Zut Alors!

Bringing Tech to Paris

2019-03-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

Soon I'll be leaving on our semi-annual pilgrimage to the City of Lights. This will be my 13th trip. And with that many trips behind me, you'd think it would old hat by now.

But every thing changes: the city, technology, and travel!

This will be the first time I only bring my smart phone, no laptop or tablet. While there are drawbacks to that (like not being able to share my camera photos until I get home,) I will be glad for the lighter backpack.

But the electronics cords, still I have chargers and cords! My Fitbit, my camera, our smart phones. But I recently found a great group of new generation plug adapters which include charging plugs. These are just plug adapters, not power converters. So I do have one power converter with me, just in case.

The difference? Europe uses two round prongs and run at 220 voltage. United States uses flat prongs and 110 volts. Many newer appliances and electronics are already dual voltage so with these, you will only need the plug adapter - plug your flat plug into the adapter, plug the other side into the round holes in the wall. But, if you have a specific device that is not dual voltage, you need to convert the voltage AND the adapt the plug.

So be sure to verify all your plug-in devices before you leave.

Visiting Paris - It's All About Relationships For Me!

2016-04-04T12:04:00.000-04:00

I'm really lucky because I have family in France and spent time there as a kid. My aunt ran my summers like Outward Bound camps. LOL And I love her for it! When I was 16, she found a family that didn't even speak English and sent me off on a train to be their au pair for a month. Wow, it was scary but turned out to be so much fun!

When I settled in Paris as a young woman, I made relationships with other people. In exchange for my peanut of a room on the top floor, I helped out an older woman. She was an elegant woman, a Countess no less, who just needed a little conversation and help walking to the park. I really learned to like her, especially as my French got more fluent. I had a few girl friends too and no one spoke any English. Again, scary but really rewarding.

My Aunt and me from another trip

So now, every time I return to my lovely city, I hope to return to familiar places and meet new friends. While my husband and I visited my family in March, our hearts were filled with warmth and mine with nostalgia as I remembered every piece of furniture, noise and smell of the house that had made me so happy as a kid! And now my cousins and I are all, not just grown up, but staring down retirement and empty nesting. Dinner was fun and full of stories and catching up. My only regret was that they handed me the glass of champagne too soon and I forgot to take pictures!!

Besides that, I've made a relationship with the woman from whom I have rented twice. While I've never met her, I have surely written a lot of emails, making queries about arrangements. She is always as warm and friendly as her apartment feels, and infinitely patient! Lots of people love Airbnb but I am partial to VRBO.COM which is now part of a larger Expedia family and so one has access to many wonderful places.

The lady who checks us in and out is also now familiar and I was very happy to see her again! When she handed back my security deposit at check-out, I explained that these same returned Euro bills would be saved to give back to her next time we came! She seemed surprised and happy.

These were people I had expected to meet. But we were surprised by others.

Home away from home, Paris

The buildings around the courtyard are well cared for by a concierge couple. My husband and I mistakenly put the wrong trash in the wrong bin. The older woman came outside, as if we'd tripped her radar, to correct us. I loved it! She reminded me of the concierge where I lived a long time ago. I asked her to explain everything and by the time we left, she would smile at me as I said a friendly "Bonjour, Madam!"

In 2012, my husband, daughter and I rented a few doors down from a Bistro/cafe. We stopped in several times and walked by every day at least twice. We actually got a chance to know two of the waiters: Stephan and Matthieu! By the time we headed home, we had a relationship, albeit brief. We took a picture and I wrote a blog post when I got home. These young men were the perfect example of the real French waiter, not that snobby caricature Americans think of.

I was sad when I returned to the neighborhood in 2014 and did not see them.

This trip, 2016, my husband and I arrived in Paris early in the morning from the airport to the Gare de Nord with backpacks and suitcases.

And it was snowing! And it was also pouring and pretty darned cold. We thought about setting up "base camp" at one of the cafes just in front of the train station until we could meet the apartment manager, but our feet and hearts headed to Cafe Le Bistro instead. We dragged ourselves in the door, looking and feeling like undignified wet rats only to look up at Stephan's welcoming smile!!

We sat by the window where he turned on the heater above the table for us and we had a warm breakfast. It took a little while, but he remembered us from 2012 (and the blog I suppose!) Mike and I couldn't have felt warmer and more welcomed on that cold, wet day!

Even more surprising was the evening Mike and I stepped a few doors down from our apartment for Tapas at a Spanish restaurant. A young man approached us and it was Matthieu! He had recognized us as while hanging out with his friends! We had a lovely conversation with him about lots of things. Once more, it was like we had come home.

Mike, Matthieu and the Great Chef

A day or two later, we stopped at Cafe Le Bistro for a late lunch and to sample the new chef's offerings. It was a wonderful meal. Sadly, Stephan was not working that day but Matthieu and another waitress took good care of us. As we left, he ran to get the chef so we could meet him. We shook his hand and complemented him on the splendid lunch. And me being me, I had to get a picture! So the picture is of my husband, Matthieu and the wonderful new chef. I'm sorry Stephan was not there to be in it too.

So, there you go. Relationships. You can't make them without really putting yourself out there and they become richer if you return to continue them. Sometimes, they're only fleeting but surprisingly, sometimes they are more. There is nothing quite like arriving in Paris and feeling like you are coming home to your neighborhood!

More than all the sites I have ever seen in Paris, these are the experiences I treasure the most.

My Favorite Site 2016: Paris Zoological Parc

2016-03-29T12:44:00.000-04:00

Though my favorite "sites" were actually the sight of friends and family while I was in Paris, the Parc Zoologique de Paris was my favorite attraction this trip.

Lioness with cubs

During all my visits and even while living in Paris, I had never visited the previous version of the zoo, the Zoo de Vincennes. When we visited in 2012, it was on my list but still closed. Due to reopen in 2014, I anticipated visiting it during my last trip with a friend. But, it was still closed, due to opened a week after we left!

Majestic Giraffes

The original Zoo, located in the large park just outside the city in the Bois de Vincennes, was created from a "Colonial Exposition" of animals in 1931. The exposition was so popular, the city of Paris and the city's natural history museum created a real zoo. It was designed by Charles Letrosne who drew inspiration from the Hamburg zoo, built in 1901. The concept was new: no cages and a more natural looking habitat for the animals. It opened in 1934.

