Sunday, May 26, 2013

Paris, Look at me, a Petit B&B

a FEATURE Paris B&B Apartment

Bienvenue to a B&B that is bright, beautiful and blossoming with French fleurs, antique furnishings, friendly hospitality and fantastic fresh breakfasts served daily.

This is our quaint B&B apartment in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It is a treasure. Super cute and cosy and oh so utterly Parisian.



Helene your host is an art lover and has decorated your B&B apartment and Guest room with much care and with a romantic atmosphere. The location is in a quiet street so restful nights are assured. Guests can choose to experience a hosted B&B environment or request to have the ensuite lounge room to themselves too.





Just 132euro per night for 2 guests - including traditional french breakfasts 
(B&B Option. Additional charge to occupy the home entirely privately)

For more details and full description, photo gallery and location map of this charming B&B visit the webpage HERE

To enquire about availability please email us, Petite Paris, at: info@petitepr.com.au







Merci :)

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Paris Top 5 Spas

Petite Paris BEST Spas

A Paris experience isn't complete without a pampering spa experience. Indulging your appetite with daily feasts of rich french delicacies and beverages of the caffeine and cocktail sort; indulging in the soul-invoking sounds of the creative jazz and traditional French music;  indulging in the serious shopping culture that is Paris with some serious credit card crunching; indulging in all the sights and attractions with plenty of pavement pounding for happy hour after happy hour; is all wonderful, pleasurable and utterly stimulating. It leaves you in need of one essential thing - the pleasure of a quiet Parisian moment, free of any seductive aroma or gastronomical temptation, free of any noise of the musical or chaotic street sort, and free of any beckoning boutique. A timeout at a Parisian Spa session is an amazing break from the sensory overload that Paris is. Pampering and rejuvenating your mind, body and soul will prepare you for all those Parisian pleasures once more. Plus Paris Spas are truly amazing and of the highest quality. Unique, lush and innovative. Parisian love a good Hamam and there are many of these around town which offer a cheaper alternative to the high-end spas without sacrificing quality. Or how about a Chocolate Spa? Only in Paris.... :)

Here are our hand picked top 5 Spas in Paris.

1. O'Kari

A traditional North-African hammam exclusively for women in the Montorgueil district, it has the perfect combination of luxurious pampering, beautiful setting, all-natural products, and authentic spa techniques perfected by Arab women for centuries that will have you glowing. When you enter, the friendly owner Karima will show you to your locker, where you'll be provided with a robe, towel, flipflops and disposable panties to wear in the steam baths. Guests are offered mint tea, refreshing citronnade, or fresh squeezed juice cocktails and North African snacks in the lounge area. The detox begins in the mosaic tiled steam room, which twinkles with fiber optic stars. This is followed on a heated table with a gommage, an all-over body scrub with an olive-oil based soap that will get rid of the dulling dead skin build-up. Then a honey-based facial mask is applied and allowed to set while your hair is washed and untangled. After a quick rinse under the shower you can relax further in the heated Jacuzzi, surrounded by North African pottery, candles and soothing music. This basic treatment costs €150 and lasts about 2 hours. Treatments range from €90-€330, with a specialty in masks and massages.
Website
22 rue dessoubs 75002 Paris
MAP


2. Four Seasons Hotel George V


Everything about this spa is regal. Marie Antoinette is the inspiration for the two-and-a-half-hour 'A Stroll to Versailles', which incorporates orange blossom (reportedly her favourite scent) in a body scrub, massage and facial. And the treatment rooms, with illustrated wallpaper and big, cosy massage beds, are certainly fit for a king.
Hair is not forgotten: treatments include Brazilian hair-straightening and extensions. Locks can be also be styled for an evening out. And as for the food… Well, you thought the spa cuisine couldn't be bettered - not an easy feat in Paris. Website
31, avenue George V, 75008 MAP

3. Spa Cinq Mondes


Combines beauty rituals from all over the world, so you choose a wide variety of treatments from Ayurvedic and Taoist massage, Balinese facial or a slimming Crème de Café ritual from Brazil. Find 5 Mondes in Paris and also at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, Monaco.  Treatments from 45€.
Website 6 Square de l’Opera Louis Jouvet Map

