It's always good to check out what's happening in Fondation Cartier. They have lots of really good exhibitions of modern art, and the gallery itself is very beautiful. Perfect for seeing works you already know as well as discovering new artists and inspirations.

Great Vietnamese labyrinthine restaurant, with huge, filling plates for under €10. My girlfriend has been eating here since she was in the womb.

Nameless pink shop run by a talkative redheaded Piaf who handpicks and sells allsorts of things from the 1950s - 70s - furniture, clothes, sunglasses, lamps. Unpretentious and priced correctly.

Cité de Trévise is impressive for its quietness in the heart of 9th arrondissement of Paris. Trees, a fountain and beautiful architecture, the perfect place to spend some time.

I love to go to this library and often work there. It is very peaceful and the setting is beautiful. The library is a mine for books about design and architecture.