Very Large Bird Stretching His Wings

However, by the 1980s, the zoo became worn and between 2004 and 2006, the zoo was closed. During that time, all of the animals were transferred to other places in France and other countries. In 2006, a completely new zoo was begun! It is now the only zoo in the world to have been completely rebuilt. It was completed with a public/private partnership and 157,000,000 Euros.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Including mama & baby - watching a helicopter!

The concept is to have the animals in habitats natural to their own homes. The zoo is designed around five natural zones in the 95,000 square meter (approx. 23 acres) park. See their website for more about the zones.

What I loved most was how easy it was to see the animals. There were often many vantage points around their vast outside areas. The animals were not afraid of people and in some cases, even wanted to interact with you - such teases! There were vast outdoor spaces and inside spaces as well. I loved the huge rain forest "green house and the huge aviary.

Guinea Baboons

A Napping Puma (I think)

Our visit was the first warm day in a while, so many animals were outside soaking up the sun. Being the beginning of March and the middle of the week, we had little competition to our viewing pleasure!

Black Jaguar

The price is steep, but frankly, well worth it at 22 Euros for adults and 14 for children. I would rather pay good money to see a well maintained place. This zoo's mission is its animals health and it is heavily involved with biodiversity, conservation and research. There are approximately 1000 animals of 180 different species, including many animals facing extinction in the wild.

Jaguar

I don't see much about this attraction in Paris travel guides. But for me, it's top of my list from this 2016 trip. It's exciting to see a zoo done right and see the conservation and teaching they are doing with it. While there might have been guides you could get that were in English, do bring your dictionary because most of the information around the zoo was in French. I love that they announce feeding times so you can watch (not for the squeamish.) Come early and try to avoid the weekend or school vacations. Click here for more info about this great place.

The Amazon-Guyana Biozone From Outside

The Amazon-Guyana Biozone From Inside

For more information about planning your dream vacation to Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple or join me on my page on Facebook!

I went to Paris and didn't visit the Eiffel Tower!

2016-03-25T13:25:00.001-04:00

Hausmann Style in Paris

Now that my brain is mostly back on State-side mode and thinking in EST, the two weeks in Paris sort of feel like a dream. Don't you hate that feeling when you get back from something so awesome and you wake up to your "normal" life and the "other" life seems like it didn't happen at all?

Paris home overlooking Père Lachaise Cemetery

Thank goodness for the camera! I had fun with mine and my husband was patient beyond words while I took over 1000 photos! And to that I say, thank goodness for digital. Because no matter how incredible that photo seemed when you took it, there's a pretty real chance that you look at it later and wonder, "Why?!"

Gentleman at the Epicerie, Covered Marche Saint Quentin

This was my 12th time to Paris (if you count my 3 trips as a kid when someone else called the shots.) I have been asked time and time again, "Why do you keep going back?" Well, anyone who loves Paris can answer that. There is always too much to see in any one trip. Vacation goes too fast, things fall off your to-do list, you discover alternative things to do, your jet lag lags you longer than you thought it would, it takes longer to do an activity than you thought it would, etc. So, you just have to go back!

My problem is more about my bucket list getting longer with each trip instead of shorter!


La Rotunde at the Place de la Bataille-de- Stalingrad

Admittedly, I have a chronic condition where I am just no longer able to go, go, go. Even when I was younger and could, I didn't like too. You miss too much that way. When I read guide books who say to plan three hours for the Musee d'Orsay, I wonder what you would see during that time. And even more importantly, what you would remember about it two days later!

Building seen from La promenade plantée

My trip was full of memorable activities, people, and food. Yet, I never saw the Eiffel Tower nor the Arc de Triomphe (except from afar!) We never even walked by Notre Dame! My goal this trip was to do almost all new things and I did achieve that!

For more information about making your trip to Paris easy, please visit ParisMadeSimple.com or visit Paris Made Simple on Facebook!

Packing For a Two Week Trip to Paris

2016-02-25T08:33:00.004-05:00

My carry-on sized suitcase with 4 wheels

It's hard to not over pack, no matter how long your trip will be or where you're going. Even with my experience, I still manage to over pack. I get better each time, though.

I use a carry-on sized suitcase which I usually check at the airport. I also carry a small backpack. Remember, you'll be schlepping these things through the airport and perhaps up and down public transportation stairs. Know your limitations.

I rent an apartment so I have access to a washer and dryer. That makes a huge difference since I can "refresh" things easily and pack less.

But when you're a tourist, it's also good to remember, that no one will remember what you wore yesterday.

Americans generally wash their clothes even when they're not really dirty. So, wearing the same pair of jeans more than a few times is fine - unless you spill a glass of red wine on them in which case, club soda in the sink if you're in a hotel!

Mix and match - that's the key. Fortunately, growing up, my mom taught me that trick for school. We didn't have a closet and drawers full of clothes when I was younger.

While black, gray, and navy blue would be boring every day in your normal life, they tend to be the most versatile while traveling - especially in Paris. Those colors are always in fashion! Then, accessorize with color, dahlings!

For me, it's harder to pack the little things like devices, chargers, antihistamine (Spring allergies and occasionally help sleeping,) make-up, toiletries (I just need a FEW cotton swabs,) extra shoe inserts, bandages, razors, etc. Yes, it's that crap I find hardest to limit. In fact, because each thing is so tiny on it's own, just as I'm shutting the suitcase for good, I'm throwing in a few more of these things - just in case. Then I arrive and wonder where the toothpaste is. And I wonder why I have all this stuff I never used when I'm packing to leave. Sigh!

And shoes. OMG, I really have a hissy fit about what I will have on my feet. I'm old enough to understand I must choose comfort over cute. But it's always important that you have the shoes you want and wear them a lot before you go. Get your blisters here. And if you walk on the treadmill or walk the dog with them and you are ready to rip them off afterward, shop for some better footwear. Again, even for men, choose black or brown over white.

And for me, I have some physical things to deal with so I need my special memory foam pillow and a few other things that you probably won't need.

This is why I try to start packing almost a month in advance - yes a MONTH! I pack and repack and subtract and add. I swear I dream about what to bring. I walk around the suit case and piles - contemplating their value and convenience.

It's not like I can't get EVERYTHING I need in Paris. But I admit it's probably cheaper to buy this stuff in Maine and haul it across the Atlantic.

So, do you want to see what I'm bringing for clothes for my two weeks?

