Things to do in Paris: experiences and activities near Hôtel R de Paris

The Parisian Cocktail Club is the mixology workshop of the 9th arrondissement where a bartender guides you step by step through making three iconic cocktails, from the Moscow Mule to the Espresso Martini. The speciality here is hands-on learning: measuring, shaking, working with ice, then tasting your own creations. What makes it unique is the variety of themes: classic cocktails, an all-Mexico session with tequila and mezcal, or even cocktails from cult films, in a relaxed atmosphere accessible even with zero experience.

Why go: A great evening activity beyond restaurants (couples, friends, or afterwork) with a fun and "hands-on" side.

Good to know: Book especially on weekends. Have a small snack beforehand if you come on an empty stomach.

BAM Karaoke Box is karaoke the private room way: you book a space entirely for your group, from 2 to 20 people, with a catalogue of over 100,000 tracks in French, English, Spanish and many other languages. The Madeleine venue (4 rue de Caumartin) is the closest to the hotel: smart décor, quality sound, drinks service brought directly to your room. What makes it unique is the complete absence of self-consciousness: no public stage, just you and your friends in your own private space.

Why go: For a carefree group or couple's evening, no fuss, in a well-run venue.

Good to know: Online booking is mandatory (Friday and Saturday evening slots go fast); the website lets you choose your room size and time slot directly.

Cooking Baz'art is the gourmet workshop of the Batignolles neighbourhood, created by Isabelle, a former textile buyer who retrained after studying at Alain Ducasse. The speciality here is "palette cooking": you play with textures, colours and seasonal flavours in small groups of 10 or fewer, in a warm, arty loft on Rue Boursault. What makes it unique is the sensory approach: you cook with all five senses, and the atmosphere feels as much like an art gallery as a culinary workshop.

Why go: Fun experience for food lovers, couples or friends.

Good to know: Tell them allergies in advance; book early for popular themes.

Remega is a next-generation Pilates Reformer studio at 71 Rue La Fayette in the 9th. The concept is the Megareformer, a machine more intense than a classic Reformer, halfway between Pilates and the Lagree method: 50-minute sessions in small groups of 10 maximum, focusing on deep core work, posture and stability. What makes it special is the setting: a brand-new studio with polished changing rooms, an infrared sauna in the women's changing room, and personalised attention that sets it apart from the larger Parisian studios.

Why go: Effective training with precise guidance and strong results.

Good to know: Book in advance and arrive a bit early for setup.

A true institution of Parisian yoga, Yoga Village offers 80 classes per week in a luminous space in the 2nd arrondissement, flooded with light from a large bay window. The range of styles is impressive: Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Yin Yang, Prana Flow, plus pilates and children's yoga. The team brings together expert teachers, each a specialist in their discipline, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.

Why go: Perfect to recover from travel, release tension, or keep up your fitness/wellness routine.

Good to know: Online booking is often required; arrive 10 minutes early, and wear comfortable clothes.

1,500 m² of games on the boulevard des Italiens: simulators, Japanese arcade machines, basketball, billiards, bowling: Europe's largest arcade runs 365 days a year, no booking required. Load up a card and let yourself be swept away.

Why go: the perfect spontaneous outing with family or friends, especially on a rainy evening.

Good to know: free entry; allow €20-30 on a game card for a good session; twenty minutes on foot or three métro stops away.

The world's largest auction house, Hôtel Drouot has been home to some 70 independent auction firms across 16 rooms since 1852. Everything goes under the hammer here: Old Masters, collector's watches, haute couture, yellowed postcards. The pre-sale exhibitions are free to visit: you can wander among the lots, then slip into a room to experience a live auction, even if you have no intention of bidding.

Why go: A different cultural activity in Paris, half art viewing, half city experience.

Good to know: Even if you do not bid, it is worth watching.

The Rue du Calvaire stairs are one of the most authentic outdoor training spots in Paris: steep steps linking the Place du Tertre to the bottom of Montmartre, in a neighbourhood where runners and athletes regularly come for interval training. The concept is simple (stair climbs, leg strengthening, cardio work) all rewarded by a view over the Paris rooftops. What makes it fun is training where the locals do their daily workout, on your own, with no gym or membership needed.

Why go: A free fitness break with a "local" Paris routine.

Good to know: Wear good shoes; steps can be tough.

The Piscine Paul Valeyre is a 25-metre pool at the heart of a sports and cultural complex in the 9th that also includes a gymnasium, a sports field and a library. The concept is a well-maintained municipal pool with 5 swimming lanes separated by wave-cutters, colourful decor and a generous ceiling height, at the top end of Parisian public pools. What's great is the variable depth (from 90 cm to 3.30 m), which suits both serious lap swimming and aqua-gym or the children's water garden.

Why go: Great for a quick workout and a local Paris routine.

Good to know: Check opening times and lane availability.