4. Spa Nuxe

Zen meets old French limestone for a very chic day spa. Chocoholics should also head straight here for Phytochoc cocoa treatments - cocoa known for having anti-ageing properties. The hip 32 Montorgueil is on a bustling pedestrian street, opposite a chocolate boutique. It’s a spacious chic retreat located in a former 17th century wine and spirit warehouse. There are four beauty rooms and a fantastic choice of treatments. TRY: Ultra Comfortable Treatment with Honey (soothing, repairing and lipid-replenishing) 95€.
Website 32, rue Montorgueil 75002 MAP


5. l'Apartment 217


A salon as well as an organic spa. This place is terribly chic and something so creative and beautiful.
Website 217 rue Saint Honore 75001 MAP


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Paris Top 5 Cheap Stays

 
Bonjour Budget Travellers. Ca Va?

Last we posted our Top 5 Cheap EATS in Paris. The cheapest places to eat which surprisingly are also the most delicious and best value for money! i.e The famed Le Comptoir Restaurant in the St Germain de Pres, notoriously known for its old world upscale ambience and french fare, sits on a bustle people-watching corner - and serves the cheapest and most amazing tasting Croque Monsieur! Who would have guessed...

This week we're posting our PARIS Top 5 Cheap STAYS as the second part to our 'CHEAP' Paris Guide. Oh My! Did I just say that? Sorry my Paris, you are anything but Cheap hehe 


Of course these Top 5 abodes are Our Top 5 sleeping-abodes are simple and sweet, Petite Paris budget B&B's that start at 90euro p/night for 2 guests. Including breakfast. Staying with a local Parisian in their real home is the greatest value for authentic cultural experience your money can by. You don’t need to go to a cold, cubical hostel to save money.


PETITE PARIS TOP 5 CHEAP STAYS

1. B&B133 – Chez Leopoldine. A B&B located in the 15th arrondissement offering a charming guestroom and bathroom. It is 94euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast.  View this B&B here:
 http://www.petiteparis.com.au/133_Leopoldine_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html




2. B&B132 – Chez Marie Cecile. This is an ideal option for the solo traveller looking for security, warmth and company. Located in the 15th, guests are offered a guestroom and bathroom for 90euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast
 http://www.petiteparis.com.au/132_Marie-Cecile_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html


3. B&B327 – Chez Alain a central B&B apartment decorated in a mix of modern-retro antique chic, located in the 2nd arrondissement. Guests are offers a lovely guest room and bathroom for 105euro per night for 2 guests including fresh breakfasts daily. View this B&B:  
 http://www.petiteparis.com.au/327_Alain_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html





4. B&B335 – Chez Aline - a superb antique decorated home in the 13th.  Aline welcomes guests like friends and offers a sweet and impeccable guestroom with bathroom and organic fresh breakfasts daily for 109euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast.




5. B&B135 Chez Anne. An artist’s abode in the 15th, Anne welcome guests into her cosy apartment offering a guestroom and ensuite for 109euro/night for 2 guests including breakfast http://www.petiteparis.com.au/135_Anne_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



Sunday, May 12, 2013

Petit Pockets - Paris Cheap Eats!

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Petit Pockets - Authenticity on a Budget
Paris ‘Cheap Eats' – without compromising quality and quantity for a rich cultural experience.


PARIS Cheap Eats!
Paris’ ‘must-try’ foods don’t have to be enjoyed at the ritziest of restaurants or belle époque brassieres, in fact many of the best traditional meals or treats are found at casually cool, cheap eateries. You don’t have to compromise quality or quantity for good value, delicious and authentic local fare, if you know where to go.


1. PARIS TOP 5 CHEAP EATS

1.     BEST CROQUE MONSIEUR: Le Comptoir du Relais: The notoriously popular & pricey brasserie makes the BEST and CHEAPEST ‘Croque’ in Paris. Go figure! Using smoked salmon and Comte cheese rather than the usual ham/cheese. Cheap dining in style on a bustling people-watching corner. 9 Carrefour de l’Odeon 75006 Metro: Odeon


2.     BEST CREPES: Breizh Café: A Creperie café with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert flavours, from 7.50euro to just over 10euro for fancier varieties. Delicious high quality ingredients. Located in the 3rd district - easy to reach major attractions. TRY: Galette Buckwheat Noir. 109 rue Vieuille Temple 75003 Metro: Saint Sebastian-Froissart 


3.     BEST FIX PRICED MENU: La Gabin: A small, family-run, intimate restaurant in an unassuming street behind the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. Classic, delicious and inexpensive French fare – 20euro fixed price menu: appetizer, main course and wine or dessert. 25 Rue Lambert 75018 Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt.


