Paris For Travelers

10 Best Flea Markets in France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:07:00 +0000

Here is a link to a relevant story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/apr/28/france-best-flea-markets-shopping

Another Top 10 List!

Sleeper Trains to Run Daytime Routes in France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Sleeper trains to run in daytime

April 01, 2010

THE SNCF is planning to run its sleeper trains during the day from next month - so that passengers can have a comfortable nap while travelling.

The French rail operator's new service, called Téoz Eco, will run for a six-month trial period from May 21 on the line from Paris to Toulouse via Limoges, Brive and Cahors.

The trains will operate from Friday to Monday, offering a choice of either a 45° reclinable seat or a bed in a cabin of four. Single tickets will range from €15 to €30.

The journey will take slightly longer than an ordinary Corail trip on the same route - seven hours - as the train's speed is limited to 160kph instead of 200kph.

The SNCF hopes the new budget service will boost long-distance passenger numbers and make more efficient use of trains that would otherwise spend the whole day in sidings.

If successful, it will be extended to other long-distance routes, such as Paris to Hendaye in the Pyrenees.

From www.connexionfrance.com

Paris Hotel Promotion April 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:42:00 +0000

179 euros/night in the 4 star Washington Opera, double room, including buffet breakfast! Subject to availability, this is for travel in April only. Must be booked with us directly, contact us by email with your dates.

Located near the Louvre and the Opera Garnier, this is a small boutique hotel that is both elegant and comfortable. Friendly staff offer help and nearby metro stops take you anywhere you want to go in Paris! One of our favorite recommendations over the years. For more hotel info see www.hotelwashingtonopera.com

Train Strike in France Starting April 6...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:36:00 +0000

Beware travelers; a new strike that is called 'indefinite' is set to start April 6:

TRAIN drivers are planning another national strike from April 6 - the third so far this year.

However unlike earlier strikes, the next one will be for an indefinite period - not just one day.

The CGT and CFDT unions have confirmed they will be taking part in the strike, which will affect Easter holiday travel. A third union, UNSA, has yet to join in.

They are protesting against a proposed restructuring of the SNCF, working conditions and pay.

Cancellations are likely from 20.00 on April 6 as drivers and conductors walk out. Ticket office staff are also planning a one-day strike on April 8.

The French state rail operator lost almost €1bn last year.

SNCM ferry services on the Mediterranean coast will also be hit by a strike on the same day, as workers strike to protest against the arrival of a new rival, Italian operator Moby Lines, on the Toulon-Bastia route.

http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-april-6-national-disruption-france-view-article.html

Tour Eiffel Inaugurated Today in 1889

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:30:00 +0000

March 31, 1889

The Eiffel Tower is inaugurated

Along with the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid, there may be no more instantly recognizable man-made structure than the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated on this date in 1889. The grand tower was built for the Universal Exhibition held that year in celebration of the French Revolution.

The Architect was Stephen Sauvestre. The project was begun in 1884 with construction taking place from 1887 to 1889, a total of 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. The contractor was Gustave Eiffel. In all, 50 engineers and designers produced 5,300 "blueprints" for the construction. 100 iron workers produced the 18,038 individual parts used in the assembly and 121 men constructed the tower. It is owned by the city of Paris.

The weight of the metal structure is 7,300 tons with the total weight topping out at 10,100 tons. Its height including the flagpole, is 324 meters. The Eiffel Tower is painted every seven years and received its 19th coat of paint in 2008.

Train Strike in France For Tues Mar 23

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Article below from connexionfrance.com

A BIG national strike will bring disruption to public transport, schools and other parts of the public and private sector tomorrow.

Transport
The SNCF rail walkout begins at 20.00 on Monday night and services are not expected to return to normal until 8.00 on Wednesday morning.

Here are the latest service level estimates - although you should check locally before travelling:
Transilien (Ile-de-France suburban trains): 45% of trains running
TER regional services: 35% to 70% depending on region
Main lines to the east of Paris: "almost zero" service
Other TGVs: 65%
Eurostar/Thalys: normal service

Passengers wanting to cancel their journey can get a full refund on their ticket without any fees, regardless of the type of ticket.

Travellers can also choose an alternative train to the one they are booked on - but there is no guarantee of a seat.

In Paris, most RER and metro lines are expecting minor delays. RER B will be the most disrupted. There will be a near-normal service on the buses in Paris, although some walkouts are planned by public transport workers in other French towns and cities.

Public transport contact numbers:
SNCF (main lines and TER trains): 0805 90 36 35 or www.sncf.com
Transilien train services in Ile-de-France: 0805 700 805 or www.abcdtrains.com
Live train running information: www.gares-en-mouvement.com

Air Traffic Controllers Strike in France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:57:00 +0000

A four day strike is on in France and has stranded thousands of travelers across the country. See details:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-02-23-france-air-traffic-control-strike_N.htm

European Master Drawings at the Louvre

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:39:00 +0000

Old European Master Drawings at the Louvre
The exhibition from 26 November 2009 through 22 February showcases four centuries of European Master Drawings.

