Top 5 Recommendations by local Parisians

Are you looking to experience the Paris outside of what you read in the guidebooks? We’ve asked some local Parisians for their summer recommendations to share with you. Don’t scrimp on the sightseeing – that's a must – but these are extra tips to enjoy Paris even more. From celebrating the current sporting events, to where to get join in the health-food craze, read our top 5 recommendations: Where to watch the EUROS If you’re a football fan, don’t miss a match whilst you’re in Paris! With a designated Euro 2016 fan zone area at the foot of the Eiffel Tower designed to hold 90,000 supporters, it is free to the public from 10th June to 10th July. Watch live broadcasts of the games at this unforgettable venue, as well as a schedule of entertainment outside the games, with a stage for concerts, a village run by the UEFA’s sponsors, food stalls and more. The main screen is located on Place Jacques Rueff (7th), with additional screens dotted throughout the fan zone. Open: midday - midnight until 27th June, from 4pm - midnight from 30th June to 10th July Create your own bike tour of Paris As well as the Fat Tire Bike Tour of Paris, you can also create your own bike tour of Paris with the city’s vélib scheme. These bikes are dotted around Paris parked in bike terminals, and are available to use 24/7. Whether you hire them for just 1 day, or a week, you can pick and choose one of 20,000 bikes from over 1,800 stations in and around the city, each at no more than 300 meters from the next. The first 30 minutes are free and all you need to unlock this service is a credit card. To find out more visit http://en.velib.paris.fr/How-it-works/Use-Velib. There are a number of routes you could take, from touring the monuments of Paris, such as Trocadéro, the Eiffel Tower, and Louvre; or around the parks and canals visiting the Parc de la Villette, the Canal de l’Ourcq, the Canal Saint-Martin and the magnificent Père Lachaise cemetery. Or a great one for summer; stick along the River Seine passing Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pont des Arts, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Invalides. Explore the quirky Latin quarter The Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin) is located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris, around the Sorbonne area. It’s known for being a quirky, bohemian but above all, historic Paris neighborhood in the heart of the city. Its foundation dates back to the Roman village of Lutetia in 52 BC, so its characterised with historical ruins and monuments. The Latin Quarter is famously the university area and over the years the young crowd has cultivated a vibrant culture with fun after-dark venues and bars. Did you know that the Latin Quarter got its name because Latin was the only language used in the universities up until the 17th century? Go vegan Being a foodie nowadays is nothing new as we watch the health-food craze sweep across capital cities – and Paris is no different. If you are partial to a vegan meal, or practice the non-meat eating habits then you’ll want to visit these top tables. Brasserie Lola (99 Rue du Théâtre, 75015 Paris) appears to be a traditional brasserie from the outside, with big bistro classics on the menu – yet there’s not a trace of meat or animal products in the recipes. So if you want the flavours without realising, this is a good bet! La Guinguette d’Angèle (34 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris) is the ultimate vegan detox place with raw dishes, fresh acia bowls and smoothies. Say no more. If you’re looking for the crème de la crème in vegan food (pardon the irony) Pousse Pousse (7 Rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris) is the place to go for the ultimate in veganism. It’s even said that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian ordered from Pousse Pousse every day during one of their visits... Go to a festival Paris is a capital for music and entertainment welcoming thousands of top musicians, DJs and entertainers throughout the year. In the summer there are plenty of events to keep you busy – no matter your age or music preference. From the dance festival We Love Green at the start of the summer, to the heavy metal Download Festival, Jazz Festival and Festival of Psychedelic Museum, there really is something for everyone! Hosted in the big green spaces from the Bois de Vincennes to the Musée du Quai Branly and the Parc Floral you can count on some stunning backdrops. Tickets are relatively cheap compared to a UK or the average festival abroad – and you can usually guarantee better weather, too!