Paris Tips
Supermarkets near Clichy: The new Simply is just to the west of Place de Clichy and the Franprix on Vintimille are
excellent in terms of selection and great values. Simply is closed on Sunday and Franprix is closed on Monday. If it's
late at night and you have the munchies or need something to drink, there is an emergency store that seems to be
open all the time – even very, very late at night. It’s a little store on the corner of Vintimille and Douai. Prices are a
little higher, but hey, sometimes you need spaghetti sauce at 11 p.m. and this is the only option. The Monoprix also
offers good variety at Place Blanche (right near the metro Blanche.) Just remember the grocery store is downstairs,
while clothing and household goods are upstairs. Monoprix is open until 10 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
Supermarkets near Fontaine: Can't get much closer than the brand-new G20 supermarket just two doors down!
Or, head north to Place Blanche to the Monoprix (more info above).
Supermarkets near Fromentin: Head just east of Place Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy and you'll find the huge and
very modern Champion grocery store. They even have self-checkout machines! You'll also find a smaller Ed
supermarket in that same direction on the opposite side of the boulevard. And,good old Monoprix at Place Blanche
(more info above) is just a short walk in the other direction
Supermarkets near Damrémont: The Franprix at the corner of Damrémont and Lamarck is your closest
supermarket, which is just to the left outside the front door of the apartment building. To your left, you will find the
Cocci Market, which is a bit more expensive, but open late and on days when Franprix is closed.
Supermarkets near La Condamine: Just out the front door to your right, you will find a neighborhood store called
8 à Huit, which will have the essentials. Continue on past this store on rue La Condamine and you will come to the
Franprix supermarket on your left, and there is yet another Franprix near the Square des Batignolles. The new,
biggest supermarket option is the Simply near Place de Clichy. Of course, on Saturday, you can also shop at the
organic market with spans several blocks of Boulevard des Batignolles.
Supermarkets near Broca: Just steps from the market steet of rue Mouffetard, you can find anything and
everything here. But if you want a true supermarket, there's a Franprix just at the base of rue Mouffetard on the
left, about a five minute walk from the apartment.
Supermarkets near the Budget Studios: The open market at Place Maubert is a fun place to shop on Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday. For everyday items, the Franprix is just off Place Maubert on rue Lagrange. Note that this
Franprix is open on Sundays!
Don't forget our favorite, Picard: While you're making yourself at home in your apartment, keep your eye out for
your neighborhood Picard. What is Picard? It's a frozen food store. Why would you want to eat frozen food on
vacation? Because the store in itself is an adventure and choices are nothing like US frozen food. Their stuff is
delicious: tartes, appetizers, main courses, meats, desserts, sauces, herbs - even sushi! You can even get escargot
loaded up with garlic butter sauce in the shell; just heat it up. Some items, like their desserts, only need to be
defrosted. Browse "Le Catalogue" and check out the selection: www.picard.fr.
Nearby Market Streets
Rue Lepic - Although this street was made famous by the movie "Amelie" and the café where the movie was shot, it
still offers plenty of good food and window shopping as you head up to rue des Abbesses. Several green grocers line
the street as you head up the hill, along with a fromagerie, a couple of patisseries and a wine shop. Don't forget the
fish monger on the corner!
Rue des Martyrs - Made famous by The New York Times article that called it "a slice of village life," this street has all
the Parisian atmosphere you could want along with tasty treats pulling you in every direction. If you need a break
from food shopping, sit down and enjoy a little Italian food at Fuxia at No. 25. They also have a market selling Italian
groceries and prepared foods uphill from the restaurant.
Barbès Rochechouart - On Saturdays near the Barbès Rochechouart metro stop, adventure into the culinary heart
of multi-cultural Paris and experience the intriguing smells and overwhelming variety of the cuisines of North Africa. Be
daring - satisfy your need for all things spicy here!
Les Batignolles "BIO" Organic Market - On Saturday mornings along the median on Blvd. des Batignolles, just off
Place de Clichy, you'll find stalls filled with delicious organic meats, cheeses, veggies, jams, honeys - you name it! Get
there early to enjoy the atmosphere and find everything you'll need for a healthy meal.
