EuropeUpClose

All Around Ostuni, Italy, “the White Town”

Mattie Bamman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:33:45 +0000

Ostuni is located in the Puglia region of Italy, commonly known as the heel of the boot. The hilltop town of just over 30,000 people is well worth visiting, thanks to the beautiful scenery on all sides. The view of the city from a distance is breathtaking; the white-washed homes cap the hilltop, juxtaposed with the jagged skyline of domes and towers. Views of the surrounding countryside are astounding, particularly to the east, where the cliffs and beaches of the Adriatic coastline can be clearly seen.

Ostuni is a 40-minute drive north of Brindisi, also reachable by train. If you are driving into the city, I highly recommend taking the coastal route, as the seaside is peppered with stunning sea caves and picturesque beaches. Further, you’ll get to see the intriguing coastal towers built under the government of Bona Sforzia in the 16th century. The towers were built as a military defense to warn of approaching enemy navies. The towers communicated by signal fires, so you can always see one tower from another, and they stretch along the coast for hundreds of miles.

Leaving the coast, it is a short drive through a countryside dotted with massive, ancient olive trees. Puglia produces two-thirds of all the olive oil in Italy, and some of the trees are nearly 1,000 years old. Surrounded by walls that protect it from the wind, the bustling town is full of restaurants, shops selling local foods and crafts, and cafes. Strolling through the streets and down tiny, twisting alleys is an activity in itself. Ostuni is known as “the White Town” because all of its buildings are painted white, and there is no end to the beautiful architecture. Pause to take in the stunning view from the top of Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. If the ocean wind is too strong, you can take refuge in the archeological museum or in the duomo.

For dinner, my girlfriend and I ate at a pizzeria that is built right into the side of the hill. The roof of the dining room is made of rock, and the experience made us feel as though we were eating in a cave—a finely decorated cave that flowed with good food and plentiful wine.

Most of the year, its natural beauty makes Ostuni a place to indulge in quiet walks through olive groves or along beaches, and the architectural beauty likewise promotes quiet reflection. During the summer months, however, Ostuni becomes a popular location for Italian and German tourists. Buses run frequently to and from the nearby beaches, and Ostuni transforms from a gentle place of nature and solitude into a thriving town filled with parties and revelry.

Lufthansa’s Business Class Air Sale to Europe

Joan Malling — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:17:35 +0000

Lufthansa’s Business Class Air Sale to Europe for Travel this Summer

Lufthansa is offering incredible rates, starting at $859* for business class air travel to Europe this summer. These low fares are offered for travel departing from June 29 to September 5, 2010.

Tickets must be purchased by March 1.

Sample Business Class Air sale fares include:

Atlanta – Berlin $1109*
Boston – Manchester $959*
Chicago – Dusseldorf $1109*
Charlotte – Amsterdam $1109*
Denver – Lisbon $1309*
Dallas – Frankfurt $1109*
Detroit – Stockholm $1109*
Houston – London $961*
Los Angeles – Zurich $1309*
Miami – Munich $1109*
New York – Brussels $859*
Orlando – Madrid $1209*
Philadelphia – Copenhagen $1009*
Seattle – Geneva $1309*
San Francisco – Berlin $1309*
Washington – Dublin $1119*

*Fares are one way based on round trip purchase. Additional fees and conditions apply.

To find out more information, or to book a flight, call your travel agent or Lufthansa

Dortmund, Germany: from Sooty to Green

Sascha Matuszak — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:23:44 +0000

Once a sooty, black industrial powerhouse, Dortmund, Germany is now going hi-tech and green as part of Germany’s attempt to turn the unemployment-ridden Ruhr Gebiet region into a Green Corridor with Silicon characteristics. Not many people visited this place for fun in the past; workers came here to make money in the steel mills and coal mines and armies marched through to gain control of the very same. Times are changing though and Dortmund, Germany is changing with them.

The mills and mines are now part of the Route of Industrial Heritage, a curious stretch of land that includes old and abandoned sites, work camps, and museums highlighting the Ruhr Gebiet’s role in industrializing all of Germany including the building of one of the most powerful and longest-lasting steel industries in the world. There are 52 different sites along this route and for those interested in the region’s history, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, a tour of the route is a good way to learn it.