4.     BEST TAKEAWAY BAKERY: Rose Bakery: For the perfect Quiche – crispy flaky crusts with just the right balance of egg and cream filling, using all organic ingredients for 5euro takeaway. Head to a nearby park and enjoy lunch under the sun. Sweet tarts - 4euro take away. 46 rue des Martyrs 75009. Metro: Notre Dame de Lorette


5.     Street Vendors and Street Markets: A great way to procure delicious and cheap food is to visit the city's open-air markets selling quiches, sandwiches or regional specialties like sausages, or try one of the street side falafel vendors. Falafel may not be French but it’s the most coveted fast food in Paris. For the most delicious sort visit the Jewish quarter: Rue des Rosiers 75003. Metro:  St Paul
BEST Open Air Market: Marche Raspail – Blvd Raspail 75006
RUNNER UP Open Air Market: Marche Montorgueil - rue Montorgueil 75002
BEST Undercover Market: Marche des Enfant Rouge - 39 rue de Bretagne 75003


+ 4 FREE 4 ALL FOOD:
·       For over 20 years Les Trois Frères has been a popular local spot, in part because of its free and tasty couscous on Thursday nights and oriental soup on Sundays 14, rue Léon.

·       Watch for the annual week of FREE wine and food tasting parties (November) hosted by Le Fooding, a local group dedicated to putting the "feeling" back in French gastronomy.

·       Held yearly the second weekend in October, the free Harvest Festival of Montmartre celebrates as the only wine-growing part of Paris with tastings, grape-stomping, fireworks, concerts, and a parade.

·       Le Grenier serves complimentary couscous Saturday nights, September to April starting at 7 p.m. in an inviting setting with live pop and jazz music. 152 rue Oberkampf



Thursday, May 9, 2013

Preparing for Paris - Foreign correspondent

Guess who is the new foreign correspondent of the beautiful city of PARIS, on the chic website/blog 'Ciao Bella Travel'?! ... Moi! Us! Petite Paris! Check out our first blog post:  

a 'First Timers Guide to Preparing for Paris' 
things to know, prepare and plan for Paris, practical advice and other little helpful bits. 



AND READ OUR Article below: 'PREPARING FOR PARIS" 

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PREPARING for  PARIS
A Step-by-Step First Timers Guide to Preparing for Paris


 ‘WHEN is the best time to go to Paris?’ The truth is ANY time is a good time! Paris is beautiful in all seasons, under all weather conditions (yeven rain and snow are romantic in Paris) at any holiday, high or low season! You can have so much fun frolicking in the summer months to all the outdoor terraces, festivals, parks, sitting Seine-side soaking the sun, but you can also rug up in cosy winter gear and frequent the cafes for coffee avalanches, high tea treats, roving from restaurant to restaurant, meandering museums, bustling bars, lingering the libraries and more, in true romantic Parisian fashion. With that in mind August is high tourist month and also holiday time for Parisian; locals tend to flock to their holiday destinations in Provence and other fabulous places, leaving the city predominantly tourist-filled. If you want to go in the summer months and mix more with locals go in June, July or September.

 
HOW long should you stay? Long enough to be able to walk, not sprint to your must-see attractions; long enough to be able to sleep well and even sleep-in a few mornings and not get up at the crack of dawn to join any qeues; long enough to meander around and discover new places and/or return to favourite places on your last day and long enough to spend an adequate amount of time doing the great Parisian sport – café sitting, watching, reading and/or writing…having the time to slow down and absorb life. Overall, I recommend minimum 5 nights. Otherwise you’re just not doing it right. i.e being Parisian or Travelling!

‘WHAT do I pack?’ Pack according to the season but always with a few pieces for the opposite – Paris is moody and can surprise you - a summer day can turn chilly if not cold and rainy. No matter what ALWAYS take an umbrella, a shawl or simple cardigan and a stylish tee or blouse, in case a winter day turns warm you don’t have to wear a ‘washing-machine stained accident’ usually worn for layering for warmth!

