Tips for your stay in Paris
A few things we learned in visiting Paris: April is a perfect time to visit, always wear a scarf as almost everyone does in Paris, never cross the street until you have the green light, don’t expect cheap shopping, wear comfortable shoes in lieu of looking fashionable, learn a few French phrases and food items to help with menus, take lots of photos. But most of all……relax and enjoy all that Paris has to offer! Don’t miss the “patisseries” !
By: Sherri and David S
Le Bon Marché department store – Chic and Fashion
Filed under: 07th Arrondissement, Saint Germain Des Pres quarter, Shopping
Le Bon Marché standing on the left bank of Paris is not the most famous department store in Paris. Anyway, it is the one I prefer. Chic and fashionable, Le Bon Marché looks like an art Gallery in its splendid building. All the most known brands in fashion have a boutique here but not only. You can also discover more discreet ones offering chic and elegance.
I strongly suggest you to go there for your shopping in Paris. You will let me know what you think about Le Bon Marché. Note that you can also find boutiques all around Le Bon Marché. This area of the 7th district of Paris is really a great place for shopping.
Le Bon Marché
24 Rue de Sèvres
7th District – Paris
Metro station “Sèvres Babylone”
Web site only in French : http://www.lebonmarche.com
The Wine Event (Salon du Vin) – Paris Espace Champerret
Filed under: 17th Arrondissement, Events and Exhibitions, Palais des Congres - Porte Maillot quarter
Last November, I advised you about the great opportunity to taste wines from whole France during a special event organized by independant growers. It happens twice a year in Paris.
Next time, it will take place from 25th to 28th of March 2011 at the Espace Champerret, on the west side of Paris, close to the Palais des Congres of Porte Maillot.
How does it work ? It’s so simple and friendly. You just need to pay 6 Euros to access the event. An empty glass (not for long) is given to you. You will keep it with you even when leaving the event. You walk through the aisles of the wine event and whenever you can see a wine that you would like to taste, you just need to ask and you are served directly by the grower himself.
Except tasting all kinds of wines (Be careful not to be drunk !) you will appreciate to discuss directly with growers and if you want, you can buy some bottles of wine. All wines you taste can be bought but at the end of the show, it happens that some wines are out of stock.
Where :
Espace Champerret (Paris 17th Arrondissement)
Metro Station “Porte de Champerret”
Bus lines : PC1, PC3, 84 and 92.
Parking extra charged
Access : 6 Euros per adult (Free for children less than 15 years old with an adult. No glass for children.)
Web site in French only : Salon du vin
Madeleine Church and Diseable people
Filed under: 08th Arrondissement, Madeleine Church, Opera House quarter
The Madeliene Church has gone to great expense and fanfare to make the church accessible to wheelchairs. Unfortunately, they overlooked the big step from the sidewalk up onto the church’s surrounding area. A simple ramp there would make the all the other improvements really pay off for handicap people on their own.
Paris International Agricultural Show
Filed under: 15th Arrondissement, Events and Exhibitions, Porte de Versailles
If you are interested in exploring all of agriculture’s richness and diversity mainly in France but also the rest of the world, don’t miss the Paris International Agricultural show (Salon International de l’Agriculture) which takes place from now to February 27th at the Parc des Expositions of Paris Porte de Versailles.
It is really a major event where you can see all kinds of animals including the biggest oxes and pigs, cows, sheeps,…
Even children love it !
Price to access :
12 Euros per adulte
6 Euros per child 6-12 years old
free if less than 6 years old
More info on http://www.salon-agriculture.com which is unfortunately in French only.
Chocolate bar at hotel du Cadran
Filed under: 07th Arrondissement, Du Cadran, Eiffel Tower quarter, Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs,...
I stayed at the Hotel du Cadran in the 7th district of Paris, close to the Eiffel tower in rue du Champ de Mars. I loved this hotel and would like to thank Carole who was so friendly and helpful.
Anyway, I just want to share with you something quite exceptional.
The hotel has a chocolate bar with all kinds of home made chocolates by a chocolate maker named Christophe Roussel. They also have macarrons and marshmallows.
I have tasted their peppermint chocolates and mint marshmallows. So great ! I eat them in the lounge with a hot chocolate and bought a box of mix to take back home.
10, Rue du Champ de Mars
75007 Paris
Tel : 33(0)1 40 62 67 00
http://www.cadranhotel.com
Note from Thierry :
Thanks for your post Katreen. I have found photos on their website that I have attached to your post + the exact address of the hotel du Cadran and its Chocolat Bar.
Hop-on hop-off buses, the best way to discover Paris
The hop-on hop-off buses are a must if you are spending only a few days in Paris and want to get as much in as possible.
The architecture in Paris is beautiful so keep your eyes open while driving or walking through the streets.
Great vibe in this city, a must see.
Christmas at the Cristal Champs Elysees Hotel
Filed under: 08th Arrondissement, Cristal Champs Elysees
For Christmas, we decided to go to Paris and have booked at the Cristal Champs Elysees hotel where we stayed 4 nights.
The Hotel is very nice and boasts a contemporary design. It is very clean and most of all the staff is very helpul, professional and assist you all the way.
It is highly central to the most prominent avenue in Paris, i.e. Champs Elysee. It is close to all amenities, i.e. restaurants, city highlights, designer shops etc.
We will definetely recommend it as it is good value for money.
Hotel Cristal Champs Elysees
9, rue Washington
75008 Paris
Tel : 33 (0)1 45 63 27 33
La Taverne de l’Olympia
Filed under: 09th Arrondissement, Opera House quarter, Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs,...
Facing the entrance of the artists of the Olympia music hall, we had a nice time dining at the Taverne de l’Olympia, 25 rue de Caumartin in the 9th district of Paris. 
It looks like a tavern or wine bar with its wooden bar, tables and chairs, exposed beams and large mirrors. Cuisine is simple but varied and mainly American and French. It was quite good for the price. Pleasant atmosphere, good music not too loud for dining and friendly waiter. I would recommend it.
Cabaret Le Paradis Latin
Already been to the Moulin Rouge and the Lido, we decided to try the Paradis Latin cabaret in the Latin quarter. We were very satisfied. Artists and Dancers of high level, show of great quality, good dinner. I would recommend.
Note from Thierry :
Dear Roger, thanks for your advice. I have added the lovely logo of the Paradis Latin to your post. To know more about it, access The Paradis Latin home page in English.
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