesday-Saturday 8.30am to midnight.


• Lunch from 12.30pm to 2.30pm


• Dinner from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.


• Closed on Sundays and Mondays

The "La Fontaine Gaillon" restaurant is located on a small charming sunny square. The building is a beautiful seventeenth century mansion that was the residence of the Princess Bourbon-Conti, daughter of Louis XIV. The restaurant was taken over in 2003 by Gerard Depardieu and Carole Bouquet.

Chef Laurent Audiot’s cuisine has all the illustrious qualities of French gastronomy that its two Michelin stars would suggest.

At midday you can enjoy the pleasant terrace and fountain. Dinner is also served there on warm summer evenings. The restaurant offers 5 intimate and beautifully decorated lounges if you prefer to eat inside.

There is plenty of seafood on the menu with prices starting from around €20-23. The average price of a dish is between €30 and €40.

Several set menus are available and there is an excellent wine list with around a hundred wines ranging from €30 to over €500.

The restaurant is closed for three weeks in August. Booking is recommended.

La Fontaine Gaillon -  Place  Gaillon, 75002 Paris 
Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Tel : 33 (0)1 47 42 63 22

French : http://www.restaurant-la-fontaine-gaillon.com/fr/

English : http://www.restaurant-la-fontaine-gaillon.com/uk/

This 176-metre long arcade was built in 1823. It is undoubtedly one of the finest and one of the most charming in Paris. It appears to be suspended in time. There are none of the famous brands seen everywhere else, no luxury stores and their conceited marketing, but lots of unique, well-kept shops.

The particularly refined Italian mosaics also set the arcade apart.

Our favourite place in the arcade is definitely Legrand. With highly trained taste and creativity it offers a selection of 350 domaines, 3000 wines and 10,000 references. Take a tour you will never forget if you are a wine lover, need to find a gift or just want to experience some culture and pleasure.

On the last Thursday of the month, selected wine-makers present their wines in an artistic atmosphere created by the painters, musicians, storytellers or singers Legrand has invited to accompany the wine tasting.

Legrand organizes other events such as "Tuesday Tastings" during which guests meet a winemaker who presents a selection of wines especially chosen to accompany a dinner prepared by their chef.

Tasting courses are also organized on Mondays.

For more information:

French : http://www.caves-legrand.com/fr/paris/

English : http://www.caves-legrand.com/en/paris/

Even if you don’t read French, you will still enjoy discovering Jousseaume, the antiquarian booksellers. Old and modern books, maps and photographs mingle in a picturesque setting.

If you want home-made dishes and traditional home cooking, Le Mesturet is the place to go. Processed food is outlawed there!

The freshness of the produce is vital in this typically Parisian brasserie where you can enjoy seasonal produce delicately prepared for a very reasonable price. The delicious flavours are created with the well mastered use of spices.

The restaurant offers two menus:

• The first at €26.00 includes a starter and main course or main course and dessert


• The second at €31.00 includes a starter, main course and dessert

7 starters, fifteen main dishes and a dozen desserts (try the rum baba, it is divine!)

The restaurant has selected around a hundred wines from small producers with average prices ranging between €22 and €40.

The setting is pleasant and authentic. No bad taste is allowed in the restaurant, which beautifully presents French tradition.

The restaurant is successful and consequently busy in season. We advise you to come early and book. It will be quieter.

Le Mesturet – 77 rue de Richelieu – 75002 Paris

Open 7 / 7, Monday to Sunday evening
Continuous service from 12 to 11 p.m.

Tel : +33 (0) 1 42 97 40 68
french : http://www.lemesturet.com/

English : http://mesturetang.communication-pro.fr/

Here are two in expensive restaurants in the Opéra district that are included in the Michelin guide: the Sanukiya and the Zen, both under 6 minutes from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra.

The Sanukiya’s specialty is udon. Udon (う ど ん) is a traditional Japanese noodle made from durum wheat flour that is very popular in Japan.

As is often the case in Japan, the service provided by the many smiling and responsive members of the team is excellent.

Allow between 13 and 18 euros for a bowl of udon noodles. Try the calpis, a soft fizzy drink with lemon and milk.

