Thursday 24 January 2013

5 Restaurants You Must Try in Paris


Paris takes pride in having many of the best restaurants in the world. These five sites go the extra distance to make sure your meal is first-rate. Take some time to compare menus online and then indulge in the luxury of fine Parisian dining.

Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenee

This Michelin-rated restaurant delights customers with its attention to detail, service and extraordinary dishes. The restaurant responds to reviews posted online, and the staff is receptive to making sure your experience is just as you would like it. For standout dishes, online reviewers recommend the restaurant’s shrimp appetizer, the lobster with sea potatoes, the lamb dish and the dessert tarts. You also might choose to indulge in the taster menu. (More info: plaza-athenee-paris.com).

Le Cinq

Michelin-level restaurants such as this one work hard on customer service. You can call ahead if you need special accommodations, such as a quiet corner for a celebration. The tasting menu may be your best bet so that you can discover a broad array of dishes. The cheese board, in particular, is substantial in its selections. You also may enjoy the foie gras with pear. If you are staying at the Four Seasons George V, make sure you visit this restaurant.

Le Restaurant

This is a cozy Michelin-rated restaurant tucked into L’Hotel. For a great but still affordable Parisian meal, this could become your favorite place. You can sample the five-course tasting menu or explore one of the main dishes. Reviewers make note of enjoying the lamb tagine, the duck l’orange and the cheese and crème caramel. Menus change with the season, so you may discover a new selection of specials during your visit.

Epicure

This Michelin-ranked restaurant is part of the Hotel Le Bristol, and the management is quick to respond to online reviews as a way to monitor service. The setting is peaceful next to the hotel’s garden where you can indulge in an after-dinner cigar. The chef is known for his creativity when it comes to menu creations, and the menu changes frequently. Online reviewers rave about the consistent level of quality from the staff and in the meals.

Les Papilles

Come prepared to sit close to your dining neighbors at the next table in this bistro. However, the place stays crowded for a reason: the high quality of dishes served. The menu is set each day with four courses that emphasize fresh seasonal ingredients. You can pick a wine from the shelves, from the wine list or go with staff recommendations. (Learn more via lespapillesparis.fr)

Monday 6 August 2012

Cite de Sciences et de I’Industrie


As well as some of the best museums in the world that showcase historical artefacts and art, Paris is also home to the biggest science museum in Europe in the Cite de Sciences et de l’Industrie. The museum is located in the city’s Cultural Centre of Science, Technology and Industry (CCSTI) in Parc de la Villetes. This area celebrates scientific study and the culture of science in the city of Paris.

Cite de Sciences et de I’Industrie


As well as being one of the biggest science museums in Europe it is also one of the most popular with over 5 million people visiting the Cite every year. Visitors are attracted by the huge variety of attractions and activities including a submarine, an IMAX cinema theatre, an aquarium, the library of science and industry and the planetarium. As well as these there are special hands on and practical areas for children of all ages to explore and learn in.

The Cite was created in an initiative to help establish and develop scientific and technological ideas by President Giscard d’Estaing. The overall goal of the museum is to spread knowledge of scientific ideas and technological information to the public, focussing especially on children and teenagers.

It is hoped that this information will help promote peoples interest in science and research and its application to industry and production. The building was first opened in 1986 after it had been converted from an abattoir and was opened in conjunction with the meeting of Halley’s Comet with the space probe Giotto.

You can include this attraction on the Paris Pass if you use this to see most of the sites in the French capital.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Staying in the Bastille Area

Although enduringly linked to its historical fame, the Bastille area of Paris offers much more than just ruins. Well-connected and alive with activity, the area is a great place to base yourself while in Paris, but is equally worthy for a stop-off on a sightseeing tour. The area centers around the Place de la Bastille, which is a bustling and atmospheric place to hang out. Sip on a cappuccino and admire the latest fashions of passing fashionistas, or bop away until the early hours in one of the nightclubs dotting the area. If you really want to splash out, treat yourself to a night at L'Opera Bastille.



If you plan ahead, you could also time your visit with one of the many events taking place in the square. Bastille also draws visitors due to its open-air markets that take place on Thursdays and Sundays along the Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Rub shoulders with local hagglers, and pick up fresh food and cut-price clothes. But, of course, no visit to the area would be complete without taking in some of the area's historical sights. The square's Colonne de Juillet is a tribute to the events of the French Revolution, which took place in 1789. If you're observant, you can also spot some remains of the fortress's stone foundations, at the side of the Boulevard Henri IV.