In and around Dortmund are a surprisingly large number of old castles and chateaus - many of them moated- that hark back to the days when Dortmund was a Free and Hanseatic City with the largest canal port in Europe. Castles of note include Haus Dellwig, which has remained largely intact since the 17th century, and the Romberg Park Gatehouse.

Trade between the Low Countries, Hamburg, France and Central-Southern Europe ran down the Rhine and therefore right past Dortmund. The wealth of those years, from the 13th to the 18th centuries, accumulated and dotted the landscape with the edifices of the rich and powerful. There are two important churches from that period, the Petrikirche and the Marienkirche, that still survive today in the old city and are examples of Dortmund’s prestige during the Protestant Reformation. Another must-see is the Reinholdkirche, which was originally built in the 800s.

These days Dortmund is struggling to promote its “greener” self — it is known as the Green City of Westphalia — and the many hi-tech enterprises being lured in by beneficial tax programs and concerted government efforts to provide the “right business climate.” Dortmund truly is a very green city: Westphalen Park and Wischlingen Park are huge swaths of green parkland in the middle of town, but the gem is Rombergpark, an almost-wild park with few paths and many groves to get lost in.

For the traveler, if not on business, Dortmund is a slow-paced, very German-type town with good local beers and many pubs to drink them in, as well as solid, abundant German fare. Dortmund is known for its Pfefferpothast (pepper beef stew with onions) and beers like DAB, Union and Kronen. A popular, if not crowded, restaurant is right in the middle of the Alter Markt and is aptly named Zum Alten Markt. This is a good restaurant for hearty Dortmund beef and potatoes as well as the chance to walk around the old market plaza. The plaza is right in the middle of town, surrounded by two ring roads, Ostwall and Koenigwall, that outline the old medieval walls.

For a quiet little ex-industrial city, Dortmund also manages to add a little twist; it is home to Germany’s fastest, loosest casino, the Hohensyburg Casino. Built right next to some of the oldest ruins in the area, Hohensyburg is a gaudy, unapologetic reflection of a cash-mindset with a gambling problem. More money goes through the hands of more gamblers here than anywhere else in Germany. Have fun!

How to Use the Italian Post Office (Poste Italiane)

Mattie Bamman — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:59:43 +0000

“How am I to send my postcards,” said a friend, “when I can’t even find the right person at the Italian Post Office to talk to?” Another friend lamented, “I usually send my postcards with ‘I’ll be seeing you before you read this.’” It is true that the Italian postal service, called the Poste Italiane, doesn’t have a very good reputation.

One of the most difficult elements of mailing something in Italy is that the post offices are set up entirely different than those we are used to in the United States. Once you get the hang of how the Poste Italiane works, you may conclude that the Poste Italiane isn’t really all that bad.

When you walk into an Italian post office, don’t look for a line to stand in. Italians rarely stand in lines. Instead, there should be a machine located near the entrance, directing you to push a button and receive a number. There are a number of options, because the Italian post office not only sends and stores letters and packages; it is also where Italians pay their gas and electric bills, among other things. In fact, very few of the people inside Italian post offices are sending mail or picking up packages, which means the crowd may not be as daunting as you think. However, make sure you press the correct button; otherwise, you will find yourself talking to the wrong person. The correct button will say spedizione and will have a picture of an envelope beside it. You will know that you have pressed the correct button if the piece of paper that is spit out has a ‘P’ before the number.

A large board displays the numbers being currently serviced; every time a new number is called, you will hear a loud beep. Make sure to pay attention, because the postal representatives rarely dwell longer than a few seconds on a number if they do not see anyone walking up to their window. The first time I entered a post office, I stood around for 15 minutes before realizing that I needed a number.

Postal representatives usually give you the lowest price on postcards, letters, or packages, without offering various methods and rates for sending mail, as they do in the United States. Note, if you want a receipt, you must ask for one.

In my experience, mail going from Italy to the U.S. arrives quickly, usually in 5-10 ten days, and I have never had any of my packages lost. However, the Italian post office is not very capable when it comes to delivering packages sent from the U.S. Packages generally take at least 3 weeks and up to 2 months to arrive, and, as many online horror stories will tell you, packages are often lost. Postcards seem to fall into a different category of priority and take longer to arrive in the U.S. than either letters or packages. Sadly, as things currently stand, you may want to sign your postcards as my friend did: “I’ll be seeing you before you read this.”