FLIGHTS BOOKED! What’s next?
Here is a step-by-step guide to plan, prepare and book for an effortless Parisian arrival and experience.
 
ACCOMMODATION:
One of the most important elements of holiday planning is selecting the right accommodation. Your accommodation will set the tone for your entire experience, being your starting point, your waking place, your retreat, afternoon siesta spot and your nightly cocoon. As a basis, it should be comfortable, clean and practical and there should be no skimping on the basic essentials. 


In Paris, generally hotels are on the better end of the 5-star-scale and sufficiently meet these needs. From the generic to theatrical boutique styles, reflected as budget to luxury, they certainly provide what we have all come to know as ‘hotel’, delivering the practicality and conveniences they promise and we expected.

 Self-contained apartments are a great option if you want your own private place to yourself, to feel like you are living alone in your own Parisian home and to have the practical element of your own kitchen, laundry etc is certainly attractive. These types are often purchased and renovated purely for travellers, used only for holiday rentals.

Going one notch up in the scale of cultural immersion is selecting a B&B style of accommodation that is homely, intimate and offers a true, authentic experience of Parisian life and culture! It is much more inviting and welcoming to stay somewhere that is someone’s real home and to have a native Parisian welcome you like an old friend, rather than a paying customer.  Paris is all about le apartment so a B&B apartment is the perfect accommodation. Petite Paris (www.petiteparis.com.au) has over 90 B&B apartments exclusively for Australian travellers – some are unhosted and some are hosted B&Bs (i.e. sharing with a local Parisian single, couple or family) where you will be offered not only a bed and delicious homemade breakfasts but also benefit from the knowledge, advice and tips of a local Parisian and forming real relationships i.e not just conversing with the concierge, cab driver or ticket master.

FINDING HOME! Which Neighbourhood is yours?
Paris is divided into 20 districts know as ‘Arrondissements’ and split in two by the Seine River. Have a look at a map of Paris to see how the City is divided up HERE. 

Each district is like a little village within the city with its own history, culture, attractions, atmosphere, and way of life. So it’s a good idea to read about each arrondissement to decide which ‘feels like home’ to you! Generally the left bank, in particular the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement) is where the intellectuals and artists reside with a large student population it has a very creative bohemian atmosphere, while the right bank is more up market and the business centre so it has a more commercial element to it, with the exception of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements which are typically old world Parisian and more residential than the central touristic arrondissements.


A ‘Petite’ Guide:
1st and 2nd Arrondissements - the most central locations, buzzing with dizzying city action and sounds, home of many famous attractions and the upscale shopping district starting at rue Saint-Honore leading to the Champs Elysees. Many of Paris’ oldest cafes reside here. A definite commercial feel here.

3rd and 4th Arrondissement – is the popular and sought ‘le Marais’. It’s a hot spot for creative’s, bobo’s (Bohemian bourgeois Parisians) and the cool cats of Paris. It is known as the best boutique shopping spot (the only shopping area open on Sundays), for its quirky after-dark liveliness and countless bars and restaurants, cafes as well as museums and being one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Paris littered with the quintessentially narrow observe cobble streets, 16th century mansions and more.

5th and 6th Arrondissement - The (5th) Latin Quarter is the literary centre of Paris with all the old cult cafes of the well known writers of Paris, think arts, artistic types and has a bohemian ambience with the large student population, find hole-in-the-wall rustic bars, cafes and local music spots. The (6th) is the trendy, upscale and very cosmopolitan St-Germain des Pres – another very popular and sought after neighbourhood, Think grand boulevards, quintessential Parisian brassieres, well dressed classically styled Parisians in crisp lines and predominantly black attire. Shopping is divine and many of Paris’ best bars and restaurants live here too.

7th Arrondissement – Home to the Eiffel Tower this is an upscale residential neighbourhood, although it doesn’t feel like it when you are around the Eiffel Tower amongst all the tourist masses and gypsies. This is a much quieter area with its share of great cafes and restaurants though limited nightlife. Plenty of museums and Paris attractions are found here.

8th, 9th and 10th Arrondissement – surrounding the most central 1st to 7th arrondissements these neighbourhoods are good practical options for reaching the centre while still being easy to navigate quickly to all of Paris while being slightly less expensive to stay, But the exciting Paris city life is still there and strong. I would describe them as a mix of commercial upmarket and quiet residential quirky vintage boho atmosphere and the 10th is the hug of Paris’ multicultural life.

