http://www.39vaugirard.com All about Paris. Based on our experience and tons of articles kept in numerous random folders that may now be thrown out. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:06:01 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Ever try to find a Bastille Day party in San Diego? La Goulue, founder of Francophilia.com did. 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. As she describes ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2009/01/05/community-website-just-for-francophiles/ 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. I can not vouch for this hotel, but it comes recommended in this article. At the very least, I can say that it puts ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2009/01/03/hotel-near-our-apartment/ The "soldes" are here! Starting Jan. 7, storming the barricades will take on a whole new meaning in Paris. 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 ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2009/01/03/paris-goes-on-sale/ I always think the observation deck at the Tour Montparnasse is an underrated Paris tourist spot. The views are great and you get a different perspective from that of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe or, Notre Dame, or Sacré Coeur. Often over-looked as well, is the terrace ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2009/01/01/ciel-de-paris-56th-floor-restaurant-at-the-tour-montparnasse/ This is a good set of ideas for travel to Paris with kids, most of which I think is spot-on, especially advice to eat at big brasseries where noisy kids won't even be noticed. Be sure to buy a Pariscope and check the enfants section for a list of ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/12/30/paris-with-kids-from-terracom/ This writer from the LA Times had a few unfortunate experiences with Parisians and therefore is writing off Paris, despite it being "one of the most spectacular cities in Europe." He thinks Parisians are lacking in social skills. I hope he's never been to New York. And Paris is ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/12/09/tip-for-getting-readers-to-your-travel-column-say-paris-is-1-overrated-spot-in-the-world/ Our friend Laila is so rafinée, with such discriminating taste. We've become closer friends since she and her family moved to Paris from San Francisco. As she is a French local, she has found for us several places in the neighborhood which are definitely great finds. One is a terrific ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/11/30/a-local-find/ Paris is lovely for children.... We had three families (twelve people) at Sunday brunch at Le Pain Quotidien where we sat at a grand communal table and enjoyed the all natural menu in a lovely, even joyful ambiance, if you can believe it. It's decorated like a grand épicerie à ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/11/30/paris-is-a-feast-for-families/ What a delight to come upon a whimsical wall of handmade finger puppets? Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Bears, Pinocchio... one wall of the shop was covered with these little handmade toys which absolutely delighted my two kids. They had dreams of a MAJOR puppet theatre. As we entered ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/11/30/handmade-puppets-weaving-stories/ Early morning walks when I have Paris to myself is a great time to discover new places. Located in a two-storey loft, Bon Ton on Rue de Grenelle is a real charm. Clothes are carefully selected to suit contemporary mothers and their kids. The place also houses an art gallery ... http://www.39vaugirard.com/2008/11/30/bon-ton-kids-clothes-and-art-gallery/