Friday, January 29, 2016

Preparing for Paris. Where to Stay! Neighbourhood HELP!

With 2016 still a bebe, 1 month in, 11 more to go... we thought we would revisit one of our Petite Paris basic essentials; WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS; to help you pick the best district suited to your needs, style, tastes and closest to your sightseeing wishes! Under each neighbourhood description below is a link to see all the B&Bs and private apartments we have available for booking in that particular neighbourhood.

NOW...sit back and start preparing for Paris. And ENJOY! :)
 
FIRST: ‘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 (even 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.



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.

For the best cultural immersion experience in Paris we stand by our love of B&Bs i- a classic 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 as well as divulge insider local Parisian tips secrets and advice.  Paris is all about le apartment so a B&B apartment is the perfect accommodation. Petite Paris (www.petiteparis.com.au) has over 120 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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 1eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 2eme



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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 3eme

click HERE to see our homes in the 4eme




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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 5eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 6eme



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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 7eme



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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 8eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 9eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 10eme



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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 11eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 12eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 13eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 14eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 19eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 20eme





15th, 16th and 17th Arrondissement - are Paris upmarket, upscale and wealthy residential neighbourhoods.
click HERE to see our homes in the15eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 16eme
click HERE to see our homes in the 17eme



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.
click HERE to see our homes in the 18eme



Monday, January 25, 2016

Pockets of Pure Parisian Poetry. Passages de Paris!

Secret Passages of Paris

 The passages are old-fashioned shopping malls from the late 1700s and early 1800s that provided cover from rain, mud and horses for the chic shopping ladies of yesteryear. There is something special about these secret little passageways. Walking into each one feels like you are unwrapping a different gift.There are ones that silently slide off major streets revealing hidden gems under coloured, colourful galleries.



The most famous passage is Vivienne in the 2nd Arrondissement and possibly my favourite with its spectacular mosaic tiles and great shopping - the modern art gallery is found here as well as a fabulous florist, a killer tea salon A Priori The, and a book store of rare finds, Bistro Vivienne, a fine wine shop and the creme de la creme is Jean Paul Guaultier - and more MAP
WEBSITE



Passage Colbert is also beautiful, possibly more grand than Vivienne and here is the brasserie Le Grand Colbert, from the movie 'Something's Gotta Give'. Utterly romantic! MAP

WEBSITE
 



 
Panoramas Passage is the oldest with many restaurants and  cafes and a fabulous engraver. MAP
WEBSITE








 




































Jouffroy Passage specialises in toys and a great needlepoint shop, old movie posters, Lebanese pastries and the wax museum of Paris, Musée Grévin is here. MAP
WEBSITE



Verdeau Passages specialise in antiques, comics, musical instruments and engravings), among others. MAP

WEBSITE



The funkiest passage is Passage Brady, which is chock-full of Indian and Pakistani restaurants. Some recommended restaurants here which may be a bit too shabby for some tastes (those who only want the quintessential Parisian fine touches, but ideal for those who want to experience multiculturalism and ethnicity of Paris). MAP

WEBSITE

Find Addresses of Paris Passages click - here

FIND more PARIS CITY TIPS in our Petite PAris eboks for ipads and iphones. Over 200 pages of must see and do's at only $4.99 - Click HERE to preview

There’s also number of notable restaurants in the passages, like the Michelin-starred Passage 53 and the eclectic back-alley Au Passage

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Pariscope - new and new-old places in Paris - cafes, picnic spots and shops!!

Pariscope 
New and New-Old quirky and classic Parisian cafes, restaurants and shops
1. Cafe life

a. Kitsune



The spot, a sliver of space along the tiny Galerie de Montpensier, a sleek corridor fitted with wooden countertops and a mirrored wall, home to a Marzocco coffee machine that brews Brazilian beans, plus gluten-free cookies from nearby Noglu and the Palais Royal is the backdrop! MAP

2. Picnic Places

3 Places for a traditional Paris picnic or an impromptu brunch of chocolates from either Henri Le Roux (Salted butter caramel specialist) or Jean-Paul Hevin 

a. Square d'Ajaccio



If you walk around the Invalides, or if you go to the Rodin Museum, absolutely make a detour to the beautiful small public garden Square d’Ajaccio, next to the Esplanade des Invalides. This little green space in the 7th offers you a sumptuous romantic setting with large trees filling the garden (plane tree, horse chestnut, tulip tree), some of which are centenaries. MAP
b. Square Lambert

A lovely locals favourite! Manicured park amidst heavenly Haussmans this park is split into three areas: the children’s play area with swings and slides, a sandpit with a circular shelter for wet weather and an open-air theatre. Like many art deco-era parks, the main wall is embellished with monumental sculptures – in this case of dancing children, by sculptor Auguste Guénot (1882-1966) and Victor Peter’s 1938 statue (Les Oursons), which shows two young bears fighting. MAP

c. Palais Royal



After grabbing a coffee and cakes from Kitsune cafe (see above) head to the famous and must see Palace Jardins (gardens) Nab one of the comfortable metal chairs. Once in chair, all that's left to do is sit back, crack the spine of a book or notebook, then completely ignore it in favor of soaking in all that symmetry, harmony, and people watching. MAP
3. Lunch Love
A local haunt, a fresh salad spot and a winter warmer...   