The luxurious Pavillon de la Reine is one of the best-rated hotels in the area, getting terrific reviews for its charming and elegant decor and friendly service. It's not cheap, but if you are looking for something special, it is spot-on. If you're after good value, 3-star boutique hotel the Hotel Paris Bastille is also a firm tourist favorite thanks to its modern and clean rooms, its good location and its tasty breakfasts. For eating out, Brasserie L'Europeen is hard to beat, being a particular gem for seafood aficionados. Le Marsangy and Le Temps au Temps also get great reviews for their fabulous food and excellent service. For convenience and a chance to soak up history with a modern twist, you'd have to go a long way to beat the Bastille area of Paris.

Monday 23 April 2012

Best Paris Markets

Markets in Paris have been a necessity to the people of the city since they came into existence during the middle ages. These markets are now becoming ever more popular with those visiting the city, so much so that people are renting apartments to fully enjoy the Parisian experience. There are over 70 of these markets throughout the city with stall proprietors driving hundreds of miles from all over the country, even from as far away as Italy.



Expect the Parisian markets you see to be full of local delicacies and produce, as well as produce from all over the country. With the French understanding of the importance of quality food and the ingredients needed to make good food, you will find some of the best produce in the world at these open air markets. There are also bakers that prepare fresh bread for the people of Paris throughout the day.

As well as fresh vegetable and fruit that has been freshly picked, there are also top quality meats and fresh fish from around the coast of Normandy and Brittany. Other products on offer include farmhouse cheese crafted by artisans that are full of flavour and amongst some of the best cheeses in the world. Whatever it is you are looking for you can be assured of the finest quality in the preparation and harvesting of the produce with food controls in France amongst the most the most stringent in the world.

You might also be interested to learn about bar hopping in Paris or family trips to Paris, France?

Paris Market video



Friday 17 February 2012

Paris travel insurance

Travel Insurance when visiting Paris

If you are travelling from the UK or another European country to Paris, France, you might think to not bother with travel insurance, given the short trip. Is there really any need to bother with paying extra for your trip, when you are only away for a weekend and with only a 1 hour flights or 2 hour Eurostar train journey involved, for example.

Medical Travel insurance and the EHIC

Certainly in terms of medical travel insurance, you can benefit by ensuring that you have an up-to-date European health Insurance card (EHIC). This card is free to get and will give you a certain level of free care whilst on holiday in France - if you are a European (check the exact terms and condistions for full qualification to be sure before travelling.

What can go wrong?

Taking out travel insurance for France though, is very much worthwhile considering when you look at some of the problems in recent years.
  • Cancellation of the Eurostar trains to and from Paris, France.
  • The volcanic ash clouds.
Consider also that whether you are travelling for 1 day or 1 year, the fact is that it only take a minute or so for someone to steal one fo your bags or for an airline to lose your luggage. European travel insurance is really cheap inexpensive these days if you shop around and for this reason, taking out travel insurance when travelling to Paris, makes sense.
Peace of mind is a great reason to ensure you are covered. The key is that many people who end up with crippling bills or huge inconvenience when incidents happen, of course never expect it to happen to them. At least when you are insured when in Paris, you will no thave the financial worries in addition.

Thursday 12 January 2012

Paris Arc de Triomphe

One of my favourite cities in the world without doubt is Paris and that is why I started this blog about the city. Not everyone loves the food or the language or the way of life, but all things combines, there is something for everyone to enjoy and like.

What I especially like are the sights and sounds and walking down the Arc de Triomphe every day is something which always interested and excites me.



If you have the chance, try and at least experience the Paris Arc de Triomphe. Allow an hour to walk around and to sit and to take in the view of central Paris.

Thursday 10 November 2011

Live Music Clubs to Visit in Paris

With Paris having such a diverse and exciting culture, it is no surprise that there are a number of bars in the city in which to enjoy live music. Below are some e often enjoy frequenting when the time permits.

Pop In (105 Rue Amelot)
Pop In Paris is a family run bar which has been in operation since the late 90s and has a reputation for providing a good standard of rock music in particular, but also various other Paris barsgenres on occasions. The bar has a cellar which has hosted many booked bands, and there is also an open mic night every Sunday which provides an air of the unknown and is always of surprisingly high quality.

Connolly’s Corner (12 Rue Mirbel)
As well as having bands regularly coming into the bar to play live music, there is also the tendency for people to arrive here out of the blue and perform renditions with friends off the cuff. This pub in Paris provides a real traditional Irish atmosphere which perfectly complements the decor and, service and general atmosphere.

Le Carmen
Set in a converted mansion, this live pub music venue has performances from a number of promising French bands as well as the occasional appearance from more well known names. There are also live djs here on occasion, ensuring that the mix of clientele is diverse, especially as the entrance is free, even the drinks are slightly on the expensive side.

