Enjoying Paris On and Off the Beaten Path

Xin Jin Lou, A Foodie's Gem in the 13th

2013-05-12T06:11:00.002-07:00

Check out my article on Xin Jin Lou in Paris.. fantastic French food in a Chinese Traiteur out in the 13th... worth the short bus or RER trip from central Paris. Posted today on Bonjour Paris, an always excellent info letter on Paris.

http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/xin-xin-lou-foodies-gem-13th/

European Museums Night is May 18

2013-05-04T05:21:00.003-07:00

European Museums Night. Stay up with culture and art!

May 18, 2013
If you will be in Paris on May 18^th, save some energy and plunge into La Nuite Européenne des Musées, the European Museum Night, when museums stay open late and hundreds of special events are planned across Paris. Discover the cultural heritage of Paris while enjoying concerts, varied events and free entrance to many museums.
Website: http://www.nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/

Boudin Exhibition at the Jacquemart Andre

2013-05-02T08:28:00.004-07:00

The Jacquemart André museum is showing a lovely exhibition of Eugene Boudin's paintings and pastels. This is the first show of Boudin's work in many decades and while not huge, is proving to be an extremely popular 'must-see' for art lovers. Monet once referred to Boudin as the man who taught him how to paint. Monet and other Impressionists painted with Boudin in the lovely Honfleur area of Normandy and enjoyed long friendships.

The Jacquemart André is a gorgeous 19th century mansion, once the home to a wealthy art collecting couple, who gifted the mansion and its contents to the foundation that now runs the museum. The 'café' is the original dining room and features lovely tapestries, fireplaces and painted ceilings by Tiepolo. In the 9th eme. Open daily. Boudin show is there through June, it is well worth a visit.

Festival des Nomades May 24-26

2013-05-02T08:22:00.001-07:00

The Marais sure knows how to put on a party. The annual Festival des Nomades sponsored by the Mairie of the 3rd arrondissement is three day feast of gallery openings, performances, ephemeral events all over the Marais. www.parismarais.com has a copy of the 40 page (yes 40 page) pdf outlining all the events.

If you are in Paris in late May check this festival out. It is sure to have something to engage and delight you!

Savoie Cheese, Charcuterie and Wine Bar Near Luxembourg

2013-03-30T23:17:00.002-07:00

I'm in Paris now with my France Through Eyes of Faith group having a wonderful time exploring the spirited mind of the middle ages. In the bodily nourishment department I'm discovering several new gems that I'll share on this blog over the next several days. Les Fromages de Savoie is a lovely new cheese, charcuterie and wine shop/cheese-bar just steps from the Luxembourg Gardens on 9 rue de Corneille (runs from Vaugirad down towards Odeon along the side of the Theatre de Europe).

This gorgeous place is open 10-9 Mondays through Saturdays. You can buy Beaufort and numerous other delicious Savoie cheeses, plus charcuterie and sausages from the region. They sell Savoie wines and some prepared foods including a line of fabulous looking soups that include cheese... have microwave, will dine!

This is a great spot to stop in for assembling a picnic or for a bite to eat in their downstairs cheese bar.

Monsters In Fashion

2013-03-18T13:15:00.003-07:00

The Gaite Lyrique theatre in the 3rd is a place worth bookmarking. This hyper-creative theatre and performance space offers films, performances and shows. Currently there is a fanciful exhibition of fifty major fashion designers who designed their 'inner monster'. Playful, engaging. Fun for all ages. Check it out. http://www.gaite-lyrique.net/en/theme/arrrgh-monsters-in-fashion

Shared cab or private cabs from Cityzen Mobility

2013-03-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Check out a new service that is part of the 'solutions' to making Paris easier to move around in, and in and out of.

CityZen is a pre-booked private OR shared taxi service that will you to and from the airports, the railstations, and within Paris to set destinations. You can book a cab that will be shared with others or book a private cab for up to five people. Book on the easy to use website and voila, you have a guaranteed price for your trip and can pre-pay before your trip, up to 24 hours in advance.