It is busy, so it is best to arrive before the rush - around noon for lunch and around 7 pm for dinner.

The Sanukiya terrace is very pleasant and is heated in winter.

This bowl has a poached egg, thin slices of pork, rocket and of course udon noodles. It is very fresh tasting and the broth is delicious.

Sanukiya  - 9, Rue d'Argenteuil – 75002 Paris

Tel  : +33 (0)1 42 60 52 61

Monday to Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Happy hour: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Closed on the second Tuesday of each month.

https://www.facebook.com/sanukiyaparis?sk=info

In Japanese : https://www.facebook.com/sanukiya.udon.paris

The food here is traditional and authentic – they serve deep fried food, ramen, sashimi, fried noodles, sushi, maki, shoyu, and miso.

There are several set menus at 25 euros that include an appetizer, a main course served in a lacquered box, miso soup and a drink.

Set menus at 30 euros include two appetizers, sashimi, a main dish, rice, miso soup and a drink.

À la carte selection from €6 to €25.

Nobody from Japan would miss "unagi don" - the grilled eels adored by the Japanese.

Enjoy your meal! Itadakimasu! (pronounced "itadakimass")

Zen – 8 rue de l’échelle – 75001 Paris

Tel : +33 (0)1 42 61 93 99

Open every day for lunch and dinner

https://www.facebook.com/pages/restaurant-zen/111289595567934

This remarkable museum is a 5-minute walk from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra.

Fragonard, the famous perfumer from the town of Grasse, presents its private collection in a beautiful Napoleon III style mansion. The decor is highly refined and the style authentic. Hungarian point parquet floors, mouldings and gilding, marble fireplaces, decorated ceilings, and chandeliers - a true delight!

5000 years of the history of perfumery is told here: unusually shaped bottles, pomanders, incense burners, perfume fountains, chemicals, jewellery, silverware, paintings, photographs, porcelain, etc.

There are two large copper stills in the first room where the distillation techniques used to obtain the essential oils are explained. A large map illustrates the perfume route.

The history of perfume began in Egypt, which had large perfume factories in Alexandria. Perfumes were then made as solids and used for religious purposes. Egyptian, Greek and Roman bottles are on display.

In the third room you will enjoy finding out about eight essences: it is a very enjoyable game that only takes two minutes.

On the ground floor, two shops offer Fragonard products at factory prices.

Guided tours in English, German, Chinese, Danish, Italian, Japanese, Polish and Russian.

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fragonard - Musée du parfum - 9 rue Scribe – 75009 PARIS

Link in French: http://www.fragonard.com/parfums_grasse/FR/fragonard/paris/

Link in English: http://www.fragonard.com/parfums_grasse/GB/fragonard/paris/

We suggest a half day out just 10 minutes away from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra. History, arcades, theatres, old shops, French style gardens, historic cafés, the Mecca of French gastronomy, works of art… the Palais Royal caters for a wide range of interests.

The Palais Royal is a group of monuments (palace, gardens, galleries, theatre) with an important place in both the history of France and the life of Paris.

It was built by Richelieu in 1628 and then bequeathed to King Louis XIV where he resided as a child. The palace was given to Philippe d'Orléans, grandson of Louis XIII and cousin of King Louis XVI, who was renamed Philippe Egalité during the revolution and voted for King to be put to death in 1793. He was guillotined a few months later.

The Palais Royal was in the spotlight during the French Revolution when it was the focal point. On 12 July 1789, the revolutionary Camille Desmoulins made the fiery speech that prompted the storming of the Bastille two days later.

Returned in 1814 to Louis Philippe, the future monarch and son of Philippe d'Orléans, from 1871 the Palais Royal was assigned for the use of several administrative bodies: the Council of State, the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture.

The Palais Royal also has a long history related to the theatre.

• Richelieu had his theatre at the Palais Royal and Molière occupied it in 1660. Lully set the Opéra up there which burned down in 1781


• The modern history of the Comédie-Française began there in 1799


• Finally, it opened as the Théâtre Montansier in 1790 and later became the Théâtre Palais Royal focusing on “boulevard theatre”.