The Georges Pébereau Collection not only includes many splendid examples of French drawing from the 17th to the 19th century, but also other outstanding works from abroad, notably from Germany, Britain, Denmark and Italy.

This presentation highlights collector Georges Pébereau's remarkable donation of drawings by Costa, Castiglione, Honthorst, Brébiette, Vouet, Tiepolo, Boilly and Victor Hugo to the Louvre's Department of Prints and Drawings.

The result is a marvellous opportunity for a fresh insight into more than four centuries of European drawing.

Venue: Musée du Louvre
When: 26 November 2009 to 22 February 2010
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: from 9:00 to 18:00; Wednesday, Friday: from 09: 00 to 22:00. Do note rooms begin closing 30 minutes before museum closing time.
Fee: Included in the museum ticket: EUR 9; EUR 6 after 18:00 on Wednesday and Friday
Website: http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Happy Holidays everyone!

From all of us at Discover France Adventures, Pure Adventures, Cycling Classics, GoToParis; we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year in 2010!

Dollar on Strong Roll to Euro

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Lots of turmoil in the currency market today and since this week. It is likely to continue next week before it turns around. Many analysts see the dollar much weaker than it is today during 2010. We are locking down forward contracts on currency to hedge against 2010 increase. We encourage any readers planning a 2010 vacation to consider prepaying their trip or get connected to the market news.

Here is a good place to read up:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html

Happy Holidays!

Paris Museum Strikes Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:13:00 +0000

Major sites including Versailles, Louvre, Rodin, and many others are impacted by the current unionist strike. Visitors be prepared to be shut out:

http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/community_focus/Paris-museum-strike-spreads-to-Versailles_-Louvre-.html

Christmas Market News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

'Tis the season, and Christmas Markets are in full swing in France and across Europe. I pass along this link to the NY Times that has good info:

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/qa-the-christmas-markets-of-europe/?ref=travel

Unusual Paris Experiences

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

More interesting articles on specific subjects we don't think about everyday in Paris are linked below. Thanks to writer Marie Michaels for sending:

Since publishing the cemetery article, I have published a few more articles relating to Paris that may interest you, as listed below:

Paris for Military Enthusiasts
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2407778/paris_for_military_enthusiasts.html?cat=16

Top Visits for Claude Monet Fans in and Around Paris
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2354740/top_5_visits_for_claude_monet_fans.html?cat=16

Top Wine Tasting & Cooking classes in Paris
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2347154/top_4_wine_tasting_cooking_classes.html?cat=16

To add from our own experience; our chef Eric Freadeau runs a small cooking program for visitors to Paris, called Cookin With Class; we offer his programs at http://www.gotoparis.net/paris_cooking_tours.php

Loren

Top Cemetary Visits in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

Top 4 Visits to Cemeteries in Paris, France

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2338818/top_4_visits_to_cemeteries_in_paris.html

1. Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise (Pere Lachaise Cemetery)
8, Boulevard de Ménilmontant
75020 Paris, France

2. Les Catacombes de Paris (The Catacombs of Paris)
1, Place Denfert-Rochereau
75014 Paris, France

3. Cimetiere de Picpus (Picpus Cemetery)
35, rue de Picpus
75007, Paris, France

4. Le Cimetière des Chiens (The Cemetery of Dogs)
4, pont de Clichy
92600 Asnières sur Seine, France

Upcoming Events in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:34:00 +0000

15th Annual Chocolate Show: Oct 14-18
The Salon du chocolat extends over nearly 20,000 sq m, and brings together all professionals and lovers of chocolate who can use the opportunity to express themselves, exchange and share their passion.

The musical arts will be honored this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this delicious event. Against a background of opera, operetta or musicals, this unforgettable edition will display the fabulous history of Chocolate and its Salon.

Fashion shows displaying chocolate dresses, demonstrations by great chefs, original tastings, creations and new items…the Salon du Chocolat has been offering its visitors the best in terms of innovations and chocolate pleasure for 15 years.
Details see: http://www.salonduchocolat.fr/?lang=uk

Events at the Grand Palais - including Renoir In the 20th Century - a special exhibit:
http://www.grandpalais.fr/en/News/p-496-A_la_Une.htm

Fete des Jardins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Garden Festival - September 26 & 27

For its 12th edition, the Fête des jardins [Garden Festival] will lead Parisians behind the scenes of parks and gardens on 27 and 28 September 2009.

The Fête des jardins [Garden Festival] honors the trades related to the environment of the City of Paris (Ile-de-France).