Note the caveat that for airport cabs that are shared you cannot bring more than a carry on bag. That may be a problem for international travelers... but if you are booking a private cab, say for two, email CityZen and ask if there is room for big bags..

I'm using the service for two trips with clients to Gare Montparnasse to catch trains for Chartres and Angers as part of my France Through Eyes of Faith trip in early April. I've been very impressed by the responsiveness of the staff and the ease of booking... now to see if it all works!

http://www.cityzencab.com/

Valentine's Day in Paris

2013-02-08T11:04:00.001-08:00

Paris and romance are a natural pairing... how about booking a private guide for a very special shopping tour on Valentine's Day, or, for a foodie-cultural combo like an Eiffel Tower visit plus a wine and cheese tasting, or, an Eiffel Tower visit plus a romantic dinner?

Maybe you would love to spend a relaxed mid afternoon savoring the richest, best hot chocolate in Paris, a sweet thought that!

Contact Your Great Days in Paris, s.peabody@verizon.net for Valentine's Day or any day in Paris. You want your time to be memorable, for the right reasons!

Delish Veggie Food in the Haut Marais

2013-01-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Paris is upping its game on the number and quality of vegetarian and vegan restaurants that offer gluten free or other dietary options that taste great and look appealing.

Café Pinson, in the Upper Marais, is one of the newest in a quality emerging field. Hip design, carefully made dishes, a bit of creativity. This is a great address to put on your 'should try' list.

Café Pinson is mostly vegan and gluten free. There is a selection of raw dishes on offer plus a fresh juice bar. Bread is crusty and good but is not gluten free. The chef is currently working on a recipe for gluten free bread. Risottos and dishes based on fresh fruits and quality vegetables abound. Dishes are not drowning in cheese... this is a sophisticated little spot with a warm welcome.
Café Pinson does a nice Sunday Brunch including savory Madeleines, slow cooked eggs, a vegetable mousse, raw or cooked granola, fresh juice, and a tasty spread made with raw hazelnuts. Brunch has become all the rage in Paris and this is a good place to settle in and enjoy..
Café Pinson
6 rue de Forez, Paris 3
Metro: Filles du Calvaire
Open 9AM to 7PM, Monday to Friday
Saturday 10AM to 7PM
Sunday 10AM to 5PM
http://www.cafepinson.fr

France Through Eyes of Faith over Easter...

2012-12-12T14:39:00.001-08:00

If you are searching for an unusual gift for an 'enspirited' friend or person you love, consider our intimately scaled France Through Eyes of Faith tour starting on Good Friday in Paris, 2013.

This excellent experience is guided by Sally Peabody and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Rand Peabody, of Your Great Days in Paris and Turkish Journeys. We are joined by an expert medievalist in Paris and Chartres, and, an expert guide in Angers who reveals the beauties and secrets of the astonishing 14th century 'Apocalypse Tapestries' and the luminous 20th century Chant du Monde Tapestries.

Our last day we visit Reims to tour the lovely gothic Notre Dame de Reims and the pre-gothic St. Remy Basilica. We toast our time together in France with a more contemporary spirit, after touring one of the grand Champagne caves such as Taittinger or Pommery.

Email sally at s.peabody@verizon.net for more details or look at the tour description on www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com

Take A Holiday Stroll Down a Great Boulevard....

2012-12-12T14:33:00.002-08:00

The Champs Elysées is hardly off the beaten path in Paris. But, at Christmas time, this bustling boulevard is picture perfect for sparkling, romantic Christmas lights, a Marché du Noel, Christmas trees and more pretty, festive, seasonal delights. The Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Roue are both lit and serve as 'anchors' to one of the world's most impressive streetscapes.

