Sunday, December 11, 2011

Paris B&Bs available in the New Year

Needing a place to stay when the clock strikes 2012?? Here's a quick list of our availabilities for the New Year in Paris. Click le photo!!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

A Paris City Guide for the Mobile Generation

Do yourself a favour and join Unlike.CityGuides - it really is unlike any other city guide!

Its a definitive City Guide for the Mobile Generation and the point at which where visitors become locals! We absolutely love love LOVE it and feel confident and excited to got to Paris now, breaking those touristy barriers and mingling and mixing in the ultimate, hippest most sophisticated places known only to those who live there. Unlike is where insiders go to ramp-up their game and where outsiders go to be in-the-know. We love love LOVE it and we're recommending it to all our guests and friends!



Unlike communicates the juicy je ne sais quoi that makes a city special. They deliver slick, sophisticated virtual tours through the cultural landscape, taking in parks, art galleries, concert venues, dance halls, eateries, museums, bars and clubs. In Paris of course but also London, Barcelona, Berlin to Amsterdam!

Unlike hits the proverbial nail on the head so that you can explore far-reaching locales in real-time.
With a worldwide network of experienced writers providing invaluable local knowledge to help you plan your trip in style. Only the most select locations make the cut, so rest assured you’re browsing the very best the cities have to offer.

There is a FREE app and an ipad magazine too! Have a look ...



 www.petiteparis.com.au

Friday, December 9, 2011

Street Hallucinations in Paris

Ive just spend most of my day, not working as I should be, but browsing 'My Little Paris' blog that I really really shouldn't have!! Because now I'm obsessed and have just added 20 new things to see and do to my already crammed Paris itinerary!

FULL of the BEST Paris facts and finds we have come across to date, we particularly love the Cultural section with articles on the latest happenings around paris in the world of creative arts! 

So I thought I'd share what I discovered - because in a world dominated by technology, mobile phone, computers, ipads and what else...we all could do with some more child-like creativity and frivolity in our lives....to remember that a simple walk in the park, in the city, a bike ride or stroll can open our minds and imaginations if we let it, to unusual and magical images!!

Street Hallucinations: Local artist in Paris, Sandrine, turns ordinary street objects in the streets of Paris into quirky artworks of things and images only her magical eye can see. We love her because her philosophy is simple and sweet "When you are a kid, you spend hours laying down in the grass seeing/visualizing amazing things in the clouds. Well, I have decided this should never stop"...

Have a look at her blog and galleries - click here 











You can send Sandrine photo graphs of your ordinary shots and wait to see what she sees!!

That's all :) ps I know what Im gonna do tomorrow...go outside and play!!


Bonne nuit xx

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Paris in December! Whats on!


Christmas Markets!
(contact us for more markets near your B&B neighbourhood)
 
TIP: Check the local free Paris guides (sold at newsstands) for exact open dates - as these are subject to change. Markets are generally closed Christmas Day too!

 
  1. La Défense - With 350 stands, the largest and most festive Christmas markets (fave) in the surreal setting of high-rise buildings. 

Open: November 23rd - December 27th, 2011. 
Metro: La Defense

 
 2. Christmas Market and Ice Rink at Trocadero -  Over 120 stands peddling Christmas goods, an ice-skating rink and "snow villages". This one's ideal for the kids. 
Open: Daily December 8th - January 2nd, 2012. 
Metro: Trocadero


 3. Christmas Market and Santa's Village at Saint-Sulpice
Open: daily December 1st - December 24th, 2011. 
Location: Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris 6th arrondissement 
Metro: Saint-Sulpice

4. Place des Abbesses - nestled in the heart of the quaint Montmartre neighborhood.

Open: daily in December. 
Location: Place des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
   
Whats Open Christmas Day?
1. La Tour Eiffel
2. Curiosite et Magic!
Click here
3. Centre Pomidou Museum! (Modern Art) Click here
4. Salvador Dali Museum (Montmartre) Click here


 
5. All 3 ice rinks - Hotel de Ville, Montparnasse, Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand. click here


 6. The Grand Roue Ferris Wheel.


 7 Parisian Cemetaries - Pere Lachaise, Montparnasse, Montmartre. Click here



8. Many shops on the Champs Elysees
9. Many shops and cafes around Rue des Rosiers in the Marais should be open as usual on Christmas Day


10. Movie Theatres - find the English-Language ('VO') films without French dubbing ('VF') along the Champs Elysees and the Forum Les Halles and all of the MK2 cinemas.
 
