Cafes to visit in Paris

Taking a trip to Paris can be a tiring experience as there is so much to see and do. The benefit of this is that the tiredness gives you an opportunity to take advantage of the many cafes around the city which play such a large part in the character of the city. The vision of the Paris citizens sitting out on the pavement during the summer months is one that comes synonymously with the city. Below are some of the best cafes to experience this.
Le Select - This must be the most traditional and authentic Paris cafe experience in the city. The quality of the coffee and traditional French pastries on the menu is exquisite and the location is discreet and classy. Located in the popular St Germain district of the city this cafe is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

La Sancerre - One can enjoy fabulous views of some of the city’s best attractions from this traditional French cafe on the Rue Des Abbesses. The crowd here is a good mix of locals, students and tourists, so you will not be drowned by visitors as you would in other nearby cafes and instead you can enjoy an authentic experience. The cafe turns into a trendy bar at night time and offers a great range of cocktails.

Cafe de la Plaix - Whether you choose to sit inside and enjoy the splendid interior design of this cafe which is part of Le Grand Hotel on the Place de l’Opera or sit outside and watch the city life pass by, you will be glad you visited this establishment.

Parks to Visit in Paris

Paris is blessed with some of the best parks in Europe. These parks offer the tourist an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy some of the glorious landscape contained within the parks. There is also the opportunity to enjoy the many features and activities which the parks have to offer. Below are some parks to visit around the city:

Parc André Citroën - This park is a wonderful mix of water, water structures and extensive botanical gardens. There is also a canal which runs through the park, adding to its character and increasing its value as a place to come to be serenaded. The park is located close to the river Seine and is the perfect place to break up your city break.

Parc Monceau - This park has played host to many famous events in history and is a favourite haunt of many a celebrity seeking a slice of nature within the city. The gorgeous gardens are tastefully accompanied by a number of niche structures which are spread throughout the park.

Parc du Champs-de-Mars - Probably one of the best known parks in Paris and arguably the one which offers the best view. Located directly underneath the Eiffel Tower, this is a popular rest point for those who have just conquered the mammoth climb to the top of the iconic structure. Marvel at the brilliance of the Eiffel Tower or glare across at the Ecole Militaire.

Tips on Taking the Bateaux Mouches

Taking the Bateaux Mouches is a unique way to enjoy Paris, relax and take plenty of photographs. I had the time of my life viewing the beautiful sights of Paris for one whole hour - and at the end of it, I had only one complaint to make: that the cruise was too short! If you have brought your family, a Bateaux Mouches cruise is the best treat you can give them and they will cherish the memories of it for life.

Bateaux Mouches has been in the boat tour business ever since 1949, owing to which tourists can expect the best possible cruise experience. Bateaux Mouches, which literally means “fly boats,” offer one-hour cruises every half an hour during the summer. The company offers dinner and lunch cruises as well, but unless you are a luxury traveller who can afford to splash money around, you will find that these may be too expensive.

The fly boats are charming, but you need to be careful while on the upper deck because it does not offer any protection from the sun, wind or rain. You must, therefore, check the weather forecast before choosing a seat on the upper deck. Since the weather was delightful on the day I took the Bateaux Mouches cruise, I decided to choose a seat at the front because I wanted to enjoy the lovely sights of Paris without any obstruction.

You can purchase tickets once you are on board; however if you are a large family travelling together or you are part of a group, you will have to purchase tickets in advance. The Bateaux Mouches will also give you a souvenir map, which shows the route the boat will take. The guides on board will explain the route in English as well as French, which eliminates the need for you to know French.

Life in the 8th Arrondissement

A visit to Paris is not complete without seeing the 8th Arrondissement. Located on the River Seine’s right bank and house a collection of of beautiful churches, memorials, museums, posh hotels, markets, residential structures and restaurants. It's one of the most elegant and beautiful areas of the city and epitomises everything that's Parisien.

This is of course where the Champs Elysées is located and amongst the many businesses, it's dotted with touristy bars, boutiques and cafes. The Arc de Triomphe at the Place de l’Etoile, offers a panoramic view of the city. This is where you'll also find large cinemas offering English speaking films as well as some of the nest shopping in Europe. Al the brands are here including Hermes, Yves Saint Lauren, Channel and Dior. Be careful though, a coffee in the right place can set you back a small fortune but it's definitely the place to be seen.

Away from the high society life, you could breath some air at the the Parc Monceau which is one of the most picturesque parks in Paris. A collection of beautiful trees, including Corsican pine, honey locust America, maple, Judas, silver lime, sycamore and tulip await you. Here you'll also find a colonnade from the Henry II’s unfinished tomb and rotunda complement the garden landscape. Need information on getting to Paris, France?

Why I love summertime in Paris

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world to visit and sees a lot of tourist traffic the whole year through. I believe that the best time visit this glorious city of lights is during the summer, when the weather is warm, sunny and breezy and the French countryside is abloom with flowers.

Since the summer can get to be a bit hot during the month of August, many of the locals leave for cooler areas and countryside in France. Those people who do stay back and brave the heat however, manage to enjoy the best of the city. Such special treats include the discounted hotel rates, low cost meals and plenty of free treats. The airfares do remain the same as many Parisians opt to fly out of the city in search of cooler climes.

Paris has plenty of offer the summer traveller, both in terms of sights to see, attractions to visit and events that you can participate in. during the summer, Paris opens its heart to tourists and hosts several outdoor events like concerts, shows and festivals. Many of these events offer free entry only adding to their appeal.

Some of the activities that you are sure to enjoy in Paris include a visit to the local markets which are full of fresh summer produce, sampling seasonal cuisine and sun bathing at the Paris Plage.

The Paris Plage is by far my favourite part of summer and is an event held in the month of august. Since the city has no beach of its own, it hosts a fake beach complete with palm trees and sea sand on the banks of the Seine. Although swimming is not allowed at the Paris plage, I find the idea of relaxing under a sunshade by a man made river beach to be utterly fascinating.

If you live in Paris these days, you might also want to escape the big city and find the following of interest:

• Cap d'Agde Village in the South France.
• Jobs in Ibiza, Spain for the summer season.
• Amsterdam holiday and culture news.

The Best Bistros in Paris

Although you will find some of the finest dining in the world in Paris, do not forget the humble bistro. A wholly Parisian invention, bistros will give you a real taste of France (remember—these places are judged on the food they serve, not designer décor) through classic dishes such as onion soup, noisettes de porc aux pruneaux (braised pork with plums) or rabbit cooked in mustard sauce.

In these income-challenged times, bistros are making a comeback; many people are finding that the warm, homey fare of a bistro is easier on the stomach (and wallet) than the high palaces of haute cuisine. You’ll find bistros in every arrondissement in Paris, from faded cafes with a few specials chalked onto a blackboard to more upmarket versions. Here are some of my favourites:

• Au Bon Accueil, 14 Rue Monttessuy, 7th arrondissement
  The outside terrace has views of the Eiffel Tower (though you will need to be lucky to nab a wicker seat). Great games dishes in hunting season.


• Le Square Trosseau, 1 rue Antoine-Vollon, 12th arrondissement
  Established in 1900, the art nouveau décor of this wonderful bistro draws a fashionable, bohemian crowd.


• L’ Avant-Goût, 26 rue Bobillot, 13th arrondissement
  This bistro is beloved by local gourmands, especially on Thursday evening, which is ‘chef’s choice’. Lunchtime is great value and if on the menu order the hearty pot au feu.


• Le Buisson Ardent, 25 rue Jussieu, 5th arrondissement
  Although the décor is classic art deco, here you’ll find rather inventive bistro fare such as scallops with lime and coriander.


