Live Music Clubs to Visit in Paris

With Paris having such a diverse and exciting culture, it is no surprise that there are a number of bars in the city in which to enjoy live music. Below are some e often enjoy frequenting when the time permits.

Pop In (105 Rue Amelot)
Pop In Paris is a family run bar which has been in operation since the late 90s and has a reputation for providing a good standard of rock music in particular, but also various other genres on occasions. The bar has a cellar which has hosted many booked bands, and there is also an open mic night every Sunday which provides an air of the unknown and is always of surprisingly high quality.

Connolly’s Corner (12 Rue Mirbel)
As well as having bands regularly coming into the bar to play live music, there is also the tendency for people to arrive here out of the blue and perform renditions with friends off the cuff. This pub in Paris provides a real traditional Irish atmosphere which perfectly complements the decor and, service and general atmosphere.

Le Carmen
Set in a converted mansion, this live pub music venue has performances from a number of promising French bands as well as the occasional appearance from more well known names. There are also live djs here on occasion, ensuring that the mix of clientele is diverse, especially as the entrance is free, even the drinks are slightly on the expensive side.

Four Things to do for Free in Paris

If you’re in Paris looking for a way to spend time but not dough the city holds many delights free for the asking. Explore relish the beauty of Paris streets, exotic gardens, tranquil islands or sign up to spend the day with a local, all without opening your wallet!

The Parc de la Villette - There’s no end of the fascination available to the public at the Parc de la Villette (Main entrance at 30 rue Corentin-Cariou) with garden themes involving dragons, mirrors, islands, trellises, equilibrium and even childhood fears. The fantastic sculptures around the grounds loom over the great expanses of lawn that beg to be savored with a leisurely picnic or rousing game of frisbee – or a bit of both!

There is admission for some attractions, like the shows at the IMAX theatre housed in the sparkly Géode, but if you visit during July or August you can spend the evening watching free cinemas in the open space known as the Prairie du triangle. The Parc de la Villette is a relatively new addition to Paris resulting from major renovations to what was previously the slaughterhouse district –and relics of this macabre history are proudly worked into the park displays with only a slight hint of irony.

Paris Greeters Tours - They say the best way to learn Paris is to hang with the locals, but finding locals that want to hang with you is the tricky part. Well, thanks to a service known as Paris Greeters you can connect with the hundred or so volunteer Parisians that will be happy to join you for a walk and point out the off-the-beaten path places you’re not going to find on tourist maps. Paris greeters charge you nothing for their services although rumor is they won’t turn down a cup of coffee or glass of wine during your tour. The foundation accepts donations from satisfied customers -- but payment is by no means obligatory.

Island Hopping on the Seine - Unlike tropical island hopping via boat, in Paris you island hop via cobblestoned streets amid the most flamboyant renaissance architecture in town. Perched in the bend of the Seine are the le de la Cité and the Île St-Louis islands where you won’t find palm trees or sandy beaches but you will find an unexpectedly tranquil retreat that costs nothing to soak up. Historically the playground of Paris’ elite, these islands ooze old world opulence that makes modern contrivances pale in comparison. Just steps away from a bustling city center, when you step on these islands it’s like stepping back in time.

Wall Watching - With all the fabulous old stone monuments, cathedrals, palaces, walled estates, cobblestone neighborhoods and ornate bridges around Paris, it’s no surprise that one of the favorite pastimes is simply watching walls! Just pack up your supplies and find a cozy vantage point where you curl up to admire the light’s painting de jour on the canvas of Paris walls. Sunset might seem like the finale, but as dark settles the City of Lights reveals a whole new dimension. If you’re artistically inclined, wall watching can be an ideal way to practice your skills by capturing the experience on film, canvas, blank pages – or digitally.

About the author: Lela Lake combines her love of Paris and thrifty travel by writing for AnyTrip.com, the budget accommodation specialists. They’re currently giving away four free trips to Paris (ends 30th September 2011) and have a great selection of
Cheap Paris Hotel bookable on their site.

