Wednesday, August 31, 2016

A Classic home in Paris - Marais beauty BOOK NOW!! 95euro per night for 2 guests with breakfasts



Classic B&B in Paris

BOOKING NOW for
2017

From only 95euro p/night for 2 guests including breakfasts


It doesnt get homier, cosier, or more authentic than this inviting Paris family home. Our classic B&B is run by the most professional kindest Parisian; Marie-Christine LOVES to meet & host travellers & share her home & city secrets. She is a registered qualified B&B hostess with Paris Tourism Bureau.

MAP location of this home



BOOK/ENQUIRE HERE

This is a REAL home & REAL cultural experience. Located in the heart of the city, the Marais, 5 mins walk to the seine & all attractions at your door, 2 double guestrooms with ensuites overlooking the Marais rooftops.





Breakfast is served daily lavishly & the lounge is free for guests to enjoy & chat with Marie anytime. Feel at home in Paris!




CLICK HERE to see this B&B on our website

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Paris to Lisbon, Portugal - Petite B&Bs expands!!!

Petite B&Bs

From Paris to Lisbon!

Our newly expanded B&B service - now offering B&Bs and apartments in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Quaint, hand-picked and professional homes, as featured in:

'The Australian'
July 2016



"PORTUGAL your time starts NOW'

"Long a handmaiden destination to Spain and France, Portugal has a new place in the Sun".



Considered better value than other european cities - voted 23 in the world on a priceoftravel survey (Paris is 47) 

read the article HERE
...and Enjoy the story about MADEIRA (one of Portugals glorious islands)

Contact us to book your Lisbon B&B today






Stay
Ana's Alfama apartment in Lisbon

Fr. ONLY 60euro per night for 2 guests!



Introducing Ana's gorgeous private 1 bedroom (+ loft) apartment in the historic centre 'Alfama' and most beautiful part of Lisbon, walking distance to all main attractions and minutes walk to downtown commercial centre, the famous Avenida Liberdade and the shopping district 'Baixa-Chiado



Presented in traditional romantic Portuguese 17thC style! Lounge, TC cable, wifi, fully equipped kitchen, bedroom, patio, and bathroom! VISIT Lisbon, the shy but RISING star of European capital cities. cheaper, friendlier, picturesque, so much history, wine, food, custard tarts, did we say wine??



EMAIL US: info@petitepr.com.au

Friday, August 26, 2016

BEST Day trips from Paris - Giverny, Fontainbleu, Provins - France j'adore

Petite Pariscope
'Monthly Paris Tips'

BEST Daytrips from Paris

1. Provins (MAP)



 A quaint medieval city 90mins SE of Paris. The train station is located in the old town. Make your way up, see the ramparts and tower (tip: climb for amazing views). Stop by the Office of Tourism to get a map, buy passes for any attractions you want to see or just maps/brochures. Main attractions: the underground tunnels (les souterrains), the watchman’s tower (la Tour Cesar), the museum and the Tithe Barn (la Grange aux dimes). Provins is also famous for its roses and you’ll find rose flavored everything. Rose flavored hot chocolate any one?



Tip: Trains leave every 45 minutes past the hour from normal platforms at Gare de l’Est. Buy tickets from an Ile de France ticket machine (skip the line at the ticket window), just make sure you have a chip/pin card or use a machine that takes cash. Provins is normally the terminus station, so just look for it on the screens to find your platform (updated 15 mins before departure).
 


2. Rouen (MAP)



A charming town in the Normandy region of France, about 90mins north of Paris. You’ll find brightly coloured half-timbered buildings, a gorgeous cathedral, and a fancy astronomical clock tower. Rouen is also known for being where Joan of Arc was executed and you can visit a tower where she was held (la Tour Jeanne d’Arc). Do the tour of the “gros horloge” clock tower – you’ll have fantastic views of the city.




Tip: Trains to Rouen leave twice an hour from Gare Saint Lazare station. Purchase your tickets either online, at the main ticket window (Grandes Lignes), or at the yellow ticket machines. Lines can be long, so either purchase and pick up your ticket ahead of time or arrive early.  Use the small yellow machines located at  beginning of each platform to validate your tickets.


 

3. Versailles (MAP)



Versailles is located southwest of Paris accessed by the underground RER C (leaving from several metro stops in Paris eg Tour Eiffel, St. Michel/Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay, and Gare d’Austerlitz). The line splits though, so be sure you get on a train with terminal of “Versailles Rive Gauche”.  You will need to buy a different metro ticket than the ones for Paris since Versailles is in zone 4 (unless you have a Carte Paris Visite or a Passe Navigo that is valid through zone 4, then use it!)



