World tour in Paris

Head to the PASSAGE BRADY, located at number 33 Boulevard de Strasbourg.

Known as the Little India of Paris, Passage Brady is an invitation to discover Indian traditions and atmosphere. As a prominent location for the Indian community, Passage Brady is a covered alleyway that is somewhat dark and seemingly isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated between Boulevard de Strasbourg and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, the passage was opened in 1828. At that time, its 216 meters were intended to make it "the longest covered street in Paris," according to French merchant Mr. Brady.

In 1973, Mr. Ponnoussamy opened his first Indian restaurant there, which was met with great success. Numerous other businesses subsequently opened, associated with successive waves of immigration, including the influx of Anglo-Pakistanis in the 1980s fleeing Thatcher's strict policies. Today, the narrow passage is lined with small restaurants where you can enjoy affordable Indian cuisine, hairdressers-barbershops, and traditional shops selling saris, turbans, and carpets.

Exit the covered passage onto Boulevard de Strasbourg on the left. Walk for about 10 minutes until you reach Rue Rambuteau on your left. Continue straight towards Rue des Francs Bourgeois, then take the first right onto Rue Vieille du Temple, and finally the third left onto RUE DES ROSIERS.

Rue des Rosiers is a street in the center of Paris that runs through part of the 4th arrondissement for 303 meters from east to west in the Saint-Gervais neighborhood, south of Le Marais. As the main artery of the old Jewish quarter, you'll find everything that represents Jewish culture: falafel snacks, synagogues, Ashkenazi bookstores, kosher shops, and enticing pastry shops. Vibrant and full of life, the area has managed to maintain its popular character but is now facing an influx of high-fashion boutiques that somewhat break its picturesque charm. Continue until you reach Rue Pavée on your right. It was one of the first streets in this neighborhood to be paved, hence its name. It is a dark, narrow, and slightly winding street that escaped the realignment of the streets by Baron Haussmann. The synagogue on Rue Pavée is located at number 10.

Continue along Rue Pavée, cross Rue de Rivoli, and continue straight on Rue de Fourcy, then on Rue des Nonnains d'Hyères. Cross Pont Marie and Île Saint-Louis. Continue straight until you reach Pont de la Tournelle, which you will cross. Turn left onto Quai de la Tournelle. You will come across the INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE (Institute of the Arab World).

The Institut du Monde Arabe is a Parisian cultural institute dedicated to the Arab world. The building was designed by a collective of architects who aimed to create a synthesis between Arab and Eastern cultures.

The north façade faces historic Paris and symbolizes the connection to the old city, depicted in an allusive manner. The south façade incorporates historical themes of Arab geometry, as it is composed of 240 moucharabieh screens (a device for natural forced ventilation commonly used in traditional architecture of Arab countries, typically consisting of small assembled wooden elements).

The temporary exhibitions showcase the heritage of Arab countries to the general public, spanning from prehistory to the present day. A major exhibition is inaugurated every autumn, and thematic exhibitions (contemporary art, current affairs, photography, etc.) enrich the cultural calendar throughout the year. The institute's aim is to promote Arab culture and civilization through artistic achievements. The institute houses a library, presents performances and activities dedicated to young audiences. It also features an audiovisual room, an Arabic language learning center, a store selling handmade oriental objects, and a gourmet restaurant.

At the end of Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, turn left onto Rue Jussieu and continue on Rue Linné. Turn right onto Rue Lacépède, then left onto Rue de Quatrefages. You are now in front of the GRANDE MOSQUEE DE PARIS (Great Mosque of Paris).

The entrance to the mosque is located at the level of the 26-meter-high minaret. The mosque was inaugurated in 1926, symbolizing the connection and friendship between France and Islam. You can enter the mosque to admire the inner courtyard and its fountains. The Grand Patio is located just before the Prayer Hall, and there is a fee of 3 euros to access it, which is donated to Muslim charitable works. The mosque is a place of free worship for Muslims. The Prayer Hall, however, is not open for visitation and is prohibited to non-Muslims.

Good to know: The Mosque includes a hammam and a charming traditional café-restaurant called "Aux Portes de l'Orient." The small terrace at the entrance is very pleasant on sunny days and invites relaxation while enjoying the famous oriental mint tea.

Turn left onto Rue Daubenton, then right onto Rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. Continue straight on Rue Jeanne d'Arc and turn right onto Boulevard de l'Hôpital. Continue straight until you reach Place d'Italie. Take the second left onto AVENUE DE CHOISY, then onto AVENUE D'IVRY.

In the Chinatown of the 13th arrondissement, you will find everything you desire with Chinese supermarkets, furniture stores, trinket shops, fruit vendors, and various caterers. From Porte d'Ivry to Porte de Choisy, you will encounter a range of Asian populations: Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Laotians live in Paris's Chinatown due to the thriving trade that prevails there. They own almost all of the shops and restaurants.

Chinese characters proudly adorn the walls of Avenue d'Ivry and Avenue de Choisy. Whether you are a tea lover, a fan of spring rolls, interested in buffalo horn objects, or eager to perfect your karaoke skills, you will find your ideal market in this neighborhood. The famous Tang Brothers supermarket offers you the necessary ingredients to transform yourself into a spring roll master with just a flick of Chinese chopsticks! Many smaller yet picturesque shops are equally well-stocked with raw materials.