Really, this is for 2 weeks.

My picture doesn't show the do-dads and thing-a-ma-bobbies I'll add to the suitcase and carry on. It also includes some things I will wear on the plane.

Since I'll be leaving from and returning to Boston (brr) the packable light weight down jacket will be perfect. Also, Paris is not that warm (usually) in March. Besides the down jacket, I have a fleece shirt and fleece jacket. I live in Maine and pretty much wear these all year round so it's a safe bet that I will be wearing them while there.

Yes, the boots are my slave to fashion. They're pretty comfy, but probably better for those evening strolls than the all-day-marathon around the city. I have one dressy black tunic and the rest of my shirts are sweaters and v-neck long sleeve shirts. Three pairs of jeans - different shades and styles - round out the major clothing. The belt - which I'll pack since I don't want to take it off during the parade through airport security, is blue on one side, black on the other!

And yes, that IS vintage shag carpet. ;)

Yes, the stuff I won't wear on the plane fits - at least for now!

Once I get it all in there, I feel a little like Genie from Aladdin - Mighty packing power and multiple fashion statements...all in a little teeny tiny packing space.

I don't have the pillows and other comfort things I bring to accommodate my physical needs. But the pillow will become a pancake with a vacuum bag. I pack a few other bags for the trip back when everything seems to have multiplied. Vacuum bags are great at saving space. But remember, they take the air out, but not the weight. Be sure you weigh the bag before you leave for the airport. The above weighed approximately 27 lbs. Room for more stuff - SCORE!!

For more information about packing, see my Packing for Paris page. I now include a downloadable check list for your trip!

I'm In Love With The 10th!

2016-02-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

A Lock on the Canal Saint Martin

The 10th arrondissement, that is!

The 10th used to be industrial, off the beaten path, only some place you went to get to the Gare de Nord or Gare d'Est. It was kind of dirty, working class, not pretty.Except for the Canal Saint Martin with it's bridges.

Once, when I lived in Paris in the 1980s, I wandered up there. I was totally outside of my 7th arrondissement comfort zone. I had been working for a Countess and my best (only) friend was also a Countess, though I never let on I knew!

While I'd grown accustomed to the chic little boutiques selling to the barely surviving aristocratic class, this seemed strange and wonderful. Even I could afford to buy something here. People were selling food selling outside of the stores and people dressed normally - as in NOT in Hermes and Dior!

Why I didn't go back again, I'll never know. I was 23 and who knows what was in my head!

Music on a Friday Night

I just remembered that I loved it and felt that sense of discovery. I was also amazed that my Countess friend had brought me here, but we were going to rue de Paradis to see the advertising museum - which was fabulous. Later, in 1992 when I was in Paris with my husband, we wandered Paris looking for this street and museum, only to find it just as they were packing the museum up to move it into a separate wing of the Louvre building.

Many years later, I was desperate to find an apartment that would fit my family. I once again found myself in the 10th. For two weeks we lived there and now it's "my" neighborhood. It's become chic, young, and bo-ho - unlike in the 1980s.

An Awesome Cheese Store

Fun and Diversity in the 10th

As I pack my suit cases for another 2 week trip, I just can't wait to "go home." I can't wait to explore the new little restaurants with reasonable prices, the romantic nooks and crannies, and explore the neighborhoods just a bit further out and off the tourist beaten track. This will be my third time in this same neighborhood and this time just my husband and me again.

Not Dirty, Dark, and Dingy Anymore!

The one thing we will probably NOT be doing is having romantic strolls in the evening along the Canal Saint Martin. I've timed it all wrong and our trip is smack in the middle of the three month cleaning and repairing of the canal. C'est la vie.

So much to discover in Paris, even after 11 previous visits!!

Need help planning a trip to Paris of your own? Visit ParisMadeSimple and I can help!

OK, I'm Guilty!

2014-08-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

During my trip to Paris this Spring, I did a bad thing. I didn't realize I was, but I did. What was this awful "faux pas?"

Food Porn!

I am guilty of taking pictures of my food and sharing them with friends and, now, YOU!

I had some really nice meals in some fun restaurants - the kind that are off the tourist track.

And a few times, I took a picture of my super yummy food and of the restaurant itself. I felt I was discrete and only wanted people to know what really good food can look like.

I'm not a Tweeter really, and I don't have a data plan that lets me share every moment of my life as it happens. Really, I'm pretty sure people aren't THAT interested. And I've learned the world does not really revolve around me.

But this growing trend of sharing epicurean moments has spread. And as with the advent of phones in our pockets, it's grown way out of control. According to the article in the , people have become oblivious to those around them and have actually stood on chairs to get the perfect shot.
Christian Science Monitor

Restaurateurs aren't running a circus and don't appreciate this behavior (nor does anyone else.) Chefs feel people are stealing intellectual property, but this does not hold up in court. Progressives feel that chefs should embrace this trend (the less obnoxious actions) and move with the times. Or, put a sign that asks for no photos, SVP.

Put in that context, I think that perhaps my behavior was not really food porn. And I think that when you travel, your discrete, occasional photo for your souvenirs (and sharing later) are acceptable.

But as with all things, when you're a tourist, don't act like the city exists for your tourist money. If it says, "No Photos Please", respect the rule. Yes, that's directed specifically to the people with their iPad and phones taking forbidden pictures in Sacre Coeur!

You can have a really great time in Paris while still being respectful of the people who work hard to make your stay nice.

Paris Nostalgia - Remembering the Minitel

2013-12-04T11:13:00.003-05:00

When one is nostalgic about Paris, one thinks of Post WWII ballads like"La Vie en Rose, or the thriving cultural time between the Great Wars, or the boisterous and creative turn of the (last) century's Belle Epoque.

A sleek, well designed Minitel terminal for French homes

But being a gadget geek and early adopter of computers, BBS (ran one), internet, and tablets (long before iPad), some of my nostalgia lay with the French technology of the 80's: The Minitel!

Most people have never heard of it. But the Minitel, developed in the 70's, launched in 1982 in France as a way for people to be connected. The computer-like machine was given to people for free by the French telephone service.

Not only was it an electronic phone book, but you could do e-commerce, check your bank account, check stocks, and chat. Need to book a vacation? Minitel. Need to check flight or train schedules? Minitel!

Ooh-la-la, La Vie en Rose indeed!

