1) Why you want to visit and what you’ll do during your stay here, or
2) If you’ve already visited, why you already love it! We’d especially love to hear about your favorite neighborhoods and what restaurants, shops, or attractions make it so special.

We’ll select the most informative, well-written, and compelling entry and arrange a 5-night stay in one of our luxury apartments in Paris.

“Welcome2France” essay contest. Award: 5-night stay in Paris luxury apartment and publication in “Welcome2France” blog/newsletter. No entry fee. Deadline: July 15th, 2007. Send entry in Microsoft Word format to contest@welcome2france.com . Additional info: http://blog.welcome2france.com/contest/essay/

OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS: All entries must be completely original content, owned by you and not previously published either in print or on the web. Please include your full name, contact phone number and street address in your email submission. All entries must be received by 12:00am PST on July 15th, 2007. Note: the official time received will be determined by the email header. We will not be responsible for problems with delivery such as ISP downtime, server congestion/delay delivery, or connectivity problems. By submitting your work, you are granting Welcome2France, LLC the rights to edit, modify, or change this work, without exception. You also grant Welcome2France, LLC unlimited rights to publish, distribute, and use your work for any purpose whatsoever. The winner will be contacted by email prior to an official announcement, at which time their submission will be published and recognized in the company newsletter and on the website.

PRIZE/VALUE: One (1) winner will receive a five (5) night stay in one of Sponsor’s 1-bedroom apartments, or equivalent to under $200 Euros/night. Booking can be made no more than one (1) month in advance. Apartment selection will vary, based on season and availability and is at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. All booking/reservations must be made, and travel completed by July 31st, 2008.

WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: One (1) winner will be selected by Sponsor. The selection of the winning entry shall be within the sole discretion of Sponsor. The selected potential winner shall be notified on or about July 31st by phone, mail and/or email through the e-mail or telephone number that he or she provided in the entry form. If the selected potential winner fails to respond to Sponsor’s notification attempts within five (5) days after such notification is first attempted, is found to be ineligible and/or cannot or does not comply with these Official, Rules, such potential winner will forfeit the prize he or she otherwise might have received, and an alternate potential winner will be selected.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: This Sweepstakes is subject to these Official Rules and all federal, state and local laws (collectively, “Rules and Laws”). By entering Sweepstakes, entrants agree and acknowledge to be bound by the Rules and Laws, as well as the decisions of the Sponsor which are final and binding in all respects; to waive any rights to claim ambiguity with the Rules and Laws, and that Sweepstakes Entities shall have no responsibility or liability (including, but not limited to, liability for any property loss, damage, personal injury or death) in connection with: participation in this Sweepstakes; human error; incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information; acceptance/possession, use/misuse, and/or defects of the prize awarded herein; and/or any technical malfunctions of the telephone network, computer online system, computer dating mechanism, computer equipment, software, internet service provider; interruption or inability to access Sweepstakes or any Web Site or online service via the internet due to hardware or software compatibility problems; any damage to entrants (or any third person’s) computer and/or its contents related to or resulting from any part of this Sweepstakes; any lost/delayed data transmissions, omissions, interruptions, defects or any other errors or malfunctions, even if caused by the negligence of one of the Sweepstakes Entities. Entrants further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Sweepstakes Entities from any and all liability resulting or arising from the Sweepstakes, to release all rights to bring any claim, action or proceeding against the Sweepstakes Entities, and hereby acknowledge that said Sweepstakes Entities have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the prize, including express warranties provided exclusively by a prize supplier that are sent along with the prize.

INTEGRITY OF THE SWEEPSTAKES: Any person attempting to defraud or tamper with Sweepstakes will be prosecuted and is not eligible for the prize. In the event that the Sweepstakes is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority or if, for any reason, Sweepstakes is not capable of running as originally planned, Sweepstakes Entities reserve the right to discontinue or modify the Sweepstakes, or to disqualify participants residing in the affected geographic areas. In such event, the Sponsor shall conduct the drawing from all salvageable eligible entries, if any, and Sweepstakes Entities shall have no liability to any entrants who are disqualified due to such an action.

