Whether it is for a marriage proposal, a wedding anniversary, a romantic surprise, or any other occasion of love, we created, for you, about thirty romantic experiences which will totally amaze your sweetheart!

Be it under the Eiffel tower, with a dove, in a hot-air balloon, on the wings of an airplane, while showered by 1000 roses, in a limousine, or with a fireworks display, thanks to our expertise, you will offer to your beloved the surprise of her/his life!

 

See Apoteo Surprise

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I tend to take Paris in small chunks, knowing that all being well, I shall visit often again. I have still got the Louvre on my must visit list, so I have been reluctant to revisit the tower when there are other fantastic landmarks still unexplored.

But maybe I should think again – there are new restaurants, a new app and the view from any level of the tower is well-worthwhile.

On the first floor is 58 Tour Eiffel which offers a cuisine which is both simple and tasty in a friendly atmosphere. But on 2nd Floor is the new Restaurant Jules Verne – (see picture) created by chef Alain Ducasse – more stylish in a very 30s retro way and expensive but with stunning views to distract you from the gourmet food.

There is a revapled website at www.eiffel-tower.com and to prepare your visit you can now download an app for your i-Phone  with maps, plans, opening times, weather etc.

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Avalon Paris Hotel
Conveniently located near many points of interest and the metro, this hotel offers 64 beautifully decorated, modern rooms. It’s a two star hotel known for its friendly and knowledgeable employees and deeply discounted rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom.

Home Latin
This hotel is perfect for history buffs and museum enthusiasts of all ages. Located in the heart of the Quartier Latin, many places of interest are located within a very short walking distance. With meeting room facilities, a lounge and over 50 rooms to choose from, and a breakfast buffet for a very small additional charge, Home Latin is one of the most comfortable and relaxing hotels in the area.

Hotel Anjou
Situated just outside of the main hustle and bustle of Paris, this affordable and charming hotel is only 300m from the beach and walking distance to many points of interest. Hotel Anjou offers conference rooms, many in-room and business amenities, and has a breakfast room providing some of the best French cuisine around.

Hotel Armstrong
A two star hotel situated near the Bastille area and a direct subway ride to many landmarks, Hotel Armstrong is the perfect tourist hotel surrounded by cafes, Parisian boulangeries, and market shops. There are over 60 newly renovated rooms equipped with flat screen televisions and international satellite channels. Guests are offered complimentary drinks from midday until 6am.

Hotel California Saint-Germain
A three star hotel rich in culture with an artistic flare, it is situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter. With 44 rooms decorated in colors of a sunset sky it is sure to brighten your day. Every room is air conditioned and soundproof. Also enjoy a breakfast buffet for a small additional charge.

Boissiere
Located close to the heart of Paris, Boissiere offers low discounted prices with friendly customer service and free wi-fi in every room and many other amenities.

Paris has many cheap hotels with excellent accommodations located right in the heart of this romantic and historical city making it perfect for tourists of all ages.

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This year, Nuit Blanche 2011 is based around four geographic areas:

1- Around Marais and City Hall, the historic heart of the event spreads over an
expanded centre.
- To the north, three new routes are based in neighbourhoods with eclectic architecture
and populations, marked by the history of modernity and, in certain cases, lively nightlife:
2- Batignolles – Pigalle
3- Nouvelle Athènes – Saint-Georges
4- Montmartre – Anvers

For more info see http://nuitblanche.paris.fr

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Held at the Porte de Versailles on Paris’ Peripherique this annual event claims to be “the world’s largest event dedicated to Chocolate

During 5 days, visitors will have the opportunity to meet their favorite brands, discover new artisans, talk to figureheads of the chocolate world, taste new products, enrich their culture thanks to conferences and cook with the greatest chefs.This year the Salon du Chocolat honours pastry with a baroque touch;

For more info see http://www.salonduchocolat.fr/ (in English)

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If you cannot be there you can still join in by going to http://14juillet.paris.fr/ online set up by the Mayor of Paris. Starts at 11pm (french time)

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Sunday 24 July 2011

For more info see www.letour.fr

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Aslo known as the Promenade du Boeuf Gras (procession of fatted cows!) there will be many colourful floats, costumes and masks, accompanied by music and dancing. For 2011 the theme is “Flowers” (la ronde des Fleurs)

• For more info see www.carnavaldeparis.org

By train by Eurostar to Paris from London St Pancras

Best rates for Hotels in Paris

In the midst of the bustling city centre the sight of young and old, skilful and ungainly gliding aournd in from of one of the major historial landmarks is worth seeing – you could even have a go!

