Dana Boulé is a classically trained pianist, singer-songwriter and accordionist from Brooklyn. She fell in love with a French boy and moved to Paris last year, where she released her first solo album Going, Gone. She lives on the rue de l'Université in the seventh arrondissement, just down the street from Julia Child's old apartment. Despite the posh address, Dana has a great eye for the quirky and inexpensive side of the city. This is her Paris.

Photo: Mu Foo

What's your favorite Paris place in good weather?

I live on the border of the 6th and 7th arrondissements, so when it's sunny I go to the crêpe stand on the boulevard St. Michel, just across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg. The stand is open six days a week and behind the griddle you will find Stefanos, my favorite Greek multi-instrumentalist doing a PhD on "the Effects Of Anarchy."  I order the Greek Special - a perfectly cooked crêpe filled with fresh feta cheese, tomatoes, olive oil and oregano - and listen to Stefanos talking about every subject under the sun while encouraging traveling Americans to register to vote. I take my warm and melty crêpe across the street, into the gardens and straight to la Fontaine Médicis, a fountain commissioned by Marie de Médicis in the 1630s to remind her of her childhood in Provence. Situated in a corner and a bit off the beaten path, it's the perfect quiet place to sit near water and ponder life while enjoying a crêpe and filling out a voter registration card.

Photo: wallyg

Is there any touristy activity or place that's still fun for a local?

There is no denying the beauty of the Seine river, any season, any day, any night. The throngs of tourists don't even bother me, the views are so serene and stunning. And all you have to do to avoid most tourists is walk down the many sets of staircases and meander down the cobblestone path right along the river. When I walk under the archways, it's easy to lose myself and pretend I am a femme fatale in the 1920s. I like the boats, especially. Boats make me feel like I can go somewhere. Sometimes I go to the very end of Ile St. Louis and just sit and watch the boats go by. I enjoy the Seine best when I'm alone with carefully chosen music in my headphones for an awe inspiring stroll. From Chopin to Dr. Dre, I let the beauty of this historic river take over my imagination and inspire me.

Photo: Mu Foo

What's your favorite local place that you wouldn't necessarily recommend to visitors

Rue Faubourg St. Denis is the best street ever to wander. The sights and smells of the various Indian, Turkish, Pakistani and African restaurants, goods and shops are eye and ear candy each time I go. I start at the bazaars where you can find random treasures from toys to kitchen goods to Paris-themed knick-knacks, like my giant I LOVE PARIS mug. At the top of the street is my favorite covered market, the Marché St. Quentin, an untouristy place where the vendors have taught me to speak French and sell some of the most delicious meats, cheese and fruits I have ever tasted.  Halfway down the street from the market is Monsieur Poulet at Chez Robert, the friendliest vendor on the planet who stands outside introducing himsef as Monsieur Poulet and inviting you to buy a perfectly roasted poulet rôti.  He calls me "New York" and he knows to put extra juice in with my chicken. Merci, Mr. Chicken!


Photo: extranoise

If you were ever to leave this city, what place would you most miss?

When I first moved to Paris, I randomly found Le Dellys, an Algerian bar/restaurant at 5 rue des Deux Gares in the 10ème. They make a mean mojito and their couscous and tagines are delicious, perfectly cooked and fresh every time. They have live music on most Wednesdays and Saturdays. After six months spent enjoying the food, wine and awesome in-restaurant music playlists (a blend of indie rock and world music with the occassional Michael Jackson track), I played my very first Paris performances at Le Dellys. The crowds were warm and welcoming, the owners paid me and then fed me and all my friends. If you stay late enough, you are likely to see a spontaneous late-night dance party break out. Who wouldn't miss couscous and dance parties?

Dana Boulé just released her first solo album Going, Gone (Ex Best Friend Records) is currently making videos and playing shows around Paris. She's learning the language and the French martial art Savate, as well as writing the hilarious blog Kung Fu Dana.You can listen to more of Dana's music on her MySpace page, or watch her new video below.

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