The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower may easily be identified with Paris and to tourists, it has often been considered as one of Paris’ most romantic locations but in reality, it is actually one of Paris’ most crowded areas and is not conducive for a quiet, intimate time with your date.

The greenery and parks that surround the Eiffel Tower are ideal for a pack of tourists to go to; however, if you aim to make Valentines magical for your date, reserve a table for two either in 58 Tour Eiffel or Jules Verne restaurant, both located from within the Eiffel Tower.

Place de la Concorde

Old buildings, fountains, and a grand obelisk abound Place de la Concorde but for those who haven’t checked their history books lately, the entire stretch was where 2, 800 nobles and supporters of the king, including Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, were guillotined to death. This park is everything, but romantic!

You can’t be blamed for thinking Place de la Concorde is romantic– after all, located close by is the Tuileries Garden which offers a pleasant view. Place de la Concorde is also where you can find cafes and restaurants, so if you do plan to spend Valentines here, just make sure to skip the Obelisk, the fountain and the US Embassy and march straight into a restaurant.

Catacombs

Believe it or not, people actually go to the catacombs during Valentines, and while this may be romantic to some, the thought of spending a date in a place where people of yore were buried is scary, to say the least. However, if you “normally” celebrate Valentines the same way you would celebrate Halloween, go for a change of scenery and visit the Museum of Vampires instead in Les Lilas, a few minutes outside of Paris.

The place offers an unusual experience for couples who enjoy the macabre, but unlike the catacombs, the Museum of Vampires is actually an enchanting place to be in. It may not look like a fancy restaurant, but the experience definitely beats going to the usual cafe.

Sweet French Chocolates

For starters, you could buy 10 bars of French-made chocolates usually prices at 2 Euros apiece. Chocolates from France are highly in-demand but what makes them ideal as souvenirs is their taste, rarity (especially if they are not sold outside of France), and their timelessness. Unfortunately, choclates are perishables and it may not be wise to buy them weeks or months before you leave Paris.

If you’ve got more than 20 Euros to spare, try confectionaries such as Cacao et Chocolat or head down to Le Bon Marche or Fanprix and grab a few chocolates you’ve never found in departments stores in your country.

Plates and Cutlery with French Design

Every cafe ni Paris never fails to enchant visitors with their outstanding interior and delicious food, pleasant service and unique silver- and glassware. It has become quite a practice for French restaurateurs to use custom-made utensils and plates when serving food. If you want to take these uniquely-designed pieces home (don’t take them from restaurants!), you can buy Parisian-style plates, cips and restaurants glass-ware for 2-4 EUROS apiece.

Paintings or Drawings

In Mortmartre’s Place due Tertre, you can find French artists who sell hand-made crafts, drawings and paintings for a small price. Buying paintings and drawings from these independent artists is also a good way to support Paris’ homegrown talents. For a painting of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower or the Seine, you will need to pay around 15 Euros but it all depends or the paintings and the artist.

Shipping the painting may be another concern which you have to address. Artists wrap their paintings in lightweight, brown paper but if you plan to take these paintings home, you may need to buy a box separately from department stores.

Wines and Spirits

There are so many stores and shops in Paris where you can buy wines and spirits exclusively sold in Paris. Make your way to Gallerie Lafayette to choose from a wide selection of liquids and bottle them yourself as they pour out from oak casts.

Part of the charm of the experience is choosing from the vast selection of wines, vinegars, beverages, cocktails and oils and choosing a unique bottle to encase them in. There are 70 bottles to choose from and a small container may go from 10-20 EUR.

Other common picks in Paris includes Mini Eiffel Towers sold for 2 Euros apiece by vendors located in front of the Eiffel tower, stylish clothing pieces from Galleries Lafayette that cost as low as 10 EUR and other goodies from Le Bon Marche.

Paris is full of a never-ending panoply of special exhibitions at museums and galleries, plus lots of events that occur annually. You can see a full list of exhibitions and events in the Welcome2France newsletter. If you’re visiting Paris in May, it’s your last chance to see some of these special shows and events:

May 6 – 16

Bastille Antiques Fair

Place de la Bastille, Metro Bastille

€8

Ending May 8

Tribute to Jerome Robbins

Palais Garnier

Intersection of rues Scribe and Auber, Metro Opéra

€6 – 54

May 8 – 9

French Wine Fair (Salon de la Revue du Vin de France)

Palais Brongniart

Place de la Bourse, rue Notre Dame des Victoires, Metro Bourse Grands Boulevards

Various prices.