For more info see www.parisetudiant.com/

While Paris dresses up to celebrate the festive season in fitting style, the traditional Christmas markets add another seasonal touch and can be found in all parts of the capital: the avenue des Champs-Elysées (19 November 2011- 2 January 2012), the place Saint-Germain-des-Prés(2 December 2011 – 2 January 2012), La Défense (23 November – 27 December 2011), etc. The traditional wooden cabins offer visitors a festive, magical and convivial opportunity to stroll leisurely around the festive chalets and stalls and discover original crafted Christmas decorations and tasty regional products… Set aside a few hours for your outing , you are guaranteed to find unusual gift ideas and delicious produce for festive meals.

There are also plenty of other Christmas Markets in each arondissement – including one at the Maison d’Alsace (8e) (24 November – 23 December 2011) which should be worth a detour knowing how well the Alsatians traditioanlly celebrate Christmas.

And every Christmas the large department stores such as Printemps and Galeries Lafeyette compete with each other to put on the best window displays.

*= dates to be confirmed

For more info see http://en.parisinfo.com

With such a big country ( in European terms anyway) it always strikes me how much of the place remains undiscovered when hurtling south to warmer climates or mountains. On numerous ocassions when time has allowed we have stumbled upon charming small towns and villages, sometimes with a local market, sometimes with a good little restaurant or brasserie or other delights – parts of the real France. You can almost feel “lost” driving away from the well-known landmarks of the country.

Of course, there is always a danger that by sharing our knowledge of some quiet corner of Franced then others will find it too and before long it becomes less special.

However, Dorling Kindersley Books have published a new title in their range of image-rich and informatice Travel Guides  “Back Roads France” which provides details of 24  leisurely and scenic routes across France together with pull-out map to guide you.

Of course the pioneer for such exploration of France in the 1970s was Arthur Eperon whose book “Travellers France” offered many the first opportunity to discover hidden France with detailed routes and hotel/restaurant recommendations.  I remember using his book on an early trip to France in pursuit of the “undiscovered” France only to arrive at the first nights hotel to discover that it was full of Brits  with the only French people being the staff!!

In the same series DK have also published Back Roads Italy, Back Roads Spain, Back Roads Ireland  and Back Roads Britain and offer several other usueful guides to France AND at the moment there is a 3 for the price of 2 offer on all DK Travel Guides

A Seine-side holiday. That, in a nutshell, is what Paris Plages is all about – complete with sandy beaches, deckchairs, ubiquitous ice cream sellers, and concerts for French and foreign guests. Holidaymakers at the Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19) can also borrow books free of charge, play beach volley, take an aquagym class in a mini pool, or kayak around the lake – or, of course just chill and enjoy. The Seine’s banks become pedestrian and the beaches are spread across three spots (Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette).

The concept started in Paris but has spread to several inland towns and cities across France such as Brive-la-Gaillard (19 Correze, Limousin)and Dijon (21 Cote d’Or, Burgundy)

Paris Plage is open 20 July – 20 August in 2012 – for more info see www.paris.fr

One way to see something of Versailles is to attend one of the open-air concerts at Versailles, when Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks will provide a superb and appropriate musical backdrop to the Chateau and grounds.