PRIVACY: Any personal information supplied by entrants to Welcome2France will not be sold or transfered. Additionally, by opting into specific offers from the Sweepstakes Entities, you agree to receive additional e-mail communications from those entities.

SWEEPSTAKES SPONSOR: The Sweepstakes Sponsor is Welcome2France, LLC, http://www.welcome2france.com

The Fall/Winter Paris Prêt-a-Porter Fashion Week is the most prominent trade event for the fashion industry, when Fall fashions are rolled-out as a season preview for the world’s biggest retail buyers who’re scrambling to place their orders for fashion, handbags, jewelry, shoes, hats and cosmetics. Unlike other large industry convention hall trade shows, Fashion Week is orchestrated citywide at some of Paris’ most prominent points of interest.

This year from February 25th to March 4th, top designers and fashion design students staged fashion extravaganzas ranging from the pinnacle of good taste to the surreal. Among the selected sites, were the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Musée de l’Homme, le Champs-Elysee, le Tour Montparnasse, place du Trocadéro, Théâtre du Châtelet, and La Sorbonne.

Winter Paris Fashion Week 2007 took place February 26 through March 4, and featured everyone who’s anyone in the designer world, including long-time Parisian favorites Chanel, Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Givenchy.

Ah, the drama! Aside from the expected eccentric styles and surreal shows, more than a few eyebrows raised when an animal rights protestor stormed the catwalk nude in response to this year’s apparent return to use of fur as a luxury material.

London designer Stella McCartney (daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney), then made headlines for her “fur-free” show, showcasing warm alternatives to fur, with models clad in taffetas, satins, knitwear and cashmere.

Emanuel Ungaro’s Peter Dundas got everyone ready to hit the discos with his collection designed to celebrate night-clubbing. Decked-out in plenty of bling and leather, the models strutted and slinked down the runway.

The most controversial show of the week had to be that of Viktor & Rolf. Dutch design partners Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, are renowned for elaborate, wildly-imaginative shows. This year, they invented awkward contraptions that the models had to balance delicately, which were fitted with lighting and music as a kind of “personal fashion show.” The designs were somewhat gothic, reminding one of the movie Van Helsing. The poor models were also required to were stylized wooden clogs, which clip-clopped loudly as they paraded carefully down the runway.

Expectedly, there were WWII and ancient war themes in many of the fashion collections this year, incorporating tall boots, leather, fur, fatigue green, body armor, medallions and epaulettes. Even Jean Paul Gaultier revealed models wearing Scottish tartans with stylized mohawks, as if going into battle.

Also during Fashion Week, the exclusive Paris boutique Colette, celebrated its 10th anniversary by inviting 10 art curators to spotlight a talent gallery-style on one of it’s walls. It was a fabulous way to show off it’s ultra-trendy collection of music CDs, shoes, handbags, branded water and accessories. The boutique is also renown for glamorous parties, art exhibits and dance classes, and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Paris.

Speaking of accessories, Nokia decided to unveil its Nokia 7373 Special Edition fashion phones by designer Giambattista Valli at Fashion Week, at the “Dress-your-Nokia-in-Giambattista Valli” Party. For the label-conscious, this is a must-have phone. Each one comes pre-loaded with a “behind the scenes” video for a glimpse into the life and inspiration of the designer, along with a selection of Valli graphics and the exclusive ring-tone, “Rhodium.”

Next year is sure to hold more fun and surprises. For sure, Paris in March is the place to be! To keep informed, visit the official Paris Fashion Week website at: http://www.modeaparis.com.

About the author: Mimi O’Connor is a contributing writer for Welcome2France a Paris Luxury Apartment Rental service. © 2007 All rights reserved.

The Jacquemart-Andre is a highly personal place, a grand town house (fairly plain on the street but wonderfully sumptuous within) built in the 1870’s and filled with art chosen by the discerning eyes of a married couple, Edouard Andre and his society painter wife, Nelie Jacquemart who traveled the world to select treasures for their home. From the moment that you set foot in the colonnaded entrance you will feel a part of their very rich world. It feels somewhat like the wonderful Frick Collection in New York City, terribly grand, terribly private and because it is smaller than museums that are built to house huge collections, it’s more accessible too.

