Fancy a Fancy Brunch in Paris?

Fancy a Fancy Brunch
in Paris?
 

3 Parisian places for special occasion brunches.
though being in Paris is ocassion enough we think...

1. Shangri La - La Bauhini Cafe

10 Avenue d'Iéna MAP
View Menu

2. Hotel de Crillon

10 Place de la Concorde MAP

3. Musee Jacquemart-Andre

 

158 Blvd Haussmann MAP
View Menu

 

www.petiteparis.com.au

Finding France, Peaking beyong Paris

Finding France

From Paris to Provence
and beyond...

 

Part 2

Paris will always be perfect! But Petite is peaking beyond Paris, helping Australian travellers discover more of France' beautiful cities and regions.  There is so much more french-ness to see and experience. Each month we are focusing on a new region/city!

 

Australian company French Moments have an entire website dedicated to French living/culture, offering a plethora of French regional information. An interactive map is offered on their website, simply click on a region and find information and related articles about it. MAP

 

 

This months 'Finding France' focus is:

 
Languedoc!

 Located in the South of France between Provence and the Pyrenees, stretching from the Rhone valley in the east, to the Spanish border in the south west, and comprises five departments: Gard, Hérault, Aude and Eastern Pyrenees and the fifth  is upland Lozère.



Great for exploring the South of France (Provence, Toulouse and Montpellier - Capital) and Europe with Spain and Italy only hours away.  A diverse experience of country and beach awaits with
beautiful mountains, wooded valleys, National Parks, impressive caves, dramatic gorges, old cities,  picturesque villages with narrow streets, remarkable Roman remains, UNESCO heritage sites, fortified towns,





the famous Canal de Midi, Carssonne castle, markets, cathedrals, medieval cities, romanesque abbeys, wildlife parks, wineries



- and a coastline with miles of sandy beaches, marinas and small ports.





Referred to as the 'Real South of France' - thanks to its largely unspoilt countryside, traditional wine-making villages and slower, Mediterranean pace of life. The contrast with the 'bling' of the Côte d'Azur and Provence - Languedoc still feels very traditionally French.



Main cities in Languedoc: Montpellier, Nimes, Narbonne, Sete and Perpignan.

Attractions:
Le Canal du Midi

Gorges du Tarn


Aude Department
Narbonne

Cathar country


Pyrenees Department
Collioure & Banyuls:


Le Train Jaune:


Herault Department
Montpellier:


Gard Department
Nimes

Le Pont du Gard

Getting There:
TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon, or from Lille; train from many cities, motorway from Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Geneva. Airports at Nimes, Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan. Low-cost flights from Europe.

When to go: Between March and May, everything comes to life, villages, towns, fetes start, farmers get busier and it's not too hot. June to August is peak season and sweltering. BEST: March-May or Sept!

Where to stay/Accommodation:
We recommend the region around Narbonne to Carcassonne - beaches and ports, as well as countryside, major sights, villages, castles, canals, gorges, vineyards etc. Easy reach to Montpellier, Beziers, Adge and Spain.

 

 

Le Petit Castel Languedoc




Located in the old bustling village of Olonzac, close to Narbonne and Carcassonne,  with its famous crowd drawing weekly markets where locals from nearby regions flock to shop and socialise, Le Petit Castel is a charming three-story house on a quiet cosy corner off Hotel de Ville Square. Sleeps 6 with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, fully kitchen, dining/living room, rooftop terrace, BBQ facilities, free wifi, TV/DVD.



PRICES:
$515AU p/week  (Nov to March)
$675AU p/week (April and May)
$790AU p/week (June and September)
$905AU p/week (July and August)
$715AU p/week (October)

To enquire about this home contact Petite Pr HERE
For more amazing information about Languedoc visit:
www.creme-de-languedoc.com

Back to Basics, in trois petit parts!

Back to B&B Basics #2
A first Timers Guide to Paris.

With so many new 'Petite' friends and first timers heading to Paris we have been re-capping the practicalities of Paris to help you plan, prepare and book for a smooth arrival and overall experience.

Part 1: Navigating the Metro



The Paris metro system is the easiest way to get round the city. Opened from 5.30am to 12.30am everyday. Many of the stations are worth a visit in their own right with beautiful tiling (Liege, Line 13), fantastic murals (Abbesses, Line 12) or the Louvre (Line 1). Free maps are available at any metro station. See our brief tutorial for the Paris Metro HERE.

 

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

Part 2: Sightseeing 

 

The typical attractions of Paris are listed everywhere online, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel etc, (you can google those) and so we prefer to offer guests ‘different’ ideas based on our discoveries over the years. There is so much to see and do  that don’t involve long lines and expensive tickets and a whole lot of elbow, nudging and overcrowded frustration. Obscure beautiful spaces and places where new and different sights are begging to be seen and sounds to be heard. Best of all they are FREE!

