Places in Paris
 

Hi. My husband and I are going to Paris in April and we are not interested in typical tourist traps (such as Moulin Rouge, etc.). We want to see good shows and don't mind the cost. What are some of the hidden Parisian gems you would recommend? Also, we are looking to spend a full day in Versailles and would like recommendations for bed and breakfast. Thank you!

Do you mean you want to spend the night in Versailles in a B&B? That is not really necessary, unless you really want to stay in the town. From Paris to Versailles is only about 30 to 40 minutes by the RER line C, so you can be back in town quickly.

The concept of the B&B is not really big in France, so you might want to think about small hotels -- much bigger choice.

Hi

What do you mean by good shows? There is always the opera or the ballet; Paris has the finest of both, and the Opera Garnier building itself is gorgeous. There is also the Opera Bastille that has concerts and other performances, as well as opera and ballet.

If you would like to see theater, drama or comedy, you can certainly find performances in French.

Paris doesn't really have long running stage shows in the way that London does.

Most people here on Fodors go to see an opera or a ballet, or a concert in a church. Many people ask about jazz clubs, so you can probably get information here on those.

Do these interest you?

B&Bs are not common in Paris, and Versailles is almost a suburb.

For trips to V , look at Parisvision and Cityrama, many here have done it on their own..take RER train, join guided tour, walk gardens.

Do you mean English shows?

^^ I agree - I think we need more info on what kind of shows you are interested in.

In terms of French shows, unless you want to see something classic (e.g. by Molière) I would avoid just about all other theatre in French and wouldn't touch contemporary French comedy with a bargepole - it doesn't even appeal to my (French!) husband. The French sense of humour often seems dated from a British or American point of view.

A lot of American and British musicals also often run in Paris; Avenue Q and Mamma Mia are definitely both on at the moment. But to be honest I would rather attend a small gig at a place like the Café de la Danse; much more unique/unforgettable than an impersonal theatre.

You can try Marian Goodman Gallery, Galerie Xippas, Le Plateau – FRAC Ile de France, La Maison Rouge and I am sure you would be going to like these artistic and classic pieces there.

Have a look at the FNAC website, they sell tickets to concerts and other events.

www.fnactickets.com

Many years ago my husband and I saw the show at the Crazy Horse Saloon which is a high class strip joint. It was fabulous ! but pricey. Maybe about 100 euros each today. It's in the 8th on Ave. George V.

If you want to see and participate in the oldest French cabaret in Paris, head to Au Lapin Rouge, but if you don't speak/read/sing French you won't get much out of it - though you'll be entertained by the performers and regular neighborhood participants.

B&Bs aren't a French concept, really. You're better off at a small hotel. And you don't need a B&B or any other kind of accommodation in Versailles - it's just a short ride away from the city and would probably be quite boring after dark as compared to Paris.

Sheesh, must have written that while I was distracted - it's Au Lapin Agile (not Rouge)!

Hi. A really good guide for everything that's on is Pariscope, published weekly every Wednesday and available from the newspaper kiosks on every street. If your French is rusty, my blog post Passionate About Paris dated November 9th 2011 gives the details on deciphering the entries re days of the week etc. It's on www.thefeaturewriter.wordpress.com. There's an English section at the back of Pariscope but it's quite general. The main body of the magazine (in French) will tell you all that the Parisians know. Have a fabulous trip!

H, it would be really nice to visit Versailles in October, I heard though that it may closed at certain periods of the year.

You might also have a look at

http://www.timeout.fr/paris/en/music-nightlife.

It's in English and has a search function. (That link is to the music and nightlife section but they also have restaurant, bar, museum and other information in other sections.)

In terms of restaurants that Parisians go to ... the chef should have a Michelin star: "Itinéraires", 5 Rue Pontoise in the 5th arrondisement of Paris.

Have a look at this facebook pages that updates with plays in English in Paris, restaurants, bars that are a Must at the moment ... http://www.facebook.com/MustVacations