Visiting Le Louvre

Le Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world and is amongst the leading tourist attractions in the city of Paris. A visit to this museum is an absolute must for any art lover, and for any tourist visiting the city of Paris, the experience cannot be considered complete until this museum has been visited and appreciated. This is not only because of the world class art which can be found here, but also because of the museum’s amazing architecture and the place which it has in the history of the city.

As a tourist you should have no problem accessing Le Louvre due to the fact that it is open every day of the week with the exception of Tuesday. On most days the museum is open until 6PM, although on Wednesdays and Fridays you can enjoy the contents until 9PM. You should factor in the 30 minute closing period for the various rooms before the main doors lock.

There are various different options with regards to admission. You can purchase a full day ticket for just the permanent exhibition, a ticket for just the temporary exhibition or a joint ticket. For a slightly increased price you can access guide facilities, either in person or through the use of technology. Entrance to the permanent exhibition is free on the first Sunday of every month, but expect to have to queue!!!

Jobs for the Traveller in Paris

Paris is a popular travel destination for many different groups of people, and this includes those who are travelling around Europe or the world to experience new people and cultures. Often, people enjoying such an experience will need to fund their travels by taking part time or long term work. Below are some such jobs one could take in Paris.
This is a great option for the young traveller as it enables you to continue socialising and experiencing the culture of the city whilst at work. Also, there are so many bars around the city that there is a very good chance that you will be able to find work. If your job requires you to work in the evening you can explore your surroundings during the day.
If you have a bubbly personality and enjoy the opportunity to talk to strangers this is an ideal job choice for your, especially as you can achieve good performance based incentives. This is also a great way to meet new people and get to know your way around Paris.
Paris has a modern and hip crowd which likes to be entertained, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for people with a talent to express it in return for varying degrees of cash.
here is a high turnover of seasonal staff at this resort which is great fun to work at, especially if you enjoy working around kids and have a fun nature.

Things to Do For Free in Paris

If you are travelling to Paris on a small budget there are plenty of things that you can do around the city for free of charge. Below is a brief guide to some of the things you csan do for free.

Visit Le Louvre

Le Louvre is a world famous museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and if you plan your visit for the first Sunday of each month you can enter for free. Under 25s can also gain free access on Friday evenings.

Take a picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Climbing the Eiffel Tower itself has an associated cost, but one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is from underneath the tower. There is a significant park area underneath the tower where you can enjoy a picnic looking up at the tower and enjoying the rest of the surrounding scenery.
Notre dame Cathedral
Entrance into the Notre Dame cathedral itself is free, so you enjoy the fabulous designs and famous windows from the inside. You will have to pay to enter certain sections of the cathedral, but you can gain an overall feel for the place from the free sections.
Visit a Park
Paris has an abundance of parks, including the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Park André Citroën, both of which are great to walk around and enjoy the scenery. You can explore the statues or maybe even take in one of the impromptu musical performances.

Visiting Le Palais Royal

Le Palais Royal is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris, and for good reason. The first reason why the palais is so popular is because of the absolutely exquisite architecture, which is the handiwork of Jacques Lemercier, one of the best French architects of the 17th century. The columns which spread along the majority of the structure are its signature feature, whilst the intimate detail of the artwork ingrained into it and the imposing presence which the building has creates a magical and inspirational feel.

Equally as popular as the structure of the building itself are the gardens which accompany it. The gardens are enclosed within the structure and contain some of the most fabulous garden ornaments in the entire city. The immaculate way in which the garden is kept spreads from the grass to the tall trees which form much of the border, and it is clear to see that this was once a royal garden.

Although the palais itself is not open to the public as it is now a governments building, many would argue that you can still enjoy the best features of it by strolling around the gardens and the courtyard. It is often said that the best place to be is over the way from a major building as that way you can enjoy the view, whereas once inside you cannot fully appreciate it. The fact that le Palais Royal is opposite le Louvre only adds to its appeal.

Best Views in Paris

With so many historic buildings, notable landmarks, luscious parks and bustling streets, there is so much of Paris to see. In order to properly appreciate these views you should travel to the best vantage points, including those described below.

Eiffel Tower - The image of this structure is perhaps the most commonly associated image of Paris. It is a simply huge structure from which you can gain panoramic views of the city. You can either venture half way up or go the whole hog and climb to the very top to see for miles around. For those who are not keen on walking all the way up there is always the option of taking the elevator.