11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, - 19th and 20th Arrondissement - are arrondissements classified as blue collar residential Paris though all Parisian beautiful with their own village lives and atmospheres and own attractions to see.

15th, 16th and 17th Arrondissement - are Paris upmarket, upscale and wealthy residential neighbourhoods. 


18th Arrondissement - is my favourite neighbourhood in Paris and where I call home for 2 months every year. It’s the art and cultural, creative life of Paris. Many of Paris’ French impressionists resided here and its easy to see why. Its an artfully inspiring very old-world quaint and quintessential Parisian village where life continues in the same way it did centuries ago. It’s the romantic capital of Paris. Think cobblestoned hidden laneways, hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars and it sits on the highest point of Paris with the hill of the Sacre Coeur at the centre giving the best view over all of Paris. The area is home to the last remaining vineyards and windmills in Paris and is also riddled with multiple independent theatres as well as the most well know the Moulin rouge.

TRANSPORT into & around PARIS
a.    Getting to your accommodation
I recommend becoming a little familiar with the Paris transport system before arriving to ensure a smooth entry into Paris and to your accommodation. There’s nothing worse than getting lost and trans-flustered before you’ve even ‘arrived’. The Metro system is really easy to get the hang of too especially with prior studying.

In an easy nutshell: at either airport, following the signs to the lower level RER train lines. The RER trains are intercity trains that connect Paris Airports to Paris Centre. At the platform buy a one-way ticket to Paris at any one of the ticket machines or tellers for approx 13euro. There is only one train every 20 mins or so, on one platform so you can’t miss it. Get off at either ‘Gare Du Nord’, ‘Chatalet’, or ‘Denfert Rochereau’ station – whichever is most practical to reach your accommodation. From there switch to the underground Metro line that will take you too your B&Bs closest metro station (there may be some line changes involved).

TIP: You can use the 13euro RER ticket purchased at the Airport to switch to the Metro lines and reach your B&B – no need to buy a Metro ticket.


A great website resource is www.parisbytrain.com - it describes basically but thoroughly how to reach the Paris centre via train from each of Paris’ airports, as well as how to switch the underground suburban Metro train lines if you are arriving at one of the international train stations. With maps, schedules, cost details and guides, it’s fantastic! Even giving a 3D map of the Airport, level by level with navigation and photo guides.

Taking a cab from the Airport into central Paris will cost approx 40-50euro. Cabs are metered and reliable and there is never a shortage. Tip: its advantageous to learn basic French, many cab drivers do not speak English or choose not to. Being able to direct them to your accommodation while of course adding the standard expected ‘Bonjour/Bonsoir’, ‘Sil Vous Plait’ and ‘Merci’ (hello, please and thank you) will be greatly appreciated and respectfully understood. More about Language barriers later…

b.    Getting around Paris – to and from your accommodation
The Petite Paris website has a webpage dedicated to the Metro trains, buses, shuttle services, taxi’s and batobuses in Paris. HERE.

Take a bit of time to look at a map of the metro system in Paris, firstly to recognize which station is closest to your accommodation and which line number (and color coded) is yours. It will also help you to see how you may need to navigate a few line changes to reach various attractions and venues in Paris.

TIP: It is cheaper to buy a booklet of 10 subway tickets (approximately 13.30 euros) rather than to buy individual tickets (1.70 euro each). Or it may be worthwhile to get weekly, monthly or 3-5 day passes. If you stay at least 4 nights in Paris and cannot walk get a weekly ticket (15.40euro approx from Monday to Sunday). Be careful, certain counter employees, certainly commissioned for each sale, will try to dissuade you and try to sell a 5-day tourist card to you. They can tell you that the orange card is only for Parisians or working people. This is incorrect.

* You can pick up pocket size metro maps at each Metro station to keep handy.


KEMPTRO - Download this app for your iPhones. It’s the only Metro app giving the location of all entrances and exits of all metro stations. Once in Paris you will understand why this is so important to have handy.  Download it HERE.

