Bustling Halles

The French word "Halles" means a market, and the Parisian area known as "Les Halles" is in fact the former wholesale market. The historic market dating back to medieval times was moved to the suburbs in 1969.

Now, "Les Halles" gather at the same time the biggest subterranean station of the world (where to catch the tube and the RER to the suburbs), a shopping mall (called "Forum des Halles") covered with a garden. Millions of Parisians and commuters visit it every year, as many tourists. A monumental project of refurbishment will start very soon.

The area is dominated by the Saint-Eustache Church: its structure is gothic, but clothed in in Renaissance details. Don't miss its organ (with 8000 pipes it's the biggest in France) and its magnificent heart-shaped windows. You may also find of interest to know that Saint-Eustache is a parish committed to various forms of generosity: it was for example the first Parisian church who welcomed AIDS patients.

In front of the church, the Place René Cassin is designed like a labyrinth of paving stones. It was lying conceived by Louis Arretche, who also imagined the gardens. You should notice the big head lying on a hand: it's a sculpture from Henri Miller - A French artist not to be confused with the American writer.

If you take the escalators to the Forum, you'll discover threelevels of stores, including the flagship FNAC - a French equivalent of Virgin or Barnes and Nobles. But the Forum also boasts one of the finest movie theatre of Paris: the Forum des Images (it will reopen in December after a major refurbishment). It welcomes various festivals and also holds a permanent collection of films about Paris. It's very easy to go out of the Forum: follow the signs leading to Porte Bergeror Lescot. Walking a hundred meters at right hand, you'll see the Fontaine des Innocents, surrounded by flashy kids.

From the fountain, go to the Centre Pompidou: it's 5 minutes away, or check the Chacha Club, at n° 47 rue Berger. At night, it's one of the newest places to be!