On May 15

Nuit des Musées

Many museums open 7pm to 1am.

Entrance free at participating museums.

May 22 – 24

Capitol Nature, A Work Poetic and Exhilarating

The Champs Elysées is transformed into three acres of trees and crops.

Entrance free, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Rond Point

May 16 – 30

Saint Germain Jazz Festival

Various locations.

Prices vary by artist.

Ending May 24

Turner and the Old Masters

Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais

3, avenue du Général Eisenhower, Metro Champs Elysées Clemenceau or Franklin Roosevelt

€11 (closed Tuesdays)

Ending May 24

Holy Russia: Russian Art through Peter the Great

Musée du Louvre, Metro Musée du Louvre or Louvre Rivoli

€9 (closed Tuesdays)

No matter where you are, there are sure to be several options for your baguette of choice. I first look to see if any of the local boulangeries (those are the stores that sell bread, plus usually some small sandwiches and pastries) have the word “Artisan” on the door or awning. To be an artisanal bakery, they have to make the bread on the premises, always a good sign.

Now I’ve learned from a good friend in Paris to ask for, “Une baguette tradition, s’il vous plait,” rather than the usual baguette ordinaire. The tradi, as the French call it, is made only with wheat flour, water, salt and yeast; no additives are allowed – by law. It has a bit coarser texture and better flavor, they say. A baguette tradition usually costs a bit more than the ordinaire – around €1.20.

You sometimes hear Parisians ordering their baguettes, “bien cuite,” well-baked, or “pas trop cuite,” not too done. So many choices!

But one of the joys of exploring the neighborhood is that you might just find yourself eating something you hadn’t counted on. On my last stay in Paris, walking home from Opéra, I stumbled into Boulangerie Eric Kayser, one of eight boulangeries of that name in Paris. In the racks was the most intriguing of breads, a baguette covered in seeds, dark and light — millet, sesame, sunflower. Noting the sign, I asked for “une baguette céréale, s’il vous plait.” I got it home and fell in love.

When I broke it open (I never cut baguettes unless I’m planning to toast the pieces), the interior was a warm honey brown, with a distinctive flavor I can’t describe…except to say I wanted more. For the next few days, I did everything I could to walk by Eric Kayser on the way home for another pain aux cérérales. Lucky for all of us, there are several Eric Kayser locations where you can buy them in the city.

Where should you choose to stay when you’re looking for an apartment rental in Paris? There are plenty of choices beyond the obvious, and because the Paris Metro and bus systems are so easy to navigate, you can get just about anywhere quickly.

For several years, I booked my stays in the Marais, an old section of Paris that wasn’t torn down during the Haussmann years. It’s filled with small restaurants, edgy boutiques and several off-the-beaten path museums – plus it’s within walking distance of the Louvre.

But now I’ve grown to love exploring other arrondisements as well. The further away from the tourist center you go, the more you get that true neighborhood feeling, where you can walk to the bakery in the next block to pick up your morning’s baguette, and stop at the local caviste on the way home to choose a bottle of wine.

Paris, as you can clearly see from our map, is divided into 20 arrondisements, each with its own flavor. These areas are arranged like a snail, beginning with the lst on the right (northern) bank of the Seine. Here are a few areas that you might want to consider:

lst: The Louvre, Palais Royale, the Tuileries gardens and Les Halles are all located here. This is the prime tourist area of Paris, and yet you can still find quiet neighborhoods.

2nd: North of the first, this is often thought of as a business area. The Bourse, the Paris stock market, is found here. Your apartment would likely be within walking distance of rue Montorgeuil, one of the most vibrant of the Paris market streets, where you can buy lush fruits and vegetables, artisanal chocolates, fresh fish and just-roasted chickens off the spit. Many centuries-old cooking supply shops are nearby too, so staying in the second can be heaven for foodies.

3rd and 4th: This is the Marais, where you’ll find lots of small shops and restaurants, plus the Shoah Memorial and Village Saint-Paul for antiques. The Ile St. Louis, a quiet enclave on an island in the Seine, is here, as is the Ile de la Cité with Notre Dame. If you like history, you’ll love this area.

