What they all have in common is they are included in the links below (plus something on Venice and Budapest too).

Here’s a story on the secret vineyard in the middle of Paris where the wine has ‘an air of mystery’.

Fans of Parisian cafes will want to read this: Parisian cafés are a cherished part of French culture. Here’s why they might be in trouble.

I once wanted to go here very badly, but I no longer do. For those that feel otherwise, here’s an old piece in Vanity Fair on L’Ami Louis.

I would not mind checking out Paris’ Hôtel Balzac, which has reopened its doors following a 1930s-inspired renovation.

For the less rich – of which I am one – here’s a good piece on where to eat in Paris on a budget.

Finally, as a Torontonian, my first thought was, “was that all it costs??”: Karl Lagerfeld’s futuristic paris apartment sells for 10m euros.

Swtiching from Paris to London, here’s a good run down on London’s Smithfield meat market which will close after 850 years in operation.

Meanwhile, over in Milan, we have this detailed story on the famed La scala opera opening night.

As for Venice, Budapest and Detroit, here’s three guides from the New York Times on….

• things to do Venice
• things to do Budapest
• things to do Detroit