The Garden Festival village, set up at Parc de Bercy (12th), will allow you to discover parks from their design to their daily life. The wide range of skills of the City workers is on display at the Chai de Bercy.

On the programme: commented cruises on the theme of gardens and biodiversity aboard a "Bateau Parisien", demonstrations on taking cuttings, grafting, repotting, floral art, tastings, guided tours, exhibitions, workshops for children... Bring your diseased plants to Parc de Bercy! There will be concerts, show and original games taking place over two days.

It is also the opportunity to discover the vineyards of Paris, in the 12th, 15th and 20th arrondissements, thanks to the gardeners and the presence of an oenologist.

110 gardens will take part in the Festival, including five for the first time. Like each year, numerous shared gardens will also be present and 9 religious communities will open their gardens to the public on Sunday 28 September.

More information on the official website of the City of Paris
http://en.parisinfo.com/show-exhibition/1088079/la-fete-des-jardins

Opening hours:

Saturday 1.30 to 6.30 pm
Sunday 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
Festival Village open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm Saturday and Sunday
Special opening hours for certain sites

Address:

Throughout Paris and the Garden Festival Village at Parc de Bercy (12th)

Paris Hotel Promotions September

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Stay 3 Nights and Pay for only 2:

Hotel Pershing Hall (4 star deluxe) and Hotel Medicis (3 star moderate)

Stay 4 Nights and Pay for 3 in these cities:

Biarritz (SW Atlantic Coast/Aquitaine), La Baule (Brittany), Arles (Provence), Sainte Maxime (Cote d'Azur)

Cannes - rates starting at 130 euros/night in a double room in the deluxe 4 star Sun Riviera hotel!!

See www.hotelsparis.net for hotel info and to book space. Special deals and rates may need to be booked offline; just use the contact us link on that page, or call the number shown!!

Picasso Museum to Close for 2 Year Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Paris' Picasso Museum shuts for 2-year renovation

(AP) – 2 days ago

PARIS — Paris' Picasso Museum is closing its doors for renovations, spiriting away its masterpieces under high security to government warehouses for more than two years while seeking to expand the much-visited but cramped site.

The museum will be free to all visitors Sunday, the last day before the work begins.

It will stop lending out Picasso artworks during the overhaul, which will begin with experts updating, computerizing and restoring the inventory, museum director Anne Baldassari said Saturday.

The museum, in a baroque mansion in Paris' Marais district, opened in 1985, and it traces the Spanish-born artist's prolific career. Picasso died in 1973.

Renovation of the 3,000-square-meter (32,000-square-foot) space will begin early next year. It is expected to last two years and cost euro20 million, the museum said in a statement.

"It needs modernizing," Baldassari said, citing electrical problems and the need to make it more accessible to people with reduced mobility.

She also wants to boost attendance — currently at about half a million people a year — and attract more young people by expanding exhibition space and adding halls for student activities.

While the museum has about 5,000 pieces in stock, it only displays 250-300 at a time, she said. "We can't continue like this," she said.

To guard against theft of the museum's riches during the renovation, the artworks will be packaged and shipped, under tight security, to storerooms managed by the national museum authority, Baldassari said. The entire process is very "locked-up and watched by police," she said on France-Info radio, declining to give further details.

Picasso's paintings, sculptures and sketches are among the world's most coveted artworks and are often targeted by thieves.

The museum will continue to host education and cultural events related to the Picasso collection at other sites while the renovation is done.

Walking Tours & Biking Tours in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:39:00 +0000

We have finally been able to add some new walking and biking tours in Paris. It has been many months in the works, but all are now showing at www.gotoparis.net

Some samples:

Versailles Bike Tour: 8 hours; 16.25 km
Le Chateau de Versailles awaits you in all its grandeur as you return to the time period of the most famous French kings and queens. Allow us to bring you the most famous "house" in the world as few others have experienced it. After meeting at our Paris office we'll ride our bicycles to the nearest RER station for the quick trip to Versailles.
Once at Versailles, we'll first visit the village market to buy baguettes, cheese, ham, wine or whatever you desire for our picnic later in the Chateau's gardens. We will spend most of our day riding through the tree-lined gardens and the average Versailles tourist doesn't realize that they can only visit a small fraction of the gardens on foot. More Bike Tours

Private Walking Tour for Groups up to 8 persons:

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Starting at the Pantheon, the resting place of the "Great Men of France", we will stop at the church St Etienne du Mont (Tomb of St Genevieve, Patron Saint os Paris) before walking to the Luxembourg Gradens to discover the majestic Luxembourg palace and stop at the statue of Liberty (the first statue created by Bartoldi). We will continue along the St Sulpice church (with inside visit) and to Saint Germain where we will stop for a coffee at the cafe des 2 Magots (where Hemingway wrote his "Farewell to arms"). Then we'll have a look at the church St Germain des Pres before finishing our walk at the oldest at the oldest cafe in Paris: cafe Procope whose "customers" were named Voltaire, Bonoparte, Danton, Benjamin Franklin or Oscar Wilde!

