Batignolles is a really nice neighbourhood. I think it's a little underrated -- not many people seem to know it, but those who do tend to love it. It feels like a 'classic' Parisian neighbourhood with Haussmannian buildings, but it doesn't feel snobbish like some of the neighbouring areas. And it's a little bit artsy, but not pretentious like some of the hipster areas (I used to live in the 19th).

That's funny about the grocery bag tactic. Funnily enough, I never saw police stopping anyone and asking to see their attestations. But then again I was living in the banlieues, so maybe it was different there.