And the Minitel had chat rooms and services allowing people to be anonymous - thus developing into the "Minitel Rose" which allowed adult kinds of chats and services! Just as now on the web, this "Minitel Rose" earned LOTS of revenue!

Minitel was convenient to use, right there where ever your phone was.

I remember, when I lived in Paris in 1986-87, that every ad announced their Minitel address. I also remember using it in my Uncle's office at his home outside of Paris. At it's height the during the mid 1990's, there were more than 25 million users able to connect to 23,000 services with their Minitel at home or the terminals in their local Poste!

People could access Minitels in the Post Office and kiosks.

One of the really remarkable things about the Minitel is that this existed long before public access to the internet existed. AOL was launched along with Prodigy and CompuServe around 1991 but didn't take hold until around 1994 - 12 years after the launch of Minitel.

Used up until 2012, you could Facebook and Tweet on your Minitel.

I had not thought about Minitel for a long time. And apparently, I completely missed the farewell to the service last year in 2012. 30 years is certainly a good run for anything cutting edge in the world of technology.

Looking to plan a trip to Paris but don't quite know where to start? Visit ParisMadeSimple and I'll help!

Visit The "Little Taj Mahal of France"

2013-11-27T10:12:00.002-05:00

I learn something new about Paris nearly every day. It is an ever changing, steeped-in-history city.

An historical building in the Parisian suburb of Courbevoie, most recently used as a gardener's "shack", was nearly destroyed and sold in pieces. Fortunately, it was rescued and has now been restored to its former glory. It is referred to as the "Little Taj Mahal of France" but officially it is the Pavillon des Indes (Pavilion of India.)

The Pavillion housed in the Exhibition hall in 1878

This "Pavilion of India" was originally housed in a huge exhibition hall as an attraction during the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1878. It stood where the Eiffel Tower is now.

The future King of England (King Edward VII) wanted to showcase the precious objects and jewels he'd brought back from a trip to India in 1876.

The Pavilion of India in the turn of the century neighborhood

Later it was bought and moved to Courbevoie by Prince Stirbey for his step-daughter, artist George Achille-Fould. It was put onto land adjacent to the Castle Becon (now the parc Becon.) He added a brick structure in the back for the artist to use as her workshop.

Now, this historical property has been renovated at a cost of 2.5 million Euros. The pavilion's director, Emanuelle Trief-Touchard explains “It’s a vision that we had of India, of the far-east, at that time. We’ve freely mixed the styles, forms and colour to give an idea of the exoticism at the end of the 19th century.”

The Restored Pavilion of India

The small building features beautiful carved wood, painted ceiling panels, amazing windows, colonial era paintings, and most noticeably domes covered with 10,000 gold foils. The brick addition once again houses an artist in residence and her works.

If you want to visit this piece of colonial history, you must reserve a place as only 15 people at a time are allowed to tour the building. To do this, call 01 71 05 77 92.

For more information, here is the official page (at the moment): http://www.ville-courbevoie.fr/culture-loisirs/equipements/pavillon-des-indes.htm. It's in French so you may want to translate it.

You'll find the schedule for visits as well as amazing photos and a video (in French) about the renovation project.

Need more information about planning your trip to Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple.

Scam Free Paris

2013-11-11T17:07:00.001-05:00

I love Paris almost more than my kids! OK, not quite that much, but I sure love it enough to go back there as often as possible. The minute I've said my thank you's to the apartment owner or manager and run over to the windows to listen to "my" city, I breath a sigh of relaxed contentment. It's the city that makes me feel, as the expression from French translates, "Comfortable in my own skin." That says a lot.

But it is a big city! And with an average of 70,000,000 visitors each year, there's bound to be people looking to profit from them - and not just from selling cheap souvenirs. Yes, there are people who attempt to make a living by scamming you.

I don't like to think about this side, but most big, bustling cities have the same issue. When I ran across this article yesterday (link below,) I thought it was a "cold sore" on my favorite city that I needed to share.

When I read the article, I realized I had seen some of these tricks, but my strict "city" policy of not speaking to people who approach me (except for directions) kept me un-scammed. Here's a quick summery of some that are used.

1. Sometimes, people approach you with a "petition" to sign. They always seem nice and the cause seems legit, but apparently the long text about the "cause" contains "agreements" that you will pay them a large sum of money - I presume to make them go away.

2. There are people who make a pretty friendship bracelet while you stand and watch them craft it for you. Unfortunately, they make it so tight that it cuts off your circulation and you are extorted to got to the ATM and give them your money to get the blood flowing again.

3. You look down and find a ring and being a good person, pick it up and try to find it's owner. Unfortunately, someone is there to tell you the ring is yours - for a price! They might also try to convince you it's a ring of good fortune.

4. Ooops, did you drop something? There's a sound like you've dropped something and when you look all around to see if you did, you are distracted enough for someone to snatch your wallet.

My advice is always to look as little like a tourist as you can. But this can be hard when you are speaking to your travel mates in your language and while you are awestruck by the monument or site that has just taken your breath away.

I'm thinking that the most likely spots for these people are:

Around the Eiffel Tower
Around the Arc de Triomphe
In the Latin Quarter, especially around Place Saint-Michel
On the Parvis de Notre-Dame (the cobbled stone area outside of the cathedral)
In front of the Louvre, especially in the Tuilleries Gardens
On the steps of Sacre Coeur where people hang out
The area around the Pompidou Center

This is in no way a complete list.

Nor is it a reason not to visit those areas. Simply put off people who approach you - just walk on by, say "Non, merci," keep your attention on your wallet and bags, and enjoy!!

Looking for more advice on how to enjoy this great city? Please visit Paris Made Simple information about planning your perfect Paris Vacation!

Original Huffington Post Article

Tour 13 Paris: Cutting edge art - beautiful, raw, but fleeting.

2013-10-25T09:11:00.001-04:00

Paris is always a jumble of preservation, tearing down, and building up. It is my most favorite thing about the city. It's what makes every trip different and exciting. The "Paris Tour 13" is an example. Cutting edge art - beautiful, raw, but fleeting.

The realities of large cities are that there are always less savory and romantic parts. Most people who visit Paris visit the key sites and leave with a glittering impression of a cosmopolitan city steeped in history - fancy buildings, glittering gold leaf, and polished parks.

But looking beyond the center of the city, you will find rich neighborhoods full of students, immigrants and people struggling to make it to next week. These are also Parisians living the reality of their lives on the edges of glitter.

