Monday, December 24, 2012

Joyeux Noel

Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From Petite Paris



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I'm leaving for Paris in 2 weeks


It's actually less than 2 weeks until I jet off to Paris but writing 'leaving for Paris in one week and 4 days' just didnt sound right, or cute. Or maybe it did!? Ha Well. One week and 4 days is certainly much more exciting!:)

As the year 2012 comes to an end, and I reflect back on the past 2 years I am thankful at how far Petite Paris has come and thankful to our guests, friends, fans and followers for constantly mirroring back the love, passion and dreams of Paris. We've gone from 30 B&B apartments, to 50, 60, 80 now 94...we've also begun DIY walking tours of Paris starting with the very beautiful neighbourhood of St-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter, which is featured in our website and in our Paris Guide Book. Oh yeah we Launched our first Paris Guide Book this year too! The Petite Paris City Guide eBook for iPads was a huge job and I loved every second of compiling it! You can purchase it here for $7.99. A PDF version is available for those who dont have an iPad!

But whats more exciting for me is what's to come! Looking forward I'm super excited about 2013 and all the new services and improvements that will be made to the website and service for you all! First of all, yes leaving for Paris, in one week and 4 days, is always cause for celebration and champagne countdowns every evening until take off. But this time rather than the whirlwind 1 or 2 week trip in and out so fast I can barely finish a croissant, I have decided to live in Paris for 3 delicious chocolate pastry vin cheese filled months! ... with the possibility of extending!! 

The focus of my trip will be firstly to live la vie francaise when I have time because the rest of the time will be spent inspecting ALL 94 apartments in one big hit PHEW exhausted already! ... including the new ones that my amazing Paris B&B partner has secured while I have been away, I'll be working more with the hosts and homeowners to refine and improve the service in any which way we can, adding links to each B&B to all local amenities (closest bank, atm, pharmacy, medical, post office etc) and of course to source more beautiful homes with my partner together. Already a huge job ahead but it's true what they say it's certainly not work when you love what you do!

I'll be pounding the pavement, discovering and creating the rest of our DIY walking tours for each neighbourhood.

I'll be working on the next updated edition of the Petite Paris City Guide eBook which will be launched at the end of March/early April. I'll be on the hunt for the best-of-the-best of everything once more. Indulgences in patisserie, boulangerie, fromagerie, restaurant and cafe tastings and testing. Visits to more and new interesting museums, attractions and secret places! Discovering new quiet corners and hidden gems of any kind. Shopping, spas and salons to be found, enjoying the theatre and concerts and of course spending much needed down time cocktail sipping at le bars et le clubs. It will be am AMAZING new edition! Being in the City exploring and recording as I go, taking a gazillion photos - what a dream!

What else, more promotions and competitions will be lined up with Paris based businesses and we're going to start offering rail passes on our website so you can purchase your pass/es before you;ve even left home. This includes Disnelyland and Versailles Passes too.

Well thats all pour maintent (for now). Must get back to my French lesson aarrg! One day I'll be fluent!

For now bidding you a Joyeux Noel et Bonne Anee everyone!! Merci Merci Merci for your loyal support, Im so grateful! - and dont forget contact moi anytime if you want to enquire about a Paris apartment for your trip in 2013. Did I mention we have 94? hehe my email: info@petitepr.com.au

Ok just one more sleep and its one week and 3 days! :) Can't wait! Au revoir mes amis

www.petiteparis.com.au

Monday, December 17, 2012

Paris Homes have a Ssssh Story to tell...

For your next Paris holiday, immerse yourself in a truly French experience with Petite Paris by staying in someone’s home. Unique, interesting and ‘real’ homes with stories to tell have made our charming Bed & Breakfast service an increasingly popular alternative to a hotel for Australians. 


Try these:

An 1850s mansion boasting 8m high ceilings, glass dining room, open terrace, decorated with worldly treasures from generations past and a Victorian bath-lounge. Bed & Breakfast #279 is Clara’s spectacular apartment in Paris often featured in magazine shoots and films.
Click here!



Built in 1859 by Gustav Eiffel at the same time as his Eiffel Tower and made of the same metallic materials this building is made up of different artists workshops and is included in guided tours of Paris. Tourists are always surprised by this strange construction. The façade of the building (of Bed & Breakfast 331) will be registered soon with the Historical Monuments in Paris, the artists studio then being considered as part of the Parisian patrimony. With a 6m high ceiling in a 200m2 loft over 2 levels, guests enjoy and an authentic atmosphere of the artists workshops from the end of the 19th Century and worldly treasures decorated throughout. Click here



Near the famous district of Montparnasse, located in a paved street dating from the 18th Century, where only residents are to be seen walking their dogs, B&B130 is an architectural haven. Architects are surprised by the interior of this residence composed on a reassembly of post-offices from the beginning of the century. Click here!
 