Friday 14 October 2011

Four Things to do for Free in Paris

If you’re in Paris looking for a way to spend time but not dough the city holds many delights free for the asking. Explore relish the beauty of Paris streets, exotic gardens, tranquil islands or sign up to spend the day with a local, all without opening your wallet!

The Parc de la Villette - There’s no end of the fascination available to the public at the Parc de la Villette (Main entrance at 30 rue Corentin-Cariou) with garden themes involving dragons, mirrors, islands, trellises, equilibrium and even childhood fears. The fantastic sculptures around the grounds loom over the great expanses of lawn that beg to be savored with a leisurely picnic or rousing game of frisbee – or a bit of both!

There is admission for some attractions, like the shows at the IMAX theatre housed in the sparkly Géode, but if you visit during July or August you can spend the evening watching free cinemas in the open space known as the Prairie du triangle. The Parc de la Villette is a relatively new addition to Paris resulting from major renovations to what was previously the slaughterhouse district –and relics of this macabre history are proudly worked into the park displays with only a slight hint of irony.

Paris Greeters Tours - They say the best way to learn Paris is to hang with the locals, but finding locals that want to hang with you is the tricky part. Well, thanks to a service known as Paris Greeters you can connect with the hundred or so volunteer Parisians that will be happy to join you for a walk and point out the off-the-beaten path places you’re not going to find on tourist maps. Paris greeters charge you nothing for their services although rumor is they won’t turn down a cup of coffee or glass of wine during your tour. The foundation accepts donations from satisfied customers -- but payment is by no means obligatory.

Island Hopping on the Seine - Unlike tropical island hopping via boat, in Paris you island hop via cobblestoned streets amid the most flamboyant renaissance architecture in town. Perched in the bend of the Seine are the le de la Cité and the Île St-Louis islands where you won’t find palm trees or sandy beaches but you will find an unexpectedly tranquil retreat that costs nothing to soak up. Historically the playground of Paris’ elite, these islands ooze old world opulence that makes modern contrivances pale in comparison. Just steps away from a bustling city center, when you step on thLinkese islands it’s like stepping back in time.

Wall Watching - With all the fabulous old stone monuments, cathedrals, palaces, walled estates, cobblestone neighborhoods and ornate bridges around Paris, it’s no surprise that one of the favorite pastimes is simply watching walls! Just pack up your supplies and find a cozy vantage point where you curl up to admire the light’s painting de jour on the canvas of Paris walls. Sunset might seem like the finale, but as dark settles the City of Lights reveals a whole new dimension. If you’re artistically inclined, wall watching can be an ideal way to practice your skills by capturing the experience on film, canvas, blank pages – or digitally.

About the author: Lela Lake combines her love of Paris and thrifty travel by writing for AnyTrip.com, the budget accommodation specialists. They’re currently giving away four free trips to Paris (ends 30th September 2011) and have a great selection of
Cheap Paris Hotel bookable on their site.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Visiting Le Louvre


Le Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world and is amongst the leading tourist attractions in the city of Paris. A visit to this museum is an absolute must for any art lover, and for any tourist visiting the city of Paris, the experience cannot be considered complete until this museum has been visited and appreciated. This is not only because of the world class art which can be found here, but also because of the museum’s amazing architecture and the place which it has in the history of the city.

As a tourist you should have no problem accessing Le Louvre due to the fact that it is open every day of the week with the exception of Tuesday. On most days the museum is open until 6PM, although on Wednesdays and Fridays you can enjoy the contents until 9PM. You should factor in the 30 minute closing period for the various rooms before the main doors lock.

There are various different options with regards to admission. You can purchase a full day ticket for just the permanent exhibition, a ticket for just the temporary exhibition or a joint ticket. For a slightly increased price you can access guide facilities, either in person or through the use of technology. Entrance to the permanent exhibition is free on the first Sunday of every month, but expect to have to queue!!!

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Jobs for the Traveller in Paris

Paris is a popular travel destination for many different groups of people, and this includes those who are travelling around Europe or the world to experience new people and cultures. Often, people enjoying such an experience will need to fund their travels by taking part time or long term work. Below are some such jobs one could take in Paris.
This is a great option for the young traveller as it enables you to continue socialising and experiencing the culture of the city whilst at work. Also, there are so many bars around the city that there is a very good chance that you will be able to find work. If your job requires you to work in the evening you can explore your surroundings during the day.
If you have a bubbly personality and enjoy the opportunity to talk to strangers this is an ideal job choice for your, especially as you can achieve good performance based incentives. This is also a great way to meet new people and get to know your way around Paris.
Paris has a modern and hip crowd which likes to be entertained, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for people with a talent to express it in return for varying degrees of cash.
here is a high turnover of seasonal staff at this resort which is great fun to work at, especially if you enjoy working around kids and have a fun nature.