The famous “Music for the Royal Fireworks” was composed in 1749 by Georg Friedrich Handel to celebrate the peace treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. King George II had asked Handel to compose some festive music to accompany a great display of fireworks plunging into the Thames. Handel was by then a living legend in England and the magnificent music he composed had an enormous impact on the public. Expectations were huge and 12,000 people rushed to the rehearsals, causing a number of accidents. The official performance on 27 April ushered in a new musical order, bringing some 80 musicians together to interpret Handel’s masterpiece in an “outdoor” setting: wind and percussion instruments were invited to the party, but no string instruments; the orchestral volume was thus able to compete with the exploding fireworks! For this concert in Versailles, Hervé Niquet and his army of “blowers” will also perform Dandrieu’s “Les Caractères de la Danse”, a large orchestral suite by this master of French music. They will be accompanied by the pyrotechnic wizardry of Group F fireworks.

The event takes place on Thursday 24 June 2010 at 9:30pm

For more info and bookings

Château de Versailles Spectacles,
Information and bookings: tel. +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 / fax +33 (0)1 30 83 78 90
E: infos@chateauversailles-spectacles.fr

In France there is an association of Vins d’Abbayes (wines of the Abbeys) which brings together a number of historic abbeys which produce wines and spirits – both to preserve their heritage and to promote their produce.

The association is holding a tasting in Paris on 18 and 19 April 2010 in the College des Bernardins in Paris 5e.

There are monk winemakers in many wine regions of France, including Burgundy, Provece, the Cotes du Rhone, Champagne and Languedoc – see full list of those abbeys whichyou can visit  here.

Our rcoemmendations would include the Abbaye de Fontfroide in the Cobieres (Languedoc) region and the Chateau Ste Rosaline producing some excellent Cores de Provence rosés in Provence.

For more info see Vins d’Abbayes

Paris is a city full of culture and is home to some of the most recognisable tourist attractions in Europe – including the Eiffel Tower, the cathedral at Notre Dame and Arc du Triomphe. According to price comparison website travelsupermarket.com:  “whether you’re a romantic, a culture vulture, or a foodie, there’s loads to keep you busy in Paris.”

There is a wide variety of things to see and do within Paris, from sightseeing tours of the iconic city quarters to nights at the opera in the historic theatre district -  travelsupermarket.com offers this guide to things to see and do in Paris:

• Take a scenic sightseeing trip at night

There are many historical sights to take in during your visit to Paris. For those who want to explore, there are a wide variety of tours around the capital available, all within easy reach of many Paris hotels  - from the artistic museum tours to the bizarre tours of the ancient sewer system beneath the city.

Paris is also known as the City of Light, and night tours are a fantastic opportunity to see Paris’s most famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and the cathedral at Notre Dame, in stunningly beautiful illumination against the night sky.

• Explore the Louvre

The world famous Musee du Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums, and houses some of the most culturally significant works of art in the world. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to the iconic Venus de Milo statue to Da Vinci’s world famous Mona Lisa painting, there is a lot to explore in the Louvre.

• Take in a show

Paris is renowned for its Opera and Theatre districts, and there are opportunities to take in dinner and a show through a range of packages. From the Opera National de Paris to the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, there is a wide variety of shows and music events to satisfy a range of musical and cultural tastes.

• Go on a gastronomic journey

Speaking of tastes, Paris is home to a wide variety of dining options, giving you the chance to sample some authentic Parisian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a coffee and croissant at a quaint little cafes or bistro or indulge in a meal at a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, you can really get a taste for Paris during your visit. There are a variety of food-based tours available to satisfy all appetites and palettes, so you’ll never be short of choice in this fine gastronomic capital.

• Eiffel Tower

It’s a ‘must do’ on any short break to Paris but the Eiffel Tower can be appreciated from the ground as well as the viewing platform on top of the 300m tower. Lie on your back and gaze upwards at this man made wonder. Blend in with fellow Parisians and take a picnic…a nice Chardonnay, a crusty baguette with some French cheese, what a way to spend a weekend!

Starting at 11PM, and lasting more that an hour, the Tower will offer a special show: an exceptional and one-of-a-kind lightshow that will disappear with the start of the New Year. After the last regular session, at 11:05PM, the Tower will repeat its light show at 11:30PM,followed by a totally new 20-minute creation using the technical possibilities offered by the new LED lighting to mark the symbolic countdown to 2010.
At midnight the lightshow, a popular highlight of Parisian nights, will provide a sparkling backdrop to the first minutes of the 2010.

