I will be going to Paris (from Los Angeles) on April 20th for a few days. I%26#39;m a writer (working on my first novel), and my trip is part %26quot;research%26quot; and part pleasure. I%26#39;m mainly interested in seeing non-touristy things so I can write about the %26quot;real%26quot; Paris or the %26quot;real%26quot; French... and see beautiful things in Paris that aren%26#39;t necessarily in travel guides.
I%26#39;ve been to Paris once before and did the whole Eiffel Tower and Louvre thing... so this time I want to do something different: maybe see some fascinating night life, go to an %26quot;underground%26quot; club (such as a BDSM club) where I can be a spectator.
Can anyone recommend places to see (whether it%26#39;s a cafe or a park or a bench or a building or a bar or a club) that has real character. Something with ambiance. A place that exudes %26quot;soul.%26quot; I%26#39;m also doing my first film this year and would love to find inspirational locations/locales.
So... what does a single, open-minded woman (a writer) do alone? I wouldn%26#39;t mind meeting Parisians. I love the French!!
Merci
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Alone in Paris? Goodness, it%26#39;s a dream come true! Just remember to take an umbrella.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Pariscope at any newstand. It will have loads of goings-on listed for every spot in the city.
While it might be considered a touristy thing to do, visit the Marche aux Puces (flea markets) at the Porte de Clignancourt. It%26#39;s the end of the line on one of the Metro routes and easy to find. The neighborhood%26#39;s ethnic and working class but fun.
The mixture of people from all backgrounds is interesting. It takes a bit to get through all of the tents of vendors hawking knock-off sneakers and such, bit then you reach the actual market buildings and you can discover almost anything. The buildings are organized by types of merchandise, and you can purchase anything from childrens toys to vintage French linens.
Wander through the neighborhood at the foot of Montmartre - it%26#39;s filled with cut-rate clothing stores and other five-and dime-like places. The Metro runs on an elevated track in this area, adding to the atmosphere. Bargains galore can be found here, if you%26#39;re a person who gets a thrill out of bin-diving.
Depending on where you%26#39;re staying, stake out a cafe and make it your own. I like Relais Odeon on Saint Germain in Odeon Square. Between the Metro, movie theatres and Med School, you%26#39;re apt to see all manner of folks.
Bon Voyage!
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Some of the gaybars in Les Halles and Marais are pretty interesting, the bear bar is for hairy guys etc.
Also on the steamy side are the swingers clubs, basically bars/clubs people go to havesex or watch or whatever, there is even one on isle st louis(i wonder if all the people who rave about THAT icecream shop know?).
A side of Paris tourists never see is the huge African music scene, maybe go to a concert, there are loads of these every week they are safe and great fun.
For something different go to a Guinguette (old style dance hall) try Balajo near Bastille in the afternoon they do teadances and in the night salsa/latin.
Some of the non-tourist parts of Paris have real soul Belleville for example. Go on a Friday to the market.
Hope this helps.
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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;I%26#39;ve been to Paris once before and did the whole Eiffel Tower and Louvre thing... so this time I want to do something different: maybe see some fascinating night life, go to an %26quot;underground%26quot; club (such as a BDSM club) where I can be a spectator. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;
That%26#39;s a pretty specific interest and this may not be the best resource. You might try searching some of the BDSM-specific web sites for more detailed information and recommendations. Of course if you do, you will have to exercise caution. On the internet one can seldom know if an anonymous screenname is providing valid information--or simply some pathetic anonymoron, just trying to get something goin%26#39;??
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