We are off to Paris over the bank holiday weekend for five days. I have visited often over the past forty something years but not since 2021. Does anyone have any suggestions for different things to see or music venues/galleries to consider at the moment or special shops or even good current restaurants?
I’ve done most of the touristy things over the years but I thought the wonderful people on this forum may have some special places to consider.
many thanks
If you enjoy proper brasseries I can highly recommend Les Antiquaires in the 6th - great food and probably the best steak I’ve had anywhere
When we went in April there were a lot of concerts in the Churches. We went to a performance of The Four Seasons & more in La Madeleine Church and it was a lovely thing.
If you have done the ‘usual’ art galleries etc maybe visit the Musee Rodin. A lovely house and garden and the work is beautifully presented. Very tranquil on a nice day.
Bruce
Bruce, thank you. I visited there many years ago and had forgotten about this. I could happily sketch in that garden.
If you have never been to Père Lachaise it is well worth a morning or afternoon of your time. Quite the most amazing place.
Of course Jim Morrison is there but my favourite is Raspail.
If you’re interested in films, you could seek out locations from some of your favourite films. Paris is probably the largest film set in the world.
I once visited the disco in Diva where somebody got stabbed. Quite close to the Champs Elysees, but I can’t be 100% certain it was the same place. I didn’t see any knifemen about.
I always wanted to visit the park bench in Hammersmith made famous by Ade Edmondson and Rick Mayall. No longer there I’m afraid.
Oh, and seeing I’m an honorary Pole, don’t forget Chopin. 
For anyone who might be interested and doesn’t already know, the Madeleine church is where both Fauré and Saint-Saëns were organists, back in their respective days.
French organists don’t know how to play Bach though …
Also, on Sunday morning 11:30 there is the mass in the Notre dame which you can attend and hear the great organ played by great organists. Hearing that organ ridicules Hifi which may be an antidote or stimulant to upgraditis.
The Notre dame is also fully restored as you know and the light is great. The last time I visited the Notre dame it was a dark place and now it it … light. Beautiful.
The organs in the St Eustache and St Sulpice are in bad state is my observation from last week. Don’t know about other cathedrals at this moment. Good organists play around technical problems but the one I heared did not last week and it was horrible.
Can absolutely confirm. Completely transformed from its pre-fire gloom and movingly beautiful again.
Journée du patrimoine. You can visit for free all great places , as Assemblée Nationale, Senat….
Palais de l’Elysee , Hôtel Matignon
Lieux insolites et incontournables
La Sorbonne : découvrez sa célèbre chapelle et ses locaux historiques au cœur du Quartier Latin.
L’Arc de Triomphe : profitez d’un accès gratuit et d’une vue panoramique exceptionnelle depuis le sommet.
Le Mobilier National et la Manufacture des Gobelins : plongez dans l’univers des métiers d’art et des tapisseries d’exception.
La Piscine Molitor : visitez librement ce joyau architectural Art déco du 16e arrondissement.
It does indeed have a magnificent tone.
I would say - there are crowds, there is often a scam on tourists at the Louvre and having visited Paris just a few months back and seen afresh what the customer facing staff in restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions have to deal with and not in French, I have reappraised and have the profoundest respect for their professionalism.
We will be in France for that weekend, though I can’t imagine there is a lot going on in Espelette. Bayonne is just down the road though. We have to wait until March for a visit to Paris. I’m hoping this thread throws up a few ideas.
All dépends of what you like. Espelette and all the area is so nice to walk, eat in the little villages, pic nic, rivers and lakes, cayak…For us it makes good. But if you like museums, art….and big events, then of course better go to Paris.