LOST IN FRANCELATION – About Language Barriers
Despite their reputation, the French are actually friendly and helpful. The key is to understand the simple cultural difference that can lead some to perceive the French as rude. If you go to Paris without learning anything at all about French customs and social behaviours then you will tend to behave in a way that the French perceive as extremely rude and they will reflect that rudeness back, while you have no idea where it’s coming from.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to try to speak French. Speaking English to a Frenchman right off the batin the assumption that English is spoken by everyone is seen as rude and inconsiderate (even if he speaks English). Always attempt to speak at least a little token French. ‘Bonjour’, ‘Parlez-vous Angalis?’ simply means ‘hello, do you speak English?’ – this makes a huge difference. You will find the French will suddenly speak fluent English if you show a token effort.

If you want to learn a little more, I HIGHLY recommend the Michel Thomas audio set – guaranteed to have you speaking basic French in just a few hours. Guaranteed! It’s an amazing practical method to language learning. I still don’t know how it works, but it works – something to do with sound waves and visualization. You can get it on Amazon HERE.

  
All these tips PLUS MORE – Can be found on the Petite Paris B&B Website in the dedicated Paris Guide section HERE

So now you have got your flights, accommodation options, neighbourhood, transport and language situation down…its time for the fun part of planning your daily itineraries! A Petite Paris specialty…

SIGHTSEEING
The most typical attractions of Paris can be discovered on any Paris website, blog or travel magazine, web search etc – the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel tower, Luxembourg gardens etc. are all already well covered so I prefer to offer guests ‘different’ ideas based on my discoveries over the years. There is so much to see and do, things that don’t involve long lines and expensive tickets and a whole lot of elbow, nudging and overcrowded frustration, there are obscure beautiful spaces and places where the true Paris comes alive, where real life occurs and new and different sights are begging to be seen and sounds to be heard.


Here are just a few of our recent discoveries and favourite new places: best of all they are FREE!

·       Promenade Plantee, An elevated park built on an abandoned railroad stretching 4km from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s a beautiful landscape of trees, flowers and plants where you will see Paris at the level of treetops, roof tops and church spires, follow ivy-covered arched trellises, watch the changing panorama of architectural styles and admire decorative mouldings and intricate balcony railings. Finishing at Jardin de Reuilly with its terraces, gardens, and cosy alcoves and an outdoor café. It’s one of the cities best kept secrets and a favourite Sunday stroll of mine.
Address: 290 Ave Daumesnil 75012 Paris (via staircase entry cnr Rue Lyon)
Metro: Bastille


·      Marche des Enfants Rouge, The  ‘Market of the Red Children’ is the oldest undercover food market in Paris built in 1615 and named after a nearby 17th century orphanage. With a tiny iron-gate entry that’s easy to miss, this is a small yet vibrant and authentic Parisian market loved by locals. Many of the stands sell fresh prepared food you can eat in the cafes inside. I love the bouquets of vibrant flowers, the wide selection of obscure wines, bounties of organic pumpkins, tomatoes, cauliflower, and other richly colored fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, cheeses and charcuterie. I recommend the Creole cafe, the homemade hamburger stall (locals favourite) and the Turkish delights.
Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne 75003
Metro: Filles- Calvaire or Temple

·       Music Recital at La Saint Chappell, A highlight for any first timer or returning visitor to Paris is assuredly a visit to one of the spectacular concert recitals at La Sainte Chapelle for some therapeutic musical reflections amidst the rumblings of the city.  This gothic architectural jewel is located on the Isl. de la Cite and holds over 100 concerts March to December; featuring works of the classical music repertoire. You cannot find anywhere the warm atmosphere in the St. Chapelle Church. Concerts daily start at 7pm and 8.30pm - I recommended arriving 45 minutes prior.
Address: 8 Blvd du Palais 75001 Paris
Metro: Chatalet


GET A REAL Paris Guide:
Our Petite Paris City Guide eBOOK is a beautiful directory the best-of-the-best Insider secret local haunts and popular favourites –for ipads and iphones for $7.99 and also available in hard or soft cover and as a PDF. The second edition released in just March 2013 after my last 2 month visit to Paris where I spent every moment exploring and devouring every corner of the city to create the best and most up-to-date insider guide. It’s a great resource that may help plan your Paris trip and daily itineraries - a directory of some of our favourite places in Paris - best boulangeries, patisseries, cafes, coffee places, bistros, parks, museums, shopping, best breakfast spots,best coffee, best chocolatiers, walking itineraries and more. It is our own secret hidden insider tips from our Parisian hosts too. You can preview the first 40 pages of the book before purchasing via our website (links below)


