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.

Great bookshop and gallery in the North Marais.

If you need somewhere to contemplate leaving your lover, go alone, and if you don't mind them not being there to share something sublime in a glass or a dish, you have your answer.

Small cocktail bar

Cool bar-restaurant in the parc of Les Buttes Chaumont, quiet, peaceful with good cocktails