Place Edouard VII

British Influence Everywhere

by Alex G

Forget the Franco-British rivalry. Paris has lots of streets and landmarks named after English kings. George V lends his name to a prestigious avenue off Champs Elysées, as well as to one of Paris' elite hotels. The avenue leading up to City Hall is avenue Victoria. But best--most obscure, but by no means least--is square Edouard VII, named after the son of Queen Victoria, who did not access the throne until his mother died, in the years leading to World War I. This, right behind the ... Continue

Mémorial de la Déportation

Stark and Powerful

by Alex G

This is the first of a series. We would like to direct the NFT reader to great, picturesque, and little-known sites located just a stone's throw away from Paris' major attractions. We can start with Paris' (and Europe's for that matter) most visited monument--Notre Dame. We suggest also visiting the impressive memorial dedicated to the 250,000 Frenchmen (Jews, resistants etc.) who died in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. This edifice is nothing but concrete, some metal, and ... Continue

La Maroquinerie

Live Sounds

by Alex G

Are you looking to fill your ears with the sound of (local) music, in the company of "real Parisians"? Then "go east, young man." In European cities, the Eastern districts tend to be the cheaper end of town--supposedly because winds and thus pollution blow eastwards. Be that as it may, go east, because Paris' nightlife has settled in the Eastern districts, where rent is more affordable (personally, I like to think party goers go east so they can watch the sun rise). The hot area of town used ... Continue

FIP Radio

The Sounds of Paris

by Alex G

Paris has nurtured a radio station with a unique sound--music tunes from all over the world, combined with suave voices that give (usually disastrous) traffic information with a noticeable grin. There are brief news programs at 10 minutes before the hour, and--take notice--no ads, as the radio operates on public money. The station is famous for its smooth and ironic female voices then, but even more so for the extensive range of music it programs, as well as for the consummate flair with whic ... Continue

BHV

Not Your Average Cafeteria

by Alex G

This is cafeteria food at a department store, but you'll love eating there all the same, just a stone's throw away from Notre Dame. Unlike Galeries Lafayettes and Printemps, this department store, BHV, is one Parisians keep to themselves. The location is perfect, the food cheap enough (you'll eat for less than €10), and the view outright breath taking--the Seine river and the island and Notre Dame and, better still, the unique-looking rooftops of Paris. Bazar de l’hôtel de ville--or "BHV" as ... Continue

Le Montana

Painfully Hip

by Devon McCormack

From the name you might be expecting an American style dive bar with moose heads and plaid on the wall. Think again. This painfully cool left bank establishment was designed as a playground for the city's creative elite. Located right around the corner from the famed Café Flore, Montana is where you go to see and be seen. During fashion week you can't swing a Chanel bag in this place without knocking over multiple Vogue editors, a few models, and maybe Kanye West. The bar was re-opened in 2009 u ... Continue