Wandering through the gilded and imposing rooms you will enjoy both the fine art, and the ambience in equal measure. This is not a collection that a curator has selected to make a point about a given period or style. It’s an art collection presented from a completely personal point of view and it gives visitors a chance to view the art as it was seen by the collectors themselves and although the collection is very good and quite large it still doesn’t overwhelm.

The museum houses a solid representation of 18th century French paintings, furniture, decorative arts and Beauvais tapestries, along with Dutch and Flemish paintings.The marble Jardin d’Hiver or Winter Garden room with its elegant double staircase leads you upstairs where you feel that you have entered the owners’ private domain of smaller rooms filled with a collection of Italian treasures.In these more intimate quarters you’ll find one of the museum’s most famous paintings, St. George and the Dragon by Paolo Uccello (c. 1439-40) which spins a vividly fanciful science fiction tale of a fair maiden being saved by a knight on white horse who is spearing a huge green dragon.

The effect of a visit to the Jacquemart-Andre is that the visitor can imagine being transported to a wonderfully rich grandmother’s house, for the moment at least, entering that uniquely Parisian world that Proust would have known. Interestingly, Proust’s family in fact lived in an apartment at Number 45 rue de Courcelles just around the corner.

The Jacquemart Andre also presents special exhibits and events. From March 14 to August 26 2007 there will be a display of 100 Chinese masks from the 16th to 18th centuries intended for use in religious exorcisms. On a lighter note, there is the annual Easter Egg hunt for children on Easter Sunday. Linger on after your visit and opt for lunch or tea in the elegant former dining room under a ceiling fresco painted by Tiepolo. Don’t you wish every home had one? Open every day from 10 – 5. Make a visit, come away feeling a little more French.

About the author: Jo Burnett is a contributing writer for Welcome2France a Paris Vacation Rental service. © 2007 All rights reserved.

Primarily due to the language barrier, many French artists have trailed behind their American and Britain counterparts in both sales and reach. In order to reach a wider audience many French rock bands are abandoning their native language in order to reach the English-speaking music market. While many French nationals hold disdain for this trend, it’s the lure of gaining international exposure and tapping a larger fan base.

Adding to the identity issues plaguing French bands is the French radio quota system, which states that 40 percent of tracks played on the radio must be sung in French. Originating in the 1990s, these new requirements were a form of affirmative action meant to preserve a sense of musical nationalism and help offset what was deemed the unfair advantage of the marketing machine of the English-speaking market. This leaves French artists struggling with the difficult decision of targeting a larger audience or taking advantage of the enacted quota requirements. In an attempt to take advantage of both outlets, rather than limiting themselves to one specific language, some French artists have opted to release discs that incorporate both French and English sometimes going so far as releasing singles in both languages. While the French music scene has always faced difficulties expanding their reach, in the last 10 years French and French-speaking artists have gained in popularity worldwide.

For those interested in discovering the next great French band, grab the latest issue of the Pariscope weekly and check the listings to see what bands are playing around town. If none of the listings strikes a chord, simply venture up to the 11th arrondissement with it’s plethora of hip boutiques, local restaurants and dive bars. Staring on Rue Oberkampf, venture into the popular Café Charbon (109 Rue Oberkampf) as well the club’s discreet basement venue Nouveau Casino, which is known for featuring some of the most edgy bands France has to offer. However, the entrance is hidden and only reachable through an unmarked door at the back of the Charbon. Le Pop In (105 Rue Amelot) is a popular dance club among locals, complete with cheap booze, great DJs, and no entrance fee. There are also a number of other up and coming clubs in the immediate area that cater to the trendy French hipsters. Simply wander a few blocks along Rue Oberkampf, Rue St. Maur, and Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud and on the right night you might just discover the next great French indie-rock band.

