Matador Guide- Paris (Paris, France)

[pizzagratis]

Hey yall,

Going to Paris next week to visit the ladyfriend. Will have the days to meself, and plenty of time to wander aimlessly, so feel free to recommend whatever...though if anyone has a good word on any of the following, please shout:

a) French punk/rap. I'm aware of the s-s/tete bands like Cheveu, Volt, Tyvek, et set, but don't know where to start with the rap.
b) As related to the above, record shops and decent clubs.
c) Flea markets.

[Miss Tasty Princess]

French black metal is where it's at, baby!

Deathspell Omega
Nuit Noire
S.V.E.S.T.

[Patrick]

Les Puces at the Porte du Clignancourt for the flea market obviously... I think it's Sundays (or Sat and Sun?).

I've never had luck with record shops in Paris (Chris hit an incredible punk store in the late '80s that, scarily enough, had a back room filled with white-power 7"es and Nazi memorabilia), but did pick up some great stuff at a record fair at the Maison de la Radio France, which is further down the Seine from Trocadero, maybe do a web search.

On the food tip, make sure you get the *unreal* falafel sandwiches (make sure that they add the charred eggplant and hot sauce) at the various Jewish places in the rue des Rosiers in the Marais (4th). Buy cheese at Bartélemy on the rue de Grenelle (7th). Eat shellfish and choucroute at Boffinger near Bastille (4th). Eat meat and bistro fare at Chez Denise (also confusingly known as La Tour de Montlhéry) on the tiny rue des Prouvaires near Les Halles (1st).

Just enjoy. I'm so jealous, it's pretty much my favorite place on earth (only Rome competes).

[Fiona]

Another great flea market is the one on Boulevard Richard Lenoir in Bastille (metro Bastille, Richard Lenoir or Brégeut-Sabin). It's definitely on Sunday mornings. Whilst you're there you could nip down to Boffinger as Patrick suggests. Nearby is Place des Vosges, probably my favourite spot it Paris, it's lovely to sit in and reflect.

No more than Patrick, I had no success in finding good record shops in Paris, and my Parisian friends could offer me no guidance either so I've come to the conclusion that none exist there...

I like the city but the hassle I got there was unreal, at every turn there was some guy in my face. And just outside the door to the apartment I got particularly nasty abuse from a guy who assumed I was British or American (I have no idea why, didn't even open my mouth) and spat at me. Charming.

[Fiona]

Passed this place on Rue Dancourt in Montmartre. Rows of vinyl inside the door, it looked like a nice place to browse but I wasn't allowed in.
Me: "I wouldn't mind going in there quickly..."
Response: "If you go in there we won't get to see anything today"
:( But probably true. Spot the item on display in the top right corner!

[9000]

guess you'll have to wait to bulk up on your amy winehouse vinyl.

[dola]

don't sleep on the Louvre man.

[the Pawnbroker]

My wife and I were just in Paris over New Years. I can't recommend record shops, but on the food tip:

I second Patrick's recommendation for falafel in the Marais. They're very good, fairly inexpensive, and can feed two in a pinch.

A good and inexpensive lunch can be had on Rue Cler in the 7th (walking distance from the Eiffel Tower). It's a three-block long cobblestone street with many, many wine shops, cheese shops, bakeries, and other food stores. I would recommend the bakery with tarts and quiche's about half-way down the street.

A very nice dinner can be had at Le Fontaine de Mars, also in the 7th. You probably want reservations and are looking at about 120 euro for two courses with wine for two people, but it is well worth it. The cassoulet and the duck confit are killer.