5th: The Latin Quarter, on the Left Bank of the Seine, is known for the Sorbonne and student hangouts, but many stylish restaurants are springing up here. Rue Mouffetard is a well-known food shopping street. The Jardin des Plantes – one of my favorite gardens in Paris—and the Institut du Monde Arabe are also in the 5th.

6th: Saint-Germain on the Left Bank is where you find lots of shopping and dining, including some of the most famous cafés like Les Deux Magots. The magnificent St. Sulpice church is here, and the beautiful Jardins du Luxembourg.

7th: This is an upscale residential area on the Left Bank which also features the Eiffel Tower, the Musée D’Orsay, the Invalides and the Rodin museum. The exquisite shopping street rue Cler runs through the 7th. Many Americans choose this area for their apartments – but that also means you’ll hear a lot of English spoken on the streets.

8th: This is a beautiful area which has the Arc de Triomphe, the Madeleine, much of the Champs Elysées and the small but exquisite Parc Monceau…and some of the city’s most exclusive shopping.

9th: In the lower ninth are the Opéra, and the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores, so if you’re a shopper, this might be your area. At its northern edge you get into the more exotic Pigalle section of Montmartre, although there are also lots of little shops and restaurants to enjoy.

10th: Canal St. Martin runs through the 10th. Once the location of tanneries and dye shops, it’s now an artsy area with small shops and restaurants.

11th: The Bastille opera house is here, surrounded by many small shops and places to eat. The Sunday open-air Bastille markets bustles with all kinds of shopping and foods to take home, and the Marché Aligre, a covered market, is open every day.

14th – 15th: These Left Bank arrondisements are less visited by tourists, except for Montparnasse in the 14th. There’s a high-quality Sunday street art market there, right near the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation with its photo exhibits. And this is definitely the place for delicious Breton crepes. Some people say the Porte de Vanves weekend antiques street market is the best in Paris.

16th: If you want upscale residential living, this is your arrondisement. Specialty food shops abound. The 16th also contains the Musée Marmottan, the Palais de Tokyo and the Baccarat Museum, and it borders the huge Bois de Boulogne with its Longchamp horse-racing course.

17th: A mostly residential area of diverse neighborhoods, the 17th is within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. There are many small neighborhood restaurants  — some quite excellent – to discover. The rue Poncelet street markets and the Ternes covered market provide you with tempting tastes almost every day.

18th: Montmartre is the section of Paris that feels most like a village, with beautiful apartments, many fashionable small shops and a great food street. Unlike most of the city, it has steep hills, and you can enjoy magnificent views from the church of Sacre Coeur.

October 3rd, 2009 will mark the 8th edition of this cultural exhibition, as some of Paris’ most interesting art, musical and theatre-performance groups put on special performances throughout the night. The three focal points for the event in 2009 will be the areas of Buttes-Chaumont, Chatelet-Marais and the Quartier Latin.

Events will include musical performances (from classical to hip-hop), art installations from sculpture to photography, projections, fighter planes, abstract art, watercolor, video installations, crystal sculpture, mixed media, musical and light installations, and much more.

In yet a further extension of this celebration, the cultural event also extends to ten neighboring cities and numerous cities throughout Europe and beyond. “Nuit Blanche” literally translates to “White Night,” but it has a secondary meaning in French for “All-Nighter.”

Although its origination is claimed by three different cities (Paris, St. Petersburg and Berlin), the indisputable fact is that, since 1997, the cultural celebration has spread to many cities, which have each given it a name in the local language. In Italy, it’s “La Notte Bianca,” in Spain “La Noche en Blanco,” “Lejl Imdawwal” in Maltese, among many others. (It’s also taken other forms, such as “White Linen Night” in New Orleans, an all-night art celebration that takes place during mid-summer.)

In addition to official events, there are countless (literally hundreds) of spots throughout the city with special things to see and do. Galleries, museums, even swimming pools: the list is endless and admission is generally free to the public.

Some tips on getting around

This is October in Paris, which can mean chilly weather and unexpected showers. Dress warmly, and bring that all-important rain poncho and umbrella. (We recommend bringing along a compact travel umbrella. If you’re going to be taking pictures, this often will slip right into a camera or shoulder bag.)

Understand that Nuit Blanche is a popular citywide event, which means lots of people out and about. Although crime in Paris is rare, as always when traveling, keep a sensible eye on your belongings, any special documentation or traveler’s checks in an inside-clothing travel pouch.

