Insider Tips: Paris

Hotel Gabriel is a contemporary 'detox hotel' in the Marais district of Paris. Julien Bouston offers his top tips:-

Here are a few suggestions, not too far from us. For example, two restaurants to start with :

 

Monjul : a casual chic atmosphere in a nice decor mixing contemporary design and old white Parisian stones. Among other creative starters, you will like Oriental duck liver: duck liver withTonka's seed, carott & orange chutney. To continue, what about a Tuna soaked with soya sauce and coated with sesame seeds and citrus fruit, citrus marmelade ? If you still feel like having desert, just pick up a Pumpkin pulp, pecan-nut nougatine, chestnut mousse, tonka-bean cloud and eucalyptus milk-shake...

Address : 28, rue des Blancs-Manteaux - 75004 PARIS

Telephone : +33 1 42 74 40 15

Open : Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

 

Derriere : This delightly inpertinent "neo-bistrot" succeeds in attracting discerning food lovers, as well as trendy young people. A very nice terrace is available when the weather allows. Start with a light pumpkin creamy soup, before having a soft "bourguigon" beef cheek stew and finish with a French-toastlike "quatre-quarts" cake and orange marmelage with a cappuccino.

Address : 69, rue des Gravillers - 75003 PARIS

Telephone : +33 1 44 61 91 95

Open : Tuesday to Friday for lunch, and daily for dinner.

 

 

Then, we would like to mention a very nice up-and-coming charity shop :

 

Merci : An old warehouse turned trendy charity shop. It is as interesting to visit for the place itself (a model for successfull refurbishment) as for the items you may find there : from young designer clothing or furniture, to children accessories, or old door-knobs ! It also shelters both a tea room and a snack/lunch restaurant. All the profits made by the shop go to selected charities around the world, especially in Madagascar.

Address : 111, boulevard Beaumarchais - 75003 PARIS

Telephone : +33 1 42 77 00 33

Open : Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm.

 

 

Finally, an interesting exhibition about hot French designer Patrick Jouin :

 

Centre Pompidou (until 24th May 2010) : Patrick Jouin - 43, is a former disciple of Philippe Starck's. He has already redesigned both restaurants at the Eiffel Tower, the Van Cleef & Arpels store on Place Vendome, or the Bar of Paris Plaza among others. The exhibition also shows his contribution to modern design through pieces of urban or home furniture, as well as technological devices such as NightCove. This lighting and sound sleep enhancement influences your production of melatonin to provide a better sleep and better wake up. All our Glowing rooms feature NightCove. From hotel Gabriel to Centre Pompidou : enjoy the Patrick Jouin experience !

Address : 19, rue Beaubourg - 75004 PARIS

Telephone : +33 1 44 78 12 33

Open : daily, except Tuesday, from 11am to 9pm.