For more information and pictures about this art "instillation" see:

http://butterflyartnews.com/2013/10/01/paris-la-tour-13/

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=447&GalleryID=1747

Planning a trip to Paris? Let me help! ParisMadeSimple.com

Favorite Movies About Paris - Part One

2013-06-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

FRANTIC 1988 with Harrison Ford and Emmanuelle Seigner
Admittedly, this movie only gets mediocre ratings. But I love the interaction between the two main characters and that it shows a lot of Paris, including the gritty side. Paris seems more polished now than it was back in the mid '80s.

It also holds some definite fascination because it must have been filmed when I lived there. How did I miss running into Harrison Ford??? As I look at some facts from IMDb.com, I see it was filmed in areas of Paris I never went. Darn it!

THE DA VINCI CODE (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) 2006 with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou

Lots of people know this movie. Although only the beginning and end of the movie are actually in Paris, it does show some beautiful scenes in some of the most well known, glamorous areas of the city.

LA FEMME NIKITA (Special Edition) 1990 with Anne Parillaud and Jean-Hugues Anglade

This is one of my absolute favorite movies ever. Besides being filmed in Paris, it's just a great story. I'm not sure the movie got a lot of publicity in the U.S. but it of course spawned an American version Point of No Return (of offense to Bridget Fonda, but after seeing the original, I hated this movie) and a TV series that I've never seen but made it 5 seasons.

This was the first time I ever saw Jean Reno, whom I love. His role wasn't big and was pretty gruesome, but I still think of him as "Victor - nettoyer (the cleaner)". I also love Tcheky Karyo whom you may know from Addicted to Love and GoldenEye.

THE NINTH GATE 1999 with Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, and Emmanuelle

Seigner (see Frantic) I love this movie because, well, Johnny Depp and Emmanuelle Seigner are in it. It begins in NY, but moves to Paris and then to the countryside. The story is fascinating.

If you are planning a trip to Paris, or would like to, visit Paris Made Simple.

Celebrating France's National Holiday

2013-03-16T07:38:00.001-04:00

Many people don't know that Bastille day, or "le quatorze Juillet" as it's more commonly called by the French, is their version of the American 4th of July. But what are they celebrating?

There were lots of events that lead into the French Revolution. But it's generally recognized that the events on the 14th of July 1789 was the beginning - and the reason for the celebration.

On that day, the revolutionary mob stormed the infamous Bastille prison where the kings had housed political prisoners for generations.

The interesting thing was, that Louis the XVI had only seven prisoners at the time, including the Marquis de Sade! They also lived in better conditions than most of the mob that freed the prisoners.

When we were in Paris last summer, we celebrated with the Parisians!

For more about our adventure, Celebrating Bastille Day.

Here's a video of the fireworks, disco style! Starts a bit slowly and is dark but works into a beautiful display, silhouetting the Eiffel Tower and the huge disco ball!

If you are planning a trip to Paris, or would like to, visit Paris Made Simple.

Visiting the Louvre Museum

2013-02-27T09:01:00.000-05:00

Last night I was watching my hero, Rick Steves, visit Paris. His tour of the Louvre got me thinking and wanting to share.

Although the Louvre Museum does not make my "Must-See" list, many people consider it impossible to visit Paris and NOT visit the Louvre. The reason I don't include it in my list is simple because of the size and time it takes to visit. There are so many museums in Paris, many of which can be enjoyed in a half-day, leaving plenty of time for other enjoyments, that I prefer that approach. But that's my personal way of enjoying the city, and not right for everyone.

For those that want to see the Louvre, take Rick Steve's advice and don't try to see it all at once. With prior planning, you can choose the collections you want to see and leave others for another day. Visit the Louvre's official web site to help decide what you want to see. Then, I suggest you save LOTS of time by buying and picking up your tickets in advance - this allows you to skip to the front of the line, which can get very long indeed.

Here's a great teaser from one of Rick Steve's show:

If you'd like more information about enjoying your own trip to Paris, visit www.ParisMadeSimple.com.

Snack Time - French Style

2012-09-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

Fresh Figs

Fresh Almonds and Rose

I first discovered the wonderful ritual of goûter when I was an au pair one summer. I was 16 and my Aunt had put me on a train to meet a family who did not speak French. I would be taking care of their kids for "les vacances." I learned so much during those four weeks, like the word for broom, diaper, and every possible ingredient for rice salad. I learned you can not make pancakes Americain from French flour and all about the love and joy a family can share during a relaxing vacation together.

But back to le goûter. Since the French eat dinner later, like 7pm or later, you really need to fortify yourself about 4pm. This was the time I got our chocolate bars, cookies, pastries, a fresh baguette, milk and other amazingly wonderful goodies. The kids always just ate what they wanted and walked away. But since this was new to me, I gained weight!!

Years later when I lived in Paris, I worked for a family in Paris near the Buttes Chaumont. I would take the metro up to this exotic neighborhood and pick up the elementary school aged boy at school and walk him home. And there was, once again, a never ending spread of goodies set out by the very nice Algerian housekeeper. Since she knew I was broke, she would stuff me with crepes and cheese and bread. I was always so grateful to her.

So whenever I go to France with my family now, I always make sure to have a hearty goûter. And this afternoon, I am craving a good selection of French food to satisfy my taste buds and my soul.

If you'd like more information about enjoying your own trip to Paris, visit www.ParisMadeSimple.com.

One of Each, Please

OK, Just These for Today

Marzipan Fig and Pig

Giant Meringue

Pate, Cheese, Olives, Normandy Butter, Tomatoes, Apricots

A Baguette and a Surprise from the Patisserie

Our Parisian Apartment

2012-08-17T09:17:00.000-04:00

I have to say that for the price, we had the BEST apartment in Paris!

Travelling with my husband and 12 yr old daughter meant that I wanted some space. We went for two weeks and let's face it, family vacations can get tense. So being Americans, space is important. But in Paris, space is premium!

We ended up with an amazing 3 room apartment with a balcony, wi-fi, washer/dryer, huge flat screen with cable, and a dishwasher! It was a very secure building and had an elevator.

One thing about Parisian spaces. Sometimes the configurations are weird. Most of the time, people are working with 100 yr old plus buildings. I can't even imagine what it must be like to retrofit these old structures.

