"La Perle" à Paris

A few days ago, John Galliano had an unfortunate incident at one of my favorite bars in Paris, La Perle. I used to go there at least once a week while I was living there and I never saw any sign of violence or discrimination. It's such an open-minded place, a bit snobbish yet incredibly liberal. I went there to grab a coffee or beer with the feeling of being in a dark and twisted American diner. I always ended up having a wonderful time. I haven't been there since july 2010 but I'm looking forward to going back again. 

I had my farewell party there (with most of the friends that I met whilst in Paris) in june 2009 and I will always remember this small, red lighted and charming bar at Le Marais. 

LA PERLE: 78 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris.

There's more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower

When people visit Paris, they just want to walk along the Seine, try to find Quasimodo at Notre Dame, eat crêpes and take a picture next to the Eiffel Tower (because, lets face it, that's the first picture people ask to see when you've been in Paris). Don't get me wrong, this landmarks and clichés are amazing, but Paris is so much more than that. Besides being the most beautiful city in the world (from many points of view), its energy flows in unwalked-by-the-tourists areas such as Canal St Martin, Belleville, the 10th Arrondissement, the real Latin Quartier, Le Marais and so many other Parisian spots that sometimes aren't even part of the planned route. 

Living in this city for a year was a privilege and, as such, I took advantage of that experience. Little by little (because it would take me hours to write all at once), I'll share my favorite spots, bars, restaurants, and places that one must visit (from my point of view) whilst in Paris. 

Looking out the window from my appartment at Avenue Marceau, Paris (May 2009)

Chez Jeanette à Paris

And again we're traveling back to Paris, my home away from home. While I was living in the City of Lights, I was lucky to really get into its pace and experience the true Parisian way of life. Thanks to many of my friends, and my eagerness and inquiring mind, I discovered many places that have stayed imprinted in my brain since then. 

One of my favorite bars, where I went often, is Chez Jeannette. This authentic bar at 47 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis has seen me drunk, full (it has really good food), tired, depressed, hangover and ecstatic. I used to go many times since it is like 10 metres away from my friend Cora's home (where I spent so many nights and days). How can I describe this bar? I guess it's easy to say that it shines for its genuineness, kind staff, energy and for all the moments that I will always remember. 

If you ever take a stroll around the 10th arrondissement, don't forget to pop by, have lunch, a cup of coffee, wine and for sure a good time :)

http://www.chezjeannette.com/

The original and incredible "Flateurville" à Paris

I lived in Paris for a year (2008-2009) and it wasn't until july 2010 that I discovered one of the coolest and most surreal places I've ever been to, thanks to my friend Cora. Hidden in a passageway on the 10th arrondissement, right next to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, you'll find a paralel universe created by artist Laurent Godard: Flateurville.

When we came in I was a bit confused... is it a gallery? is it a bar? is it a performance space? what is it!? But after 2 minutes, you just don't care. I just gave in and had an amazing night that I won't soon forget. 

You'll find people sitting on sofas and talking, while others drink their troubles away at the same time that someone is playing a beautiful piano in the central lounge. But that's not all.... if you take a stroll around the place, you'll find different areas that inspire you to do different things. The best of them all is a kind of urban jungle where they have performances every thursday night (from 6.30pm it's open to the public) on an amazing stage surrounded by fake but very realistic nature (it reminded me of Peter Pan's lost boys tree). My friend Coraline went on stage and delighted us with an impromptu performance, followed by an unanimous and, may I say, deserved applause. I actually got up on stage and started singing "Ain't no mountain high enough", after almost everyone left (what you gonna do, I'm shy) and with too much white wine and champagne in my veins ;)

Seriously, if you ever go to Paris and enjoy spontaneous and "don't-know-where-or-how-I'll-end-up" nights, go to Flateurville on thursday night and prepare to be blown away :)

www.flateurville.com