Top choices - Paris e-guide: The Travel Guide with its Own Website - page 11

French and are usually linked to current exhibitions. To
make the most of it, visit the show before attending the
lecture - and bring a dictionary. The atmosphere, while
intellectual, is inclusive, and the speakers seem
genuinely keen to share their insight with Joe Public.

not eclectic. If you have time, get there early to check
out the building and the current exhibition before the
soirée begins. It's essential to reserve ahead.

A Romantic Sunset
The Pont des Arts (Map 10 F5) is one of Paris's prettiest
bridges, and certainly one of the most romantic. The
views across the city are stunning, and couples clutch-
ing bottles of champagne and the makings of a picnic
head here in droves. Note, though, that it's also where
boisterous foreign exchange students and busking
travellers with questionable musical talents hang out.
It may be a little sentimental, but watching the sun set
over the city from this vantage point is a real pleasure.

Early Dinner
Be one of the lucky few and reserve an early table at
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (see p37) . The hugely popular
gourmet restaurant run by the eponymous superstar chef
only takes bookings for 6:30 or 11:30pm; anyone wishing
to eat at a more usual hour has to turn up and queue.
Outside. Even if it's raining. So it's a great idea to skip
lunch and arrive early for a chance to try Robuchon's
exquisite - if pricey - food. Seating is arranged in a long
bar formation so expect to sit alongside your companion
and don't be shy about talking to your neighbour.

Clubbing
For further details, check www.soiree.fr, www.sortiraparis.com,
www.workinzecity.org. Seven 2 One, 161 rue Montmartre, 2ème
Early evening clubs ( l'after work in French), catering to
those who just can't wait to get a little bit of dance-floor
action, are currently hugely popular in Paris. Seven 2
One, which kicks off at apéritif time on Wednesdays
and Thursdays, is the largest; while Work in Ze City club
nights (Thursdays) start a little later at 8pm and take
place at various more upscale venues, such as the
Etoile club, with a clientele to match.

Shopping for Love
For a singles scene with a difference, head to Galeries
Lafayette's (see p83) singles' supermarket night (Thu),
where you can pick up some gastronomic treats and
perhaps a Parisian soulmate. Locals on the lookout
choose a special purple basket to signal their single
status. If it all seems too overwhelming, there's an
excellent in-store wine bar to help break the ice. Come Dancing

From June to October, usually on Sundays, people flock
to dance on the banks of the Seine. In the early
evening, the square Tino Rossi (Map 17 C4) - the site of
an open-air sculpture park - comes alive with rhythm
junkies doing the rumba, executing a mean tango and
samba-ing as if their lives depended on it. Some of the
dancers here are awe-inspiring, most are fairly average
and absolute beginners are welcome too. All that's
required is a little enthusiasm and a large grin.

Modern Soirées
Reservations on 01 42 18 56 72
The Fondation Cartier (see p113) hosts Soirées Nomades
(Nomadic Evenings) for cool, arty types. These exceed-
ingly hip events encompass anything that can be vaguely
described as “the arts , from avant-garde electric-harp
music to circus performances, storytelling evenings and
brass-band jam sessions. The programme is nothing if