http://www.gotoparis.net/private_walking_tours.php

Electric Car Rental In Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Coming soon, a program similar to the bicycle rental program that is a huge success in Paris is the new electric car rental program. Check out this article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/JustOneThing/story?id=8291655&page=1

Hotel Promotions in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:02:00 +0000

August is still LOW season in Paris! Some exceptional rates are available until Aug 31; see below and contact us at: contact@discoverfrance.com

Quality 3 star hotels:

Hotel Queen Mary or Tronchet - close to the Madaleine/Opera - from 130 euros per night in a double room including buffet breakfast for 2!

Tilsitt Etoile - near Arc de Triomphe - from 110 euros per night in a double room including buffet breakfast for 2!

Top Quality 4 star hotel:

Waldorf Madaleine - near the Madeleine/Opera - from 170 euros per night in a double room with buffet breakfast for 2!

Elysees Regencia or Bassano - near Champs Elysees - from 199 euros/night in a double room with buffet breakfast for 2!

Paris Flea Markets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:46:00 +0000

Here is a cool story with a little history about Paris' well known flea markets. Even if you don't buy anything, they are fun to go see. Same thing out in the countryside; also look for signs titled "Brocante" where the stuff is more interesting and less 'junky'?! Another funny term is Vide Grenier = empty the attic. Do you think when the French go skiing in the BCBG Alpine resorts they say "oh la la, vide grenier!" when somebody wipes out good?

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/hunting-for-treasure-in-pariss-marches-aux-puces/?ref=travel

Tax in France restaurants drops - will the price?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

VAT changes in France

After years of discussions between restaurants, the French government and the European Union, it finally happened! Instead of applying a 19.6% VAT on the bill, restaurants will now apply a lower tax of 5.5%. It had been a promise made by Jacques Chirac, and was a subject of conflict between the government and the restaurants union. So today, all the newspapers talk about this change, and how it should reflect on the overall bill. Officially, restaurants and cafés are supposed to reflect this tax change by lowering their prices. Officials also hope that the employees will see a raise in their paycheck, and that it will create more job in this industry. If you believe the media, it is the magical pill that will solve all the problems restaurants are facing right now, and will have everyone in France rush to the restaurants. Will it really shows on the bill? Personally, I don’t think so. I hope it does lower the price by a few Euros, but I wouldn’t count on it. Many restaurants say that they are struggling to make money, and have already announced that they will not use this to lower the price but to have a better margin.

It will take some time to determine the consequences of this change on prices, as the summer season is here, summer prices have arrived and depending on where you travel, some places charge a ridiculous amount of money compared to the quality of products/services they offer. So one piece of advice for all of you traveling, don’t jump on the first restaurant you see. Take some time to walk around and see the various options you have.

New Paris Walking Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:06:00 +0000

Chocolate & Pastry Tour - Paris

Walking along the very picturesque Rue du Cherche Midi, we start our " sweet tooth " experience at the bakery Poilane, founded in 1932. You will first taste their famous sourdough bread (made from stone-ground flour and baked in a wood-fired oven), and then try their renowned "Punitions" (= punishments) butter cookies. Depending on the day of your visit, you may even be able to visit the cellar where they bake their bread.

Continuing along Rue de Rennes towards Rue de Sèvres, your next destination is “La Maison du Chocolat" where you will have a wide tasting of their different chocolate flavors imported from Venezuela, Madagascar, Mexico… Your tour continues to Rue Bonaparte and Pierre Herme's shop, "the Picasso of Pastry"! There you will experience some of his creations with the names of "Dune", "Mogador", "Ispahan","Satine", a real fireworks for your taste buds!

Then you’ll cross Boulevard St Germain to reach Rue de Seine for a stop at Gerard Mulot’s, a pastry chef who still makes patisseries the traditional way, which became popular worldwide. You will taste the different types of éclairs, the St Honoré, the cherry clafoutis...On the same street, you will visit the boutique of Pierre Marcolini , the "dream maker" who challenges conventional techniques and ideas! His chocolate creations are delicate, harmonious, very intense and therefore alive … a moment of pure pleasure!

Your “Chocolate and Pastry Discovery Tour” will end in one of the oldest and probably the most famous pastry shop worldwide : La durée, where you will treat yourself to the best macaroons in the world.

Tour rate is valid up to 8 people; the tour is 3-hours long with English-speaking guide

$550 total regardless of 1 or 8 persons and anything in between!

Unique Dining Experience in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Passing this along, found on Budget Travel:

http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2009/06/skyhigh_dining_in_paris.html