Opened in 2011 by the people at Magnum Photo Agency (their Paris bureau is a few streets away), Le Bal is an institutional exhibition space dedicated to the documentary image. For the most part that means lots of photography exhibits but they like to mix up the shows with videos and especially books. They hold conferences with a great line-up of guest speakers and screen documentaries and other films at the nearby Cinéma de Cinéastes. Be sure to check out the bookshop where you can browse through their connoisseur’s collection of high-end photo books and limited edition zines. Le Bal Café is a great place to meet friends for a quick drink or sit down and taste Anna and Alice’s Anglo-French cuisine. And if you’re wondering why it’s called Le Bal, the space was once a dance hall cum brothel in the roaring ‘20s.

Good art bookshop that also sells prints and limited artwork.

It can be hard to find something in this neighbourhood but this little shop has plenty of treasures to stop when you walk around here

Great bookshop and gallery in the North Marais.

Le Verre volé is a cool place where I like to have a deliciously outstanding and friendly lunch. By the way, the no sulfite wines such as “Dard et Ribo” are amazing.