The market, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30-3:00, is located under the metro line 2 on the Boulevard de la Chapelle between Blvd. Barbès and Tombouctou. You can arrive there easily on the number 2 or 4 trains, getting off at Barbès-Rochechouart and walk a block down the boulevard until you run right into the market.

This part of Paris is off the beaten path—just down the way from Sacré Coeur and Montmarte, the neighborhood is pretty much an ethnic enclave of Arabs and Africans. The area has been changing some in the last few years with contemporary designers opening boutiques and new restaurants, but when you leave the trendy, touristy Montmartre and cross Boulevard Barbès, you feel the change.

Paris Barbès market is sensory overload- a frenetic, vibrating experience that will totally throw you in a new direction. As the little old ladies in head scarves roll their carts over your toes and nudge you out of their way, take pleasure in the fact that you are in a city that can transport you from one corner of the world to another in a 10 minute walk. The vendors are loud, shouting to passerby’s and cracking jokes. All range of fruits, vegetables, spices as well as clothing and other knick-knacks are for sale and great prices.

If you have your own apartment during your visit in Paris or are in town for long enough that the thought of a home cooked meal sounds ideal, the Marché Barbès is a great resource for shopping. Yes, of course you can buy amazing foods around Paris, but for some of the best prices, a variety of products and a different experience, you can’t beat Barbès. After your visit through the market, you should walk up into the 18th Arrondissement and take in some of the smaller markets that sell teas, spices, dried foods and other delicious items. Clothing and jewelry stores are also around.

The area, like the rest of Paris, feels historical, but rather than the glorified history of Napoleon or Louis XIV, the Barbès neighborhood speaks of another type of French history- a more contemporary and perhaps sensitive history. But this is even more why it’s important and interesting to visit.

The best thing to do is make a full day of it in the 18th Arrondissement. Have a late morning stroll through the Barbès market, buying some fruits and veggies, maybe some olives and cheese, almonds and loukoum then head up to the park by Sacré Coeur for a little picnic before climbing the stairs to take in the panoramic views of Paris. Then continue on your exploration of Montmarte, winding along the hilly, cobblestone streets which will no doubt bring yet another Parisian adventure.

Picture of Paris Barbès market by Blaire Dessent

1. Le Laboratoire

An exciting new addition to the Paris art scene opened in mid-October. Le Laboratoire, a sleek space of glass, metal, grays and blacks, serves as an exhibition space and meeting point between art and science. Two leading figures in their respective fields, who likely have never met, come together to explore concepts and “push the limits of understanding,” as the mission statement declares. It’s a tricky concept to pull off, which why the name of the space, Le Laboratoire, is a good one, because in actuality the work developed is truly experimental.

Location: 4, rue de Bouloi, Paris 1st Arrondissement.

2. Arts et Métiers

This museum is for the curious type and those who have a secret urge to be an inventor. This museum located in the 3rd Arrondissement has a history that extends back several decades. It’s gadget-galore and full of lots of quirky, interesting information. They have a permanent collection that revolves around seven different themes: Scientific instruments, materials, construction, communication, energy, mechanical items, transportation and religion/church history. Temporary exhibitions, like the recent one about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin add another appeal. Plus, it’s free entry for the first six months of 2008.

Location: 60, rue Reamur, Paris 3rd Arrondissement.

3. Musée de la Mode et du Textile

Part of the larger Museum of Decorative Arts, a stone’s throw from the Louvre has fantastic exhibitions on current and historical fashions. Well researched and beautifully displayed, these exhibitions are a feast for the eyes and fashion imagination and best of all won’t hurt your budget. Recently Haute Couture designer, Christian Lacroix curated a show from the collection, including some over-the-top designs of his from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as exquisite pieces from the early 20th century. Current exhibitions include a show of jewelry designed by the contemporary German artist, Dieter Roth.

Location: 107, rue de Rivoli, Paris 2nd Arrondissement.

4. Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Nissim de Camondo, an offshoot of the Museum of Decorative Arts, was the private residence of Moïses de Camondo until his death in 1935, when he bequeathed the estate and all of its furnishings to the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs of France. In summary: The Camondos where an important Sephardic Jewish family who founded one of the largest banks in the Ottoman Empire. Nissim (father of Moïses), came to Paris during the reign of Napoleon III and settled in the mansion overlooking Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement. Moïses inherited the estate in 1910 and dedicated himself to building up a vast collection of 18th century furniture and art—mainly French, but also some Asian objects, which lushly decorate this incredibly beautiful museum. This tiny museum is a true beauty. Get the audio guide and slip into the worlds of early 20th century French aristocracy.

Location: 63, rue Monceau, Paris 8th Arrondissement.

5. Musée Maillol

This small museum set in the 7th arrondissement, boasts a small collection of the early 20th century French sculptor André Maillol, known for his voluptuous nudes in bronze and marble, as well as some paintings and drawings. This makes for a quick tour, but what is typically the draw is one of their temporary exhibitions which they rotate a few times a year. Typically on view is a concise, well-researched exhibition that revolves around a theme of late 19th-early 20th century art. So if this is a genre of art that appeals to you, likely you will be pleased.

Location: 61, rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th Arrondissement.

6. La Maison Rouge

The Maison Rouge is a contemporary art space in the Bastille. Founded by a private collector, this beautifully designed museum, which sits right on the banks of the river, has rotating exhibitions, usually two or three at a time, including an exterior patio site for installations. They focus on presenting contemporary artists from around the world, but there is always a unique and refreshing approach. Most recently they have feature work by eco-trippy Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo and Russian political artists from the 1970s movement called Sots art.

Location: 10, boulevard Bastille, Paris 12th Arrondissement.

7. Centre Culturel Suisse

For the real contemporary art fan. This small museum which is sponsored by the Swiss Government, is a cutting edge, beautifully thought out exhibition space. Located conveniently within the heart of the Marais (just across from Muji), the Centre Culturel Suisse rotates exhibitions of contemporary international artists every couple of month and located just next door is a fantastic bookstore with all the latest contemporary art publications.

Location: 32-37 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris 3rd Arrondissement.

Photo of Le Laboratoire museum, Paris, originally posted by Redking

Alas what can you do in this literary city full of great French texts you can’t read? No need to worry, Paris is full of fantastic and friendly English bookshops, with a helpful staff and current selections. See below:

If smaller run, independent bookstores are your thing, stop by the at the Red Wheelbarrow 22, rue Saint-Paul in the 4th Arrondissement, or the Village Voice Bookshop, a long-time Paris institution located on the snug little rue Princesse (number 6), in the 6th Arrondissement.

1. The Red Wheelbarrow

The Red Wheelbarrow is owned by the Canadian Pénélope Le Masson, and has been in business since 2001. It’s a tiny space piled high with books in all genres. Though it makes for difficult navigation particularly with large shopping bags in tow, you can ask the friendly staff for assistance and they will gladly find whatever you are looking for.

2. The Village Voice

The Village Voice was opened more than twenty years ago by Odile Hellier, a Frenchwoman with a real passion for American literature and culture. In addition to all the latest novels, current affairs, etc., they have frequent readings by prominent writers, a selection of literary reviews and current New Yorker magazines.

3. Shakespeare & Co

The 5th Arrondissement of Paris boasts a large area of bookshops, thanks in part to the Sorbonne University.

First on the list in this area is the famous Shakespeare & Co, 37, rue de la Bücherie, a Paris institution since 1951. It is set right near the Seine, across from Notre Dame and housed in a very old house that almost seems to tilt. Old built-in bookshelves line the store and are sometimes two layers deep with books. Shakespeare & Co. sells new and used books as well as a separate space for rare books and first editions.