Place Maubert - Just a two-minute's walk from the Budget Studios, you'll find an open market here on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays will all the tasty treats you'd expect in a perfectly Parisian market.
Rue Mouffetard - About five minutes walk from the Broca apartment, you can stroll uphill gazing (and salivating) at
food stalls and storefronts, with everything imaginable here at your fingertips. You'll also find plenty of bistros and
boutiques.
Restaurants Galore
Folks, the worst thing you can do is spend your vacation working off a long list of restaurants someone told you
you'd like. Instead, discover places while sightseeing and in your neighborhood. If you simply must have a list of
some neighborhood places not listed in guidebooks, here's a brief one designed for all budgets, with variety in mind:
In the 9th:
Le Gourmet, 19 rue de Bruxelles - Delightful 13€ three-course lunch, 16€ dinner
Fuxia, 25 rue de Martyrs - Delicious Italian, cozy and friendly on a cold or rainy day
Le Valois, 20 rue de Bruxelles - Stop in for lunch or an afternoon drink
Chez Jean, 8 rue St. Lazare - Traditional French, reserve: 01.48.78.62.73
Le Bistro des Deux Théâtres, 18 rue Blanche - 33€ 3-course dinner including wine
In the 18th:
Paul et Gwéna, 34 rue Durantin - Our favorite hangout. Daily specials are great!
Pepone, 10 rue Lepic - Best pizza in Paris! Plenty of delicious Italian take-out, too.
La Preuve Par Neuf, 5 rue Damremont - 27€ Fixed price menu in a sweet little resto
Un Zebre A Montmartre, 38 rue Lepic - Can't go wrong at this neighborhood joint
Le Relais Gascon, 6 rue des Abbesses - Their gigantic, fattening salads are a must!
2 Pièce Cuisine, 36 rue de Ruisseau - A real gem, worth the trek over the hill
Les Feuillades, 6 rue de la Fontaine du But - Perfectly French, 22€ 3-course dinner
Catch A Movie
There is a huge movie theater Pathé just east of Place de Clichy that shows many of the latest films, including some
of the recent United States releases. Even better, they typically offer movie-goers the option of an original version in
English or a version dubbed in French. If you order popcorn, don’t forget to specify whether you want it sweet or
salty - it's already prepared, so there's no such thing as plain. Tickets are just a little more than they are in a typical
big U.S. city. For a more intimate, art-house movie experience, try Studio 28 on 10 rue Thozolé in the 18th - all their
films are in the original version. Less expensive than the big theaters, and they even have a bar! www.cinemastudio28.
com
Our Favorite Flea Market
Sure, there are bigger flea markets in Paris, but take our advice and try the one at Porte de Vanves for the best vibe
and best bargains! Take Metro Line 13 to the end of the line to Porte de Vanves, and we promise you will find items
you can not only afford but actually bring home in your suitcase! You'll find a good bit of junk here, in the best sense
of the word. Kitchen stuff, old pictures, trinkets, small ceramic items, jewelry, records, wallets, clothing, stuff and
things. Every weekend, try to arrive by 10 a.m., 11 a.m. at the latest. Avenues Georges Lafenestre and Marc
Sangnier. Puces de Vanves
A New Paris View?
Been to the top of every Paris monument in search of the perfect view of Paris? Here's one you probably haven't
tried: a hot air balloon trip at Parc André Citroën. This gas balloon is tethered, but it still sails up 150 meters (almost
500 feet). For just 10 Euro per person, it's a real treat! Kid friendly, too, and in the midst of a lovely, sprawling,
modern park. Metro: Balard or Javel André Citroën. www.aeroparis.com
Jogging
Some folks don’t let vacation get in the way of a daily workout. For joggers, the beautiful Parc de Monceau in the 8th
arrondissement is a perfect place to go for a walk or run. The light runner will find the 1-kilometer track around the
park is plenty good enough to stay in shape while on the road. It’s also a great place to relax. Benches line the park
in all directions and green space in the middle is a perfect place for a picnic. There is also a large kids play area and
place for in-line skaters.
Do-It-Yourself Mecca
The Montmartre area is lucky enough to call itself home to one of the most interesting stores in Paris – Castorama.