You can see the famous Buren columns in the courtyard, commissioned by Jack Lang, Minister of Culture, in 1985. The work occupies 3000m² and consists of 260 marble columns. The work is designed on two planes. The project, completed in 1986, was highly controversial.

You can then continue walking through its French-style gardens and relax on a chair near the pool.

Opening hours for the Cour d'Honneur and gardens:

Every day:

• 1 October  - 31 March: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.


• 1 April – 31 May: 7:00 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.


• 1 June - 31 August: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.


• 1 September - 30 September: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The galleries are open continuously.

Galleries span three sides of the palace and enclose it. There are numerous shops and cafés there, including the Corraza café, where the Jacobins met during the French Revolution. It is a pleasant, picturesque walk.

In the famous 2 Michelin starred restaurant Le Grand Véfour, the Michelin star chef Guy Martin will take you to the very heights of taste and flavours in a royal setting.

http://www.grand-vefour.com/legrandvefour.html

Leaving the palace, take rue Montpensier. This charming street hides many treasures.

Firstly, the Théâtre du Palais Royal which was built between 1786 and 1790. You will notice the architecture which prompted its listing as a historic monument.

The theatre also presents concerts on Mondays:
http://theatrepalaisroyal.com/category/spectacles/concerts/

Find out about guided tours and conferences at the Palais Royal:

In French: http://palais-royal.monuments-nationaux.fr/

In English: http://palais-royal.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/

Note that the Comédie Française is not open for visits other than pre-planned guided tours in French.

The restaurant, which quickly earned a Michelin star, is a 6-minute walk from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra. It is a great experience for fans of Japanese haute cuisine.

If you want to see the sushi master Takuya Watanabe practice his art, you will have to book to be sure to get a seat at one of the 12 stools at the counter in the main room.

The restaurant offers three menus: €65, €95 and €135 for the gourmet menu called omakase (depending on the chef) - an extraordinary and unforgettable succession of items for €135: 9 dishes, 10 sushi, miso soup and Japanese green tea.

Tuna, sea bream, turbot, jack mackerel, salmon, mackerel, cuttlefish, scallops, raw shrimps or oysters, everything is super fresh, prepared in front of your eyes with skill and refinement, and delicately served.

A lounge in the basement is reserved for private parties and VIPs. The restaurant then offers special bespoke menus.

There is a choice of 30 sakes, including a rare one that is sparkling.

The service is as good as the Japanese reputation: thoughtful, discrete, efficient and smiling.

Le Jin - 6, rue de la Sourdière - Paris 1
Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 61 60 71

Monday and Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/JinSaintHonore

This magnificent architectural ensemble includes 28 mansions - many listed as historic monuments.

The architect Mansart had the idea of building the square and designed its octagonal lay-out. He was King Louis XIV’s first architect. He designed several monuments in the Château de Versailles, including the Notre-Dame de Versailles church and the Grand Trianon.

The Hôtel de Bourvallais is the seat of the French Ministry of Justice. It belonged to Poisson de Bourvallais, a crook jailed in La Bastille, who gave up in return for his freedom.

The Hôtel de Gramont now bears the name Hôtel Ritz, which is one of the finest and most luxurious hotels in the French capital.

The first jeweller to move to the Place Vendôme was Boucheron in 1893. Cartier followed in 1898, Chaumet in 1902 and Van Cleef & Arpels in 1906.

In 1997, Chanel opened a shop specializing in watches and jewellery. Gabrielle Chanel loved Place Vendôme, where she lived for many years. It is said that the shape of the square was her inspiration for the bottle of the famous Chanel Number 5.

Coups, revolutions and royal weddings have taken place there. Built originally to evoke the greatness of the Sun King, it also suffered the passage of history. The statue of the monarch was destroyed during the revolution in August 1789. A new column was installed in 1810 topped by a statue of the Emperor Napoleon I as Caesar. 1200 bronze cannons captured during the Emperor’s wars were used to cast the column. The statue which surmounts it was replaced in 1830 during the reign of Louis Philippe with a new statue of the Emperor in military dress and replaced yet again by a copy of the first statue of Napoleon. The column was taken down 1871 by the Paris Commune and then re-erected in 1873. The painter Gustave Courbet who had participated in the destruction of the column was ordered to pay part of the costs. He then fled to Switzerland and never paid.