This apartment was truly beautiful. Not fancy, but each room was large and had all we needed. The central room was the kitchen, dining table, pantry, and had a couch. There were two floor-to-cieling double windows which opened out onto the terrace. Flanking this room was a bedroom with a queen sized room, desk and an amazing amount of closet space! There was also a floor-to-ceiling window which opened onto the terrace. On the other side of the kitchen was a huge living room with two high quality futon couches/beds. There was also two floor-to-ceiling windows in here too!

All the windows were modern with double glazed glass. This made the apartment quiet. We were on the street side and just off of a major boulevard (Magenta) so there was noise. But hey, it's the city! And we were a mere 1 minute walk from the metro. The other nice thing is that we were easy walking distance to either Gare d'Est or Republic metro stations. Since both are major hubs, you can get everywhere from there. And the RER comes right into the Gard de Nord (right next to Gare d'Est) right from the airport.

Although we were not in the elegant city center, we had a less expensive and equally convenient neighborhood. It was a five minute walk to the Canal St. Martin and the whole neighborhood has an amazingly cool vibe! It's young, hip, and friendly.

So all of this was about 500 euros less per week than anything else I can find for this amount of space.

For more information and help planning your trip to Paris without breaking the bank, visit ParisMadeSimple!

Wonderful Memories of "Our" Neighborhood Cafes

2012-07-30T20:59:00.000-04:00

We got back from Paris a week ago. Seems like another world, or that we were never there. That's the frustrating part of travelling. Thank goodness for photos and this blog!

We had an amazing time and stayed on budget. All in all, with all our shopping, eating, passes, apartment, and airfare, it cost us about $2500 each for two weeks in the City of Light during the Summer. That means if you save $105/month for two years, you're there! This also includes planning ahead and being willing to buy your airfare and pick your apartment well in advance, like 6 + months in advance.

Since we stayed on budget, we ate out the last couple of nights in Paris, not wanting our experience to end and to be sure the fridge was cleaned out. As I mentioned before, we knew we'd get consistently better food and service in our own neighborhood.

Brasserie l'Harmonie

The menu on the chalk board

The first night in Paris, we staggered into l'Harmonie, sitting our extremely jet-lagged selves in their nice restaurant and was extremely satisfied with the food and the waiter. I'm pretty sure I wrote about this in an earlier blog. One of our last nights, we went back and sat outside. The food wasn't quite as good (but still way better than our dinner near Pompidou) but the waitress was extremely friendly and the whole experience was satisfying.

Cafe le Bistro - our neighborhood bistro

Our final night, we opted for the bistro just two doors down. We'd eaten dinner there before and had a pleasant afternoon snack on another day.

Mike unwinding after a hard day - LOL

We felt like family there, especially since we always got a friendly wave and "hello or "Bonjour" when we dragged our tired carcasses off the subway and walked by the bistro headed for our apartment!

Stefan and Mathieu - the nicest waiters in Paris

So the last evening, I asked to take their pictures. They'd been so friendly and fed us well, I wanted to immortalize them!

Thank you Stefan and Mathieu for making us feel at home and not like tourists. We'll be back!!

For more information about having an awesome vacation in Paris, visit my website: ParisMadeSimple.com.

Dining in Paris

2012-07-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

An excellent meal near Gare de l'Est

So, I wanted to say a short word on dining in Paris.

We've eaten a lot of picnics and dinners in our apartment and so have been able to afford more dinners out than expected. We've also found that sticking close to home (the 10th) is more convenient and less expensive. It's also less touristy, in general. We've had three excellent dinners withing a 10 min walk of our apartment, tonight being no exception.

Although we searched our four guides for recommendations, we ended up doing our favorite thing - walking until we found something that looked good.

Tonight we headed up Blvd. Magenta in the direction of Gare de l'Est. And we found a cute little bistro where the waiter was friendly to us as we checked out the menu. So yes, he "caught us in his net" and we were very happy he did.

Jean - Marc, one of my favorite waiters in Paris

Jean-Marc was one of those professional waiters. He knew how to engage the people walking by and handle the entire place himself with the help of the proprietor. We were in the early dinner crowd, it being only 7:15 pm. The sun was still warm on the tables along the busy street next to a bus station. But it was lively, warm, and the food looked typically French. We weren't out for "cuisine," just yummy food.

Right away, Jean-Marc tried engaging us in English, but being shy about his language skills and understanding my French better, we struck up a wonderfully, friendly conversation in French. We were American? From Chicago? New York? In the end, he was fascinated with all the details of Maine and it's coastal culture since he himself was from Brittany.

The meal was good, the owner checked on us and was very happy that we were happy and the whole dinner was "genial."

This is my normal experience with Paris. I have yet to have anyone be rude or anything but fall-all-over-me friendly. Granted, I speak French fairly well (be assured, their expectations are pretty low for Americans) and I engage and smile and ask questions. But, I am NOT eating at some fancy place like Les Deux Magots (definitely worth a coffee if you can spare the Euros) or some other super snobby touristy places. We are dining in "our" neighborhood!

So, I write this with a stomach full of confit de cunnard (duck), a demi-carafe of good house wine and a mousse au chocolate, topped with friendly Parisian service. Life is great in Paris!!

For more information about planning a great time in Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple!

Bastille Day

2012-07-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

Time is flying and I've not had the time or energy to post as I'd hoped to. But I will do lots when I get back.

The other day was the first Bastille Day I've had in Paris since I was a kid. It was really exciting to be in the capital city during their big national holiday.

We were all gang busters to do shopping during the day and so headed to Chatelet. As we emerged from the metro at the far end of the rue de Rivoli, the streets were all blocked off and everyone was waiting for something. Come to find out, it was the military parade! I'd never seen one and it was kind of exciting.

We shopped and boy were we successful. I know it sounds like we're here for shopping but the sales are just so great and we're just having fun doing it! Mike found fantastic shoes and then Megan and I found a great women's store.

Then, off to have une coupe de glace, a crepe and home for a power nap.

Later, after a late dinner and lots of games of cards, we set off for the Eiffel Tower at 10pm. The metro was crowded to the point of intimate knowledge of one's "neighbor", but everyone was jovial and polite. Most of the metro stations anywhere near the Eiffel Tower were closed for security sake, so we got as close as we could and then all poured off like water into the subway station and into the streets. Normally, I would have dug my map out and navigated over to our destination, but there was no need as everyone was headed to the same place and we just followed the river of people!