Red Light, Green Light … Amsterdam is Going Green

Carla Scott — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:13:52 +0000

Amsterdam has long been known as a pioneering city, now Amsterdam is going green. Four hundred years ago, it was a leader in religious tolerance and global commerce and now it’s the front runner in the world’s next challenge “Climate Change”. Among Amsterdam’s 17th century town houses and winding canals, green changes are popping up all over the city. On major shopping avenues in the center of the Dutch capital, street trash is collected by nonpolluting electric trucks, while the electronic displays in local bus stops are powered by small solar panels. Electricity used to power trams and light buildings comes from burning municipal waste. In Amsterdam, people take more trips by bike, than by car. These steps among many, represent Amsterdam’s initial steps toward making its infrastructure more eco-friendly. Since Amsterdam is the 5th busiest tourist destination in Europe, making tourism as eco friendly as possible is one of the first priorities on the green agenda.

Upon arrival in the Dutch Capital, we started our green adventure with the train from the airport to the city center. The city’s GVB Tram System is an efficient and comfortable way to see the sites. Buy a Strippenkaart pass at the train station when you arrive and you will receive discounted fares on multiple rides around the city. Fifteen strips are about seven euro. The tickets are valid for the metro and bus as well. Also, there are bike rentals on most every corner, making it easy to get around the city. If biking is not your transportation of choice, you can arrange for a green taxi service that operates electric vehicles.

We checked into our sustainable hotel, the Museum Square Hotel, which was entirely renovated in 2009, using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. This small, modern hotel is located opposite the famous Concert Hall, a short walk from both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and near the lively Leidseplein, which is well known for its great shopping and nightlife. All guest rooms feature one wall showing a forest scene, and very comfortable new beds with crisp white duvets. The public areas also keep the sustainable green theme, with an indoor plant wall in the reception area, and an attractive, small outdoor garden area, which is popular in the summer months.

Following our long trip and after getting settled in, we were famished and asked for a restaurant recommendation. We were directed to De Kas, located a short distance from De Hortus on the east side of town. This celebrated organic restaurant is housed in an old greenhouse saved from demolition by the owner and chef Gert Jan Hageman. De Kas serves the harvest of its own herb and vegetable garden along with locally sourced organic meat and fish.

The next day we were off to shop. While shopping on one of Amsterdam’s best shopping streets, Haarlemmerstraat, we discovered Nukuhiva, one of the city’s best eco boutiques. This little store is just the place to find your favorite ethical fashion brands, including the Dutch brand, Kuyichi, which uses organic denim. And they carry other hip eco labels such as Edun, Loomstate and my favorite, Worn Again,which is an accessories brand that reuses textiles to make sneakers and bags.

The list goes on and on for green happenings and green sites to visit while in exciting Amsterdam. And we easily found a week’s worth of green gems to explore in this city so dedicated to being green. We all know that Amsterdam is famous for their red light district, but soon the entire city will be considered the “green” district and they are proud of it!

The Ancient Messapian City of Oria, Italy

Mattie Bamman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:46:13 +0000

Oria is a truly ancient, hilltop town in the south of Italy. Located in the Puglia region, the town was thriving as long ago as 200 B.C., when it was named Hyria and was part of the Messapian civilization. Today, the city retains its beauty, if not its abundance of activity, and provides visitors with ancient archeological artifacts and pleasant walks through its twisting, winding streets.

My girlfriend and I visited the city during a bicycle tour of Puglia. Puglia is a cyclist’s dream: beautiful countryside filled with olive trees, vineyards, beaches, a cliffy coastline, ancient towns, and, most importantly, very few hills. Though Oria is built on a hill—like several of the towns on the Salento Peninsula, which comprises the heel of the proverbial Italian boot—the ride to Oria is completely flat. The town rises so sharply that it creates a stunning contrast between architecture and sky, especially where the towers of the 13th-century castle, built by Frederick II, stand out. The castle dominates the town and is certainly worth a visit. There is a park located just in front of the castle, but it was closed when we visited.

We chained our bikes and sat outside a nearby café to sip a glass of Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine) before wandering around the town. The town has two main areas, one on the side of the hill facing north, toward the Adriatic, and one facing south, toward the town of Manduria. This latter area is where we found the stunning Gate of the Jews, which features a beautiful mosaic.