The Vendôme column is currently being renovated.

It is only a 10-minute walk from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra to one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe. There are two historic department stores: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

Department stores are a French invention. If you want to understand their fabulous history, read Emile Zola’s "Au Bonheur des Dames”. Zola tells the story of the department store “Le Bon Marché”, which was founded in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut. Le Printemps was founded in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot, former director of Le Bon Marché, but Galeries Lafayette did not see the light of day until 1894.

With a total sales floor of 116,000 m², Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps offer all the major brands and luxury goods imaginable.

Visiting these two famous department stores is also very interesting as a tourist. Both beautiful architecture and magnificent views of Paris!

If you have the chance to visit Paris in December, don’t miss going to see the animated Christmas windows, which are a true delight for young and old alike.

Galeries Lafayette, made up of three buildings and a 66000m² sales floor, is the largest store in Paris in terms of both size and the number of visitors.

Admire the large Art Nouveau dome in the main store, which is undoubtedly one of the finest department stores in the world. If you have the chance to visit Paris in December, don’t miss the magnificent Christmas tree under the dome.

The Lafayette Gourmet should not be missed either - a superb delicatessen that has fine wines, foie gras and other delicacies found in French cuisine. You can also eat at any time of the day. The quality of the products is undeniable, but your wallet will need to be well stocked!

Galeries Lafayette - 40, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lafayette Gourmet is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Art Nouveau architecture of the main Galeries Lafayette store

In recent years, Le Printemps has been repositioning its product range towards a clear focus on luxury goods. Of course visiting the shop floors will be interesting, but whatever you do don’t miss the panoramic view over the rooftops from Le Printemps. The rooftop terrace is accessible from the store’s 9th floor, "Beauty and Home". Take the opportunity for a break to get your strength back in Décli'cieux, the rooftop terrace café.

A break in the Déli'cieux coffee break you will do you the world of good

Le Printemps is a beautiful Art Nouveau building that holds many surprises. The rotundas have been beautifully restored one by one. If you need a trim and you want an unforgettable moment, don’t miss hairdressing salon Le Coiffeur. This beautiful space is accessible from the 6th floor of Le Printemps de la Mode.

"Le Coiffeur" on the 6th floor of Le Printemps de la Mode with or without an appointment.

Printemps - 64, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Open Monday to Saturday from 9:35 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On 15 January 1858, following an attack in rue le Peletier where the opera house was then located, Emperor Napoleon III decided to have the Palais Garnier built.

Charles Garnier, Premier Grand Prix de Rome, won the competition held in 1861 to build an "imperial academy of music and dance". He was then aged 35 and had built almost nothing. A budget of 29 million gold francs was allocated for its construction. It took nearly fifteen years, from 1861 to 1875, to build the Opéra Garnier.

The unaccompanied tour will give you access to the Opéra Garnier’s library-museum that has about 550,000 documents (books, sheet music, programmes, letters, photographs, prints and costume sketches, etc.)

You will also see five rooms presenting paintings, models of sets, and costumes. Your entrance ticket also gives you access to public spaces including the Rotonde des Abonnés, and the Bassin de la Pythie. You can admire the grand staircase, the Grand Foyer and the Avant Foyer, as well as the rooms representing the moon and the sun, the ice rotunda and its tapestries.

Finally, you can of course see the auditorium itself and its famous ceiling by Chagall. (Note it may be closed for technical or artistic reasons)

The entrance also includes entrance to any temporary exhibitions in the library.

Tickets:

- From the Palais Garnier ticket office: every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from mid-July to early September

- Automatic ticket terminals located opposite the Palais Garnier ticket office

- Online:

• 
  

  French: https://visitepalaisgarnier.operadeparis.fr/selection/service?productId=458120753&lang=fr

  
  


• 
  

  English: https://visitepalaisgarnier.operadeparis.fr/selection/service?productId=458120753&lang=en

  
  

The tours include a general tour of the theatre, including the auditorium. The history of the opera, its architecture and its various activities are presented. (Please note that the auditorium may be closed for technical or artistic reasons)

Opening hours:

- Guided tour in English: All year, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. - School holidays and July / August, every day at 11:30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.