Well, that might be overstating it a little bit. But if you like home improvement projects, it’s worth taking an hour or
so out of your busy travel schedule to take a look inside. You can see the gadgets, furniture and flooring that give
Parisian homes some of their charm. It’s also fun to look at duct tape that costs 9€ a roll and decide that there are a
few things that are better back home. There is also an aisle that has small items such as magnetic levels (great for
your fridge back home!) and small tape measures that make great gifts for your carpenter husband or contractor
friend. www.castorma.fr
Super-Duper Department Store
Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV). Bring the whole family. Start in the basement, which is filled to the rim with everything
hardware related. From accessories for your wine cellar to power tools to metal house number signs, it's all here. The
remaining seven (!!) floors have everything else you might want in a department store. Be sure to take your lunch or
afternoon break in the cafeteria on the fifth floor. Fantastic view of Paris and surprisingly good food for bargain
prices. Metro: Hotel de Ville - you can exit directly into the basement of the store. www.bhv.fr
For the Sports Fan
Some sporting events – the Tour de France and French Open tennis tournament – are well-publicized and easy to
navigate once you are in Paris. Some of the others, however, aren’t covered well in English newspapers but still offer
a very European experience for sports fans. Even if you aren’t into the sport, a Paris St.-Germain soccer match is
a worthwhile experience. PSG plays in the top division in France, and the home stadium at Parc des Princes in the
16th arrondissement is full for nearly all of its home matches. The PSG regular season begins in August and runs
through May. You can get a pretty good seat for 25€. If you want to avoid the really rowdy fans, they sit in opposite
ends of the stadium behind the goals. The most sought-after tickets each season are for matches against Lyon and
Marseille. Go to www.psg.fr for information.
Paris also has a basketball team called Paris Basket Racing, which plays its games from September to May at the
Stade Pierre de Coubertin in the 16th arrondissement. Tickets for Paris Basket Racing games start at 6€ and go up to
50€, so it’s not an expensive night out.
Bus or Metro?
A lot of people are intimidated by the buses and would rather just take the metro even if the trip would be quicker
and easier by bus. We know because we came to Paris for eight years – sometimes three times per year – before
discovering the greatness of the bus. It’s actually very easy. The same ticket you use for the metro is good on the
bus. Just stick the ticket in the machine as soon as you get on, take it back and ride. If you have a pass, just show it
to the driver as you board.
The Best Metro-Bus Map
As for maps, many folks knows to pick up a little "Paris par Arrondissement" map book when you arrive in Paris. But
there are several different versions - which one is the best? Our pick is the "3 Plans" version. This handy little map
book gives you the street map, bus map and metro map for each arrondissement on three separate consecutive
pages. It costs about 7€, and you can get one at most book stores and some of the magazine stands. It’s worth
every penny, and you will use it every single day on your next trip.
About Those Buses
Because most of the properties we offer are also close to where we live, we have become very familiar with the metro
and bus lines that serve us. Lines 2, 12 and 13 can be picked up easily from most of the Frenchy Rentals apartments.
Line 2 runs east and west, and lines 12 and 13 run north and south. As for the bus lines, all of the ones listed below
are easily accessible from the 9th, 17th and 18th.
For bus lines near right-bank Frenchy Rentals, here is a rundown:
(For left-bank buses near 36 rue Broca & the Budget Studios, scroll down.)
68
Take the 68 south on a direct route to the Opéra Garnier, across the river and to a stop that drops you within yards
of Musée d’Orsay. This line then cuts through the chic St. Germain des Prés area and on to Montparnasse cemetery.
Some of the best bargain shopping is also found near the end of this line (get off around Alésia) in the up-and-
coming 14th arrondissement. (Check out the huge antique store at 117 rue D'Alésia, too!)
74
Getting to sites in the old center of the city, including Notre Dame and the trendy Marais, couldn’t be any easier
because of this bus line. Pick it up near the Moulin Rouge and take it to the steps of Hôtel de Ville and the very
worthwhile BHV department store. If you really like to shop, this one also will drop you at the southern edge of the
9th arrondissement, where you’ll find Galleries Lafayette and Le Printemps.
