Jazz in a Disused Train Station: Hidden Gems During Paris Fashion Week with Argenteurs
Jazz in a Disused Train Station: Hidden Gems During Paris Fashion Week with Argenteurs
Argenteurs are three friends with a passion for analogue photography. Originally from Toulouse, the collective is based in Paris where they explore nuances of film to create timeless "photography with heart".
Their work focuses on community and is guided by by time and reflection, going against the grain of instantaneity. During the rush and chaos of Paris Fashion Week, they give us a guide on how to find real Paris: places where time stands still and real Parisian soul shines through.
Here, they share their tips on how to best explore Paris, guided by their love of documenting real spots with true meaning.
In this Guide
Chez Marie, Au P’tit Gorgeon
“This neighbourhood bistro is a veritable jewel, a place like few others in Paris. You'll find everything you need in a bar: a counter, regulars sharing laughter and conversation in an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. Marie, the owner, is a strong-willed woman who has been running the place for over 25 years, never letting herself be influenced by trends. Forget trendy bars and Instagrammers. Here, we stay true to the spirit of true Parisian bistros, a little old-fashioned, where every evening becomes a moment out of time. It's a place where you always feel welcome, where you can spend hours chatting over a drink, sometimes well into the night. Closing time depends on the mood of the evening. Nothing's planned, it all depends on the rhythm of the conviviality.”
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La Gare / Le Gore
“Housed in an old disused railway station, this atypical venue brilliantly blends the raw industrial ambience with the warmth of live music. La Gare is a temple for jazz lovers. Every week, the venue is transformed into a vibrant stage where emerging talents and established musicians meet. Once night falls, the Gare transforms into the Gore, giving way to electro evenings where DJs and experimental artists take over, offering an intimate and eclectic atmosphere. With its subdued lighting, rough walls and resolutely underground spirit, La Gare / Le Gore is a Parisian jewel where music and conviviality meet in a setting unlike any other. An address not to be missed for the curious in search of good vibes and new discoveries.”
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Playground de Saint Paul
“If you're looking for a place to kick a basketball right in the heart of Paris, look no further than the Playground at Village Saint-Paul. This little basketball court hidden away in this bucolic micro-neighborhood is a wonderful playground, where you can take on the locals in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The place is ideal for a game with friends or even to meet other enthusiasts. Village Saint-Paul is the perfect place for a stroll. Its typically Parisian architecture, with cobbled streets and charming little squares, creates a soothing atmosphere, strangely far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
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La Recyclerie
“If you'd like to take a breather from all the Parisian euphoria, we highly recommend a visit to La Recyclerie. Housed in a disused railway station in northern Paris, this eco-responsible canteen is much more than just a café. It's a place for living, meeting and inspiration, combining a plant-based atmosphere, a recycled furniture workshop and a view of an urban garden laid out on the disused tracks. It's the perfect place to relax, exchange ideas and get inspired, in a space that's full of positive energy.”
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Les Puces de St Ouen
“A mythical flea market where time seems to stand still. It's an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, unlikely antiques and one-off pieces. It's also a place where you can meet colourful personalities who contribute to the vibrant soul of this space. One example is Albert de Paname, a multi-talented artist who embodies the bohemian spirit of the Puces. And don't miss Jeff French Vintage, with its incredible stock of vintage clothing. Whether you're looking for a weathered leather jacket or an accessory that tells a story, you're bound to find what you're looking for.”
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Maison de Balzac
“The Maison de Balzac is a real hidden gem. Located in the 16e arrondissement, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris, this house-museum is a haven of peace steeped in history. It was here that the writer lived and worked on some of his most famous works, including La Comédie Humaine. As you stroll through the carefully preserved rooms, you'll discover manuscripts, personal objects and anecdotes that plunge you into the world of one of France's greatest authors. The garden, with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, is a real favourite. It's for a contemplative break, where the mind escapes both into history and the beauty of the present moment. Maison de Balzac is a timeless interlude, a place where you can reconnect with art and history in a unique setting.”
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À Mi-chemin
“We couldn't end without recommending a culinary destination - after all, we're in France! À Mi-chemin means “halfway” in French. This restaurant is where Tunisian and Breton cuisine meet, thanks to a love between two chefs. It offers an audacious menu with dishes that surprise as much as they delight. Each dish, like their lobster couscous, strikes the perfect balance between French tradition and Tunisian influences, with a precision that borders on the flawless and a generosity that we love. The atmosphere is simple, with no fuss, and you immediately feel comfortable, enhanced by the warmth and kindness of the owners. A moment to be shared, savoured and repeated. Simple, authentic and terribly effective.”
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