The Jewish presence in Oria is one of the oldest in Europe. Though the Jewish community is no longer present, the Jewish Neighborhood of Oria is still celebrated, and signs throughout the town guide you to it. Composed primarily of a few twisting alleyways, the neighborhood exhibits the dramatic architecture of the town, but is otherwise not noteworthy. On the other hand, the nearby piazza in front of the massive Cathedral Basilica is breathtaking. On a clear day, it provides views of both the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. It gave my girlfriend and me a clear idea of how far we’d been bicycling, in addition to showing us how truly vast the olive groves that we’d been riding through actually are.

Oria is a visually stunning town and a wonderful place to sample the culinary culture of the Italian south, but it does not warrant more than one or two days of exploration. However, it serves as a convenient base from which to explore both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of the Puglia region, as well as the nearby towns of Manduria (noted for its wines made with the Primitivo grape, which is identical to Zinfandel), Ostuni (aka “The White Town”), Brindisi, and Taranto.

Cordoba, Spain- A Convergence of Cultures

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:35:11 +0000

A true Andalusian gem, Cordoba, Spain has a rich and varied history, which is apparent in the city’s current culture. Over the centuries, Cordoba has been inhabited by three of the world’s major religions- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which have shaped the architectural landscape and customs of the city.

What to see in Cordoba:

The Mezquita is a Roman Catholic Cathedral that was originally built as a Mosque on the ruins of what had previously been a Christian Visigothic Church; a layered history to say the least. The Mezquita was the first building to be labeled as “Califal style,” an aesthetic that combines Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Syrian and Persian elements.

The nearby Archiepiscopal Palace also has a complex and fascinating past. It was constructed by the Goths and later became Alcazar Alifal (the palace of the Arabian caliph). When the court moved to Medina- Azahara, the palace was abandoned for a period of time before serving as the residence for the kings of Taifas.

Yet more stylistic layering; the Puerta del Puente (door) was originally part of the Arabian walls, but later on modified to fit a Renaissance aesthetic.

The Puente Romano (Roman bridge) over Guadalquivir river is formed by16 arcs that were once part of the Roman Via Augusta. The middle part of the bridge was added in the 17th century as a monument to San Rafael.

The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Palace of the Christian Kings) was built in 1328 by Alfonso XI. The most stunning aspects of the Alcazar are the Arabian baths and Roman mosaics on the interior, as well as the 3 (originally there were 4) remaining columns on the exterior.

La Judería, the Jewish quarter has always been considered the intellectual center of the city. There are monuments in this area to commemorate some of Cordoba’s great thinkers, such as the Roman philosopher Séneca, the Arabian philosopher Averroes, and Jewish philosopher Maimonides. One of Spain’s oldest synagogues (built in 1315) can also be found in this area. The nearby bullfighting museum is also worth a visit.

Where to stay in Cordoba:

For reasonably priced hotels located throughout the city, I recommend the Macia Hoteles. Most locations have free WiFi and a fun, contemporary vibe. For a luxury, boutique hotel option, try Hospes Palacio del Bailio –Cordoba . Another wonderful option is the Hotel Gonzalez , a boutique hotel located in a refurbished 16th-century palace in the heart of La Juderia.

Where to eat in Cordoba:

One of Cordoba’s most famous restaurants is El Caballo Rojo – located near the Mezquita, known for its rabo de toro (oxtail) and excellent selection of Spanish wines. Be prepared to pay for quality at this fine establishment.
Calle Cardenal Herrero 28

The nearby Restaurante El Triunfo offers a variety of meat and fish entrées at reasonable prices.
Calle Corregidor Luís de la Cerda 79

For excellent churrasco (grilled pork served with pepper sauce) and salmorejo (Cordoba’s answer to gazpacho), try El Churrasco.
Calle Romero 16

Choosing Croatian Souvenirs

Neha Puntambekar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:06:31 +0000

I have a confession to make – I love shopping for souvenirs. But, I prefer them to be unique, and not just cheap trinkets. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard finding authentic souvenirs. It’s so much easier to just give in and settle for a postcard or a magnet, but with a little research, you’ll be able to tell the tourist traps from the authentic articles.