- Guided tour in French: All year, every Wednesday, every Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. - School holidays, every day at 11:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Summer (July / August) every day 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased without prior booking at the ticket office located in the Palais Garnier lobby. The office opens at 10:15 a.m. on visiting days.

Adult €14, €12.50 for children under 10

Duration of the visit: 1 hour 30

In the film, "The Phantom of the Opera" by Rupert Julian there is an underground lake beneath the opera house. This legend was established by Gaston Leroux's novel "The Phantom of the Opera." There is no lake but however there is a large water reservoir that stabilizes the foundations (sitting on the water table) and could be used if there were a fire.

The Opéra Comique is a 7-minute walk from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra.

On Saturday, 1 November 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and on Sunday 2 November 2014 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate its tercentenary, the Opéra Comique is holding a sale in the Salle Favart of 4000 costumes used in some of the outstanding productions of recent years under the direction of Jérôme Deschamps, as well as some from earlier productions.

Booking: http://www.forumsirius.fr/orion/oc.phtml?spec=

Opéra Comique:

Address: 1 Place Boieldieu - 75002 Paris
Tel: +33 (0) 1 42 44 45 40

The Ballet "Rain" by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, from 21 October 2014 to 7 November 2014 at the Opera Garnier, 3 minutes from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra.

Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker is a major figure of contemporary choreography who emerged in the 1980s.

This is the second time “Rain”, created in 2001, has been presented at Opéra Garnier. Its first run in 2011 was warmly received by the public and the press.

This minimalist work uses classic choreography techniques to "Music for 18 Musicians" by the very famous American Steve Reich with whom Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker still works.

Running time: 1 hour 10

Costumes by Dries van Notten

Going to a performance at the Opéra Garnier is not necessarily expensive. Depending on the seat and the date, it will cost between €10 and €121 for the unforgettable experience of seeing a high quality performance. Plan ahead to get the best prices.

12 performances

Link in French: http://www.operadeparis.fr/en/saison-2014-2015/ballet/rain-anne-teresa-de-keersmaeker?genre=2

Link in English: http://www.operadeparis.fr/en/saison-2014-2015/ballet/rain-anne-teresa-de-keersmaeker?genre=2

Parisians know a place where you can get category 1 seats for 50% less.

An office is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. on Sundays). As theatres are closed on Monday the office is also is closed. Seats are sold for performances on the same day.

Address: 15 Place de la Madeleine

Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio” is playing from 16 October 2014 to 15 February 2015 at the Opéra Garnier, 3 minutes from the Hôtel des Etats-Unis Opéra.

Mozart composed “The Abduction from the Seraglio” in 1782 at the age of 25, at the peak of his musical maturity. It was the first opera the maestro had written in German and in addition was a Singspiel, alternating sung and spoken parts.

It tells of the attempt by the rich Belmonte, to rescue his fiancée Konstanze who was being held prisoner in the palace of the Turkish Pasha Selim.

It was written as a light, entertaining piece. Since the action takes place in the palace of an eighteenth century pasha, the music is exotic (triangles, cymbals and kettle drums)

Running time: 2 hours 40 - An intermission

Orchestra and chorus of the Opéra de Paris

A trip to the opera at the Opéra Garnier will definitely be memorable and not necessarily expensive. It all depends on the date and the quality of the seats. Prices range from €10 to €240. There are 19 performances. Plan your trip in advance to enjoy the best prices

Link in French: http://www.operadeparis.fr/saison-2014-2015/opera/l-enlevement-au-serail-mozart?genre=1

Link in English: http://www.operadeparis.fr/en/saison-2014-2015/opera/l-enlevement-au-serail-mozart?genre=1

It is also possible to obtain category 1 seats for 50% less.

The Madeleine ticket office is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Seats are sold for the same day.

Address: 15 Place de la Madeleine.

The Emperor Joseph II, who commissioned the opera from Mozart complained, “That is too fine for my ears – there are too many notes.” Mozart replied, “There are just as many notes as there should be, sire!"