Some of the more interesting bands to hit the music scene of late:

Phoenix – Hailing from the Parisian suburb of Versailles towards the end of the 90’s, Phoenix gained notoriety while performing as a backing band for the hugely popular band Air’s “Kelly Watch the Stars” single. They quickly followed with the album “United,” which became an underground hit. Their latest album “It’s Never Been Like That” has all the makings for refined, slick French indie-rock. According to Stylus magazine, “Phoenix have shown us once again that much of the best “American” radio-friendly pop music is being made in places where the Euro, soccer, and litre rule over the dollar, football, and gallon.” Definitely a band to catch if they’ve got any local shows lined-up.

The Prototypes – The Prototypes are a fun and energy-driven electro-pop band from Paris. Singing exclusively in French, the band produces a collage of genre-blending sound incorporating indie-rock, electro-pop and classic R&B all with a with a fun “punky” edge! Their song “”Je ne te connais pas” sounds like an over-driven 1960’s beach party. This band is planning a North American tour in 2007, but if you happen to be in Paris when they are on a hiatus, definitely check these guys out!

A.S Dragon – Something like a hybrid of early New Wave Blondie and Glam-era Bowie, and 1960 soul, A.S Dragon has gained a world-wide following for their catchy pop songs and energetic lives shows. Fronted by Natacha Le Jeune who sings in both French and English, this is definitely a band to keep your eye on.

Air – By now most of Generation X knows of this aptly named band called Air. This French-based electro-pop duo has long been fixture in both France and the world. With lustrous, dreamy song arrangements characterized by the use of Vocoder, Fender Rhodes and Moog synthesizers, Air has attracted fans director Sofia Coppola (who used the bands music in 3 of her films) with breezy, melodic pop that incorporates the best of trip-hop, and electro. This is a hard band to see at a small venue, but definitely keep your eyes open for a sighting.

Camille

About the author: C. Jason is a contributing writer for Welcome2France a Paris Apartment Rental service. © 2007 All rights reserved.

The Paris Métro system is among the best in the world and it shouldn’t take you long to get aquainted with it’s operations. Constructed in 1900 by engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe and architect Hector Guimard, the French Métro covers over 124 miles with 368 stations and 15 lines. Servicing over 6 million residents and tourists every day, the Métro was designed to be an efficient and reliable alternative to the congestion of traffic. Every building in Paris is less than 500 meters from a train station, so accessability is never a problem. The 15 Métro lines are identified by their final destinations, simply select the appropriate line and take it in the direction you want. The Métro station are well marked, and there are ticket booths at most entrances.

If you are in town for only a few days, it may make more sense to buy a carnet (packet) of 10 tickets. However depending on the length of your stay you can opt for a carte orange, an unlimited weekly pass. By filling out a simple form and taking a photo you will recieve a card that allows you to ride the system within a specified zone from Monday through Sunday. Prices depend on the zones covered. As with other cities, proof of payment is required on all trains. Failure to provide a valid ticket will result in an instant fine of €35, payable in cash on the spot. Needless to say, keep your ticket with you at all times until you depart the system.

Foreign travelers can also purchase special passes called Paris Visites, which are valid for unlimited use on the entire RATP network. Paris Visites can be purchased online before your departure to France and offer the option of 1-5 days of unlimited travel. In addition to Métro transportation, these passes offer up to a 30% discount on other modes of transportation and other select attractions. Another advantage of the Visites pass is that they can be used either for destinations within the city limits, or for trips to areas outside of Paris.

The Paris Métro trains run from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., at which point travelers exploring the city’s night life turn to the Noctilien late night bus service. The Noctilien runs 7-days a week, between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., with expanded service on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Individual tickets can be purchased once you board, however additional passes like the Carte Orange and Paris Visite are honored as well.

Outside of Paris, the RER is the regional transit system and can be used within city imits with metro ticket. RER stop are only given when no metro is earby. The bus system is also an excellent way to get around but it is a it more complicated to navigate. Each bus stop lists the bus lines that it services and their corresponding routes.

About the author: C. Jason is a contributing writer for Welcome2France a Paris Apartment Rental service. © 2007 All rights reserved.