95
Pick up this bus line at Place de Clichy and hop off less than 20 minutes later at the Louvre. As an added bonus, this
is one of the few bus lines in Paris that continue to operate long after your dinner out. You can still catch it at
midnight on typical nights. By taking this bus north, you also can explore the cafés and village atmosphere at
Montmartre and the amazing Sacré Coeur cathedral.
30
East-West travel in this section of the city is easy because of the 30 bus line. It runs west along Parc de Monceau and
through the trendy Batignolles before stopping at the edge of the Arc de Triomphe. A bit farther south, the 30 takes
you to Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower. By taking the 30 bus to the east, day trips outside of Paris are breeze
because this line takes you to Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord.
80
Headed to the Eiffel Tower? The 80 bus line crosses the river Seine at Pont De L’Alma and stops within a short walk
to one of the world’s most popular attractions. Just a bit farther south of the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the 80 line runs
next to the impressive École Militaire. The 80 line, much like the 95, is advertised by the city of Paris as being one that
typically runs until midnight.
67
This scenic line heads south into the first before cutting through the Île de la Cité, but not before running past the
Louvre and Hôtel de Ville. Before the end of the line, it takes you into the 5th, where you’ll find the Museum of Natural
History and Place d’Italie in the 13th. Perhaps even more important is that this line runs north to Pigalle. That’s where
tourists can pick up the Montmartre bus, the city’s only bus that navigates the small streets of Montmartre.
Buses near rue Broca:
21
Pick up the 21 bus line at Port Royal Berthollet and head north to several of the city's most famous and significant
landmarks. In four short stops, step off and look one way at the Luxembourg gardens and the other to the
Pantheon. Each site is just a short walk away from the Luxembourg stop off this bus line. After passing the
Sorbonne, it's only a couple more minutes until this line splits the Ile de la Cité before cruising beside the Louvre. If
your pleasure is shopping, the 21 takes a turn north to Opéra Garnier and ends at St. Lazare, one of the most
popular shopping districts in Paris.
27
Although it's certainly quick enough to walk to the center of the city from the 5th arrondissement, a convenient bus
line such as the 27 is tempting. Hop on near the corner of Rue Claude Bernard and Rue Pascal, then decide which part
of the city you would like to explore. Galleries Lafayette and Opéra Garnier to the north, or Place d'Italie and the
National Library of France to the South? Either way, you'll catch even more of Paris's best out the bus window. This
line also drops passengers between the Louvre to the right and Tuileries to the left.
83
A must-stop on anyone's trip to Paris is the Musée d'Orsay, and it's an easy trip from the 5th arrondissement by
taking the 83 bus line. Pick it up at Port Royal-Berthollet, just west of rue Broca, and enjoy the Orsay in about 15
minutes. The Champs Élysées is only a few minutes further, and along the way, stop along and see the very chic 7th
arrondissement and St. Germain des Prés shopping district.
Buses near Budget Studios:
47
This bus line is just a short walk from rue Broca and the Budget Studios, both located in the 5th arrondissement.
The 47 stops at Lagrange, shouting distance to Notre Dame before crossing the Seine and the Ile de la Cité. Just
past the river, don't forget the Pompidou Center, which is only a few yards from the les Halles-G. Pompidou bus stop.
Further north, don't forget Gare de L'Est. A train station? Yes, the station has been under renovation, and its
architecture deserves a place in your digital camera.
63
From the Budget Studios, you can pick up several bus lines just outside your front door at Place Maubert (63, 47, 86,
87, 24), but the 63 will help you hit the Musée d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, two slam-dunk tourist attractions. You
can also take this bus to Gare de Lyon, which is the place to be if you are taking a train out of town to the south of
France.
excellent in terms of selection and great values. Simply is closed on Sunday and Franprix is closed on Monday. If it's
late at night and you have the munchies or need something to drink, there is an emergency store that seems to be
open all the time – even very, very late at night. It’s a little store on the corner of Vintimille and Douai. Prices are a
little higher, but hey, sometimes you need spaghetti sauce at 11 p.m. and this is the only option. The Monoprix also
offers good variety at Place Blanche (right near the metro Blanche.) Just remember the grocery store is downstairs,
while clothing and household goods are upstairs. Monoprix is open until 10 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
Supermarkets near Fontaine: Can't get much closer than the brand-new G20 supermarket just two doors down!