Arc De Triomphe - It is surprising how much you can see from this structure as when you stand underneath it and look up it does not appear to be tall in comparison to other structures in the city. In reality, however, once you reach the top you can see far and wide. This is arguably the best place to acquire pictures of the busy Paris traffic and pedestrian walkways.

Notre Dame - This glorious gothic structure has more to offer than just top class design features, it also offers a splendid view of the surrounding area. The narrow steps which you must climb to reach the top add to the character of the visit.

Cafes to visit in Paris

Taking a trip to Paris can be a tiring experience as there is so much to see and do. The benefit of this is that the tiredness gives you an opportunity to take advantage of the many cafes around the city which play such a large part in the character of the city. The vision of the Paris citizens sitting out on the pavement during the summer months is one that comes synonymously with the city. Below are some of the best cafes to experience this.
Le Select - This must be the most traditional and authentic Paris cafe experience in the city. The quality of the coffee and traditional French pastries on the menu is exquisite and the location is discreet and classy. Located in the popular St Germain district of the city this cafe is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

La Sancerre - One can enjoy fabulous views of some of the city’s best attractions from this traditional French cafe on the Rue Des Abbesses. The crowd here is a good mix of locals, students and tourists, so you will not be drowned by visitors as you would in other nearby cafes and instead you can enjoy an authentic experience. The cafe turns into a trendy bar at night time and offers a great range of cocktails.

Cafe de la Plaix - Whether you choose to sit inside and enjoy the splendid interior design of this cafe which is part of Le Grand Hotel on the Place de l’Opera or sit outside and watch the city life pass by, you will be glad you visited this establishment.

Parks to Visit in Paris

Paris is blessed with some of the best parks in Europe. These parks offer the tourist an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy some of the glorious landscape contained within the parks. There is also the opportunity to enjoy the many features and activities which the parks have to offer. Below are some parks to visit around the city:

Parc André Citroën - This park is a wonderful mix of water, water structures and extensive botanical gardens. There is also a canal which runs through the park, adding to its character and increasing its value as a place to come to be serenaded. The park is located close to the river Seine and is the perfect place to break up your city break.

Parc Monceau - This park has played host to many famous events in history and is a favourite haunt of many a celebrity seeking a slice of nature within the city. The gorgeous gardens are tastefully accompanied by a number of niche structures which are spread throughout the park.

Parc du Champs-de-Mars - Probably one of the best known parks in Paris and arguably the one which offers the best view. Located directly underneath the Eiffel Tower, this is a popular rest point for those who have just conquered the mammoth climb to the top of the iconic structure. Marvel at the brilliance of the Eiffel Tower or glare across at the Ecole Militaire.

Tips on Taking the Bateaux Mouches

Taking the Bateaux Mouches is a unique way to enjoy Paris, relax and take plenty of photographs. I had the time of my life viewing the beautiful sights of Paris for one whole hour - and at the end of it, I had only one complaint to make: that the cruise was too short! If you have brought your family, a Bateaux Mouches cruise is the best treat you can give them and they will cherish the memories of it for life.

Bateaux Mouches has been in the boat tour business ever since 1949, owing to which tourists can expect the best possible cruise experience. Bateaux Mouches, which literally means “fly boats,” offer one-hour cruises every half an hour during the summer. The company offers dinner and lunch cruises as well, but unless you are a luxury traveller who can afford to splash money around, you will find that these may be too expensive.

The fly boats are charming, but you need to be careful while on the upper deck because it does not offer any protection from the sun, wind or rain. You must, therefore, check the weather forecast before choosing a seat on the upper deck. Since the weather was delightful on the day I took the Bateaux Mouches cruise, I decided to choose a seat at the front because I wanted to enjoy the lovely sights of Paris without any obstruction.

You can purchase tickets once you are on board; however if you are a large family travelling together or you are part of a group, you will have to purchase tickets in advance. The Bateaux Mouches will also give you a souvenir map, which shows the route the boat will take. The guides on board will explain the route in English as well as French, which eliminates the need for you to know French.