More unique places will be posted in coming weeks too!

  

1. Promenade Plantee: An elevated park built on an abandoned railroad stretching 4km from Bastille to 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. One of Paris' best kept secrets.

Address: 290 Ave Daumesnil 75012 Paris (via staircase entry cnr Rue Lyon) Metro: Bastille
2. Marche des Enfants Rouge: The  ‘Market of the Red Children’ is the oldest undercover food market in Paris built in 1615 named after a nearby 17thC orphanage. This is a small yet vibrant Parisian market loved by locals. Fresh prepared food you can eat in the cafes inside, bouquets of vibrant flowers, the wide selection of obscure wines, bounties of organic richly colored fruits and vegetables, meat, cheeses. Try the the homemade hamburger stall (local favourite) and Turkish delights.
Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne 75003 Metro: Filles- Calvaire or Temple

·       Music Recital at La Saint Chappell: Visit one of the spectacular concert recitals for some therapeutic musical reflections.  This gothic architectural jewel on the Isl. de la Cite and holds over 100 classical concerts March to December; daily at 7pm and 8.30pm - arrive 45 minutes prior.  Address: 8 Blvd du Palais 75001 Paris Metro: Chatalet
www.monuments-nationaux.fr

www.petiteparis.com.au

Paris on a budget - Part 3

Authenticity on a Budget Part 3
TIPS: Pinch a few Paris Pennies

 

Museum Madness: 
1. Free museum entry first Sunday of each month for all major museums. Louvre; Moyen Age; d’Orsay; Picasso; Rodin; Quai Branly, Pompidou.
2. Free in the evenings: Maison Europeanne de la Photographie (Wed) and Musee des art et Metiers (Thurs)
TIP: There is a shorter line/entry into the Louvre from the ‘Louvre-Rivoli’ underground metro. Virtually no line taking 10-20 minutes to enter not 60!

 

Budget Nightlife:
TIP: Pocket sized ‘What’s On’ guides out Wednesdays (L'officiel des Spectables OR Pariscope) sold in news kiosk for o.40euro listing FREE shows and events as well as timetables for museums, cinemas, recitals, exhibitions. 1. Glimpse the local jazz scene every Monday night at 7 Lézards, a jazz club in the Marais where the house band performs without a cover charge. 10 rue des Rosiers MAP
2. Open for 60 years, the Latin Quarter jazz club Caveau de la Huchette 5 rue de la Huchette, MAP, turns into a free dance floor Thurs to Sat nights.

 

FREE Attractions:
1. Notre Dame Cathedral: No fee first Sunday each month (Oct to Mar) to climb the 387 step North Tower to glimpse the flying buttresses that support this gothic architectural structure and famous gargoyles and to view the most spectacular view across Paris. 6 Parvis Notre Dame, Place Jean-Paul II



2.  Visit the awe-inspiring Gothic Sainte-Chapelle's 15 exquisite stained glass panels walls and rose window. No FEE first Sunday of the month Nov to Mar. Free recitals too. MAP
3. Criss-cross the Seine River on nearly 40 wooden, metal, and stone bridges, from the 400-year-old Pont Neuf to the eye-shaped steel Simone-de-Beauvoir.

 

WALKING - best/cheapest way to see Paris 1.  See the city from the Promenade Plantée, an elevated railway -  More details below.
2. Relish the peaceful vantage point of the Eiffel Tower from the garden at Maison de Balzac, the home of 19th-century writer Honoré de Balzac. 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris MAP



3. Visit the Père-Lachaise Cemetery and the graveyard's celebrity residents, from Oscar Wilde's grave to Jim Morrison. 16 rue de Repos 75016 Paris  MAP
4. Grab a free copy of the bicycling map, "Carte Vélo à Paris," at any tourism office and bike rental agencies. Navigate the city's maze of bike lanes and scenic routes.

 

www.petiteparis.com.au

Pariscope: 3 foodie finds in Paris

Putting on our Pariscope
Our not-so-secret foodie finds about town...

1. Coffee bean
Le Cafe Lomi

 
 Tucked away in an unfashionable part of the 18th is new hip 'Le Cafe Lomi''!  One more 'good coffee' spot in Paris with a local authentic feel.


3 rue Marcadet 75018 MAP

2. Pastry Pleasures
L'Eclair  de Genie
 

Macaroons are SO last year, Eclairs are IT! This newly opened shop sells only eclairs! 4-5€ each and smaller than a regular eclair, but worth it for the creative flavours. Take away only! Try: green glaze pistachio, vanilla with pecans, rose with marshmellow, milk choc + rasberry!