Or, head north to Place Blanche to the Monoprix (more info above).
Supermarkets near Fromentin: Head just east of Place Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy and you'll find the huge and
very modern Champion grocery store. They even have self-checkout machines! You'll also find a smaller Ed
supermarket in that same direction on the opposite side of the boulevard. And,good old Monoprix at Place Blanche
(more info above) is just a short walk in the other direction
Supermarkets near Damrémont: The Franprix at the corner of Damrémont and Lamarck is your closest
supermarket, which is just to the left outside the front door of the apartment building. To your left, you will find the
Cocci Market, which is a bit more expensive, but open late and on days when Franprix is closed.
Supermarkets near La Condamine: Just out the front door to your right, you will find a neighborhood store called
8 à Huit, which will have the essentials. Continue on past this store on rue La Condamine and you will come to the
Franprix supermarket on your left, and there is yet another Franprix near the Square des Batignolles. The new,
biggest supermarket option is the Simply near Place de Clichy. Of course, on Saturday, you can also shop at the
organic market with spans several blocks of Boulevard des Batignolles.
Supermarkets near Broca: Just steps from the market steet of rue Mouffetard, you can find anything and
everything here. But if you want a true supermarket, there's a Franprix just at the base of rue Mouffetard on the
left, about a five minute walk from the apartment.
Supermarkets near the Budget Studios: The open market at Place Maubert is a fun place to shop on Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday. For everyday items, the Franprix is just off Place Maubert on rue Lagrange. Note that this
Franprix is open on Sundays!
Don't forget our favorite, Picard: While you're making yourself at home in your apartment, keep your eye out for
your neighborhood Picard. What is Picard? It's a frozen food store. Why would you want to eat frozen food on
vacation? Because the store in itself is an adventure and choices are nothing like US frozen food. Their stuff is
delicious: tartes, appetizers, main courses, meats, desserts, sauces, herbs - even sushi! You can even get escargot
loaded up with garlic butter sauce in the shell; just heat it up. Some items, like their desserts, only need to be
defrosted. Browse "Le Catalogue" and check out the selection: www.picard.fr.
Nearby Market Streets
Rue Lepic - Although this street was made famous by the movie "Amelie" and the café where the movie was shot, it
still offers plenty of good food and window shopping as you head up to rue des Abbesses. Several green grocers line
the street as you head up the hill, along with a fromagerie, a couple of patisseries and a wine shop. Don't forget the
fish monger on the corner!
Rue des Martyrs - Made famous by The New York Times article that called it "a slice of village life," this street has all
the Parisian atmosphere you could want along with tasty treats pulling you in every direction. If you need a break
from food shopping, sit down and enjoy a little Italian food at Fuxia at No. 25. They also have a market selling Italian
groceries and prepared foods uphill from the restaurant.
Barbès Rochechouart - On Saturdays near the Barbès Rochechouart metro stop, adventure into the culinary heart
of multi-cultural Paris and experience the intriguing smells and overwhelming variety of the cuisines of North Africa. Be
daring - satisfy your need for all things spicy here!
Les Batignolles "BIO" Organic Market - On Saturday mornings along the median on Blvd. des Batignolles, just off
Place de Clichy, you'll find stalls filled with delicious organic meats, cheeses, veggies, jams, honeys - you name it! Get
there early to enjoy the atmosphere and find everything you'll need for a healthy meal.
Place Maubert - Just a two-minute's walk from the Budget Studios, you'll find an open market here on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays will all the tasty treats you'd expect in a perfectly Parisian market.
Rue Mouffetard - About five minutes walk from the Broca apartment, you can stroll uphill gazing (and salivating) at
food stalls and storefronts, with everything imaginable here at your fingertips. You'll also find plenty of bistros and
boutiques.
