Paris: City of Nights

Skybar Paris

Cultures Editor: Alexander James

So 233-years ago last month, some plucky French took inspiration from the British writer Thomas Paine and his book, Rights of Man, and launched a bid for freedom in the ensuing French Revolution.

Now Parisiennes are reviving the spirit of liberte in the run-up to the 2024 Olympics and looking to steal the crown from London and Berlin as the European capital of after dark antics, and rename itself 'city of nights' not 'city of lights'.

This new energy was seen at its gay pride this summer, an event the French now call: 'Marche des Fiertés. It revealed that post-lockdown Paris, is a city oozing with clubs, eating establishments, late night Bistros, free of lager louts, where people from all persuasions can indulge in the 'Joie De Vivre' well past the shutting down times of London's 2am licence. And with the UK looking at becoming even more strict, it could be the French we are turning to for some 'charme'.

It's a city so intent on reviving its nightlife from the heady days of Moulin Rouge they even have a government department dedicated to it, Frédéric Hocquard, Deputy Mayor in charge of Tourism and Nightlife at Ville de Paris told So Edited:

'It is the spirit of this city, which was built by welcoming people from all around the world, from various countries and regions. Paris is a tolerant place, open to others, a refuge for many. It is a city that attracts and includes. Finally its geographical location places it at the crossroad of many cultures. Paris can be seen as a city of the North by its mentality, but can be lived as cities of the South. In fact, you will find different atmospheres: typical, artistic, chic, relaxing or festive. Depending on the districts of the capital, we travel through the time: from the charming 19th century stalls to the new temporary terraces'.

So to put Paris to the test we asked agency 'Taste and Travel' to devise us a 48-Hour weekend itinerary that would blow us away, and we have to agree, Paris is a hot contender for THE most world's most diverse, chic and coolest 48-hours, and with a 2-hour train journey from London, you can step out the club, and straight back on the rails to the UK.

Here's the itinerary 'Taste and Travel' put together for an insiders, 48-hours in Paris.
​

Prescription Cocktail Club

9am - Brunch at 1PM - Brunch at Immersion Vendôme - A brunch temple in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, fresh products made with passion.

11am - Immersive exhibition Aurae by Sabrina Ratté at La Gaîté Lyrique. An exhibition-experience using opaque filters, mirror effects, and perspective techniques

1PM - Lunch at Le 6 Paul Bert - Typical French brasserie.

6PM - Cocktails at Prescription Cocktail Club - Recently reopened and redesigned, a dreamlike cocktail club in the heart of the 6th arrondissement
​

Mikado Dancing at Hôtel Rochechouart

​8PM - Night visit of Palais de Tokyo and exhibition "Réclamer la Terre" - Museum of Modern Art of Paris and lively spot,

10.15PM - Dinner at Forest restaurant - Eco-friendly restaurant by Chef Julien Sebbag

12AM - Roaring Twenties Party at Mikado Dancing. In a charming ex-Prohibition club, a Roaring 20s-themed party

Optional...Continue at Silencio, the club of choice for Paris Fashion Week Closing Parties.

7am - Watch sunrise at the latest  high spot of Skybar Paris- The highest rooftop bar of Paris, peaking at 115m with amazing views other the city and delicious cocktails
​

Serpent à Plume

​10am - 1pm: Breakfast or Lunch at Au Petit Panisse, Parisian Bistrot with tasty courses made from fresh products of the market

3 - 5pm - Go eco and take the Paris 'Electric Bus' tour, with maybe a sneaky disco nap on the back seat.

6PM - Apéritif at Jardin 21. A new, unexpected spot, halfway between a vegetable garden and a biergarten

8.30PM - Dinner at Tekés restaurant, A Levantine sharing concept, hot contender to be one of the first vegan restaurants to win a Michelin Star.

11PM -  Music Hall drinks at Boeuf sur le Toit. An institution of the Parisian Music Hall scene, with a traditional French cuisine
​

Boeuf sur le Toit

Boeuf sur le Toit

​
​12.30 AM - Cocktails at Serpent à Plume. One of Paris's sauciest cocktail bars in a stone vaulted cellar, on the Place des Vosges, with burlesque acts galore, going back to the spirit of the original 'Moulin Rouge'

2am - Don't even arrive until well after midnight, start the wee hours at 211 Club. An unusual spot to party, in an industrial setting

3am-to-5am - One hidden gem in a circus-style tent, with incredible sound system, Cabaret Sauvage, is one place to continue, if you dare.

Cabaret Sauvage