 Bed & Breakfast 310 is a bright loft of130m2 and has been completely designed by Anne-Claude, your host. It’s located inside what was once an old Parisian cinema studio now converted into apartments. Click here! 


 B&B 361 was built in the 18th Century. Sober without any particular architecture it hides a story and uncommon history. It was the property of the Abbesses of the Church Saint Jean de Montmartre on Abbesses Square, divided into 3 levels. The 1st floor was the living quarter of the community of the Abbesses, 2nd floor was the praying room and 3rd floor was for the dormitories of the abbesses. It has belonged in Alexander’s family for over 130 years. Click here! 


A private mansion built in 1890 on the old gardens of Tivoli; at the time the house of the courtesan. It was purchased by your hosts grandparents. Bed & Breakfast 295 boasts a 100m2 garden, charming traditional Parisian architecture, decor resembling the interior of French castles and family antique furniture. Click here! 

For more amazing B&B's... 94 more to be exact, visit our website www.petiteparis.com.au 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Petite Paris New Year Celebration!

Petite Paris
New Year Celebration!


Special B&B Promotions
pour vous!


Welcome 2013!



Dear Friends,
We have selected 5 of our BEST, highest rated Paris B&B Apartments for a special New Year Celebration.
Discounted rates on these Apartments (below) for stays in Paris in January, February and/or March 2013.


If you are off to the City of Lights to experience the magical Winter Wonderland, take advantage of these rates and contact us today for availability and booking on: info@petitepr.com.au


1. B&B368
FROM: 162euro per night  TO: 137EURO PER NIGHT (2 person)
* For Stays in Paris in January and February 2013
Arrondissement: 9th

See it on the website for full details, images and map - here



Features: Chantal and Joe offer you this B&B near the Opera/Madeleine areas and close to the Lafayette Galleries, Tuleries Gardens and Louvre. The apartment is located in a mansion with the guest room right at the entrance and separate to the hosts living area by a large space of 40m2 including dining, lounge, kitchen. You are offered a large queen size bedroom and private en-suite.
Click HERE to see this B&B in full detail on the website with images and location map.


2. B&B268
FROM: 220euro per night TO: 165EURO PER NIGHT (2 person, incl breakfasts)
* For stays in Paris in January and February 2013
Arrondissement: 3rd
See it on the Website for full details, images and map - here




Features:
One of our most beautiful and exclusive B&Bs in a stunning historic mansion. Genevieve is a very warm professional host who we receive nothing but rave reviews about. The  apartment is immaculate and breakfasts are Genevieve's specialties. Guests have their own suite/section with private entry, lounge, bed area with 2 beds that can be pushed into 1, a private bathroom and a large wrap around terrace accessible through your lounge. It is located in the trendy marais district.
Click HERE to see this B&B in full detail on the website with images and location map


3. B&B401
FROM: 180euro per night TO: 150EURO PER NIGHT (2 person, incl breakfasts)
For stays in Paris in January 2013
Arrondissement: 17th
See it on the website for full details, images and map - here



Features:
This is a fantastic and unique home built in 1870 and was first a convent  for Breton Nurses before being transformed into apartments in the 50s. Guests have their own apartment with private access to your own garden. Marc your host lives next door, always available and he is also a saxophone player who plays at the famous jazz clubs in the St Germain des Pres. Find a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, dining area and free wifi.
Click HERE to see this B&B in full detail on the website with images and location map


4. B&B241
FROM: 220euro per night TO: 175EURO PER NIGHT (2 person incl. breakfasts)
For stays in Paris in January to 15 March 2013
Arrondissement: 4th
See it on the website for full details, images and map - here



Features:
Located in the very centre of Paris, in the upscale Saint Louis Island in the middle of the seine (in between the left bank and the louvre, and the notre dame cathedral on the island de la cite). Carol is a wonderful host who can advise and help you whenever needed and serves wonderful breakfasts. Guest bedroom and private ensuite, free wifi.
Click HERE to see this B&B in full detail on the website with images and location map.