Start from the top and meander downhill. At Rond Point, bright blue and white
lights at all the corners are impressive indeed. From that point, the annual Christmas Market begins, running along both sides and the entire length of the Champs-Elysées, all the way down to the Place de la Concorde, which is home to a huge Christmas tree.The Christmas market features artisans selling a large variety of intriguing gifts.
Paris being Paris, of course there are food and drink vendors selling everything from sausages to chocolates to hot spiced wine.
There are tables and outdoor heaters set up for comfort. Don't want to shop or eat? Have kids in tow?
There's a skating rink and a giant slide. There's a giant mailbox for letters to Santa and kids will surely love the Petit Train du Pére Noel.
The market is open daily until January 6th. Hours are 10 a.m. to 11p.m. Weekends, the market is open until midnight.

And if the Champs Elysées isn't enough, head over to see the dramatic lights and decorations at the Galleries Lafayette and Printemps along Haussmann.

The Best Gift... Paris For the Holidays

2012-12-01T16:27:00.003-08:00

Check out my new article, just posted, titled 'The Best Gift: Paris For the Holidays' on Bonjour Paris.

This magical city ramps up the festivity and its innate beauty in late December... enjoy!

http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/best-gift-paris-holidays/

A taste of Portugal in the Marais

2012-11-30T17:01:00.002-08:00

Off course you want to over-indulge in fantastic French patisserie while you are in Paris. Just in case you crave something a little different... Comme a Lisbonne is a wonderful small shop located on the rue de Roi de Sicile in the Marais with a fine collection of Portuguese specialties, including those irresistible eggy, creamy Pasteis de Nata tarts. I love Portugal and often travel there for personal trips. Pasteis de Nata are classic Portuguese sweets and they are mildly addictive when made well. If you can't get to the source at the Pasteis de Belem bakery in Lisbon, stop in at Comme A LIsbonne in Paris to try these. Perfect, perfect, perfect with a cup of Portuguese style espresso.

Comme A Lisbonne also sells a small but well curated selection of Portuguese foods and conserves. A great little shop. Check it out.

Comme a Lisbonne
37 rue de Roi de Sicile, 75004
Metro: Hotel de Ville
Open 11AM to 7PM, Tuesday to Sunday

Angelina's Chocolat Chaud at Galleries Lafayette for the Holidays

2012-11-13T13:55:00.001-08:00

Lovers of lethally rich chocolat chaud certainly know Angelina's famed Parisian salon where the 'Chocolat Africaine' is justly famed along with the chestnut puree and cream Mont Blanc pastry. Yum. Angelina's is going to be offering a holiday season pop-up cafe on the highest floor of the Galleries Lafayette 'Grand Magasin' where the hot chocolat, Mont Blanc, and a well curated selection of other sweet treats will be featured. November 12 through December 31 only.

If you are walking by the Grands Magasins... Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, et al to see their beautiful windows and holiday illuminations, maybe to do some shopping, stop in at the seasonal Angelina's for a treat.

And of course, you can always visit the classic Angelinas on the rue de Rivoli.

Love Fashion? Check out the Chloe Attitude Exhibition

2012-11-06T07:13:00.001-08:00

This show is a tribute to Gaby Aghion, who started the Chloe label 60 years. Aghion kicked off the the brand by having a casual show of the first collection at the hip Café de Flore. In subsequent years she created and re-created Chloe as a brand that had the informality of everyday wearable clothes with the luxuriousness of couture. Chloe has had of succession of nine designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Martine Sitbon, Stella McCartney, and Phoebe Philo, each with their own signature but yet retaining the essence of the brand.
The exhibit begins with a display of photos from ad campaigns. You can see how the label evolved with each photographer uniquely interpreting the Chloe woman. Renowned photographers have shot for Chloe, including Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, Jeanloup Sieff, David Bailey and Deborah Turbeville.
The design and curating of the exhibit is first rate. Judith Clark has designed an outstanding show. The show is very successful at showing the arc of the various fashion over the 60 years. You leave, appreciating the arc of fashion over six decades and the excellence of the Chloe design.