The Champs de Mars was packed, but we found a spot and didn't have long to wait. The fireworks show was fabulous and the giant disco ball we'd seen on the ground a few days before was now shining from the space just above the first floor.

The music was fun, being disco, and the fireworks were timed well with it. The 30 min. show went really fast - as do most fireworks displays - and the crowd was happy and well behaved!

Then, the crowds poured back toward the nearest metro. The stop where we'd gotten off had at least a 1/2 hour line, so we walked and walked and walked and - yes - walked. Finally, at about 1 am we got to an RER line right outside my old abode and the Musee Orsay. The trains were still packed but we finally got home about 2am.

It was really a day to remember!

For more information about planning a great time in Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple!

A Little Bit of a Quiet Day

2012-07-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

This is the good part about "Living" in Paris. If everyone is tired or the weather isn't great, you don't need to panic. I think if you are on a tour or have a strict schedule or have come to Paris to see a list of things, you have too much anxiety to slow down and respect the natural rhythm of life. Yesterday, Megan was so tired that she just couldn't get herself together in time for "our" schedule.

As an example of the safety of our place, we felt very comfortable leaving her to sleep as Mike and I went off to explore the outdoor market at Bastille.

I have to confess, that in all the visits and living in Paris that I've been fortunate enough to have done, I had not been to a real neighborhood market since I was 16 and with my Aunt in St. Cloud. It was so much fun today.

I have also unlocked part of the key to why the French are so healthy. Excellent quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and fish and foul, and everything in between is available at obscenely affordable prices. Every time a vendor would tell me their price, I didn't believe it because the price sounded too low.

The other fun part of the market is that it's like an open air department store where you can get everything from clothing to housewares to shampoo to table clothes. Mike and I fell in love with scarves and I got to do a little bartering. I got two beautiful cashmere scarves for 45 Euros.

We walked back to the apartment with a shopping bag brimming full of fresh fruits, vegetables, scarves, fresh almonds (something I'd last had when I was 10 and in Corsica) and some wicked good stinky ripe cheese! And Mike was happy to get some fresh figs.

I loved taking to the vendors and everyone was so incredibly friendly. We saw a very strange shell fish which the lady told me was a prehistoric creature, related to the longustine and tasted similarly. It looked pretty much like a giant prehistoric bug. I should have taken a photo!!! But we'll be returning on Saturday and I'll try to get one then.

For more information about planning a great time in Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple!

In Love with Paris - As Always...

2012-07-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

Canal St. Martin Near our Apartment

Paris is amazing - as always. We arrived a few days ago and are settling into a bit of a routine.

We've been doing a lot of shopping for food because even in the local supermarket we can't possibly eat all the yummy food we want. We've been indulging on good cheese, meat, Haribo candy you can't find in the states, good confit, excellent cheap wine, and many other things.

I've managed to navigate buying our Navigo passes (much cheaper than the tourist transit pass - Paris Visite), buying more minutes on our cell phones, and buying a universal charger for my laptop. Yes, I forgot my laptop charger at home.

Canal St. Martin Near our Apartment

Mike on our Terrace at 10pm

Our apartment is AMAZING as it's huge, well equipped, and very convenient. My wonky body needs a softer bed, but other than that, this is heaven! We've greatly enjoyed our little outside terrace too.

The weather is quite variable this week - sometimes warm, others cold, then sprinkling! But at least it's not 90 degrees because I've done that and it's not as easy to be a tourist then.

Wonderful Young Woman at the Organic Market

Luckily, it's sales season and everything is on sale. So what a time to shop! I personally haven't bought anything big (three scarves) but Mike and Megan have dropped some Euro on very nice clothes!

Entertainment on Sunday Afternoon, rue des Rosiers

We've visited the Marais, including the rue des Rosiers area, shopped around the Pomplidou Center (the modern art museum) and had a nice dinner near the Eiffel Tower. We explored the Champs de Mars last night, discovering 8 disco balls around the circumference and then a really big one UNDER the Eiffel Tower. With some research, I've discovered this year's theme for Bastille Day (France's Independence celebration) is DISCO! OK, I think that makes me feel old, but we're plotting our way to enjoy the celebrations which go on until the wee hours.

The Paris Opera House, Place de la Bastille

Excellent Dinner at Cafe le Bosquet

The Golden Eiffel Tower at Night

GIANT Disco Ball Under the Eiffel Tower

The Ever Interesting Pompidou Center

A Light Snack in the Afternoon!

For more information about planning a great time in Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple!

Cell Phones for France

2012-06-24T09:19:00.000-04:00

Update: 3/2019
So much has changed in the years since I originally wrote this post so I thought I'd update it.

Most people have a smart phone of some sort. And many of them are global ready - just check your phone's specs or call your carrier. Most (if not all) carriers also have some sort of international plan so be sure to check with them to find out about coverage, pricing, etc. And don't forget family members left at home. They need to have call access to France. You may need to activate their accounts with international access so they can call you if needed, just as back up.

Then their are app, so many that I can't list them all. But I do have WhatsApp and Messenger which I'll be trying out for when I'm on Wi-fi, standard in most places you rent now.

While I miss the ease of that cute little phone (below) that fit into my hand, I do like having the smartphone. It takes great photos (though I still carry my camera) and does many of the things I used to need my laptop for. And it saves space for books and has amazing mapping abilities.

Just be warned: don't be glued to it and use proper social etiquette when using it in public. Look up and enjoy the sights and people!
-----
I've had Call In Europe on my page for two years as a good source for getting cell phone service in France. Two years ago, I had an excellent experience with them, so easy to to deal with. I actually bought two little cell phones which came with chargers for American current and an adapter French electrical outlets, and SIM cards

In case SIM card means nothing to you, per WiseGeek, SIM cards are: "A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a portable memory chip used mostly in cell phones that operate on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. These cards hold the personal information of the account holder, including his or her phone number, address book, text messages, and other data.")

Once activated, Call in Europe billed us, at a very reasonable cell rate, for what we used. I let the account lag when I got back (per the instructions) and expected that when I was ready, I would simply reactivate the account again.

But the 1-800 number routes you to France. And although I speak decent French, there was NO WAY I could understand the automated voice on the other end except to "press 2" if you wanted blah de blah blah, etc. The email I sent in English was replied to in French (and said to call), and when I left my phone number (the cell that will accept international calls - since you must set that up with your carrier,) I never received a call back.