14 rue Pavee 75004 Paris (Marais) MAP website

3. Organic Brunching
Mamie Green
 

This is a locals little known go-to place for a light organic brunch. Tucked away in a corner in the 11h arrondissement watch local hip urbanites at this cosy homey cafe. All bio foods, healthy and homemade, menu changes daily. Vege burger, eggplant steak, raspberry cakes. On weekends: €17 brunch, with hot drinks, organic juice, a "sweet" plate of pancakes, a “salty” plate with eggs, veggies, salad and tart of the day.


25 Rue de la Forge Royale  75011 MAP

Bonne Appetit
 

www.petiteparis.com.au

Marais Magnifique

Meet our Marais Magnifique. A Petite Paris B&B! A guest wants to share a few words about it (and so do we)...read below:

"Gisele and Frederic's apartment was truly Parisienne and we felt as if we were truly living in Paris, much nicer and less formal than a hotel.  Gisele and Frederic made us feel like part of the family from the moment we arrived (even 2hrs late) and were just so helpful in all respects. they are the most welcoming and charming hosts"

"The breakfasts were wonderful everyday, fresh croissants, baguettes and lovely bowls of fresh fruit".

  

"Gisele helped us find our way around the city and at the end of our visit Frederic helped us to the correct platform at Les Halles station at 6.30 am. What more could you ask for in charming hosts?"

"Gisele phoned a restaurant we wanted to visit to find out exactly how we would find it from the Metro stop. Very very kind and helpful".

"Gisele is a great housekeeper and we were very happy with the bedroom and bathroom and for that matter the whole of her apartment.  Lots of travel books, maps and always bottles of water.  The bedroom and bathroom were totally adequate and clean. The beds very comfortable. The bedroom and bathroom were very clean and comfortable".

"We were incredibly happy with our visit to Paris and Gisele and Frederic's B&B apartment and have recommended your website to our friends".

View this B&B on the Petite Paris website HERE. 

Only 155euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast. But can accommodate up to 4 guests in 2 separate rooms at 280euro per night for all 4 incl breakfast!

ALSO... Its on SPECIAL for stays in Paris from now until November!

See below Promo! 

=240euro p/night for groups of 4 

=135euro p/night for 2

+ a FREE Copy of the Petite Paris City Guide eBOOK!  

(read about the eBook HERE) 

10 ZEN things to do in PARIS!!!

-->10 Zen things to do in Paris!

1.     Drink hot mint tea in the tearoom at Mosque de Paris (2 euros). and the delicious pastry and cake specialties. 39 rue St-Hilaire 75005. Or visit the tranquil Mosque itself. 2 bis place du puits de l’Emite, 75005

2.     Enjoy the steam room or a massage at the Mosque’s Hammam. Try the ‘Grommage’ - a body scrub, 30 minute massage, soft soap and a mint tea 58euro. 39 rue Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 75005.

3.     Visit Sadaharu Aoki, the Japanese chocolate master incorporating flavors like ganache of matcha tea and wasabi into his chocolate. 56 Boulevard de Port Royal 75005

4.     Get tickets to a church concert such as a piano soloist at St Julien de Pauvre or Vivaldi at Ste Chapelle or La Madeline. Free organ recitals at Ste. Eustache church at 5:30pm Sundays at Rue du Jour 75001.

5.     Brunch or dine at Pershing Hall Restaurant with its famous floor to ceiling 4-storey green live wall plant. 49 Rue Pierre Charron 75008.

6.     See the famous ‘Lady and the Unicorn’ tapestries preserved and displayed in darkness, representing the 5 senses; touch, sound, smell, sight and desire. At Museum Moyen Age.

6 Place Paul Painlevé 75005.

7.     A guided walking tour of Rue Montorgueil for a gastronomic food tasting you’ll never forget. Rue Montorgueil map

8.     A peaceful stroll along Canal St. Martin on Sunday when the road is closed to cars. Start from Metro Republique. map. 

9.     Visit one of only two organic markets in Paris, Le Marche Raspail, on Sundays from 8.30 – 2.30pm.

Blvd. Raspail between rue de Cherche Midi and rue de Rennes 75006. Métro: Rennes.

 

10.  Stay at one of the numerous peaceful and unique garden apartments from Petite Paris, Australia.

These are real homes of real Parisians offering you a tranquil oasis to rejuvenate in between sightseeing and an intimate and authentic experience of real life in Paris.

(Clicks images below to view the stunning garden B&B213 on the Petite Paris website - i't only 110euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast - and just one of many tranquil leafy abode's )

View ALL Garden and terrace homes HERE