Just nearby Place de la République, between the Grands Boulevards and Magenta. Between the Portes Saint-Martin and Saint-Antoine and the boulevard Magenta is one of those neighbourhoods in Paris where you might wonder if you still are in Paris. At the same time you might wonder where else you could be as there are so many cultural influences! So, splurge into this vibrant cultural mix and enjoy a myriad of flavours. If you cannot choose between the Indian restaurants in the Passage Brady, then you could always do your hopping
in the different exotic grocery shops. You will be amazed by the West Indian hairdressers in boulevard de Strasbourg and by the gallery Arts from the World, devoted to Brazilian artists. But the neighbourhood has preserved its traditions, as in rue de Paradis with its passage dating to 1900 and its Crystal ware. There is also contemporary art: in rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin, the passage du Désir is a chic and fashionable exhibition site. Less well-known, the Windows space on, rue Gustave-Goublier, showcases photography. Close by, at 9 rue des Petites-Ecuries, the incomparable Blanca Li gives her contemporary dance classes, alongside the great Peter Goss. This is a district for theatre: don’t miss the Théâtre Antoine, with its stained-glass windows decorated with harlequins!