Visible only from the Trocadero (Seine) side you can participate in the celebrations from the comfort of your computer by going to
http://31decembreaparis.com

Over the 2 days you can taste wines direct from the producer and attend numerous masterclasses to enhance your appreciaton of wine. Unusually there is also a selection of Italian wines available to try. Bordeaux Chateau such as Chateau Laroze (St Emilion) will be there as well as producers from Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Corsica, Loire and Rhône etc.

Carrousel du Louvre , 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris – see www.grandtasting.com

Running until 31 January 2010  the exhibition retraces the life of the sex icon who was photographed and immortalised by the greats of film and still photography at a time when she came across as young, fresh, innocent and natural – especially after the post-war years of austerity.

The exhibition is divided into three sections and leads you through her life, (1)from her early days at home, through (2) the fun and excesses of the  life of St Tropez (83 Var, Provence) and the film star years and (3) since  the 70s she has been a passionate advocate for animal right issues.

In many ways she was responsible for the fame of St Tropez, which was previously a pretty but unknown small port on the Mediterranean. Today it is a magnet for rich, wealthy celebrities which becomes impossibly busy in high season – but in Spring and Autumn it is worth a visit, with great views across to Ste Maxime.

For more info see www.boulognebillancourt.fr (in French)
Find the best rates for Hotels in Boulogne-Billancourt

Musée des Années 30 (MA30)

28 avenue André Morizet

92100 Boulogne-Billancourt

From a spectator point of view it promises a good day out in the Medoc – as although you miss the momentary flash of 100+ professional cyclists zooming past, you get to see ech rider individually and can make a whole day of it with the race taking 2 hours or so to pass.

For more info see www.letour.fr

Paris plays host to Nuit Blanche with trails starting in the North of the City, with the artistic installations at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. These works will cast new light on the Jean Jaurès Gymnasium, the Pailleron Swimming Pool and the CENTQUATRE artist hub. The courtyards located in the Marais and the Châtelet district will form the centre of the event. From Notre-Dame, a beautiful pedestrian trail will take you towards numerous places located between Luxembourg and the Quartier Latin on the left bank, normally closed to the public.

The three trails (Buttes-Chaumont, the centre of Paris and the Latin Quarter) are all connected throughout the night – e.g. metro lines 11 and 14 will run a frequent service all night – free between 2.00am and 5.30am.

For more info see www.paris.fr
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Eurostar Tickets from UK to Paris

For four weeks the streets of Paris are transformed into a huge open-air performing arts space for the Summer Arts Festival . The event includes opera, jazz, theatre, classical music, circus, film and dance in avariety of venues which include m cinemas, the Latin Quarter and the Jardin des Tuileries.
For more info see www.quartierdete.com

Day 1

Cycling from London to Dover.

Board the ferry at Dover, arrive in Dieppe in the evening.

Day 2

Set off 10.00 am through the lovely French countryside.

Finish cycling early evening and stay overnight in a French country inn.

Day 3

Leave the hotel at 9.00 am.
Let’s go!

Finish cycling mid-late afternoon in Paris.

Day 4

Free morning with suggested options.

Transfer from hotel to Gare du Nord for Eurostar, arrive in St Pancras

Although it may be too late to register to take part in this 300km ride, you can watch and support them as they cycle through the English and French countryside – and it is easier to get to watch this  than the Tour de France,
For more info see: www.medecinsdumonde.org.uk

Situated within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and the fabulous market in Rue Cler this area is always the highlight of a Paris visit.
Recommended Reading: Markets of Paris also: The Authentic Bistros of Paris

However, now I hear that during his recent short visit to France, President Obama chose the Fontaine de Mars as the venue for supper. Will it ever be the same again? Will prices now be hiked? Will the clientele be dominated by Americans??Will the menu retain its authenticity?

