Fed up of the Cinema? Tired of over priced tickets, oily popcorn, sticky seats and formulaic blockbusters? You're not the only one. Which is why Cinéma en Plein Air 2008 endeavours to bring a different kind of cinema experience to the city. Throughout this festival, Parc de la Villette is transformed into an open-air movie theatre, showing only the best and top quality output from some of the world's most talented directors. Sitting pretty under the night sky, the audience can expect to enjoy the work of such cinematic giants as Pedro Almodovar, Akira Kurosawa, and Martin Scorcese while drinking in the thespian genius of such legends as Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart and Marlene Dietrich - all for a fraction of the price of your local Multiplex. This scrumptuous festival's schedule is jam packed with absolute must-sees for any movie aficionado, and all, crucially, are shown in their original versions with subtitles. TM

Belleville's Rue Rébeval is a veritable enclave of good eats. New kid on the block Kiwizine joins the tasty trove, but with some notable differences. Kiwizine - a jeu de mots that alludes to both the French word cuisine as well as to the New Zealand-born (aka 'Kiwi') half of the owner couple - is adamantly organic and equitable. On top of using top-quality ingredients, Kiwizine has taken its protocol even further, creating a space that welcomes and encourages artists. From the cheery red exterior to the black-and-white-chess board-tiled floor, Kiwizine provides an arty gathering ground: relaxed, airy, without pretension. It's only open on Friday and Saturday, as the owners are volunteering their time until the cooperative gets off the ground. Patrons, in exchange of paying a 2€ membership fee, are kept updated about the rotating bill (every 6 weeks) of exhibitions, or can simply relish having a perfect place to huddle - over a home-made meal - and discuss their own projects. SM

Behold the illuminated sign promising ‘quedubon’. This new gastro bar à vins by the Buttes Chaumont is dimly-lit, spacious and welcoming. Wine is clearly the main draw, with a vast blackboard broadcasting an epic choice, (add a reasonable 8€ opening fee if you want to partake in situ). If the food seems to be taking a backseat – a smaller chalk board with just a handful of options is casually placed on the diner’s table – it is not to be taken lightly. We were delighted with our 16.50€ formule comprising a tasty pea salad with parmigiano reggiano, a succulent confit de canard and an exemplary chocolate tart. The owners of this bargain of a bistro certainly weren’t being over-optimistic when they chose its name. FU

Friends in town for a visit? Ditch the Art Nouveau Paris fantasy and put them up in style in this fun new concept. Tucked away in the 19th arrondissement, this unique 1-room hotel/ gallery hybrid proposes a 26-square-meter apartment, designed by avant-garde architect Didier F. Faustino and decorated with a changing exhibition of original art. Pretend you’re in New York! Rates start at 250€ for a three-night weekend.