5. B&B359
FROM: 224euro per night TO: 175EURO PER NIGHT (2 person, incl breakfasts)
For stays in Paris in January to 15 March 2013
Arrondissement: 4th

See it on the website for full details, images and map - here



Features:
Situated on the exclusive Saint Louis Island literally in the middle of the seine. On one side of you is the popular 5th arrondissement (the St Germain des Pres area) on the other side of the Seine is the Marais area and the Louvre - and in front the 'Ile de la cite' with the Notre Dame Cathedral. The guest room has a double queen size bed and private ensuite. The entire apartment is beautifully decorated. Carol is a very warm and hospitable host who you will adore. She is English by origin and her specialty is breakfast. Carol is very professional and experienced in the B&B service and is discreet and respectful of your wishes for privacy and independence.
Click HERE to see this B&B in full detail on the website with images and location map.


joyeux noel et bonne annee!


See all 94 B&Bs on the website
www.petiteparis.com.au


For enquiries please contact Regina Ferreira at info@petitepr.com.au

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A New Year in Paris - 2013


Say bonjour to our Petite Paris highest rated, guests favourite B&B Apartment. 
B&B368 is ON SPECIAL! 
for Stays in Paris in January and February 2013
only 135euro per night for 2 people
reduced from 162euro. 
Ahem...how many free croissants is that??!.... :) 



Contact moi for availability/booking: info@petitepr.com.au
Click here for the online details of this B&B with description, full gallery, map etc 

Merci

Monday, December 3, 2012

English French Words

It’s incredible ("uncreaaabl") how many English words are actually French!! And every single one of them sounds so chic (oops there’s one) and glamorous!! Décor, couture, décolletage, negligee, deja vu, rendezvous, fiancé, boutique, bric-a-brac, encore...


 At this moment I am listening to my Michel Thomas audio – learning to speak French without any memorizing, writing, homework or even trying for that matter. It’s brilliant! No pressure to learn, just listening and ‘hearing’ what your listening to. Its amazing how it flows in and stays there – the next thing you know your constructing sentences in your head with so much ease it couldn’t possibly be normal. Its a practical and modern method of teaching. I highly recommend it!!

Most interesting is learning that the English language actually came from the French language. There are so many similarities that are so obvious but its getting our head around the fact that it’s really just pronunciations that are different (there are exceptions of course). A French man once said: “English is French…just badly pronounced” – this man me laugh!

So I am now flicking through my French dictionary and picked out all the english words that are actually French. We are so used to these words being part of the English language we don’t even recognize them as French…most of the time!


Adore
Ambience
Antique
Avenue
Ballet
Beau
Bikini
Biscuit
Bizarre
Blonde
Brunette
Bracelet
Budget (comes from Old French bougette (A little purse) – I love that!!!
Café
Canape
Chaffeur
Cliché
Connoisseur
Dessert
Elite
Encore
Fatigue
Fatal
Masseuse
Niche
Resume


And these are just the sounds that are clearly french. I found a stack more on Wikipedia. Now that I’m so fascinated in learning the origins of even simple words like 'table'! And the simple truth for me has been understanding that English comes from French – that's all! and with this simple ray light ... the key has finally turned! - I get it! Everything's so much easier and clearer to understand and then SPEAK. I’m almost French now LOL


Off to listen to recording 4 now!! Au revoir!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Special Paris B&B OFFER!!!

Bonsoir

A little PARIS CHRISTMAS gift for you!

Our Grand mansion in the trendy Marais is on Special for bookings in Paris from January 2013.

From 220euro per night (for 2 people) to 160euro per night!
A HUGE 60euro off the normal rate.



Enjoy an entire large guests suite in a private quarter of this luxurious historic mansion in the 3rd arrondissement, with your own private entry, large lounge room, bedroom, private ensuite, a wrap around L-shape 180degree terrace, free wifi, fresh traditional breakfasts daily. C'est Superb!


To see this B&B on our website with full details, photo gallery and map click here



www.petiteparis.com.au



Monday, November 26, 2012

Paris Epiceries

bonjourrrr. wishing you all a fresh fruity floral and fabulous monday...from la epicerie de la butte montmartre :)










Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Paris Apartments Available this Christmas


Apartments AVAILABLE
  this Christmas  

With Season Discounts

available from 12 dec 2012
 
For media enquiries please contact Regina Ferreira at Petite Pr on info@petitepr.com.au
 
1. B&B241
Carols historic mansion on the residential and exclusive Island Saint Louis.

Discount Christmas Special:
175euro p/night for 2 people (reduced from 224euro) includes traditional French breakfast daily.



Features: Guests private bedroom and ensuite, lounge room, free wifi. An incredible hospitable host, Carol who is a fountain of Paris knowledge.