Restaurants Galore
Folks, the worst thing you can do is spend your vacation working off a long list of restaurants someone told you
you'd like. Instead, discover places while sightseeing and in your neighborhood. If you simply must have a list of
some neighborhood places not listed in guidebooks, here's a brief one designed for all budgets, with variety in mind:
In the 9th:
Le Gourmet, 19 rue de Bruxelles - Delightful 13€ three-course lunch, 16€ dinner
Fuxia, 25 rue de Martyrs - Delicious Italian, cozy and friendly on a cold or rainy day
Le Valois, 20 rue de Bruxelles - Stop in for lunch or an afternoon drink
Chez Jean, 8 rue St. Lazare - Traditional French, reserve: 01.48.78.62.73
Le Bistro des Deux Théâtres, 18 rue Blanche - 33€ 3-course dinner including wine
In the 18th:
Paul et Gwéna, 34 rue Durantin - Our favorite hangout. Daily specials are great!
Pepone, 10 rue Lepic - Best pizza in Paris! Plenty of delicious Italian take-out, too.
La Preuve Par Neuf, 5 rue Damremont - 27€ Fixed price menu in a sweet little resto
Un Zebre A Montmartre, 38 rue Lepic - Can't go wrong at this neighborhood joint
Le Relais Gascon, 6 rue des Abbesses - Their gigantic, fattening salads are a must!
2 Pièce Cuisine, 36 rue de Ruisseau - A real gem, worth the trek over the hill
Les Feuillades, 6 rue de la Fontaine du But - Perfectly French, 22€ 3-course dinner
Catch A Movie
There is a huge movie theater Pathé just east of Place de Clichy that shows many of the latest films, including some
of the recent United States releases. Even better, they typically offer movie-goers the option of an original version in
English or a version dubbed in French. If you order popcorn, don’t forget to specify whether you want it sweet or
salty - it's already prepared, so there's no such thing as plain. Tickets are just a little more than they are in a typical
big U.S. city. For a more intimate, art-house movie experience, try Studio 28 on 10 rue Thozolé in the 18th - all their
films are in the original version. Less expensive than the big theaters, and they even have a bar! www.cinemastudio28.
com
Our Favorite Flea Market
Sure, there are bigger flea markets in Paris, but take our advice and try the one at Porte de Vanves for the best vibe
and best bargains! Take Metro Line 13 to the end of the line to Porte de Vanves, and we promise you will find items
you can not only afford but actually bring home in your suitcase! You'll find a good bit of junk here, in the best sense
of the word. Kitchen stuff, old pictures, trinkets, small ceramic items, jewelry, records, wallets, clothing, stuff and
things. Every weekend, try to arrive by 10 a.m., 11 a.m. at the latest. Avenues Georges Lafenestre and Marc
Sangnier. Puces de Vanves
A New Paris View?
Been to the top of every Paris monument in search of the perfect view of Paris? Here's one you probably haven't
tried: a hot air balloon trip at Parc André Citroën. This gas balloon is tethered, but it still sails up 150 meters (almost
500 feet). For just 10 Euro per person, it's a real treat! Kid friendly, too, and in the midst of a lovely, sprawling,
modern park. Metro: Balard or Javel André Citroën. www.aeroparis.com
Jogging
Some folks don’t let vacation get in the way of a daily workout. For joggers, the beautiful Parc de Monceau in the 8th
arrondissement is a perfect place to go for a walk or run. The light runner will find the 1-kilometer track around the
park is plenty good enough to stay in shape while on the road. It’s also a great place to relax. Benches line the park
in all directions and green space in the middle is a perfect place for a picnic. There is also a large kids play area and
place for in-line skaters.
Do-It-Yourself Mecca
The Montmartre area is lucky enough to call itself home to one of the most interesting stores in Paris – Castorama.
