Leonie Cater

Oh Pigalle, where do we begin? Paris’s naughty black sheep - the night-time realm of sex and debauchery where anything goes. Sure, the streets have gotten quieter, gangsters no longer reign, and, while strip-tease may have been invented here, the brothels have long closed down. But the evenings are as lively as ever. With legendary live music venues, underground clubs, hot new bars and all-night sex shops, there’s never a dull moment in Paris’s former red light district. So where should you go, exactly? That’s what we’re trying to answer after 24 hours (plus two hangovers) in Pigalle. From the Moulin-Rouge to Saint-Georges station, we reveal all…

Velvety ganache, molten 'chocolat chaud' and light, airy truffles abound in our pick of The best chocolate shops in Paris. From impressively eccentric cocoa creations to scrumptious, understated classics, these 'chocolatiers' will seduce you over to the dark (chocolate) side.  Think we've missed one out? Let us know in the comments below. 

Wedged in between Gare de l’Est and place de la République, Jacques Bonsergent is still causing quite a stir in the super-dynamic 10th arrondissement – and for good reason. Time Out Paris takes you on a journey through the cultural riches, attractions and curiosities of Canal Saint Martin…

Who knows whether Louis XIV enjoyed a cocktail or two – but if he did, he would have felt quite at home in the Versailles-esque bar at Champs-Élysées hotel Georges V. Plush, decadent and classy, complete with glossy wooden panels, high ceilings, parquet flooring, and a gorgeous chandelier, this is the height of Parisian luxe.  Sip on their delightful cocktails, either nestled in the plush, red armchairs or perched up at the elegant bar. ‘Dream Lover’ (€28) – the head barman’s speciality – is a beautifully refreshing tipple, combining Bombay gin, lemon grass, lime and Velvet Falernum. It is simple but perfectly balanced. ‘Soul To Squeeze’, (€28) with Grey Goose vodka, blackberry purée, fresh lime juice, Saint-Germain liquor and ginger beer was another hit: sweet – without being cloying or sugary – and dangerously drinkable.  But beware, prices are high at around €30 for a cocktail, so it’s best to restrain yourself from sampling the entire, mouth-watering menu. Unless you’re Louis XIV himself, in which case go wild and let your hair (or rather your wig) down.

With a name like Pershing Hall, we were half-expecting this Champs-Élysées hotel bar to resemble something out of Downton Abbey: imposing, fusty, out-dated… But we could not have been more wrong. Wander through the hotel’s enchanting restaurant (you can’t miss the stunning, foliage-covered wall) to access ‘le lounge bar’ – a study in modern day luxe complete with a high ceiling, funky, textured walls and low-hanging chandeliers, all bathed in an electrifying red light. The cocktail menu is just as intriguing, featuring playful names like ‘PassionBerry’, ‘PinkPool’ and ‘SexyStar’. The ‘SpicyMango’ (€19) creation is pleasant, if a little on the safe side – a warming concoction of Russian Standard vodka, mango, lime, spicy syrup and Espelette chilli pepper. If only it had more of a kick to match the drama of the bar’s grand backdrop. The ‘SparklingLalique’ (€34) was very drinkable too, a refreshing, delicate blend of Hendrick’s gin, thyme, sugar, lime and Krug champagne: truly lovely but, again, not quite a game-changer. Expect a well-heeled, international clientele, and a DJ on the weekends if you’re in the mood to bop along as you sip on your ‘SexyStar’. Cocktail prices range from €19 to €34 though so don’t get too carried away, or you may wake up in the red the morning after. 

We’ve all been there – you’ve spent three hours on your feet trawling the racks of the department store, guilt-ridden and weighed down by shopping bags. At this moment, you want nothing more than to collapse and never see another turtleneck again. Belgian ‘chocolatier’ Pierre Marcolini has the perfect solution: a pop-up chocolate bar, located bang in the middle of Paris’s famed department store Printemps (Haussmann). Macaroons, truffles and financiers galore – all beautifully presented, all available either to take away or to enjoy at the ‘bar’ itself. Marcolini even offers ‘Before & After Shopping’ set menus at €15, including a non-alcoholic drink of your choice, two macaroons or two financiers (depending on whether you plump for the ‘before’ or ‘after’ option) and a selection of their excellent chocolates. And for those particularly trying shopping experiences – nothing fits, everything’s the wrong colour, the one piece of clothing you like would empty your bank account – treat yourself to their Spritz: an infusion of cocoa beans, Aperol and Prosecco. At Printemps until May 6 2017.

Located on the prestigious Rue Saint-Honoré, the Mandarin Oriental’s Bar 8 is the pinnacle of understated glitz and glamour. Gem-encrusted walls glimmer in the soft light, perfectly offset by classic black leather sofas and armchairs around glass tables. Waiting at the chic marble bar in the centre, it would no surprise to spot James Bond ordering his usual. No shaken martinis for us tonight though – not with such a temptingly exotic, original choice of cocktails on offer. The Jay Brown (€27) is a stunning success, a delicate combination of Belvedere vodka, Chartreuse, lime, fresh mint, cucumber and sugar, garnished with perfectly tart redcurrants. The Smoking Smith (€27) lives up to its seductive name – a smoky concoction of Mezcal, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, homemade sage syrup, green apple, ginger beer and bitter. Like a trip to Mexico in a glass. And, whatever the weather, make sure to venture out to the garden too. In among the lush flora are elegant cream sofas and wicker armchairs; it’s a classy, upmarket jungle, equipped with powerful – yet stylish – overhead heaters: ideal for alfresco boozing all year round.

This review refers to Marcel's brunch menu only Parisians love ‘le brunch’. Wander around the city streets on a Sunday morning and witness the queues pouring out of the capital’s many brunch spots, stomachs grumbling impatiently at the prospect of a perfectly runny eggs benedict or a glorious pile of golden-brown, syrup-covered pancakes. Marcel, now with three branches across the city, is a prime example of the Paris brunch phenomenon - with its eager devotees prepared to queue right into the afternoon for a piece of the eggy action. A chic, industrial setting with low-hanging exposed light bulbs and steel-grey walls – the decor is cool, if a little unfriendly, a massive contrast with the warm, friendly service and even more so with their wonderfully inviting, Instagram-ready menu. Their stylish English breakfast (€14) is a slice of brunch heaven, featuring perfectly fried eggs (rare in Paris), beautifully crispy bacon, high-quality sausages, a surprising addition of roast potatoes and plump roasted tomatoes.  And come dessert-time – yes, we still had room – we fell in love with their waffles, perfectly accompanied by ripe strawberries, a little jug of syrup and cute dipping pots of cream and chocolate spread. So grit your teeth and bear the queues – it’s worth the wait.