There is a jovial group of youths sitting in the shadows of an ambiguous dance hall. Their expressions show the serenity that only absinthe and rich French wine can provide.

Difficult to imagine, as we walk through the majestic courtyards and halls of the Louvre today, that 1,000 years ago, all this used to be no more than a small military fortress, its dungeon and high walls intended to dissuade unexpected visitors.

The Salvador Dali retrospective now showing at the Centre Georges Pompidou, the largest such exhibit of the artist since the 1979 Paris exhibit presided over by the artist himself, is unusual in more than that one respect. One exciting aspect is the emphasis on film – not only films made by him (including the disturbing Un Chien Andalou made in collaboration with Bunuel) but also seemingly thousands of feet of film of the self proclaimed genius being interviewed or presiding over happenings in Europe and New York.

It is said, the Paris party scene in the 1980s was fuelled by heroin. The theatre and cultural centre Lavoir Moderne Parisian (LMP), which opened in 1986 has a rich history of holding hedonistic dance parties and is still a bohemian focal point. The heroin fad, meanwhile, has passed, but the LMP is still alive, just about.

Edith Piaf is no doubt one of France's greatest "gifts," with her magical voice and presence. There's few who haven't heard and fallen in love with songs like "La Vie en Rose" and "Non, je ne regrette rien." She is most certainly one-of-a-kind. Her story, including its ups and downs, hardships and successes, tragedies and triumphs are on display at the Musée d'Edith Piaf, which is nestled in the Ménilmontant neighbourhood (11th district) in Paris.

Some interesting artists recently came together in Louvre to present their creations in the fields of fashion, decor, arts, design and accessories. To be more specific, Le Carrousel des Métiers d’Art played host to 350 exhibitors, which makes this Biennial the largest exhibition dedicated to crafts and creation in France.

Every year the pyramids of the Louvre welcome millions of art lovers from every corner of the world. Most will join the mob of tourists in front of the Mona Lisa, snap a quick picture, and then head off with their maps to find the next treasure housed within the walls of the famous museum.

Down a small cobblestone cul-de-sac in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, awaits a world of imagination and play for young girls and a nostalgic treat for mothers and grandmothers.

Hidden amongst the luxurious bustle of Parisian culture, where artisanship has become an art form, you'll find the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF).  Recognizable only by their red, white and blue collars, this prestigious group represents over 162 creative arts disciplines devoted to their craft in France, including cheese makers, florists, textile designers, chefs, leather crafters, graphic designers and jewelers.