Restaurant la Fontaine de Mars
129, Rue Saint-Dominique 75007 PARIS  T: 01 47 05 46 44

Paris Tourist Office

See map

“The Segway PT (Personal Transporter) is unique! Each machine is a self-balancing electric transportation device. Teamed up with two computers, gyroscopes automatically respond to your body’s movements, «sensing» when it should speed up and slow down in order to keep you in balance while moving up to 12mph!
Only 5 minutes to master – Learning to use a segway is a magical experience and comes naturaly. It is the first time we get carried by a machine which seems to move by itself.

Currently on offer in the towns of Loches  (the royal housing, trave around the Bachelet park at the bottom of the majestic donjon and meander around the paved alleyways of the citadel. ), Amboise (from Amboise castle to the famous Clos Luce manor house, where Leonardo Da Vinci once lived …the heights of the city to the panoramic view of the Loire) and Tours ( the majestic cathedral, the royal castle and the old Wilson bridge.)-

For more info Tel: 02 47 30 95 35 (in France) see  www.freemove.fr

There are also Segway Tours in Paris – see  http://citysegwaytours.com

- official tourism site for Paris and the Ile de France (www.pidf.com)

“Yes, noisy, bustling Paris has its quiet corners, and this attractive book describes them in loving detail. Most of the places mentioned here are out of doors and open to the public. The places range from museum courtyards and royal gardens to 15th Century cloisters and tiny passageways to the back streets and lanes of the various neighborhoods. Some famous sites are here (Luxembourg Gardens) but so are unknown treasures such as the Irish Cultural Center, housed in a townhouse used by the Irish Catholic collegiate community since 1775, or Paris’ lesser-known islands. And few places are as quiet as the city’s evocative cemeteries.” -The Chicago Tribune

Even if you can’t get there in the near future, it represents an interesting read which will doubtless set you planning your next trip.

All his life, Picasso was inspired by the masterpieces of painting. The influence of the great masters like Titian, Goya, Renoir and Manet is revealed here in an outstanding exhibition that presents over 200 works from the most prestigious French, foreign, public and private collections. Picasso and the masters juxtaposes past and present, illustrates the major changes of direction and formal innovations that marked Picasso’s career, while proposing a dialogue between the artist and his predecessors. This new angle on Picasso’s achievements sheds a new light on the work of the founder of cubism.

The exhibition, which has been running since October 2008. is open on more conventional hours (except Tuesdays) before then.

For more info see www.rmn.fr/

In April 2008, 22 students from the Photographic department were welcomed each in one of the 22 participating cities. The participants ranged in age between 20 and 35 years old, as well as originating from 15 different countries. Each student was given an “emotional passport” to express their own talent and sense and to capture the daily life of France. Their only requirement: let the dreams and emotions of the people and places be the guide!

The venues include Aix-en-Provence, Amiens, Angers, Avignon, Bordeaux, Dijon, Grenoble, Le Havre, Lille, Marseille, Metz, Montpellier, Mulhouse, Nancy, Nantes, Nice, Nimes, Reims. Rennes, Rouen, Toulouse and Versailles.

For more info see www.franceemotion.com/

Dijon mustard is essentially a blend of brown and white mustard seeds mixed with wine vinegar. Purists argue that only wine vinegar made from good wine will do, and that cheaper wines produce poorer mustards. 

Generally if a mustard is called “a l’Ancienne” it is a wholegrain mustard as distinct from a smooth mustard which tends to affect the texture rather than the taste.

The other well-known French mustard is from Meaux (77 Seine et Marne, Ile de France) the same area as the Brie de Meaux cheese – unfortunately they do not go well together! Here Pommery produce a mustard with additional spices (secret recipe of course) as a wholegrain mustard in distinctive earthenware crocks with a cork stopper – always looks good on the table.

Maille still has a boutique shop in Dijon at 32, rue de la Liberté – and one in Paris at 6, place de la Madeleine
in the 8th arrondisement – close to those other foodie meccas of Fauchon and  Hediard.

For more info on Maille, its range of products and shops see http://www.maille.com

English mustard is ground mustard seed which is made into a paste often with just water, or sometimes beer or cider. It is much hotter than French mustard, and the best known example is Coleman’s in the bright yellow tin – Colemans is also owned by Unilever!