TIPS for Visiting the Castle: purchase your tickets online and print them before you go to skip the line, and leave early.
 The castle is a 5-minute walk from the RER station, follow the crowd. Visit the inside of the castle, eat lunch at a place on the grounds, explore the gardens in the afternoon and don't forget the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet where Marie Antoinette would escape the hassle of castle life and pretend she was in a quaint village. It includes a working farm and vineyard that is still functioning today. Trains back to Paris run frequently.

 


4. Fontainebleau (MAP)



Just as over the top as Versailles but no crowds, 45-minutes from Paris taking the RER D from the Gare de Lyon leaving from the main platforms (Grandes Lignes) upstairs. Trains leave about every hour.. Your Carte Paris Visite or Passe Navigo valid through zone 5 will also get you to Fontainebleau.



The RER D will take you to the Fontainebleau/Avon train station where you’ll hop on a bus that will take you to the castle (Bus 1) waiting for you when you get off the train. Bus tickets are 2 euros (you can use your Carte Paris Visite or Passe Navigo.

TIP: Go on the first Sunday of the month when the castle is free and with zero crowds and enjoy this opulent castle and manicured grounds. Lots of great lunch places within walking distance. Another bonus of Fontainebleau is the vast forest, if you have time, stop by the Office of Tourism for a map of the trails.


 

5. Giverny (MAP)


Made famous by Monet’s gorgeous water lily paintings, Giverny is wonderful to visit during the spring or summer. You’ll be able to stroll through his gardens and home – it’s honestly like walking through one of his paintings.

Purchase a train ticket to Vernon (online, at the Grandes Lignes ticket window, or at yellow machines) leaves from Gare Saint Lazare. and takes 45 minutes. The terminus station will likely be Rouen -  check the monitors at the beginning of your platform to verify that Vernon is listed and validate your ticket in the small yellow machine. Once in Vernon, take the bus to Giverny (20 minute ride) waiting outside the station. It is approx 6€50, roundtrip. To avoid waiting in the super long line, you can purchase your tickets online and print them at home.



The gardens are breathtaking and his house is absolutely adorable. They’ve preserved it quite well with his personal items, furniture, and a number of his paintings. Monet also has an impressive collection of Japanese prints and engravings.

 

 6. Reims (MAP)



Reims is the capital of the Champagne region and the perfect day-trip for anyone who loves a little bubbly. It's also home to a beautiful cathedral where French kings were crowned.  A must: try one of the large champagne houses for tours and tastings. Try:  Pommery champagne house, Mumm, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger and G.H. Martel.



Trains leave from the Gare de l’Est and you can purchase your tickets online, at the Grandes Lignes ticket window, or by using the yellow machines. Make sure you select the main Reims station (also called “Reims Gare” or “Reims Station”) and not the Champagne-Ardennes TGV station.  The terminus station for your journey will probably be Reims, so locating your platform should be straightforward.


Bon voyage!
 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Love from Paris! A studio in le Marais


Guests favourite Studio in Paris

"We were delighted to stay at Studio Chapon. It was a perfect location in 3rd Arrondissement (rue Chapon) and walking distance to many interesting spots and le Marais and Centre Pompidou.



The studio is small with a kitchennette perfect for Breakfast (well supplied with coffee, tea, butter, jam and milk). I would walk to a great bakery close by  every morning and we were ready to explore Paris! The studio was also quiet and comfortable. Definitely next time we go to Paris we will stay there. Many thanks for you kind assistance"




 
Meet Marc's Chapon Studio #459

Rates: 110euro p/night for 2
SPECIAL Weekly rate: 740euro

A self contained home for independently living in Paris, tucked down a tranquil street yet in the heart of the city (walk to the centre) in a historic 17thC building. Bedroom, kitchenette, bath,wifi, towels/linens, wine on arrival and Paris eBooks!



CLICK HERE to see this Studio on our website with more details

CLICK HERE to email us to Enquire or BOOK


Saturday, August 20, 2016

Paris secrets! Gardens and parks to picnic this August

Petite Pariscope
Monthly Paris Tips



August is the perfect time to participate in the great Parisian sport - picnicking! Enjoy green open spaces, secret squares with less crowds. A great way to pinch a few Paris pennies - grab a baguette, cheese and wine!


