Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Paris Hotels are investing in their own bicycle fleet
Paris Hotels invest in their own branded bicycle fleet and picking models that reinforce the identity of the hotel. Le Meurice, the renowned hotel that occupies an 1835 palace across from the Tuileries, unveiled five retro-style bikes in the blue-green shade of the oxidized copper rooftops of the city, with matching helmets and front baskets emblazoned with the hotel’s gold logo. American and British guests in their 30s tend to be the most enthusiastic customers, according to the hotel; Le Meurice’s sister hotel, the Plaza Athénée, opted for zippy red bikes with panniers. 
No Comments » - Posted in Culture,Tours and visites,Travel,Un peu différent,Where to stay by Paul
Friday, March 13th, 2009
ParisGreeter takes you on free tours of Paris with local guides
A Paris Greeter will make sure you discover the true Paris, the way Parisians live it and love it! … All our volunteers are Paris lovers who like to share the art, tradition and culture of this fascinating city. At the end of the walk, we really want you to have the feeling that you have not only discovered the city but also had an insight into what we call the “Parisian way of life.”
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Budget and cheap,Tours and visites,Travel,Travel with Kids,Un peu différent,Understand France and the French by Paul
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
Even in Cambodia, We’ll Always have Paris
Here I’m sitting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, leafing through a local magazine and I see a dispatch from Paris. … And really, I had to go all the way to Cambodia to discover a few things in my own neighborhood.
No Comments » - Posted in Apartment neighborhood,Culture,General,Shopping,Travel,Travel with Kids,Where to stay by Jasmine
Friday, August 1st, 2008
Off The Beaten Path in Paris France | Murray On Travel
And, in counterpoint to the previous post on top 5 things to do is this short list of under-rated or under-visited Paris attractiions. … Des Photographies – Collection of Vintage Photographs Musee Carnavalet – Paris art, architecture, and history displays.
…It’s a shame to go to Paris and not slow down enough to get a feel of the rhythm of Parisian life.
1 Comment » - Posted in Travel by Paul
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Top Five things to do in Paris
Tops on my list used to be a climb to the top of La Samaritaine (sadly, no more) to the free observation deck where you could see all of Paris (like in that famous Willy Ronis photo), guided by a painted tile chart of the names of all the distinctive landmarks on view below. Now, I’d have to replace that with a climb to either the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame (almost always long lines), or the Eiffel Tower (also long lines). … At least, you can say you saw them, though you’ll spend more time jockeying for position among the tourists than in getting a good view (time that could have been spent seeing the other thousands of pieces that any other museum would build their entire collection around) 3.
1 Comment » - Posted in Travel by Paul
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Internet and WIFI in Paris – tips for tourists and travelers
If only the US were advanced as Europe: great subway systems, Velib bikes , the latest mobile phones, satellite TV that is truly global, and surprisingly more and more free flowing WIFI (or “wee-fee” as it’s pronounced in France). While in the US, Starbucks is just announcing a few hours of WIFI with purchase after years of that T-Mobile racket, and hotels are still gouging us for $10 plus for a few radio waves, many cafes and hotels in Paris let the WIFI run wild, run free. … The iPhone, especially, uses up enormous amounts of data as it provides up to the minute weather, pedestrian google maps, or web searches while you stand waiting for your spouse at another shoe store.
No Comments » - Posted in Computers and WIFI,Travel,Where to stay by Paul
Friday, July 11th, 2008
Bastille Day is Monday – Remember the Blue, White and Red!
If you happen to be in France this year for the 14th, or just have an interest in revolutions, here’s a good “revolutionary” walking tour that starts in our favorite neighborhood and ends at the Madeleine. … Start your tour in Rue St André-des-Arts, which remains as narrow and dense as it was at the time of the Revolution This year, as you will have noticed, is the 40th anniversary of 1968. … So let us ignore 1968 and turn instead to the real French Revolution, the one of 1789: the one that overthrew an absolute monarchy, turned France upside down and set the template for revolutions (and totalitarianism) to come.
No Comments » - Posted in Books,Books on France,Travel by Paul
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
What to Look for in Renting an Apartment in Paris
There are now more rentals for less than a week but you’re likely to pay a premium which will make it not as economical to staying at hotel…. I’ve never needed it in our place but my husband insists on it , and you may want it for ventilation and to drown out any street noise if the rentals are located on grand boulevards, such as Blvd St.
No Comments » - Posted in Where to stay by Jasmine
Monday, May 19th, 2008
Cheap Pleasures, now that the Euro is 1.5 USD
Chez Germaine Tucked away in the chic seventh arrondisement, this busy, often crowded bistro serves French comfort food such as steak with potatoes dauphinois to locals who wouldn’ dream of defiling their Boffi kitchens by cooking in them. Have the three course lunch or the two course lunch (30 rue Pierre Leroux, 33.1.42.83.28.34) L’As du Falafel Because I love falafel, and the Marais…. The huge, delicious, and dripping 5 Euros sandwich is not only one of the cheapest lunches in Paris but also on of the tastiest (34 rue des Rosiers, 33.1.48.87.63.60) Laduree Not only is this tearoom a splurge, when you can afford it but, if you’re feeling more frugal, just go buy the counter and get the world’s best macaroons.
No Comments » - Posted in General by Paul
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Vintage Venues
Shopping in France
