It's only 20 minutes walk to the Sacré Cœur Cathedral, the Galeries Lafayette or to the Opera. The neighbourhood is particularly well serviced by public transport (the Métro, RER trains and buses) which allows you to travel quickly anywhere in Paris.
Most importantly, there are direct lines of transport to all the main train stations and the two airports of the French capital.
Shopping
Constructed in 1865, the covered market of Saint Quentin, 5 minutes walk away, will let you buy fresh products, including products 'BIO', in the atmosphere of a traditional hall (open Tuesday to Sunday 9am-1pm).
Several supermarkets stay open until late at night : 'Monop' on the street corner or 'Carrefour Market' and 'Spar' (open Sundays) located in Maubeuge Street.
To taste good baguettes and croissants, simply cross the square to find the 'Leriche' bakery ! Otherwise, an organic bakery ('Moisan') is located in the street facing the train station (Boulevard Denain).
The corner restaurants
'Le Terminus Nord', facing the station : one of the great brasseries of Paris. It has an art-deco style with busy, but friendly waiters and the tasty french cuisine guarantees a very Parisian atmosphere (www.terminusnord.com).
The 'Padre' pizzeria on the corner of Dunkerque and Rocroy Streets : excellent Italian pizza, pasta, meals of meat or fish, home-made desserts and Italian wines... everything's good.
'Chez Michel', on the other end of the street, near to the 'Saint-Vincent-de-Paul' church : a small, but well known restaurant amongst connaiseurs of fine food. It has a modern-rustic décor and the best specialities of Bretagne.
'L'Ardoise gourmande' : just across the street from 'Chez Michel' : a restaurant frequented by the locals. French cuisine and stylish décor (www.ardoisegourmande.com).
Strolling in the neighbourhood
The Saint-Martin canal : this waterway was created by the order of Napoléon, it leaves the 'Villette' basin and flows towards the 'République' square. You can watch the barges passing through the locks. Stroll along the shores lined with small cafés, art gallerys and trendy boutiques. It's one of the favourite places for Parisians to picnic on the weekends. Popular, cosmopolitan and fashionable atmosphere.
'Montmartre' Hill : to discover the soul of Paris and enjoy a remarkable view of the French capital from the stairs of Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Grapevines, the 'Dali' museum, cabaret shows, bistros (including the bistro in the movie 'Amelie Poulain'), painters and caricaturists attract the tourists. But, the area is also fiercely preserved by the inhabitants of Montmartre.
We recommend that you climb down to the 'Abesses' square.
Transport :
The proximity of the 'Gare du Nord' is a real advantage….(see also the “How to find the apartment” page)
Public transport, taxis et motorbike-taxis, very common at the 'Gare du Nord' allow you to travel without problems at any time of day.
Furthermore, Metro line 4 will take you directly to Notre Dame Cathedral or to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Line 5 takes you to either the 'République' or 'Bastille' squares. With Line 7 (Metro station 'Poissonnière' ) you will go directly to the Louvre and with Line 2 (station 'Barbès' or 'Anvers' ), you will find the 'Champs-Elysées' at the 'Etoile' square.
The business centres are also easily accessible : travel to 'La Défense' for example takes less than 30 minutes.
Slower, but more pleasant : the buses. No less than 12 lines pass through the area! From Bus 42, you can admire the Opera, 'La Madeleine' square, the 'Champs-Elysées', and Eiffel Tower. Bus 30 drives past the 'Trocadéro' square via the 'Moulin Rouge', Monceau park and the little flower shops of the 'Ternes' square.
To plan your itinerary see: www.ratp.fr