Arrondissement: 4. Map
Read full description online
See more Photos
 


2. B&B415
Genevieve's gem, moments away from St Sulpice Christmas Markets, Luxembourg gardens and the beauiful St Germain-des-Pres.

Discount Christmas Special:
135euro p/night for 2 people (reduced from 145euro) includes traditional French breakfast daily.



Features: a large guest well furnished bedroom opening over a quiet courtyard, private bathroom, free wifi.



Arrondissement: 6 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos




3. Studio 88
An unhosted private oasis in the trendy Marais, next dor to Vanessa Paradis' apartment.

Discount Christmas Special:
135euro per night for 2 people (from 150euro).



Features: Courtyard entry, Queen bed, studio space with lounge, kitchenette, small bathroom and shower.



Arrondissement: 6 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos




4. B&B371
Moniques panoramic paris abode. 180 deree views from the Sacre Coeur to the Eiffel, this is a unique home.

Rate:
130euro per night for 2 people. Includes traditional French breakfast Daily.



Features: Guestroom with twin or double bed, lounge room access, elevator directly open in to the apartment, shared bathroom.



Arrondissement: 17 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos




5. B&B272
Annies apartment was once the home of French Impressionist Pissaro, this is an artists inspiration, a quaint and special ambience in Montmartre.

Discount Christmas Special:
140euro per night for 2 people (from 165euro).



Features: Lounge/bedroom - lounge sofa bed can cater 2 more people, full kitchen, laundry facilities, private opening onto a small courtyard, free wifi, Montmartre centre is less than a 1 min walk away.



Arrondissement: 18 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos




6. B&B368
Petite Paris' most rated and guests favourite B&B is a modern / classic and immaculately looked after home and B&B. A dream home in Paris!

Discount Christmas Special:
150euro p/night for 2 people (from 165euro) includes traditional French breakfast daily.



Features: Large guest bedroom with queen bed, private ensuite with bath and shower, lounge room access, free wifi and 2 well-travelled Paris hosts who welcome guests like famil and offer plenty of Paris insider information and tips.



Arrondissement: 9 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos




7. B&B96
Marie Francoise's cosy B&B in the Latin Quarter, offers peacefulness and calmness and is a very authentic Parisian home.

Discounted Christmas Special:
135euro p/night for 2 people (from 145euro) includes traditional French breakfast daily.



Features: a double guestroom with private ensuite, free wifi, lounge access and Petite Paris' most experiencd host Marie Francoise who will guide you to the best-of-the-best in Paris.



Arrondissement: 5 Map
Read full description online
See more Photos



For Media enquiries or more Paris homes available over Christmas 2012 and New Year contact Regina Ferreira at info@petitepr.com.au

Paris Mini Christmas Guide 2012

Noël à Paris

2012 Guide to Whats On in the City of Lights at Christmas!


           BEST MARKETS!           

NEW in 2012 The Notre Dame Cathedral Market will be dedicated to arts, crafts and fine cuisine (with Santa).
Open: Daily from 15 - 23 Dec, 2012.
Location: Place Notre Dame Metro: St Michel or Cite.



La Défense Market - 350 stands of traditional arts, crafts and tempting things to eat/drink, at the largest, most festive Christmas market in the surreal setting of high-rise buildings.

Open: 21 Nov – 29 Dec 2012. Closed Christmas Day.
Location: La Grande arche de La Defense Metro: La Defense.




 Market and Ice Rink at Trocadero - Over 120 wooden chalets peddling gastronomic Christmas goods, crafts, an ice-skating rink and "snow villages" right in the middle of Paris, a giant igloo, snowman, this one's ideal for the kids.
Open: Daily from 8 Dec - 2 Jan, 2013.
Location: Place de la Trocadero (across from the Eiffel) Metro: Trocadero




Saint-Germain Market and Village of Father Christmas - Along Blvd Saint-Germain, 25 chalets will spread the Christmas magic. Shop for the family and taste seasonal goodies.
Open: Daily from 6 Dec - 2 Jan 2013
Location: Place Saint-Germain-des-pres Metro: Saint-Sulpice




Great neighbourhood option: Place des Abbesses - nestled in the heart of the quaint Montmartre neighbourhood.
Open: daily from mid Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Location: Place des Abbesses Metro: Abbesses


Special: A small market in the 16th district, where revenue is donated to the children’s orphanage that hosts this event.
Location: Rue de la Fontaine  Metro: Michel-Ange Auteuil


              ICE SKATING              

Paris City Council has set up 2 open-air ice rinks in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), one large and one smaller for youngsters. Skates can be hired on site. This year the ice rinks operate from 16 Dec to 4 Mar, 2013.





