Paris City Guide for Artists & Designers
Paris is a city full of inspiration for artists, designers and architects, and I have finally put together a city guide for travellers or expats that document my favourite places as a creative professional. Having lived and worked in Paris for almost 2 years until 2014, I have put together a comprehensive catalogue of my favourite sources of inspiration, whether it's innovative concept stores, galleries, bookstores, beautiful buildings or co-working cafes. Le mur des je t'aimePlace des Abbesses, Butte Montmartre | MuralOpen daily, free admissionLocated in the Square Jehan Rictus, Le mur des je t'aime or the 'I Love You' wall can be found. It's made up of 612 tiles of enamelled lava with I love you written almost a 1000 times in 300 languages. It's definitely worth going to see at least once and is meant to symbolise a a mirror which reflects peace and love.[gallery ids="4870,4871,4293" type="rectangular"]Ofr. Librairie, Galerie20, rue Dupetit-Thouars (Carreau du Temple) 75003 | BookshopOpen Monday to Saturday from 10am - 8pm, Sunday from 2pm - 7pmMy favourite shop for browsing the latest books and magazines on graphic design, fashion, art and architecture. They have a broad collection and have a few small gift items as well as well as a little spot for reading. Located between Bastille and République it's a great place to stop before lunch.
Le Centre PompidouPlace Georges-Pompidou, 75004 | MuseumOpen daily from 11am - 10pm. Closed Tuesday. Admission prices vary, see website for details.Maybe an obvious choice, but for good reason. The Musée national d’art moderne, covering the 4th and 5th floors of the Pompidou houses work from modern art masters such as Duchamp, Warhol, Matisse and Picasso to name just a few. There are some fantastic book shops inside selling catalogues, posters and postcards as well as a gift shop selling objects typifying contemporary design. Finally, the top floor offers an incredible panoramic view of Paris featuring the Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.[gallery ids="4873,4322,4872" type="rectangular"]Pro tip: EU nationals under the age of 26 get in for free! Just bring your passport as proof of age.Anticafé79 Rue Quincampoix, 75003 | Co-working cafeOpen daily, usually from 9.30am - 10pm.One of my favourite co-working cafes right in the heart of Paris is Anticafé. You pay by the hour and have access to good wifi, unlimited tea, coffee, juice and snacks (cakes, biscuits, bread etc.) It's a great spot for meeting and collaborating with other creatives in the city.[gallery ids="4488,4489" type="square" columns="2"]Pro tip: Go on a week day when it’s less busy and grab a spot near the front windows, surprisingly it’s quieter there and you also have a nice view to watch the world go by.
Le MaraisRue Vieille-du-Temple, 75004 | Cafes & BoutiquesPossibly my favourite area of Paris. Le Marais is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon when the rest of the city has shut down for the day. Famous of it's avant-garde reputation, the narrow streets play host to many contemporary boutiques and cafes. It's also great for people watching and browsing the chic window displays of stores such as Aesop, Jimmy Fairly and Acne Studios. For the best falafel you've ever tried, stop at the famous L'As Du Fallafel. You won't regret it.
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Merci111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 | Concept StoreOpen 10am-7pm Monday - Thursday, 10am-8pm Saturdays.Merci is an beautiful concept store measuring 1500 m². The store display is always very impressive and they showcase the best in fashion, design and household items. Housed in an ex wallpaper factory, it's an inspiring space with a beautiful glass roof and the downstairs restaurant prepares it's food using produce from the outdoor vegetable garden. It almost acts as an exhibition space for the latest pieces from emerging designers.
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Comptoir Général80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 | Bar & RestaurantA hidden, offbeat bar with an eclectic decor featuring a tropical garden and a huge greenhouse.
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Marché aux Puces St.-Ouen de Clignancourt150 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint Ouen | Flea & Antique MarketA huge flea market where you can find almost everything from antiques, furniture, fashion, art and one-off items
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Additional:
Maison Européenne de la Photographie5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 | Photography GalleryShowcases contemporary works by emerging photographers from around the world and has an ever changing collection.Le Bal6 Impasse de la Défense, 75018 | Cafe, Bookstore & Exhibition SpaceAn exhibition space showcasing everything in photography, video & film.Jeu de Paume1 Place de la Concorde, 75008 | Art GalleryAn arts centre for modern and postmodern photography and media.Magnum Photos19 Rue Hégésippe Moreau, 75018 | Photography GalleryA small studio showcasing the work of Magnum photographersLe Rocketship13 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 | Boutique CaféA pretty design and homewear shop with a coffee counter run by Benoît Touche
Bon Voyage!