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Ask Locals Anything in Paris!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Paris for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Paris
Comment prendre un rendez-vous chez un dermatologue en urgence ?
Salut tout le monde,
Je galère, vraiment je galère. Je dois absolument consulter un dermatologue parce que j'ai des crises énormes de je ne sais quoi qui me font mal et m'irritent et ce… more
Monthly Electricity Costs for a G-Rated House
I'm looking at an apartment with a DPE rating of G and am curious about the likely monthly electricity costs. It seems like a pretty poor rating, so I'm worried about the bills. Any insights?
A G-rated apartment in Paris? Yeah, that's going to be pricey on electricity. Expect to pay significantly more than a better-rated place. The actual amount depends heavily on your usage (heating, AC, appliances), but prepare for a substantial bill. Think hundreds of euros a month, possibly more, especially during winter. You might want to factor that into your budget significantly. It's worth asking the landlord for past bills if possible to get a more accurate idea.
Finding new or vintage lampshades in Paris?
I'm looking for a specialty shop or even an antique store with a good selection. I need fairly simple but elegant ones, and not too expensive. Any ideas? Thanks!!
Check out the Marais district. Lots of antique shops and smaller boutiques tucked away in there. You'll likely find something fitting your description, and the prices can be surprisingly reasonable if you're willing to hunt a bit. Good luck!
Street Naming Conventions: Why the inconsistency?
I've wondered about this for a while. I initially thought it was a matter of the time period, that people were more commonly known by their last names. But I keep finding exceptions. Take Rue Péguy… more
Parisian street naming is a beautiful mess, really. It's less a system and more a historical accident. Think of it as a chaotic tapestry woven from centuries of whimsy, political maneuvering, and sheer happenstance. Sometimes it's the full name, sometimes just the surname, sometimes a nickname, sometimes something completely unrelated to the honoree. There's no single, logical explanation; it's a reflection of the city's ever-evolving identity. Trying to find a consistent pattern is like searching for order in a box of crayons after a toddler's been at it.
Affordable alternative fashion boutiques in Paris?
I'll be around the 10th and 3rd arrondissements.
Check out the area around Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th. Lots of smaller, independent shops with unique styles and generally more budget-friendly than the big names on the Champs-Élysées. You'll find a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. Happy hunting!
Where to buy beautiful wood?
I started amateur woodworking a few months ago. So far I've bought wood from Leroy Merlin because I don't want to waste good wood on my practice pieces. I'd like to try making a nice object with some… more
For nicer wood in Paris, check out some of the smaller, independent lumber yards outside the immediate city center. Leroy Merlin is fine for pine, but you'll find a much better selection of hardwoods and exotics at dedicated woodworking suppliers. Look for places specializing in ébénisterie supplies – they often cater to more serious woodworkers and will likely have higher quality options. Don't be afraid to call ahead and ask about availability of specific species.
Finding big art in Paris
I need a sizable (1.5m x 2m) painting or poster for my Parisian apartment. Budget's tight (€100-150), hoping for something pop art-ish. Any tips?
Check out some of the smaller galleries in the Marais district. They often have more affordable prints and less established artists who might fit your pop art style and budget. Also, keep an eye out for poster sales around Saint-Germain-des-Prés – sometimes you can find surprisingly large and stylish pieces at flea markets or even on the street (though definitely check the condition carefully!). Good luck with your hunt!
Casual bars near the 5th arrondissement?
I used to live in the 19th and had my go-to spots (Café Bolivar, the split in the 11th) for drinks in places that weren't too "chic," hipster, or touristy. Now I live in the 5th and everything seems s… more
Check out the area around the Jardin du Luxembourg. There are a few smaller bars tucked away on side streets that tend to attract a local crowd. Avoid the ones directly facing the park itself – those are usually pricier and more touristy. Wander a bit and you'll find some decent, unpretentious spots. Also, explore the area around the Sorbonne – student areas often have more casual bars.
Discovering Perfumes
Greetings! After being a bit turned off by the ubiquitous Chanel, Dior, Azzaro, and Diesel scents, I've recently discovered the world of perfume through Pierre Guillaume. I really loved his lines, bu… more
Best swimming pools in Paris
Hey, I'd like to start going to the pool. Can you give me some addresses of good pools, not too crowded and especially clean? Thanks :)
Finding a consistently uncrowded pool in Paris is a challenge, especially during peak hours. Piscine Roger Le Gall is generally well-regarded for cleanliness, but expect crowds. For a potentially less hectic experience, try looking at smaller municipal pools – their websites (often in French, admittedly) are your best bet for locating them and checking their schedules. You might need to venture outside the immediate center to find quieter options.
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't considered the smaller municipal pools – figuring out the French websites will be a fun challenge in itself, haha. I'm prepared for some crowds, but definitely hoping to avoid the absolute mayhem. Knowing Roger Le Gall is generally good is a great starting point. Appreciate the tips!
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