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By this time of the year we can do away with the thermals and ‘jumpers’ (sweaters to you). Fold them away in the cupboard and when you feel the sun’s warmth on your face its time to make that important move from red to white (wine). This month we are in the Third District of Paris - make sure those shoes are comfy as we’ve got walking to do.
 We’ll start the journey with a different vibe - in an internet café - well you have to let everyone know what an amazing time you are having. Pop in to the Web Bar at 32 rue de Picardie 75003 Tel 01.42.72.66.55. This place is wonderful. It is a former silversmith’s workshop and it doubles up as an exhibition place and music venue.
 Lets leave 21st Century Paris and return to more familiar surroundings. Whether you are hungry from all those emails or just fancy imbibing some ambiance, I just love Chez Janou 2 rue Roger-Verlomme Tel 01.42.72.28.41. There is a small terrace to sit outside if the weather is warm enough, but the real atmosphere is inside. This is a wonderful bistro and you should make a reservation if you want to eat in the evening as it gets very busy and you want to avoid disappointment at the door. They have a fine selection of regional wines - funny how I always mention the wine before food. If you are hungry then we have some of our old favourites - duck confit and blanquette de veau (white veal stew with eggs and cream). If you have a sweet tooth then you really are in heaven- the chocolate mousse is ‘a volonte’ which means as much as you can muster.
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After your break here you simply cannot miss the prestigious Place des Vosges - one of my favourite Paris Squares- not on the main tourist trail- I wonder why but I’m not complaining- Parisians come here every week for their Sunday stroll.
 
Walk through the Marais - the ‘marsh’ and take in the old Jewish area of Paris, this is also a lively area at night with some great bars to explore.
 Finally we get to my destination for dinner - Le 404 69 rue des Gravilliers 75003 Tel 01.42.74.57.81. This place is essentially a couscous restaurant, but it is much more than that. I hope you don’t mind music as Le 404 can get quite rowdy (particularly on weekends) and space is optimum so things can feel a tad ‘cosy’. However it is also one of the most fashionable places in Paris, so even if you’re jostling a bit - it’s with the rich and famous if that is any consolation. Apart from the food, which is about the best Moroccan food in town, it is a place where ‘anything goes’ and frankly some of it does!!
Choose a good selection of starters and then a tagine or couscous for your main. This can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated, but just take something from all the bowls and mix it up - it is delicious. The wine list is extremely comprehensive and can be a bit pricey. I had a wonderful Forts de la Tour (Latour 2nd wine) for €40. After some mint tea you should feel ready to join the rest of the clientele - dancing on top of the bar - and I’m not joking.
If you feel you haven’t exhausted your dancing potential then Les Bains Douches is just around the corner at 7 Rue du Bourg L’abbe 75003 Paris. You’ll have some stiff competition- its been famed for the door policy- but it has softened its attitude recently. If you can’t face the dance floor there is a great bar upstairs where you can just mingle with the stars.
Imo
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