Great streets in Paris

Ah Paris! What a city!

Everyone knows the main tourist spots: the Champs Elysees, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame and Fountain St Michel, Eiffel Tower etc.
These places are great if you want to experience a bit of touristy Paris, but if you are looking for that authentic, laid back student experience, maybe they aren't the top spots in the city.

Having been in and out of Paris for many years, here are a few of my favourite streets in Paris for eating, drinking or just chilling.

Rue Mouffetard
A great, must-visit street full of bars and restaurants walking distance from the Garden of Luxembourg (Jardin du Luxembourg). South of Notre Dame, nearest metro is Place Monge.

Rue Oberkampf
Yes! Oberkampf is just an awesome, happening street full of bars. Located very close to Nation (nearest metro is Oberkampf), the street is a great place to go out for an evening.

One night at Oberkampf I was in a bar with a friend having a catch up chat when suddenly this lady behind us at the bar starts yelling at the top of her voice. For a minute or two we just ignored her, thinking she was just a bit mad, until we realised that the whole bar had gone silent and was watching her......
.....turned out it was a one-woman theatre performance that went for 30 minutes. Brilliant! (once we realised she wasn't just nuts :)

Rue des Canette
Near St Germain des Pres (which is a very nice part of Paris) is great little street with some good restaurants. For a great beer and pizza try O'Neils (not very French name, but great food). Nearest metros: St Germain des Pres or Mabillion.

St Germain in general is just a lovely place to spend some time. Lots of little (and big) streets with great boutique shops, restaurants, bistros and bars. Be careful though! It can be pricey. My first time in Paris I sat down at a bar in St Germain with the romantic image of watching the world go by from the footpath....until I realised that beers were $10 each.
My wife and I got stung again just last year in a bistro paying $20 for some sparkling water, a coffee and a soft drink.

Rue des Rennes
Lots of great shops (clothes, shoes, etc) down along this strip that connects Montparnasse with St Germain. Adjoining streets also have quite a lot of funky shops to visit.

If you need department stores then try Les Halles (metro Chatelet-Les Halles). This is a HUGE underground shopping complex where you'll find just about everything you need. Plenty of shops in adjacent streets too.

Other areas
Around the areas of Nation and Republique (metro stations) you'll also find heaps of bars and restaurants. These are big circular 'places'.
Avoid eating on or near the Champes Elysees - it's crap.

Have fun!