Enjoy some daring architecture, music and cutting-edge art

Raise your eyes to the four Towers dominating the panorama. They were conceived by their architect Dominique Perrault as symbolizing four open books: they host the National Library (Bibliothèque nationale de France).

You don't have to be a student or a researcher to enter the biggest French library, neither to speak French to enjoy the temporary exhibitions of rare books, and the permanent display of the two impressive globes - one for the sky, and one for the Earth, realized by Coronelli in the Seventeenth Century.

Take the stairways down and go to BioArt restaurant, at n°3 quai François Mauriac. It's Feng-Shui conceived and sustainable. It sells organic food in peaceful surroundings (the window panels even filter UVBs)

The embankment is lined with the trendiest Parisian clubs, tucked away in the barges. Check the Batofar: it's the red lightship. The programme is mainly electro, but the place also welcomes alternative events like Jazz, indie, World music and hip-hop.

A contrasting style is to be found with the Chinese junk which drops anchor nearby. La Dame de Canton welcomes spoken word evenings and exhibitions. And yes, the junk really comes from China: it even toured the world before arriving in Paris fifteen years ago.

A few steps away on the boulevard Vincent Auriol, the Djoon will remind you of a New York loft. You will be able to enjoy a night out of house, soul and funk in this emerging spot.

On the other side of the boulevard, the rue Louise Weiss is a modern complex now turned into one of the beating hearts of contemporary arts in Paris. Some daring art dealers had chanced setting up their space in this up-and-coming area at the beginning of the 90's. Now you will find fifteen of them, from the infamous and very good Air2Paris (at n°32, rue Louise Weiss) to Art Concept (at n°16, rue Duchefdelaville). Openings are a must! (on Saturday nights every two months).