Purple Light’s Tips for the City of Lights

Paris continues to be one of our favorite cities. Its sense of romance, fine food, culture and LGBT nightlife is unparalleled. Despite recent events there, we encourage returning to this magical city as frequently as you can. Purple Light was recently interviewed on Twitter about some of our suggestions for travelers to Paris. Here is the interview:

Where is your city?

Europe

What’s the cheapest way to enjoy this city at night?

Start walking along the Seine and then venture onto side streets where the lights and sites lure you. It is called the “City of Lights” for a reason. Then go for a nightcap at one of the many bars in Paris that offer good values. For our LGBT clients, we recommend heading to the Marais District where the bars have long happy hours and early entry to some of the dance clubs, such as the Banana Cafe which has go-go boys and a Josephine Baker vibe. For all clients we like the jazz/blues club Caveau des Oubliettes (52 Rue Galante near Notre Dame) that has no cover and is in a dungeon with a real guillotine!

What’s your favorite restaurant here? What’s so special about it?

Our favorite restaurant from our last trip was Cru (7 Rue Charlemagne) in the St. Paul area. It is special for Paris because it specializes in healthy “raw” food including fresh tasty vegetables and various tartares. These and other options are served in a pleasant courtyard setting

What’s your favorite thing to do on a warm Sunday morning in this city?

Go shopping for items for a picnic and head to the Jardins du Luxembourg, our favorite gardens in the city. There you can sit and relax surrounded by beautiful gardens, Palatial French architecture and kids and others sailing mini boats on a pool

What were some of the hidden gems in that city? Why?

There are two museums in Paris that many tourists do not know about and we think are most worthy of a visit. First, the Atelier Brancusi (Place George Pompidou) located in a small structure outside the Pompidou Museum. This museum recreates the artist studio of the Romanian turned French sculptor Constantin Brancusi. It houses over 135 of his sculptures. Better still, the museum is free but only open afternoons from 2-6 p.m. Second, the Cluny Museum (6 Place Paul-PainleveI( in the Quartier Latin is a museum highlighting the works of the Middle Ages including 6 famous tapestries of the “Lady and the Unicorn” that compliment those in the Cloisters in New York City.

Anything else you want to add?

Unless you are a true teetotaler, drink wine when you are in Paris. It will generally be good and often cost less than a diet coke!