Until November 18 at the Palais de Tokyo. 113 ave President Wilson in the 16th. Open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. This is near Trocadero on the right bank.

Stunning Chateau, Stunning Chocolates

2012-10-29T08:42:00.001-07:00

The beautiful chateau and gardens of Vaux le Vicomte are always worth a visit. This chateau 'that inspired Versailles' is magnificently designed and decorated. On November 10 and 11 the Chateau is hosting an event called 'Le Palais du Chocolat' running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Master chocolatiers will be offering tastings of their craft and showing elaborate chocolate design creations. Sounds like fun! And remember, if you will be in Paris during the holidays, Vaux le Vicomte is famed for its 'illuminations' where the chateau is shown off in all its decorated glory and lit by candlelight. Children visiting during this time can dress in period costumes... The chateau is about an hour and a quarter south east of Paris. Call or email me if you would like a driver to take you there for a memorable day.

Stunning new Islamic Collections Wing at the Louvre

2012-10-25T20:10:00.002-07:00

On September 22, 2012, The Louvre in Paris unveiled its new wing and galleries dedicated to the arts of Islam, marking the museum's greatest development since the iconic glass pyramid constructed twenty years ago. To house the new wing, architects Mario Bellini and Rudy Ricciotti created a new glass structure with a unique undulating roof, sitting in the Louvre's Visconti courtyard. The contemporary wing, spanning over 30,000 square feet, thus does not detract from the museum's historical 17-century facades, but offers a new dimension to the famous museum. The new Department of Islamic Art will exhibit a large portion of The Louvre's collection of 18,000 works, showcasing some pieces to the public for the first time. This colleciton of art from the Islamic world spans from the 7th to the 19th century, including a particularly impressive collection of textile works such as fabrics, rugs and carpets. For more information: http://www.louvre.fr/

AirFrance Europe Fares Sale until 10.25

2012-10-23T12:35:00.003-07:00

Air France is running a sale on fares to various European Destinations through October 25. Check their website. Boston to Paris was approx. $950 which is good, not astonishing but a savings, bien sur. And I saw a Chicago to Istanbul flight for $744! Talk with me about holidays in Paris or in Istanbul. And good luck with the fare sale. Sally

And here's the link!

2012-10-18T15:02:00.002-07:00

I omitted the link for the Old South Church Reporter online pdf of my article on 'Enspirited Travel' in France and in Turkey in my post this morning. Apologies. If you would like to read the piece insert this link in your browser http://www.oldsouth.org/photos-and-media/publications And open up the pdf file listed under the Old South Reporter header. I think you will enjoy this article and the images add a great deal to the content as well.

France (and Turkey) With Eyes of Faith

2012-10-18T06:00:00.002-07:00

Enjoy my article on my 'enspirited' tours in France and Turkey just published in the Old South Reporter. This is the e-magazine of my church in Boston, the venerable but wonderfully and progressively up to date church where my husband and I are members. Two sermons on Mary and on the Book of Revelation prompted me to move beyond my normal culinary/cultural tour framework into offering intimate immersions of several remarkable 'spiritual sites' in and around Paris. The tour is wonderful and I am offering it again in March, 2013 and can always offer one for a small group that would like to experience this tour for any congregation. We work with two excellent medievalist guides in France and the total experience is excellent. Here is the link. There are nice images too!

Getting Your Most From Paris

2012-10-03T21:38:00.002-07:00

Bonjour Paris just published my article "Getting Your Best From Paris." Here is the link. And if you are interested in my small group tours in Paris, in Turkey and Andalucia in 2013 be in touch. Or, take a look at www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com or www.turkishjourneys.com We are planning a new culinary & cultural tour in Andalucia, a photo expedition led by two expert, professional photographers to Turkey, our intimate 'France Through Eyes of Faith' tour, Eat.Shop.Taste Paris, our Pays Basque Food and Wine tour and other excellent tours in Turkey. All good. http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/getting-your-best-paris/

The Modern Art Club: Avant Garde Collectors in Le Havre

2012-09-27T10:10:00.001-07:00

One of the pleasures of viewing art in Paris is visiting one or more of the smaller, private museums that mount specialty exhibitions. The Musée du Luxembourg, 19, rue de Vaugirad is always worth a look to see what is on offer. The new fall show focuses on the work of impressionists in and around Le Havre. Works on display by Boudin, Monet, Sisley, Jongkind, Pissarro and Corot include seascapes, landscapes and studies of clouds and light. Why this density of artistic output around Le Havre? Le Havre in the late-19th and early-20th centuries held great appeal for artists. Its busy port offered plenty of activity and visual stimulation. Tall-masted ships sailed in and out. The nearby estuary offered the kind of light and colors of interest to painters, especially Impressionists. Not insignificantly, Le Havre also had a wealth of cotton importers and businessmean willing and able to pay for art (“No cotton, no paintings,” local artist Eugène Boudin is reputed to have said). Thus, this critical mass of artists and patrons turned a provincial port city into an unlikely hotbed of modern art before and after the turn of the 20th century. Le Havre is home to an excellent Impressionist and Modern Art museum but until January 6 you can see this show of its treasures in Paris at the Musée du Luxembourg. Open daily. 11 Euros.

Le Bon Marché Turns 160!

2012-09-24T20:11:00.001-07:00

Who better than Catherine Deneuve, the iconic living French cinema legend and fashionable femme, to kick off the launch of the 160th birthday of Le Bon Marché. Le Bon Marché is one of the world's first department stores, along with the right bank Le Samaritaine. Ms. Deneuve, who reputedly lives near the Bon Marché on the left bank, is captured in each of the store windows with clever graphic black and white illustrations. The artist is Marjane Satrapi. Each scene features a well-known Paris landmark including Invalides, D’Orsay Museum, Place St. Sulpice, and of course, Le Bon Marché. Very amusing and different. Only in Paris! And while it may not help you stay as svelte as Ms. Deneuve, don't miss a chance to visit the vast Grand Epicerie of the Bon Marché when you go to see the windows and to shop a bit. A block square emporium of gourmet foods of all types from macarons to prime meats.

Journées du Patrimoine this weekend

2012-09-11T09:49:00.002-07:00

If you are lucky enough to be in France on September 15 and 16 plan to take advantage of the annual 'Journees du Patrimoine' event. All over France you will find free entry to buildings that are generally closed to the public, often historic buildings or public-sector buildngs that limit access. In Paris you can see inner sanctums of the Elysees Palace or the great city hall with its beautiful reception rooms. And, most museums and monuments will also be open and free... Check out http://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr for a full list all around France. Lines can be long for many very special places but this is a rare opportunity. Enjoy.

Cool Treats in St. Germain this summer

2012-08-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

Two great choices for cooling treats in August in Paris.... Mylk is For those who love frozen yogurt habit and prefer not to give it up, even when in a city full culinary temptations. You can customize your yoghurt dishes or have the top quality yoghurt whipped into a milk share. Mylk has two locations, one in the 6th eme at 15 rue de l'Ancienne Comedie, (in the heart of St. Germain des Pres) and the other in Montmartre, located at 1 place suzanne valadon. And, a temporal pleasure. Master patissier and famed macaron maker Pierre Herme has added a new line of ice creams and frozen desserts to their gorgeous array of patisserie. Head for the 72 rue Bonaparte boutique and taste one of these intensely flavored ice creams. Some flavors echo those of the famous macarons, like the salt caramel or the fabulous Ispahan. At the end of August the ice creams will be gone... Who says you can't find great things to eat and enjoy in Paris in August?