Here’s to making your Croatian souvenir hunt just a little bit easier:

Licitarsko Srce – You’ll see the Licitarsko Srce or Gingerbread Hearts everywhere in Croatia. These shiny red hearts (also available in various shapes – angels, houses, birds, and more – though hearts are the traditional deal) are a common sight and can be found dangling from the shelves of Croatian souvenir stores and stalls everywhere. These hearts are made from honey dough and are decorated in bright colours, with bits of ribbons and tiny mirrors. They are considered symbols of Croatian love and warmth, and are also considered to be a good luck charm.

Maraschino Liqueur – Find yourself a bottle of liquid cherry; you won’t regret it. Maraschino liqueur is made from Dalmatian sour cherries; the cherry pit and cherry tree leaves are also utilized as ingredients along with honey. The original recipe, it is claimed, originated in a Dominican monastery in Zadar during the 16th century. And even today, you can enjoy the very same traditional recipe. This popular drink can be easily f0und at local restaurants and inns, and a bottle can be purchased at local markets and stores as well.

Coral and Silver Jewellery – Croatia is a great destination to buy unique and authentic coral and silver jewellery. Many jewellers continue to use traditional patterns and designs, making their collections fairly unique for tourists. Of course there are an equal number of modern designers creating artistic, gem-studded pieces. You’ll find a number of small, accessible jewellery stores and galleries all across Croatia. Just step into one and find the piece that suits you.

Croatian Wines – Not many know that there is a long tradition of wine making in Croatia; wine was made here even earlier than Roman times. Of course the output and technology has since improved vastly. Today Croatia boasts a multitude of wines and wine producing regions. From traditional to modern producers; from house wines to much more expensive affairs, there’s a Croatian wine out there to suit every palate.

Croatian Art – Art, in most any form, makes for some of the best Croatian souvenir acquisitions you can obtain just about anywhere. Here you can indulge your inner art collector, as most Croatian towns boast a good number of local galleries, and a simple stroll through most any town can turn into an art lesson. If you are looking for something offbeat, try investing in a piece of Croatian Naive Art. This artwork is trully unique and quite exquisite.

Cruise Sale: 2 for 1 Fares Plus Free Air for Crystal Cruises

Joan Malling — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:59:03 +0000

Cruise Sale: 2 for 1 Fares Plus Free Air for Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is offering 2 for 1 fares on all its voyages. Celebrate their 20th anniversary, by joining them for a cruise to Athens and Rome in the Mediterranean; Scotland and Norway in Northern Europe; and Russia in the Baltic.

This Cruise Sale not only includes 2 for 1 fares, but also free business or economy class air on most Europe voyages and up to $2,000 in spending credits.

Examples of voyages on this cruise sale:

Athens to Rome   7 days    $3,750*
London to Stockholm   11 days   $5,395*
Athens to Venice   7 days       $3,680*
Barcelona to Lisbon   11 days   $4,845*
Istanbul to Barcelona   12 days   $6,470*

*Fares listed are based on double occupancy. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information on this cruise sale, contact your travel agent or Crystal Cruises.

Our Favorite Paris Bistros

Terri Fogarty — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:34:08 +0000

Many of the finest restaurants in the world can be found in Paris. But if you are looking for French food without the fanfare and high prices, look to a Paris bistro, or as the French spell it, Bistrots. The following Paris bistrots are just some of the favorites of a few of our Europe Up Close writers. There are many, many more fabulous bistros in Paris, and we want to hear about them. Do you have a bistrot to add to our “Favorite Paris Bistros List”? Leave a comment below or tweet us.

Midi Vins – Terri and Bill Fogarty
We stumbled upon this corner Paris bistro while walking on the charming rue du Cherche Midi in the 6th Arrondissement. Calling themselves a Bistrot a vins, this little place was packed the night that we were there and then again as we strolled by on another evening. The small, but comfortable space is filled with fresh flowers, and the atmosphere is cozy and romantic. The owners are very particular about their wine selection and have a great wine list. We asked for a half bottle of Bordeaux and the proprietress chose one for us. She opened a full bottle and told us we would only be charged for the wine we consumed. We drank just a half bottle of this very good wine and were charged for just that - a half bottle! Their prices were totally reasonable for a wonderful dinner and great wine.
Closed Sunday and Monday
83, rue du Cherche Midi
75006, Paris
Tel: 01 45 48 33 71
Metro: Vanveau
6th Arrondissement