ON A BUDGET – Cheap Eats in Paris
·       Breizh Café: A Creperie café with crepe flavours to serve a breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert appetite. From 7.50euro from the most simple to just over 10euro for the fancy varieties. The fillings are limited but the ingredients are the highest quality and delicious. Located in the central 3rd arrondissement so its easy to get to from most sightseeing spots. If not, I suggest making the effort, crepes are a must-eat in Paris and you can get much better or more valuable than Breizh. TRY: Galette Buckwheat Noir. Closed Mon and Tues.
109 rue Vieuille du Temple 75003 Paris
Metro: Saint Sebastian-Froissart

·       La Gabin; I recently discovered this small, family-run, romantic restaurant in an unassuming street at the back of the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre. Any weary visitor who has just braved the bustle at the Basilica and prefers to shy away from the chaos of the ‘Place du Tertre’ for dinner, will breath a sigh of warm relief at this intimate, non touristy, welcoming haven. Classic French fare is on the menu and it’s delicious and inexpensive. The fixed price menu for 20euro will have you feasting on a lovingly prepared appetizer, main course and wine or dessert.
25 Rue Lambert 75018 Paris
Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Chateau Rouge

·       Le Comptoir du Relais st Germain
Aside from being my absolute favourite Paris restaurant and usually notoriously pricey, the BEST croque-monsieu in Paris is made here – and it’s the cheapest too! Go figure! Uniquely made with smoked salmon and comte cheese with Caesar-like salad making the standard ham/cheese version seem banal. Here you get to dine in style at one of the see-and-be-seen places on one of the most bustling people watching corners of Paris, eating the cheaply and heartily. Its perfect! 9 Carrefour de l’Odeon 75006. Metro: Odeon


·       Rose Bakery: A great quick take away bakery. Buy the perfect Quiche – crispy flaky crusts with just the right balance of egg and cream filling, using all organic ingredients,  for 5euro to takeaway, and head to a nearby park or square and enjoy Paris lunch under the sun.  Their sweet tarts are great too – 4euro take away.
46 rue des Martyrs 75009  Paris
Metro: Notre Dame de Lorette

Quirky & Practical PARIS Tips:
·       If you go to the Louvre: To avoid the queue, go down the stairs close to the little Arc de Triomphe (when the pyramid is behind you).

·       Free entrance to museums: Parisian museums offer free entry every first Sunday of each month (including the Louvre). The museums run by the City of Paris are always free, except of temporary exhibitions.

·       Versailles Castle:To go to Versailles Castle, the cheapest way is to take the bus 171,
departure at Pont de Sevres subway (last station on line 9).

·       Don’t rush…But do keep track of your time and create a list of things you really want to experience.  Even if you have an extended remember as they say, time flies. Try and check one thing off the list each day.

·       If you are standing on the sidewalk at 40 Rue Reaumur don’t expect 41 Rue Reaumur to be right across the street.  It may be on the other side the street but it could very well be way down the block if not, sometimes, on the next block down. Bizarre? Oui! But true!

·       At restaurants if you want something “To Go” it is best to ask for “Take Away”.  They seem to understand that English phrase much better.

·       The Paris water has very high level of calcium and can dry the skin.  Bring your favorite lotion from home.

·       Weather can be unpredictable.  Pack a few things for cooler or hotter weather than you expect.

·       Don’t try to enter a crowded Metro subway car when the door is closing and warning sound and lights have activated.  Even if the car is not crowded, stay clear of the doors, be aware that the automated door close very fast and tight. Getting something caught in the door will most likely require the assistance of other riders to free it. 

·       When the car is crowded do not sit in the fold down jump seats found near the doors of Metro subway cars.  I is impolite and propagates the “ugly tourist” image.  Signs are posted in the cars stating this rule. 

·       Try and stay informed.  Especially if you know things are happening in Paris, for us it was strikes and terrorist warnings.  You can find the English International Herald Tribune newspaper on many newsstands.

·       The L'officiel des Spectables and/or the Pariscope are both good sources to find all the timetables for the museums, cinemas, church recitals, exhibitions, theatres, etc. Published each Wednesday and sold in all the newspaper shops and kiosks for 0.40euros.



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