TIP: Get a copy of Pariscope at any newsstand - for a Whats On guide to Paris. On sale every Wednesday!


 
Christmas Shows in Paris!

1. Moulin Rouge. Click here

2. Opera de Paris. Click here for sessions
3. Lapin Agile. click here


Restaurants Open Christmas Day!

Well known Brasseries (such as those run by Brasseries Flo and Freres Blanc) and restaurants remain open for Christmas Day. Such as La Coupole, Julien, Le Vaudeville, Bofinger, Le Boeuf sur le Toit.
 

Refer to this great new blog we have just discovered for a complete list of open restaurants for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! PARIS BY MOUTH


Christmas Lights Tour!

 Many of our B&B hosts offer guided tours (by car) of the spectacular christmas light show 'Paris by Night'! Enquire for booking details: info@petitepr.com.au

  • Christmas Decor at Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Bercy Village Christmas lights (12th arrondissement)
  • Champs Elysees Christmas Lights and decor (8th arrondissement)
  • Avenue Montaigne lights (8th arrondissement)
  • Place Vendome (1st arrondissement)
  • Disneyland Paris - a great way to spend Christmas with the kids!  

Christmas Eve!
If a more traditional Christmas appeals, the archbishop of Paris will officiate at the midnight mass at Notre Dame Cathedral. There is a 6pm mass for the kids too! TIP: Arrive Early! Metro: Notre Dame de Lorette Other midnight mass locations:

  • Sacre Coeur Basilica Midnight Mass and mass at 7pm! Address: Parvis du Sacré Coeur, Paris 18th. Metro: Anvers  
  • Midnight Mass at Eglise de la Madaleine and Nativity - doors open 9.30  Address: 1, place de la Madeleine, Paris 8th Metro: Madeleine/RER: Auber
Wishing you all a
wonderful and safe
festive season!

2thousand & heaven - our top 5 Paris B&Bs

Bonjour friends! As this year hurls itself uncontrollably to an end; we're reflecting back and have decided 2011should be changed to 2 thousand and heaven - it was a our first full year of operation and a huge success and it definitely felt like a little bit of heaven!

But even more so im sure, for those guests who actaully WENT to Paris!  And so as rated by our wonderful guests here are the top 5 B&Bs in Paris for the year from Petite Paris!! p.s you may start to notice a certain theme..

Number 5: B&B342 (View this B&B here) Located in the Denfert-Rochereau district (14eme)
What did guests say they loved about this B&B? The genuine and magnificent hosts Dom and Erik, who included them in their family life and went above and beyond the expected levels of service such as accompanying guests to pick up hire cars to assist with langauge barriers, offering afternoon teas everyday!. Guests also loved the quaint arty feel of the B&B and all the art books available and ALL of them boasted about the super comfy bed and quality linens and pillows. Funnily, even though guests are given their own ensuite living area next to their bedroom EVERY SINGLE guest said they preferred to spend time together with Dom and Erik in their own family living area - never for a moment feeling uneasy or unwelcome!
We think this is a fabulous testimony to the intimacy we promise our guests for an authentic Parisian life in Paris when they stay at one of our B&Bs!