Astier – Joan and Neil Malling

One of our favorite Paris bistros is Astier. Lively atmosphere, helpful staff, great selection of bistro fare, incredible cheese tray, and a reasonable prix fixe menu (low 30’s). Reservations highly recommended.
44 rue J.P. Timbaud
Paris 75011
Tel: 01-43 57 16 35
Metro: Parmentier
11th Arrondissement

La Contrescarpe – Jen Westmoreland Bouchard
For a classic French bistro experience, head to La Contrescarpe , near Place de la Contrescarpe at the top of Rue Mouffetard’s hill and around the corner. The fare is fresh and authentic, and the location- at the top of Rue Mouffetard, the street with the best food shops in Paris- is inspiring.
57 , Rue Lacépède
75005 Paris, France
5th Arrondissement

Les Fêtes Galantes - Marilyn McFarlane
This little spot in the 5th is offbeat, to say the least. The décor of Les Fetes Galantes is quirky: tacked-up photos of friends and family, long strands of green vines and colored lights, and a wall covered with bras (yes, underwear, donated by fans of the chef). The menu prices are amazingly low, and the food is terrific. It’s prepared by Bibi, an Egyptian who puts his own touch to traditional French dishes, and served by his vivacious wife Isabelle. The place is cozy, with space for only 26. It’s one of the best bargains in Paris.
Closed Sunday
17, rue de l’Ecole Polytechnique
Tel: 01 43 26 10 40
Métro: Cardinal-Lemoine, Maubert Mutualité
5th arrondisement

Le Petit Prince – Carla Scott
Located across the street from Notre Dame in the Latin Quarter, Le Petit Prince is never empty but always filled with locals from the Sorbonne as well as international tourists. The food is fantastic and cheap,especially for lunch! 14 Euros for a two course meal with a carafe of wine! Great place to people watch and they have large pitchers of Sangria and free olives, nuts and bread at happy hour.
12 12 rue Lanneau
Metro: Maubert-Mutualité
5th Arrondissement

Café de Flore – Anne-Sophie Redisch
Originally from the late 1880s, Café de Flore is a Paris landmark and a favourite hangout for artists for most of the 20^th century. Located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, it’s perhaps most famous for being the watering hole of the existentialists in the mid-20^th century. During the German occupation, this was the second home to renown philosophers, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. As Sartre put it: …nous étions au Flore chez nous. They breakfasted, worked, lunched, talked, dined and entertained here from morning till night.

As in most Paris bistrots, it’s perfectly fine to sit by yourself. I especially like the covered outdoor section on a rainy day, having coffee (or lovely hot grog in winter) and watching Parisians hurrying past.

While they, at times, get a bit of flak for their service, over the years I’ve experienced nothing but nice, friendly waiters; letting me sit for hours and hours with a single glass of citron pressé, reading a book. When not busy, they’ve even offered great conversation. All those decades of philosophical debate must have permeated the woodwork, it’s one of my favourite hang-outs for inspiration.

Café de Flore is an excellent place to stop for champagne after shopping in fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Prés. On a more abstemious note, my 8-year-old adores their Croque monsieur.
26 Rue Saint-Benoît
75006 Paris, France
Tel: 01 45 44 33 40
6th Arrondissement

Le Colimacon Vine bar and Restaurant - Brigitte Aflalo Calderon
The winding staircase is one of the charms of this little Paris bistrot where you’ll discover good wines and regional dishes. Every week, 10 new dishes appear on the Le Colimacon menu, all inspired by the chef’s imagination and classics from regional French gastronomy. Foie-gras hamburger, sliced Breast of Duck with carmelized apples, Pastilla surprise, etc. Very warm atmosphere. Owners strive to make you feel at home
44 rue Vieille du Temple
4th arrondissement

Cote Place – Brigitte Alfalo Calderon

Open 7 days a week from 11h to midnight, this bistro and wine bar is connected to the Ma Bourgogne restaurant, located on the opposite corner at place des Vosges . It serves traditional Burgundian cuisine: snails, saucisson from Beaujolais, steak tartare, delicious Tarte Tatin and selected home made déserts, like fondant au chocolat. Patrons can count on a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and an excellent wine selection from Burgundy and other French regions,

2 rue des Francs-Bourgeois
Le Marais
Tél: 01 42 71 27 40
Metro: Bourse
3rd arrondissement