Well, that might be overstating it a little bit. But if you like home improvement projects, it’s worth taking an hour or
so out of your busy travel schedule to take a look inside. You can see the gadgets, furniture and flooring that give
Parisian homes some of their charm. It’s also fun to look at duct tape that costs 9€ a roll and decide that there are a
few things that are better back home. There is also an aisle that has small items such as magnetic levels (great for
your fridge back home!) and small tape measures that make great gifts for your carpenter husband or contractor
friend. www.castorma.fr
Super-Duper Department Store
Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV). Bring the whole family. Start in the basement, which is filled to the rim with everything
hardware related. From accessories for your wine cellar to power tools to metal house number signs, it's all here. The
remaining seven (!!) floors have everything else you might want in a department store. Be sure to take your lunch or
afternoon break in the cafeteria on the fifth floor. Fantastic view of Paris and surprisingly good food for bargain
prices. Metro: Hotel de Ville - you can exit directly into the basement of the store. www.bhv.fr
For the Sports Fan
Some sporting events – the Tour de France and French Open tennis tournament – are well-publicized and easy to
navigate once you are in Paris. Some of the others, however, aren’t covered well in English newspapers but still offer
a very European experience for sports fans. Even if you aren’t into the sport, a Paris St.-Germain soccer match is
a worthwhile experience. PSG plays in the top division in France, and the home stadium at Parc des Princes in the
16th arrondissement is full for nearly all of its home matches. The PSG regular season begins in August and runs
through May. You can get a pretty good seat for 25€. If you want to avoid the really rowdy fans, they sit in opposite
ends of the stadium behind the goals. The most sought-after tickets each season are for matches against Lyon and
Marseille. Go to www.psg.fr for information.
Paris also has a basketball team called Paris Basket Racing, which plays its games from September to May at the
Stade Pierre de Coubertin in the 16th arrondissement. Tickets for Paris Basket Racing games start at 6€ and go up to
50€, so it’s not an expensive night out.
Bus or Metro?
A lot of people are intimidated by the buses and would rather just take the metro even if the trip would be quicker
and easier by bus. We know because we came to Paris for eight years – sometimes three times per year – before
discovering the greatness of the bus. It’s actually very easy. The same ticket you use for the metro is good on the
bus. Just stick the ticket in the machine as soon as you get on, take it back and ride. If you have a pass, just show it
to the driver as you board.
The Best Metro-Bus Map
As for maps, many folks knows to pick up a little "Paris par Arrondissement" map book when you arrive in Paris. But
there are several different versions - which one is the best? Our pick is the "3 Plans" version. This handy little map
book gives you the street map, bus map and metro map for each arrondissement on three separate consecutive
pages. It costs about 7€, and you can get one at most book stores and some of the magazine stands. It’s worth
every penny, and you will use it every single day on your next trip.
About Those Buses
Because most of the properties we offer are also close to where we live, we have become very familiar with the metro
and bus lines that serve us. Lines 2, 12 and 13 can be picked up easily from most of the Frenchy Rentals apartments.
Line 2 runs east and west, and lines 12 and 13 run north and south. As for the bus lines, all of the ones listed below
are easily accessible from the 9th, 17th and 18th.
For bus lines near right-bank Frenchy Rentals, here is a rundown:
(For left-bank buses near 36 rue Broca & the Budget Studios, scroll down.)
68
Take the 68 south on a direct route to the Opéra Garnier, across the river and to a stop that drops you within yards
of Musée d’Orsay. This line then cuts through the chic St. Germain des Prés area and on to Montparnasse cemetery.
Some of the best bargain shopping is also found near the end of this line (get off around Alésia) in the up-and-
coming 14th arrondissement. (Check out the huge antique store at 117 rue D'Alésia, too!)
74
Getting to sites in the old center of the city, including Notre Dame and the trendy Marais, couldn’t be any easier
because of this bus line. Pick it up near the Moulin Rouge and take it to the steps of Hôtel de Ville and the very
worthwhile BHV department store. If you really like to shop, this one also will drop you at the southern edge of the
9th arrondissement, where you’ll find Galleries Lafayette and Le Printemps.
95
Pick up this bus line at Place de Clichy and hop off less than 20 minutes later at the Louvre. As an added bonus, this
is one of the few bus lines in Paris that continue to operate long after your dinner out. You can still catch it at
midnight on typical nights. By taking this bus north, you also can explore the cafés and village atmosphere at
Montmartre and the amazing Sacré Coeur cathedral.
30
East-West travel in this section of the city is easy because of the 30 bus line. It runs west along Parc de Monceau and
through the trendy Batignolles before stopping at the edge of the Arc de Triomphe. A bit farther south, the 30 takes
you to Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower. By taking the 30 bus to the east, day trips outside of Paris are breeze
because this line takes you to Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord.
80
Headed to the Eiffel Tower? The 80 bus line crosses the river Seine at Pont De L’Alma and stops within a short walk
to one of the world’s most popular attractions. Just a bit farther south of the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the 80 line runs
next to the impressive École Militaire. The 80 line, much like the 95, is advertised by the city of Paris as being one that
typically runs until midnight.