Created in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L'École des Arts Joailliers occupies an 18th-century mansion at 31 Rue Danielle Casanova, right next to Place Vendôme. It was the first school to open the world of jewellery-making to the public: introductory courses in artisan techniques, lectures on the history of jewellery, gemstone discovery sessions, and often remarkable free temporary exhibitions.

Why go: A niche Paris museum-style visit for design lovers.

Good to know: Check the programme for workshops and temporary exhibits.

A benchmark for Thai massage in Paris since 2013, Sokha Royal Spa occupies an elegant 190 m² space at 17 Rue de Miromesnil, steps from the Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Private treatment rooms for one or two, a private jacuzzi, infrared sauna: each ritual is designed for total disconnection, in the pure Thai tradition. The experience begins with a welcome drink and ends in absolute calm.

Why go: Perfect after a long day of walking in Paris.

Good to know: Book ahead at peak times for the best time slots.

Christophe Michalak's Masterclass (he's a Meilleur Ouvrier de France) is a true pastry course at 60 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière. Not a casual workshop, but a three-hour technical demonstration where the chef (or his team) passes on signature techniques. Discover the joy of deconstructing the classics: Paris-Brest, choux pastry, all-chocolate creations. What makes it unique is the "masterclass" format: you learn to combine textures, temperatures and flavours like a real pâtissier, and you leave with everything you've made.

Why go: Ideal if you want a hands-on Paris food experience that upgrades your baking skills.

Good to know: Spots are limited; book ahead and mention allergies.

The Grand Rex, Europe's largest cinema and an Art Deco landmark from 1932, opens up its backstage world with Rex Studios: a 50-minute interactive tour that takes you behind the giant screen, up the panoramic lift and into the projection booth to play with special effects.

Why go: a playful, spectacular visit that delights children and film lovers alike, just steps from the Grands Boulevards.

Good to know: the tour is available in six languages, including English. Allow about an hour, perfect to combine with a screening in the main auditorium.

At the gourmet chocolate museum on the Grands Boulevards, you do more than look: 45-minute workshops with a chocolatier teach dipping and moulding, and you leave with 250 to 300g of your own creations. The museum trail traces 4,000 years of cocoa, Aztec hot chocolate tasting included.

Why go: the sweet activity that wins everyone over, from children to grandparents.

Good to know: workshops in French and English, booking recommended at weekends; museum-only entry also available (~€18).

Pigeoncoq is responsible DIY leatherwork: 96% of the hides come from surplus and dormant stock from luxury maisons. In 2.5 hours (small leather goods) or 4 hours (handbag, their signature piece, with around fifteen customisable models), you choose your leather and colour, then an artisan guides you through cutting, assembly and saddle stitching. After-sales care is free for life: you can come back to have rivets or worn elements repaired.

Why go: A hands-on Paris experience and a great souvenir you made yourself.

Good to know: Sessions can sell out: reserve in advance.

Ô Chateau is a wine bar and tasting centre founded by Olivier Magny (the same founder as Les Caves du Louvre) established since 2007 at 68 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1st arrondissement). The concept: small-group French wine masterclasses (6 to 12 people), led in English and French by certified sommeliers, with a rigorous selection of blind or themed wines (Burgundy vs Bordeaux, French sparkling wines…). The house speciality is demystified learning: they teach you how to read a label, smell a wine, understand it, without unnecessary jargon. The cellar holds over 200 references.

Why go: For a serious and friendly introduction or deeper dive into the wines of France, without any pretension.

Good to know: Online booking is essential; English-language workshops often sell out several days ahead, especially in peak season. Closed on Sundays.

A pioneer of specialty coffee in Paris, Lomi roasts on rue Marcadet and has opened its own school there: two-hour discovery workshops covering espresso, latte art and slow-brew methods, in small groups of six at most, with tastings throughout.

Why go: to leave finally knowing how to make a proper cappuccino, with 250g of house-roasted coffee in hand.

Good to know: expect €60 to €90 depending on the workshop; in French, with English possible on request. The adjoining coffee shop is worth the stop in itself.

A gourmet restaurant on the upper deck of a glass-roofed bus: as the illuminated Champs-Élysées, Invalides and Notre-Dame glide past, you savour a six-course menu prepared on board. Two and a quarter hours of urban cruising, fork in hand.

Why go: dinner and a night tour of Paris combined in a single experience, spectacular without ever feeling like a gimmick.

Good to know: departs from avenue Kléber, near the Arc de Triomphe; bilingual menus and service, with a more affordable lunch option (~€70).

Bowling Foch is an upscale leisure complex on Avenue Foch in the 16th, near the Arc de Triomphe: 15 bowling lanes, 3 pool tables and a polished atmosphere with dimmed lights, bold colours and music. The concept is a premium bowling alley that transforms into a party venue at night, with a DJ and dance floor. What makes it fun is mixing bowling, foosball and pool in an ultra-cool setting, perfect for couples or friends looking for a relaxed evening out.

Why go: A playful night out in Paris beyond the usual sightseeing.

Good to know: Reserve lanes on busy nights.