Population // Just over 2 million,
or 9 million if you include the urban outskirts,
or 25 million if you include the tourists
Size // 33.5sq miles
Primary language spoken //
French, something that resembles French
Currency: Euro baby!
Paris has always been a capital known
for it's artistic and cultural heritage, and
Parisan influence can now be seen the world
over, be it in art, fashion, or architecture.
Whether it's the magnificence of the Eiffel
Tower, or more recently the publics infatuation
with street Parkour, Paris is always stunning
the world with originality and style. A cafe
in London is a place to pick up a greasy breakfast,
or at best an overpriced cup of coffee. In Paris,
a cafe is a vibrant uber cool hangout, serving
strong drinks well into the night. Parisians
are not known for being reserved, from the French
revolution of the late 1700's, to the riots
seen on the streets only last year, the people
of Paris seem to know what they want from their
city, and how to get it...
Clubs .Pubs //
Like any large city, it's almost impossible
to talk about Paris nightlife, it's just so
vast, with something for every taste, no matter
how bizzare. Check out some of these though:
Café Justine, 96 rue Oberkampf
Oberkampf Café Le Progres, 7 rue des
Trois Frères, Montmartre
Au P’tit Garage, 63 rue Jean-Pierre-Timbaud,
Parmentier
Andy Wahloo, 69 rue des Gravilliers, Art et
Métiers
Food //
The French like to make a big deal of mealtimes
and Paris is not short of restaurants.
Music //
The French are into their techno, electro, and
hiphop. If you get the chance check out Le Gros
Tube…these guys have got the funk. For
some music culture be sure to check out the
Père Lachaise cemetary in the South East
of Paris, where Jim Morrison's grave lies. However
don't be fouled into thinking this is away from
the tourist areas, it is apparently the 4th
most visited tourist site in Paris after the
Eifel-Tower, the Notre Dame and the Centre Pompidou.
Snow.Skate.Surf //
Paris has one of the most thriving skateboard
cultures in Europe, and some of the best spots
to support it. Paris was previously home to
the largest indoor skatepark in the world, the
Rollerparc in Vitry, until it closed in November
2005. Nothing has really replaced it but new
smaller parks are popping up all the time. Being
quite a modern city and with a laid back public
attitude towards skating, Paris is THE place
for street skating. Perhaps the most famous
skate spot is at the Palais Omnisport, in Bercy.
This is a skateboarders dream of blocks, steps,
and ledges, all look as if they have been made
for skaters. The most skated parks are the Skatepark
de Melun, and the blocks and street area alongside
St. Martins canal, close to Jaques Bonsergent
metro.
If you're thinking of heading to the snow, the
Alps is a 5 hour drive down the autoroute if
you drive fast. The west coast of France is
also a few hours for a little surf.
Fashion and Shopping //
Check out the Marais area of the city for all
things chic. The rue Vielle-du-Temple and surrounding
streets are a haven for you funky retro lovers.
If you are planning on visiting the Musee du
Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa check out the
works of art at the Musee de l’Orangerie
instead then eat your lunch in the Place de
la Concorde the city’s largest square.
Don't go without...
A metro map and a basic grasp of the French
language. If you want to check out the less
touristy places, don’t bank on them speaking
English. They probably can, but won’t.
it’s a French thing!
Don't leave without...
Kissing a French person, even if they do have
the cheesiest chat up lines known to man. You
will only regret it later if you don’t,
believe me.
Photography & Editorial: Tamsin Winter
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