Number 4: B&B84 (View the B&B here) Located in Montmartre (18eme)
Whats so great about having your own private self contained apartment thats full of creative and arty decor, a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom all set in Montmartre the artistic romantic village of old world Paris?? Um.... how about Herve the host who left our guests little daily messages and gifts of chocolates and other delicacies around the apartment as a surprise for when they returned to the apartment each day, or sat with them for lovely afternoon chats showing off his very charming and humorous character and offering lots of tips and advice on what to see and whats on! But thats just what our guests said... :)


Number 3: B&B371 (View the B&B here) Located in the 17eme
We think Gypsy, the gorgeous little terrier that lives at this B&B with your host Monique is reason enough to love this B&B! But our guests have said other things (as well as Gyspy) made this B&B fantastic! Moniques delightful nature, and her attentive hospitality ensuring guests were all comfortable always, the diverse breakys - always something new and delicious each day, the terraces with the views of the eiffel were a welcome each day, the location and having so many restaurants, cafes, laundromats and other necessities within walking distance. oh and many many comments on the cleanliness of the B&B!


Number 2: B&B241 (View the B&B here) Located in the Island Saint Louis (4eme)
Yet again the highlight of this B&B was first up: Carol the host! We recieved so many reviews absolutely RAVING, BOASTING about Carols friendliness, welcoming nature, her advice and the time and attention she gave to the needs of each of our guests! On top of this, how immaculately presented the apartment and B&B was with carol's little touches that made all the difference such as daily flowers in guests rooms, chocolate gifts etc. Our guests ALL said they felt like long lost friends of Carols, not merely paying guests and many have remained in contact with her. Carols knowledge of Paris was also regularly commented on finally breakfast was a standout too! Fresh platters served professionally and music playing in the background. Some guests shared the apartment with other guests and all commented on how they loved starting each morning with a delicious breaky with other couples (new friends) at Carols home!

   

WINNER: B&B368 (View it here) In the famous triange Madaleine, Concorde, Opera (9eme)
An the winner is Chantal and Joe!!!! Inundated with nothing but love and appreciation for this amazing couple who our guests love so much they are requesting return bookings a year in advance. Not kidding! When we book this B&B we are so excited for the guests knowing they have booked a winner!
Here's what the last guests had to say:

   

"Chantal was a friendly, helpful host who went out of her way for us – breakfast was exceptional and she found gluten free products for my wife and recommended restaurants. The room was as comfortable as the 5 star hotels we’ve stayed in. Clean, bright and the perfect base to see Paris from. We chatted with Chantal over tea and she gave us excellent directions, suggested a music recital at the Madeleine Church which proved a most memorable experience of our holiday. We were looking to have a more personal connection with Paris and the Parisian way of life and we very very satisfied on both counts”

and

“The accommodation was perfect, clean and bright. But the reason it was so special was Chantal. She was a great host, always thinking of what we needed and suggesting how to get around and offering great advise. I would 100% recommend this BnB and would only ever stay here on our return.
We thoroughly enjoyed breakfast, there was always an huge choice of bread and pastries and Chantal paid particular notice of my daughters choices to ensure that they were always there again the next day”.

So there you have it. The top 5 from Petite Paris B&B.  What makes us so special and unique is that we deliver what we promise! - a B&B service thats personable that allows guests to meet locals, make friends, experience authentic Parisian life and to feel welcomed and looked after by our amazing, friendly and professional hosts in an inclusive intimate setting! The apartments are all great of course, but its the meeting of new people and friends that make for a truly memorable experience - and thats true of any travel adventure!

We hope to have many more B&Bs added to our roster in 2012! Stay tuned! xx

Thursday, December 1, 2011

B&Bs in Paris for Xmas and NYE

The final eleven for 2thousand and heaven!

Here are the last 11 choices for a quaint home in Paris this Christmas and NYE. If you know anyone traveeling to Paris then please pass this information on to them.

Click this image to view them!

December (Christmas) in Paris

If you don't follow us on facebook or twitter..then just letting you (the bloggers) know that our December newsletter is out. Of course its a Christmas issue. 

Very useful if your travelling to Paris this Christmas...with information on the various Christmas Markets around Paris, Whats open on Christmas Day, restaurants open Christmas Days, best spots to see the magical christmas lights, where to go for midnight mass and more. plus of course our usual Paris tips and tricks! Click here to see it! Enjoy.