So this is something I've been meaning to do for a while, just to sum up the things that I end up doing most often in Paris. I'm gonna try and make a little list for each arrondissement (or district) of Paris to give you an idea of what there is to do there. This is by no means ever going to be a complete or universal list of what to do in each area, but I thought it'd be fun to try. (Also, sorry for the lack of cafe/restaurant listings on these, but I can't really afford to go to that many.)
I live in one of the more so-called "colourful" parts of the 18th arrondissement, near Barbes-Rochechouart metro station. It's pretty much fine; I don't think you're any more likely to have your things stolen here (as long as you keep your wits about you, just as you should in any part of any big city), and the street harassment is about standard for Paris. Men just haven't quite caught on about the idea of entitlement yet. Anyway, I wanted to write this to talk about some of the positives of the 18th, so here goes:
Sacre Coeur
Montmartre is just a couple of streets over from Boulevard Barbes, and 5 minutes' speed-walking from Sacre Coeur, arguably one of the nicest churches in Paris with a great view of the city. Alternatively you can head up from Anvers metro and get a view of the gardens, as well as avoiding the steps by taking the Funiculaire - a total lifesaver if you're feeling lazy.
Editions Baleine
This is pretty much the weirdest shop/gallery I know. And I mean that in the BEST. WAY. It's on Rue Muller, on the run-up to SC from Boulevard Barbes, and it's definitely open on weekends but I'm still not sure about the rest of the week. There are a lot of taxidermy animals and one living cat, and I honestly don't know how they're still in business but I'm so glad that they are. If it's open, go in for a chat and to look at all the things you didn't think could exist.
Halle Saint-Pierre
The Halle Saint-Pierre is just next to the Sacre Coeur gardens and it's worth even seeing the building. Inside there's a really nice cafe with large windows and framed art on the walls, and a bookshop selling art books (both kind of pricey, but a, art books, and b, Paris - what did you expect?).
La Fourmi
A Pigalle bar with a 75018 postcode, this place is well-priced and a great place to sit in or outside. Look at all the decor, think about getting some food, and try and decide how much you trust that "sauna" across the street.
Abbesses / Montmartre
Abbesses metro has way too many steps so for god's sake, get the lift. But Place des Abbesses is beautiful and surrounded by lovely streets to wander down.
Escale
5 euros for a pint of cocktail, 6 euros for a whole pizza. Very warm, long queues. Worth the wait.
The rest of the 18th is still pretty much uncharted territory for me, but I would also recommend Bob's Bake Shop near Stalingrad, the business that supplies the food for Shakespeare & Co's cafe in the 5th. Friendly staff and healthy-but-very-tasty food. Oh, also Boulevard Barbes has a 24 hour bakery. Good for essay-writing.
(To be updated as/when/if I go to new and nice places.)
- Alice
