The Times UK: Paris: insider knowledge

From Times Online

March 7, 2009

Paris: insider knowledge

Times correspondents with their tips on what to do, where to go out, where to eat and the best shopping

Charles Bremner, Paris correspondent

— Jacquemart-André museum: The grandest private art museum in Paris in a beautiful old mansion off the Boulevard Haussmann. Worth visiting for the setting alone (00 33 1 53 77 66 00, www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com)

— Montmartre vineyard: Home of Clos-Montmartre wine on the Butte Montmartre. Best during Fête des vendanges harvest party in October (www.montmartrenet.com).

— Cinémathèque Française: Superb national film centre in eastern Paris . La Cinémathèque française, 51 rue de Bercy (www.cinematheque.fr).

— Boat trip on the Canal Saint-Martin: A lovely way of soaking up the atmosphere of old north-central Paris. Cruise down the locks from la Villette and get off at the Bastille.

Lisa Armstrong, Fashion editor

— Palais Royal: This is fast becoming a fashion destination, with Marc Jacobs, Rick Owens, divine Pierre Hardy shoes and bags and the stunning Didier Ludot vintage shop.

— Faubourg Saint-Honoré: If you're in a hurry you could do worse than wander along Faubourg. Start at the Elysée Palace in case Carla puts in an appearance. Drop in to Roger Vivier, for sheer whimsy and chic footwear, and Chantal Thomass's decadently indulgent lingerie boutique. Turn off into Rue du Mont Thabor and the gorgeous Frédéric Malle perfume boutique. Browse in the various Maria Luisa boutiques and the vintage shops squeezed in between.Try the Galeries Lafayettes or Printemps - often underestimated. They have all those cool French labels such as Isabel Marant, Maje and Vanessa Bruno under one roof.

Ed Potton, Rock/pop editor

— Le Showcase: Members of the ineffably hip Ed Banger electro label frequent this cavernous riverside warehouse, situated rather spectacularly under the Pont Alexandre III. Port des Champs-Elysées (00 33 1 45 61 25 43, www.showcase.fr).

— Rex: Paris's answer to Fabric has one of the best sound systems in the city and a consistent roster of big-name homegrown and international DJs and live acts. 5 Boulevard Poissonnière (00 33 1 42 36 10 96, www.rexclub.com).

— Batofar: This red steamboat has been reborn as a floating after-hours pleasure pit, with leftfield electronica, funk and hip-hop high on the musical agenda. Opposite 11 Quai François Mauriac (00 33 1 53 14 76 59, www.batofar.org).

Tony Turnbull, Food editor

— Le Comptoir du Relais: The closest Paris comes to the gastro pub, this tiny 20-seater brasserie steps up a gear on weekday evenings to offer a no-choice five-course dinner for 45 euros. The chef-patron trained at Michelin-bedecked restaurants such as La Tour d'Argent and Les Ambassadeurs and it shows in his execution of French regional classics with a twist, such as millefeuille of beef, foie gras and truffles. 9 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 6th arr. (00 33 1 44 27 07 97, www.hotel-paris-relais-saint-germain.com).

— L'Epi Dupin: Another Left Bank institution, this stone-walled, oak-beamed bistro moderne keeps customers happy with fillet of lamb with ratatouille or mackerel fillets in a hazelnut and fennel crust. 11 rue Dupin, 75006 Paris (00 33 1 42 22 64 56, www.epidupin.com).