4. San Francisco Book Company

Walking deeper into the 5th Arrondissement leads you to the San Francisco Book Company, 17, rue Monsieur le Prince, another tiny space, piled high with books (if you sense a theme, you’re right). They sell second-hand books but in good condition, with everything from poetry to History to current affairs.

5. WH Smith

If you prefer the bigger, boxier style bookshop, you best bet is to head straight for WH Smith, the largest (so it claims) English bookstore in Paris at 248, rue de Rivoli in the 2nd Arrondissement.

Just down the way is the elegant Galignani at 224, rue de Rivoli, which has a smaller selection but sells both French and English books. And finally, there is Brentano’s at 37, rue de l’Opera, which covers all your needs including stationary and kids books. In addition they have events and book clubs, should your stay be longer. One plus-they are now open on Sundays.

Two Paris hotels for book and literature lovers:

Hotel Quartier Latin : Ideally located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, within walking distance of the Pantheon and the River Seine, this beautiful Paris hotel offers accommodations close to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Designed to recreate the atmosphere of the old Parisian literary life, this city hotel boasts a large bilingual library.

Hotel du Cadran : Situated in Paris’ 7th Arrondissement, a few steps from the Musée d’Orsay, the Invalides and the Eiffer Tower, this boutique hotel boasts comfortable rooms, a bar, a lounge with fireplace and piano, as well as a library featuring French, English and American literature.

But where to go for sushi or dumplings in a city that boasts Magret de Canard and Entrecôte de Boeuf on every block?

Eat yummy Asian food in Paris? Yes, you can.

The numerous Asian restaurants in Paris are sadly nothing more than precooked, fast food Chinese reheated in Microwave before being served, and the occasional black paneled and blue neon lighted sushi places that may have raised an eyebrow of uncertainty, merit your speculation.

Don’t worry however, you’re in luck- Sushi lovers, grab your chopsticks and head over to rue Ste. Anne in Paris 2nd Arrondissement, and those hankering for a brothy, spice filled soup with noodles can take heart in Paris’s version of Chinatown, along Rue Belleville, on the border between the 19th and 10th Arrondissements.

Find the best sushi restaurants on Rue Sainte-Anne

First the sushi -Located between the Palais Royale, and Avenue de l’Opera, rue Sainte-Anne is the go-to destination for sushi in Paris. It is a hidden little gem of a street, which is actually not that hidden as evidenced in the long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Japanese restaurants in all shapes and sizes line both sides of the street for about four blocks.

If you are in a hurry you can order a roll or two and eat while standing at a long counter along with fifteen new friends; if time is not a problem and you love watching sushi chef’s do their thing there are plenty of spots with a good sized sushi bar and a few tables to cozy into; or you can decide to step it up and select one of the larger, bamboo filled spaces that tend to be pricier but more relaxed and family friendly.

Weekends can be crowded and some of the better and more popular places will have lines down the block, but if you can plan to eat earlier and go over between 7:00 and 7:30, you should beat the rush of French hipsters rebelling against their cheese and charcuterie.

Eat at a cheap Vietnamese restaurant on Rue Belleville

If the days have been gray, cold and damp, which likely they have at least once on your visit, nothing is better than a big bowl of steaming broth with noodles, and a side of dumplings, of course. Hop onto the metro, line 11, direction Mairie des Lilas and get off at Belleville.

This neighborhood in the 19th Arrondissement is a fun excursion in its own right, a little diversion between your visits to the Louvre and Picasso Museum. It is essentially what Paris calls its Chinatown, but it is nothing on the scale of San Francisco or New York. Concentrate your food selections down along the Rue Belleville, which technically leads you into the 10th Arrondissement, and you can’t go wrong.

Most of the Vietnamese spots are inexpensive and have fast service. Bright lighting and shared condiments are the norm but the food is fantastic and the menus typically include photos of the dishes so you don’t need to worry about ordering Vietnamese food in French.

Photos of sushi tray originally posted by BatMinh.