a. La Dauphin



In the 11th, is a locals joint, and incredible area for food and bars that is often over looked by visitors MAP

b. The Rose Bakery 


for wholefood salads, which sometimes you miss in Paris. MAP

c. Chez Georges



In winter, it’s to the classic Chez Georges for bread, buttered sole and raspberries served with whipped cream. MAP
4. Shop til You Drop Paris
Sidestep Celine and discover what is entirely unique to Paris
a. Archie Noire



This shop offers a selection of design objects from the 30′s to the 80′s. Prices are reasonable. 19 rue Victor Massé MAP
b. La Boutika



Indie retailer who sells movies that we don’t find at the big stores, including French Films. There are also books, posters, and great movies for children. MAP

c. Comptoir de L'Image 



One hidden treasure and a paradise for any magazine or book lover. About the size of a postage stamp, every nook and cranny is filled to the brim; Paris Vogue, Numero, Dutch, vintage designer look books– it seems like every uber-cool publication can be found among the rare fashion and photography books here. MAP


MORE recommendations in our  Petite Paris City Guide eBook: click HERE

Sunday, January 17, 2016

The Ultimate PAris Pack. Prepare for a perfect stay in Paris

The Ultimate Petite Paris Prep-Pack



Prepare for the perfect arrival in Paris with:

* A bottle of French wine
* Petite Paris Guide eBook
* French Intro lesson online
* French travel gift voucher


With ALL B&B or Apartment BOOKINGS!







Petite Paris City Guide eBOOKS
for 2016


Prepare for Paris with our ultimate insider guide eBooks for ipads, iphones, hardcopies and pdfs. From only $3.99!



Markets of Paris

For the best of Paris' diverse and eclectic markets - food to fashion, antiques, books, fleas & art markets.
$3.99 Preview/Purchase it HERE




Paris Bebe!
Over 50 child-friendly and family fun activities in Paris + baby essential travel tips.
$3.99 Preview/Purchase it HERE





Petite Paris City Guide

250 pages of our personal collection of the best, must-see and secret insider places from secret gardens, to cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, markets, boulangeries, best coffee spots, breakfasts & more.
$4.99 Preview/Purchase it HERE
 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

a new Petite B&B City. LISBON!! Ola Bom Dia come to Lisboa!

Petite LISBON B&Bs
Our NEW Petite City

(only 2hrs flight from Paris :)




Stay in a Petite B&B in Lisbon - over 20 NEW handpicked B&B exclusive homes in the sunny capital of Portugal, starting at 39euro per night for 2 guests!



Expertly selected and inspected authentic real family-style B&Bs and homes, for a complete cultural immersion experience.




BOOKING NOW
Email us to enquire about our homes

CLICK HERE
to see our LISBON B&Bs

SUBSCRIBE
to Petitebnbs newsletter for Lisbon B&B News








DISCOVER LISBON

Read about the beautiful Portuguese Capital of Lisbon in our article featured in the THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL PAPER -
Click here



We're talking all things fabulous in the sunny capital of Portugal; from Alfama to fado, fashion to feasts - all our favourite secrets!





Follow Petite Lisbon on Instagram
Follow Petite Lisbon on Facebook



Monday, January 11, 2016

Petite Pariscope. City Tips for 2016 in Paris. Whats Hot!

Petite Pariscope
What's HOT 2016


Where to Be in Paris!
A few new favourite spots to share. More Paris city tips next month - promise!


Cafe Lovers
Go to: Ob-La-Di Cafe

54 Rue Santoinge 75003 (MAP)




Sounds strange but its all style at this new coffee spot in the Marais! Expertly prepared coffee, gluten free baked goodies, a great playlist and voila, atmosphere with your coffee.


Rooftop Romance

Go to: Quarante-trois bar
92 Rue Vaugirard Paris 75005 (MAP)



A spectacular rooftop sweeping view of Paris. Need we say more?!


Brasserie Lover
Go to: Barav
6 Rue Charles-Francois Dupuis 75003 (MAP)



A little gem of a traditional wine bar that has kept its friendly old village neighbourhood atmosphere, bustling with Parisians with a fantastic wine selection and French fare at decent prices for lunch or dinner. A great stop in while walking the Marais. 

Friday, January 8, 2016

a deluxe antique Parisian home on the Island Saint Louis. Book now!



A deluxe B&B
Le grand Sale! 



Our most EXCLUSIVE, beautiful, historic Paris B&B Apartment, in the upscale residential neighbourhood 'Island Saint Louis' (in the middle of the seine) is:

50% OFF





Once only and for a limited time, experience la-creme-de-la-creme of antique Parisian B&B homes with superb impeccable B&B service!




Normal rate: 230euro p/night
NOW
114euro p/night for 2
Now to March


* includes breakfasts and all services/taxes
* Bottle of French wine on arrival * Petite Paris Insiders City Guide eBooks and more.