Watch the time! Unless you’re somewhere that’s easy to reach by cab, understand the Métro closes at 2 AM, which may mean you have to leave a lot sooner if you need to make more than one connection. It does reopen again at 5:30 AM, if you’re feeling truly adventurous. Be aware it may be packed toward the later part of the night.

You can download the full schedule of events and map here:
http://goparis.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=goparis&cdn=travel&tm=115&f=21&su=p284.9.336.ip_p531.50.336.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.nuitblanche2009.com/les-buttes-chaumont.html%231

Here’s a full summary:
http://goparis.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=goparis&cdn=travel&tm=117&f=21&su=p284.9.336.ip_p531.50.336.ip_&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.nuitblanche2009.com/img/editor/file/PressPack_Nuit%2520Blanche_%25202009.pdf

As always, in addition to the above keep a good Paris walking map on you, such as “Paris Pratique” (available at most Tabac and news agents).

On the other hand, it is one of Paris’ most trendy streets today, due in large part to its plentiful assortment of famous restaurants, cafés, cheese shops, organic groceries, wine shops, fish stores, flower stores and nearby cultural centers. As a result, the Montorgueil has become an “in” spot to “see and be seen” while doing one’s shopping in a social setting with firm roots in Paris’ history.

But where is the rue Montorgueil exactly?

Located in the middle of the very-central 2nd district, the Montorgueil has a close proximity to some of Paris’ most sought-after attractions. The Louvre museum is about 1.5 miles away, and the über-trendy Marais neighborhood is even closer, less than a mile.

There are several attractions even closer. Located at the southern end of the street are the famous Saint-Eustache Church, the Museum of Contemporary Art (Beaubourg Museum in the Georges Pompidou Center) and Les Halles, Paris’ sprawling underground shopping mall. North of the street is the old Opera house and the area known as the Grands Boulevards, with stores such as Printemps and the venerated art deco establishment, Galeries Lafayette.

On the street itself, in addition to plentiful places to shop for organic and other food, is the one-and-only Maison Stohrer, one of the most revered pastry shops (patisseries) and caterers. Elaborate frescoes and carvings decorate the front and inside.

The 2nd district is also home to a number of shopping galleries from the 18th century, such as La Gallerie Vivienne, with its ornate mosaic floor and upscale wine, tea and book shops. Earthier is the Passage Choiseul, which has a rather more New York businesslike feel, as it serves many of those who work in the nearby treasury (Bourse). Other include the Passage du Grand-Cerf , Passage des Panoramas and Passages des Princes.

In the 2nd you’ll also find la Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and the Place des Victoires, the beautiful round ’square’ with an equestrian statue of King Louis the XIVth and XVIIth architecture all around.

And of course, not far away is the beautiful Seine, rue de Rivoli and Seine.

In difficult economic times, you probably need it more than ever. The burning question is, can you afford it?

If you come to Paris in February, the answer is a resounding Yes!

This is also a very magical time of year, so read on.

February is Paris’ low season, when all of Paris is on sale, from shopping, airfare to luxury Paris apartment rentals from trusted agencies like Welcome2France.com. So you can make that “dream vacation” to the City of Lights for much less pocket change than any other time of year.

What better way for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a trip to the world’s most romantic city? Shop-a-holics will find a veritable paradise of bargains, and art lovers have quite a lot to celebrate, too, as museums offer special exhibits on masters both modern and antique.

Singles will find a variety of fun events, as well. This is Paris! You’ll never be at a loss for things to do.

The low-season also means getting a better look at popular attractions such as the Notre Dame, and Eiffel Tower, as lines are lower than any other time of year.

Whether you want to have fun in a local skating rinks, or sit for hours in a toasty café with hot chocolate and espresso, February in Paris has a charm and an energy all its own, that no other time of year can capture. Unlike so many times of year, where crowds of tourists seem to flock everywhere you step, in February the city seems to exist for you and you alone. This is the Paris of Hemingway and Sartre, the Paris of locals, the Paris of deeper poetry.

Café-hop or stroll through the Latin Quarter or Saint Germain. Take a trip to Montmartre. Enjoy the many things to do during this month, all over the city.

Be sure to pack warm, as cold temperatures still linger, usually between 36 degrees and 38 degrees. Paris is a rainy city, and February is no exception, with around 1.5 inches of rain. There can be snow, too, so bring lots of warm sweater, scarves, mittens or gloves and a hat to cover your ears.

Also be sure to bring a sturdy umbrella that can hold up against gusts, and waterproof shoes with a good tread, as streets can be icy and slippery. You’ll probably want to steer well clear or high-heels or dress shows.

Remember the magic of sitting in warm cafés in February, so bring lots of good books and magazines.

Needless to say, shopping in Paris during February is a topic unto itself, with many opportunities to save on amazing brands. February is the tail-end of the winter sales season, with much merchandise the lowest it will ever be. We recommend a money pouch that goes under your clothes.

You may also wish to read more about Paris’ sales season. (Dates vary a little each year.)

We look forward to seeing you in Paris in February!

Welcome2France.com, one of Paris’ most established apartment rental agencies, presents a brief “Do’s and Don’ts” for those who would like a brief overview.

Do:

- Understand the importance of knowing some basic French phrases, and when to use them. (The answer to “when to use them” is “constantly”!) In etiquette-obsessed Paris, a few phrases go a very long way. Always say “bonjour” (“good day”) or “bonsoir” (“good evening”) when entering a café, restaurant, shop or other establishment. Say “merci” (thank you”) or “au revoir” (“goobye”) when leaving. Say “bonjour, excusez-moi” (“hello, excuse me”) before asking a question on the street. These phrases will work wonders. The ultimate phrase before asking a question may be “excusez-moi de vous deranger” (“excuse me for bothering you”), which will almost always illicit an overwhelmingly sympathetic and helpful response.

- Keep your ticket after entering the Métro. You may be asked for it by the Métro police as proof of payment. Don’t take it personally. This is the system. You can discard it after exiting the Métro at your final stop.

- Take the Métro at night, and enjoy walking around Paris at night. This is one of Europe’s safest metropolitan areas. Exercise normal caution, of course, but don’t be too afraid to have fun, either.

- Walk rather than cab. Seeing the little nooks and byways of Paris are half the fun! You may also consider taking the bus rather than the Métro, for the better view.

- Consider renting apartments in the 9th-18th districts. The 18th is the setting of the movie Amelie, and is considered by many to be one of Paris’ most charming area. Those who say “never rent above the 7th or 8th district” probably do not know Paris well. For example, an apartment in the 10th may be literally across the street from an apartment in the 2nd or 3rd, and will usually be much better priced because visitors don’t know the way Paris is laid out. Central Paris is arranged in a spiral, like a snail’s shell, so don’t go by “numbers alone.” Ask to see a Google map link. The question is, how far is it from what you want to see by Métro, or walk? Central Paris is quite small, and Métro can take whisk you practically anywhere in minutes. Saving money on an apartment rental in Paris means more money for delicious meals and other fun.

Don’t:

- Expect café or restaurant service to be on “U.S. time.” Things are likely to go at a much slower pace, so don’t be surprised or annoyed, as this is a cultural difference. In the U.S., everything is rated by its efficiency and speed. This is not the French way. The French way is slow and relaxed. Enjoy it.

- Be hurt if a smile isn’t returned. In many countries, a smile is used to show one means no harm, and to fail to return a smile is an insult. The Parisians have a frank, formal mentality, and believe a smile is used mainly between friends. They practice this with each other, just as they do with tourists. So while you may experience many lovely smiles, remember they often do this as a courtesy for tourists. If you don’t receive a smile back, remember the French way is simply different, and in time you can expect to see them surface. Remember: Much of the world is casual; Paris is formal.

- Don’t expect that, as a customer, you will always be right! This is a tough one for many American tourists. In the U.S., employee turnover is high compared to France, and in the U.S. efficiency is prized above all. As a result, U.S. management has been trained to always side with the customer. In France, where bonds between people are closer and more enduring, and jobs are typically held for years, managers may choose to side with the employee rather than the customer! Again, this is a cultural difference in a society that prizes quality of life above speed or efficiency. If you ever move to France permanently, this is a side of French life you may well come to treasure.

- Expect ice with drinks! As in much of Europe, ice cubes do not come in many drinks. You can ask for it, of course, (“glacons” are ice cubes), but be aware they may not always be available!

The main thing, of course, is to relax and enjoy Parisian life. The pace is slow, the people love formal (not casual) manners, and this is what makes Paris the unique place that it is!

And as one of Europe’s safest and most beautiful cities, it may be that little needs changing. So enjoy your trip and collect the many wonderful memories that are the hallmark of every trip to the City of Lights!