67
This scenic line heads south into the first before cutting through the Île de la Cité, but not before running past the
Louvre and Hôtel de Ville. Before the end of the line, it takes you into the 5th, where you’ll find the Museum of Natural
History and Place d’Italie in the 13th. Perhaps even more important is that this line runs north to Pigalle. That’s where
tourists can pick up the Montmartre bus, the city’s only bus that navigates the small streets of Montmartre.
Buses near rue Broca:
21
Pick up the 21 bus line at Port Royal Berthollet and head north to several of the city's most famous and significant
landmarks. In four short stops, step off and look one way at the Luxembourg gardens and the other to the
Pantheon. Each site is just a short walk away from the Luxembourg stop off this bus line. After passing the
Sorbonne, it's only a couple more minutes until this line splits the Ile de la Cité before cruising beside the Louvre. If
your pleasure is shopping, the 21 takes a turn north to Opéra Garnier and ends at St. Lazare, one of the most
popular shopping districts in Paris.
27
Although it's certainly quick enough to walk to the center of the city from the 5th arrondissement, a convenient bus
line such as the 27 is tempting. Hop on near the corner of Rue Claude Bernard and Rue Pascal, then decide which part
of the city you would like to explore. Galleries Lafayette and Opéra Garnier to the north, or Place d'Italie and the
National Library of France to the South? Either way, you'll catch even more of Paris's best out the bus window. This
line also drops passengers between the Louvre to the right and Tuileries to the left.
83
A must-stop on anyone's trip to Paris is the Musée d'Orsay, and it's an easy trip from the 5th arrondissement by
taking the 83 bus line. Pick it up at Port Royal-Berthollet, just west of rue Broca, and enjoy the Orsay in about 15
minutes. The Champs Élysées is only a few minutes further, and along the way, stop along and see the very chic 7th
arrondissement and St. Germain des Prés shopping district.
Buses near Budget Studios:
47
This bus line is just a short walk from rue Broca and the Budget Studios, both located in the 5th arrondissement.
The 47 stops at Lagrange, shouting distance to Notre Dame before crossing the Seine and the Ile de la Cité. Just
past the river, don't forget the Pompidou Center, which is only a few yards from the les Halles-G. Pompidou bus stop.
Further north, don't forget Gare de L'Est. A train station? Yes, the station has been under renovation, and its
architecture deserves a place in your digital camera.
63
From the Budget Studios, you can pick up several bus lines just outside your front door at Place Maubert (63, 47, 86,
87, 24), but the 63 will help you hit the Musée d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, two slam-dunk tourist attractions. You
can also take this bus to Gare de Lyon, which is the place to be if you are taking a train out of town to the south of
France.
They're Not In Your Guidebook!
Tips About Your New Frenchy Rentals Neighborhood and Getting Around Paris
Tips About Your New Frenchy Rentals Neighborhood and Getting Around Paris
| Frenchy Rentals Vacation Apartments in Paris |
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So Many Supermarkets
All of the Frenchy Rentals apartments have kitchens, so it’s a good idea to make a quick
trip to the supermarket to stock up on items you’ll want during your stay. Here are our
recommendations, listed by apartment:
Supermarkets near St. Lazare: Rue des Martyrs will offer you shopping options
galore, but if you are looking for a supermarket, just peek out the living room window
of this apartment and you'll see the SHOPI. The prices are reasonable, and it can’t be
much more convenient. There's also a Franprix just off rue des Martyrs on the right
side as you start walking up the hill. Note that this Franprix is open Sunday!
All of the Frenchy Rentals apartments have kitchens, so it’s a good idea to make a quick
trip to the supermarket to stock up on items you’ll want during your stay. Here are our
recommendations, listed by apartment:
Supermarkets near St. Lazare: Rue des Martyrs will offer you shopping options
galore, but if you are looking for a supermarket, just peek out the living room window
of this apartment and you'll see the SHOPI. The prices are reasonable, and it can’t be
much more convenient. There's also a Franprix just off rue des Martyrs on the right
side as you start walking up the hill. Note that this Franprix is open Sunday!