      CHRISTMAS CONCERTS      
         in Magnificent Paris Churches          


Enjoy Christmas music, classical or religious, at one of our favourite historic churches hosting special Christmas concerts.
 La Sainte Chapelle - Experience one of the most breathtaking sights in Paris while enjoying a superb performance from 8-31 Dec 2012. There's a New Years Eve Concert at 6pm 31st Dec.
Location: 4 boulevard du Palais 75001

View performances / book tickets here



Eglise de La Madeleine Christmas Concert - Enjoy famous choral and instrumental works by the greatest composers at one of the most beautiful churches from 15 Dec to 1 Jan 2013
Location: Place de la Madeleine.

View performances / book tickets here



For more neighbourhood church concerts visit 'Special Christmas Concerts'



         CHRISTMAS LIGHTS         

Our best-picks for street illuminations are:

1
. 'Illume Paris'
From 1st Dec, 2012, Paris City Hall will light 125 streets around Paris for the holidays, with lights switched on from 5:00 pm each night until 2:00 am. Some streets illuminated include la rue Vieille du Temple in the Marais, Place des Abbesses in Montmartre, Boulevard Saint-Germain, Rue de Rennes, Rue de Richelieu, Rue des Saints-Pères, Rue de Grenelle.

2. Avenue Montaigne. From 23 Nov-10 Jan 2013
Metro: Champs-Elysees Clemenceau, 75008. Map



3. Place Vendome surrounds - From 21 Nov-15 Jan 2013

Location: Place Vendome, Rue de la Paix, Rue de Castiglione, Rue Saint-Honore and Rue des Capucines 75001
Metro: Opera, Tuileries or Concorde. Map



4. Bercy Village - From 19 Nov - 6 Jan 2013.
Location: 28 rue Francois  Trufaut - 75012.
Metro: Cour Saint Emillon. Map


5. Galleries Lafayette - From Nov-Jan 2013
Location: 40 Boulevard Haussmann - 75009.
Metro: Opera. Map
.





    GOURMET CHRISTMAS    
                       WALKING TOUR                        
 Intimate Small Group Gourmet Christmas Walking Tour.
Enjoy samples galore at Paris' enchanting Saint-Sulpice Christmas Market and specialty food.


 Sample regional, seasonal specialties and stroll around with an expert guide, sip on hot spiced wine (vin chaud), and try beautiful christmas cakes, gingerbread cookies. Continue to famous Paris food stores to enjoy chocolate and traditional French sweets. Tour ends in a typical Parisian tearoom - relax with a hot beverage while your guide regales you with tales of festive French traditions. Book here




       CHRISTMAS EVE MASS       

The Archbishop of Paris officiates the traditional midnight mass at Notre Dame Cathedral. There's also a 6pm mass.
Address: 6 Place du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004. Map.
 Metro: Notre Dame or Cite

Sacre Coeur Basilica midnight mass and at 7pm
Address:
35 Rue Chevalier de Barre 75018. Map Metro: Anvers



Eglise de la Madeleine and Nativity - Doors open 9.30.
Address: 1, place de la Madeleine 75008. Map
Metro: Madeleine






       OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY       

1. Cemetaries of Paris:
Pere Lachaise -
16 Rue du Repos 75020. Website
Montparnasse - 3 Blvd Edgar Quinet 75014 Website
Montmartre - 20 Ave Rachel 75018 Website


2. Movie Theatres
Find English (VO) films without French dubbing (VF):
Champs Elysees Panthe Cinemas 75008
MK2 MK2 cinemas 75013

Some Museums:
Curiosite et Magique (Magic Museum) - 11 rue Saint Paul. 75004. Website
Centre Pompidou Museum of Modern Art - Place Georges Pompidou 75003. Website
Salvador Dali Museum - 11 rue Poulbot 75018 Website




         RESTAURANTS OPEN         
                      CHRISTMAS DAY                     

1. La Coupole - One of Paris' famous, literary haunts and cult brasseries in the traditional art decor cosy ambience. 102 Boulevade Montparnasse 75014. Website



2. Our absolute favourite - Chez Julien - Tall gilded mirrors, plush furnishings, crystal chandeliers, some of the best french food, and a stunning view of the Seine and Notre Dame This is a special Christmas dinner spot. 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004 Website



3. Bofinger - A well known traditional brasserie serving classic Christmas fare.
5-7, rue de la Bastille 75011 Website



Merry Christmas