So - disappointingly, off they go from my list.

So what will I do? After a bit of panic, since I really want each adult to have a cell phone while in Paris, I have purchased some prepaid SIM cards from Amazon. Yes, don't they just have everything??

Now I can charge up the phones before I leave, AND have a French phone number to distribute to my family on this side of the Pond. All calls from them will be free for me, and we pay a reasonable rate for calls to each other and also to numbers outside of France.

I chose Orange as the cell company. It is a the flagship mark for France Telecom and has been around a long time. When (if) we need more minutes, we will go to an Orange cellular store or a Tabac and buy more minutes. Just like in the States, you call the number carrier's number, enter the code you just bought, and the minutes will be added to the SIM card automatically! I have the option of having my US calls routed to my French phone - but I just say NO to that idea!! This plan also includes 3G internet, but we won't need that.

If you don't need a phone number ahead of time, your least expensive option is just to buy an inexpensive pay-as-you-go cell phone when you land. Unless you travel internationally a lot, your phone will most likely not work in Europe - contact your carrier if you don't know. If it does, you'll just buy a SIM card. Be warned - you will probably have to do the purchase in French, so I suggest you look up the vocabulary before hand. These options are generally much more affordable than bringing your phone from the US (provided you have a tri-band phone) and using your carrier's international plan.

Need more information about planning a trip to Paris? Visit my website: ParisMadeSimple.com

Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle

2012-05-29T13:07:00.000-04:00

The Arboretum in the Garden of Plants, Paris

At last, a suggestion from a family member on something to visit while we are in Paris. Well worth the wait too!

The National Natural History Museum in Paris is considered to be one of the "greatest conservatories in the field of natural science" - The Michelin Green Guide.

Amazing tin foil dragon in the Garden of Plants,
the Gallery of Evolution behind

The "museum" is comprised of many parts; for instance The Great Gallery of Evolution, Gallery of Endangered or Extinct Species, the Menagerie, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy, the Paris Zoo, The Museum of Man and others.

A beautiful bird at the Menagerie

Some of these museums are located in the Mouffetard quarter in the Latin Quarter so there is plenty to see around here. It's easy to access too, located very near the Gare d'Austerlitz.

One of the cool buildings at the Menagerie

I have brought both of my daughters, on different trips, to the Menagerie. I've read everything from horrific to sad reviews of this place. The horrific review was from the Let's Go guide which, frankly, is written by and for young adults looking for young adult fun, not from parents' or kids' perspective. However, we really enjoyed it. Although it's Zoo-like, it is not a modern zoo. The animals are housed in older buildings, which in themselves are cool. I have always felt the animals were well taken care of and provided an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about animals. I've always wondered if this was where Madeleine said "Poo-poo" to the tiger, but perhaps it was at the Paris Zoo located near the Bois de Vincennes.

The Aviary at the Menagerie

I visited the Museum of Man when I was 10 and thought it was fantastic. Unfortunately, the Zoo and Museum of Man are among a few of the museums that are closed for renovation while we'll be there. So the Zoo goes on my list for next time!

Flamingos in Paris!

Click here for more information about these museums.

And for more information about planning your trip to Paris, visit my web site ParisMadeSimple!

My Bags are Calling

2012-05-17T10:14:00.000-04:00

No, not the one's under my eyes, but the one's I strap onto my back and wheel behind me as I take to the skies for another French adventure. Somehow, I never feel so empowered as when I'm walking through the airport, especially with a backpack on. Happy memories of taking off into the unknown with my L.L. Bean frame pack and my Rick Steves' guide book and my best friend and really, not many clues between us!

No, the travel part is no longer fun. I remember the days when my mother dressed me up in a nice suit to make the trip to Europe, the meals I picked from a fancy menu weren't bad and the Stewardesses didn't look over-worked and under-paid. They were glad to bring me head phones and another soda. They didn't look at me as just another pain-in-the-butt child.

Despite the numerous complications of modern travel, I still love it. I plan ahead for the food, don't really plan on getting sleep and don't worry too much if I'm called aside to get patted down - I'm just not that proud. I've had babies and the idea that someone might feel my boobs while looking for a weapon just doesn't freak me out as much as the idea that they might not even look. I'm perfectly willing to explain to my children why a stranger should not touch them but that a security guard at the airport may have to and that there is a difference. They're just doing their job and I'm just another stranger passing on by.

I feel like I'm late, like I should have been working on this packing list months ago. Only 7 weeks more and I'd better have everything worked out. Of course, I'm not just packing for myself, so there's a bit more than just me making sure I have enough underwear.

So, when I go for two weeks to the most chic city on earth, what do I pack? Ok, I admit that when I was only slightly younger, I poured across the internet to see WHAT they were wearing. I do believe in "blending in;" it's the best security tip I have. Plus, I just like to be "in fashion." But I've now matured enough so that if my orthotics don't fit into the 5 inch heals and my Chanel suit hasn't made it to the dry cleaners lately, I'm OK with that.

In fact, I am freed of that for two reasons: (1) I'm getting more, ah-hem, mature, and (2) the last two trips have revealed a whole new generation of French women who feel OK wearing comfortable shoes and jeans! So while there are still plenty of the chic, beautiful people crowding chic bars and strutting down boulevards, I still fit in with the rest!

So the picture is of the luggage I use for the two weeks. A rolling suit case that's actually small enough to be considered carry-on in a pinch, a great L.L. Bean backpack that is very comfortable and leaves my hands free, a shoulder bag (which can be packed away,) and a small backpack for days in the city (it will be packed away in the suitcase.) These are things I can easily handle myself and can even carry up/down escalators and stairs in the Metro. Never mind what the airlines will let you bring. Be sure YOU can handle the bags before and after the airport!

Stay tuned for the actual packing list!

For more about preparing for a trip to Paris, visit ParisMadeSimple!

Fête des Mères

2012-05-13T09:07:00.002-04:00

Today may be Mother's Day in the States, but France celebrates Fête des Mères on May 27th this year. It's celebrated on the last Sunday in May (unless Pentecost falls then, when Mother's Day moves to the first Sunday in June.) This is a day that was initiated by the little Emperor - Napoleon - and made official by France in 1950.

With everyone so busy today and my love of all things French, maybe I'll declare the 27th as a 2nd Mother's Day chez moi!

Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow Francophiles!