1. Jardin Francs-Bourgeois- des Rosiers



In Le Marais, this is an original Parisian public garden that can’t be seen from the street. To access: cross the hall of Hôtel de Coulanges (35 rue Francs-Bourgeois) to find yourself alone in a wide enclosed space, nice green path, wooden benches and privacy you wont find anywhere in Paris. Open to 2-7pm  MAP


2. Jardin Anne Frank



Behind the Centre George Pompidou (Marais), at the end of 'Impasse Berthaud' a paved dead end street, making it hard to find; this garden is tranquil, quiet and far from tourists. Only a few locals go despite the natural beauty of the park. MAP



3. Chateau Bagetelle 



The Parc de Bagatelle, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, was created because of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Count of Artois. The park is now best known for its prize-winning rose garden and the English style garden. MAP




4. The Hotel Particulier Montmartre



Behind the black wrought iron portal, in the unlikely Passage de la Sorcière, is impassive Directoire style house surrounded by a garden both elegant and wild. The terrace is frequented by locals and hotel guests, including artists and performers. MAP

5. Sully Garden



At the entrance to Hotel de sully, at the  Place de Vosges, Sully Jardin is a beautiful, gem of sumptuous decoration. Tranquility in the city centre. MAP

Thursday, August 18, 2016

NEW Classic home in Paris ONLY 89euro per night!!!

NEW
CLASSIC Paris B&B
BOOKING NOW!

 (19eme) Montmartre
* 2 bedrooms for up to 4 guests




Live in the Parisians Paris, a residential part of the city just outside the famous Montmartre village so you can walk to the main sights (Sacre Couer, Place du Tertre etc) in 10mins, yet your home in a charming regular neighbourhood with its own bustling cafelife, bars, restaurants, shops etc. An up-and-coming creative bohemian neighbourhood with many arts and culture centres and exhibitions, cafes, community garden/cafes initiatives and more.



This is a classic family run intimate B&B, with gorgeous rooftop terrace, where you will be welcomed like family, be hosted professionally, be served breakfasts daily, have the change to get to know a local and feel perfectly at home in cosy warm atmosphere.



2 guest rooms are avalable each with private bathroom and shared lounge room to relax in.

89euro p/night - 1 guest
99euro p/night - 2 guests
189euro per night for 3/4 guests (occupying 2 rooms)



Click HERE to see this B&B on our website
EMAIL US to enquire or book

Saturday, August 13, 2016

NEW Paris B&B Apartment - Terrace home with Montmartre views!!


NEW
CLASSIC Paris B&B

 (9eme) St Georges/Montmartre/Opera



Tucked away just beneath the famous Montmartre villages, just enough distance between the best sights and the crowds is this tranquil B&B home with stunning rooftop terrace where breakfast is served daily. Walk to Montmartre, Opera Garnier, Galleries Lafayette and more..

In a traditional historic building with gorgeous charm and character, perfectly presented and polished, offered by Isabelle our expert and warm hospitable B&B hostess.



Your guest suite has a bedroom with private ensuite, work table, wifi, air/heat, towels and linens and the dining/lounge is free for guests to relax in anytime.



CONTACT US for more information and BOOKINGs
Coming to our website SOON

Thursday, August 11, 2016

A 'petit' Paris TIP! Where to stay in Paris... the REAL Paris

...MORE on quiet Paris...
Here is a little FYI on 'where to stay'


Image: street located in the 14th arrondissement - click HERE

BOOKING TIP: Paris may be the most visited city in the world but each day we're surprised to hear guests think districts outside the 1st/2nd arrondissements are NOT Paris.

Sure the main sights are there (though not all, or most) but when a city is so cosily made up of 20 neighbourhoods that all mesh into one another so easily like one big village, taking 5-15mins to reach the centre, why wouldn't you stay somewhere more authentic, tranquil & local without the crowds?!
Especially as every village is a little Paris within Paris with its own beautiful bustling cafe-life, bars, restaurants, boulangeries, gardens, museums. If anything these areas are MORE Parisian.



Image: the real Paris in the 13th arrondissement - click HERE)

So the moral of the story, the best of Paris is NOT the 1st dear travellers & all 20 districts ARE PARIS! (NY is 789Km2, Paris is 105km - trust me, you are in Paris :)

THE BEST MOST AUTHENTIC:
9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th!!


Image: street located in the 18th arrondissement - click HERE

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Paris B&B ON SALE until end AUGUST!! 109euro p/night for 2 with breakfast and wine on arrival!

ON SALE
B&B364
(9eme - St Georges/Montmartre)



Speaking of a quiet authentic Paris experience, tucked away from the beautiful Montmartre village in a quiet residential nook, yet 10mins to centre of Paris is our GORGEOUS B&B suite. Guests bedroom, lounge ensuite, bathroom.

ON SALE for BOOKINGS THIS MONTH
(AUGUST only SALE)

Was 139euro p/night for 2  including breakfast
NOW 109euro p/night (99euro for 1 guest)




AS FEATURED in 'THE AUSTRALIAN' newspaper July 2016! See...



CLICK HERE to see this B&B on our website
EMAIL US  to enquire or BOOK!