• Ribouldingue, 10 rue St-Julien le Pauvre, 5th arrondissement.

If you don’t like offal, then stay away. But if pig’s snouts, lamb’s hearts and even cow’s udders make your mouth water, you’ll love this bistro. Don’t worry too much; you’ll find more conservative, though always meat-based, dishes here too.

Going Out in the Montorgueil District

The Montorgueil district of Paris surrounds the Rue Montorgueil, a street known for its delightful market. Montorgueil is a pedestrianised neighbourhood, making it ideal for strolling and window-shopping. There are plenty of good shops and spots of historical interest in the area, in addition to a variety of restaurants and bars.

Some recommendations include:

• L’Escargot d’Or (L’Escargot d’Or) is among the oldest restaurants in the city.
• The pastry shop La Maison Stohrer at 51 Rue Montorgueil
• Au Croissant (which dates from 1730)
• and La Maison Stohrer (famous all over the world for its delicious cakes such as Baba Rum and the réligieuse à l'ancienne).
• La Cocoarde at 7 Rue Marie-Stuart, which is popular for its local food and charming ambience.

Also interesting is Le Dénicheur, an avant-garde jewellery and antique store and restaurant at 4 Rue Tiquetonne. Le Dénicheur is open seven days a week from noon to 3.30 pm, and 7 pm to 12 midnight.

There are plenty of good bars in the area and one of the most popular is Le Coeur Fou (which means The Foolish Heart), situated at 55 Rue Montmartre in Montorgueil. It offers good food and beverages at reasonable prices, and is open from Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am.

La Grille Montorgueil (50, Rue Montorgueil) is a great wine bar with a lively atmosphere . Another good bar is the Expérimental Cocktail Club, at 42 Rue Tiquetonne.

Paris Fashion week is now upon us

I love Paris Fashion Week so much that I have been counting the days recently until its starts and now it is only a matter of hours until the event begins. As someone who has worked in fashion and always attends some of the shows, it's one of my favourite shows each year.

I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you are interested in fashion or work in the industry, this is one of the top events of its kinds in Europe and worldwide in fact. This years show runs from the 21st through to the 28th February and the main location is the Carrousel du Louvre.

It is not easy to get tickets for the event, with the majority of the shows really aimed at the industry and business. If you are lucky to get tickets, as I have been then its a great chance to see the summer designs and latest concepts. You can learn more from the official Paris Fashion Week website and Paris information accommodation which can be booked online.

Get away from traditional tourist routes

Where else than France could you go to tale cooking lessons? And where else than Paris should you go for that. Many visitors tend to get more of their trips than just the Eiffel tower replica. A taste of the French cuisine and savoir-faire is the perfect memory to take back home with you.

You will find today a wide array of schools and listings available online and through operators. We did try one of the most renowned one, the master of all French patisserie, Lenôtre, located next to the US embassy at the Pavillon Elysees. The experience is worth every moment you spend there. It is also a recommended activity for small groups, and a perfect getaway find for Christmas parties.

So, get more out of Paris and taste the pleasure of a 3 course meal, handmade cordon bleu at your fingertips!

Join us at the Contemporary Art Fair, Paris

It is that time of year again and time when the winter slowly draws in but also when there are some excellent fairs and exhibitions taking place in Paris.

One such event which takes place every October and which I love to attend is the Contemporary Art Fair, an international event which highlights everything from sculptures, paintings and some quite unusual creations. Popular artists including the likes of:

• Mathew Hale
• Frédéric Lecomte
• Elena Berg
• and François Rouan

for example are just a few of the artist who will be represented at the event. If you have never heard of these artists then do not worry as by the time you leave the event you will quite likely be impressed with many of the exhibits and artists.
If you are new to Paris, Winston Churchill Avenue is the location for the event - with the impressive Grand Palace the venue. The venue in its own right is worth visiting in fact, aside from the art fair itself. 22nd through to the 25th October 2009 are the dates for the diary!