AVAILABLE NOW Email us @ info@petitepr.com.au
Click HERE to see it in full detail on our website: 

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

9 Paris B&Bs under 99euro. Paris 2016, BOOK NOW!




New Year New Paris
Sales ~ Sales ~ Sales


Happy New Beginnings everyone! In New Year spirit we're offering B&B apartment discounts from now to April 2016. AS FEATURED in today's (Australian) ESCAPE travel - the Sunday Telegraph, Melbourne Age etc. Grab a copy!  Or CLICK HERE to see our SALE included online!




9 Paris homes under 99euro
* Click images for full home details on our website

*All rates based on 2 guests inclusive on breakfasts
* Welcome bottle of wine, Paris Guide ebooks & more.



1. B&B308
(3eme Marais)
Normal rate 144euro
Now (to April) 88euro p/night
LINK to online description





2. B&B424
(10eme Gare du Nord)
Normal rate 149euro
Now (to April) 95euro p/night
LINK to online description




3. Private Apartment454
(11eme Republique/Marais)
Normal rate 129euro
Now (to April) 99euro p/night
LINK to online description




4. Private Apartment208
(18eme Montmartre)
Normal rate 129euro
Now (to April) 94euro p/night
LINK to online description





5. B&B415
(19eme Butte Chaumont/Belleville)
Normal rate 124euro
Now (to April) 92euro p/night
LINK to online description




6. B&B264
(5eme Latin Quarter)
Normal rate 129euro
Now (to April) 94euro p/night
LINK to online description





7. B&B350
(9eme Galleries Lafayette/Madeleine)
Normal rate 109euro
Now (to April) 89euro p/night
LINK to online description





8. B&B284
(3eme Marais)
Normal rate 124euro
Now (to April) 98euro p/night
LINK to online description





9. Private Studio459
(3eme Marais)
Normal rate 110euro
Now (to April) 99euro p/night
LINK to online description






SEE ALL our Paris B&Bs and apartments on SALE
Click HERE

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Paris ON SALE Up to 40% off B&Bs and apartments

Whoohoo LE YAY!! We are featured in today's Australian ESCAPE TRAVEL newspaper, nationwide, pick up your Sunday Paper and find amazing holiday deals for 2016!

It includes our Paris B&Bs NEW YEAR SALE. Up to 40% off our unique handpicked B&Bs and apartments! Check it all out here - LINK

Visit our website: www.petiteparis.com.au

Or to go directly to our SALES page: CLICK HERE



Saturday, January 2, 2016

Happy New Beginnings from Petite Paris ps B&B on SALE

Dearest Paris lovers, friends and followers - Happiest New Year to you! :) We wish you a wonderful Parisian New Year and hope to book you into a special Petite Paris B&B home... with our:

NEW YEAR PETITE PARIS APARTMENT SALE... 

9 Paris B&B apartments under 99euro! 
On sale now to April 2016! 

 Click each image below to find the prices and for direct links to that homes webpage for full details. and to enquire.. Happy New year B&B bargain beauties xox


1. B&B415: NORMAL rate 124eu NOW to APRIL ONLY 92euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THE LINK BELOW for full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/415_Maxime_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



2. 

B&B424: Luxe B&B in 10eme. Normal rate 149euro now to April ONLY 95euro for 2 guests including breakfast. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more... CLICK HERE to see the full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/424_Pascal_Anne-Claude_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html


3. B&B263: Normal rate 129eu NOW to April ONLY 94euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THE LINK to see the full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/264_Jacquelines_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



4. B&B350: Classic B&B 8eme, Normal rate 109 NOW to April ONLY 95euro per night for 2 guests including breakfast. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THIS LINK to read full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/350_Jacqueline_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



5. B&B454: Private self contained 1 bedroom apartment minutes walk to the Marais. WAS 129 now to April ONLY 99euro per night for 2 guests. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THIS LINK to read the full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/454_Pascal_Republique_Apartment_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



6. B&B284: WAS 139euro NOW 98euro per night for 2 guests includes breakfast. B&B in the heart of the Marais. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THIS LINK to read full home details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/Gisele_%26_Frederic_284_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



7. B&B308: WAS 144euro NOW to April ONLY 88euro for 2 guests including breakfast. A B&B in the heart of the Marais. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more...CLICK THIS LINK to read the full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/Gisele_%26_Frederic_308_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



8. Apartment 208:  Normal rate 129euro NOW until April ONLY 94euro per night for 2 guests. PRIVATE self contained apartment in Montmartre! Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more... CLICK THIS LINK to read full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/208_Annie_Herve_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris.html



9. Studio459: Private self contained studio in the Marais. Normally 110euro NOW 95euro per night for 2 guests. Plus Bottle of French wine on arrival, Petite Paris insider city guide ebooks, French audio lesson online and more... CLICK THIS LINK to read full details on our website and to enquire: http://www.petiteparis.com.au/459_Etienne_Marc-Jules_Bed_%26_Breakfast_Accommodation_in_Paris_2.html


EMAIL US for any enquiries: info@petitepr.com.au

Visit our website: