Archive for January, 2009
Sunday, January 25th, 2009
Pierre Hermé: Paris’ divine pastries
Adding to the list of wonderful things a hop, skip, and jump from our apartment is the second Pierrew Hermé, located at 185 rue de Vaugirard. … The front of his pastry shop on rue Bonaparte looks like a jewelry store, the inside like a casket of very precious highly talked about edible jewels.
… While I’m sure Suzy Orman would never “waste” the extra centimes to upgrade to the level of these chocolate specialties, serious chocolate lovers and patisserie dévotés will want to make the trip.
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Food by Paul
Monday, January 5th, 2009
Community website just for Francophiles
And when she was frustrated with that query and other “Frenchy” searches, she decided to create a site where Francophiles can get their French on wherever they are in the world. … Our goal is to bring together people who have a passion for the French language and francophone cultures in the interest of promoting understanding and friendship. … Francophilia’s features include a personal blog, instant messaging with other online members, live discussion room for members, forum discussions, the ability to create and join special-interest groups, to publish and RSVP to events, to publish classified ads, to upload photos, videos and music, and more. The site is in BETA now with more to come.
1 Comment » - Posted in Culture,Understand France and the French by Paul
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Hotel near our apartment
People are always asking if we can recommend a hotel close to our apartment for other friends or family who are with them during their stay. … If you fancy treating that special someone to a romantic break next year, I can strongly recommend the Hotel Aviatic, in Paris’s 6th arrondissement (Hotel Aviatic, 105 rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris; www.aviatic.fr; 0033 153632550). … For the whole of February 2009 they are offering two nights in a superior room plus breakfast and a half-bottle of Champagne for 359 Euros instead of 579 Euros.
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood by Paul
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Paris Goes on Sale
That marks opening day of this year’s winter “soldes” (sales), five weeks of frenzied bargain-hunting for the perfect Azzaro cocktail dress or the normally unaffordable monogrammed Noël bed linen — at between 30 and 70 percent off.
…Sales occur in Paris, of course, year around, but under French law, retail stores can only run public sales with big “SOLDES” banners only for several weeks in January and July.
…With charm and some good luck, you may be able to persuade the sales person to extend you the discount on the eve of the sales, or at least to set the longed-for item aside.
No Comments » - Posted in Economy and Exchange rates,Shopping,Tips and Tricks by Paul
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
Ciel de Paris – 56th Floor restaurant at the Tour Montparnasse
The views are great and you get a different perspective from that of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe or Sacre Coeur. … The last restaurant of this ilk I tried was the Jules Vernes at the Eiffel Tower and that was already fifteen years ago when it had a Michelin star. … First let me say that we spent a wonderful evening last night at the 56th floor restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris – Tour Maine Montparnasse.
