Stories
9th: Opera, Shopping
Paris - 9th Arrondissement
The 9th arrondissement offers everything from exquisite elegance—the Opéra Garnier—to the sleaziest side of Paris—Pigalle. The southern side of the 9th has a lot to marvel at, indeed, you don't want to miss a photo in front of the Opéra. Be sure to take a quick jaunt inside to see the Chagall ceiling. The rest of the good stuff can wait until your second trip to Paris—Musée Grévin, Musée Gustave Morea, and shopping along les Grands Boulevards.
Destinations in the 9th: Opera, Shopping
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Chartier Legendary Restaurant
If you’ve browsed any restaurant guide of Paris, you’ve probably come across references to this famous restaurant in the ninth arrondissement. Chartier is a favorite haunt of Parisian and tourists alike, and is known for its no-fuss classic French cuisine dishes, cheap prices, and snappy bow-tie-clad waiters.
Chartier become somewhat legendary since its opening in 1896. Indeed, the building was classified as a historical site since 1989. The restaurant’s interior is reminiscent of a train station, with long brass racks for people to toss their coats and bags, and tables huddled cozily together. Renovated in June 2009, the spruced up Chartier has not lost its classic charm.
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Musee de la Vie Romantique: Museum of Romantic Period Literary Arts
Perhaps the most insolite of Paris's museums, Le Musée de La Vie Romantique more than lives up to its whimsical name. Tucked away in the trendy quartier below Pigalle, the museum resembles a secret garden more than it does a traditional art gallery. -
Musée du Parfum
When she came to Paris, my mother’s only goal was to buy perfume. Indeed, the French are skilled in the art of making fragrances, which are displayed in the Perfume Museum of Paris, run by the perfumerie Fragonard. Opened in 1983, this museum traces the history of perfumery objects starting with the ancient Egyptians within a 19th century Napoleon III townhouse. The décor parallels the connotations of perfumery—elegance and refinement. You can, of course, buy the Fragonard fragrance from the boutique. -
Opera Garnier
The Opera Garnier, in the 9th arrondissement near the grand department stores, is as beautiful as an exquisitely dressed French patron of the arts.
