03.31.09
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 9:40 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Many people think I must be “practically fluent” in French. Not because I have demonstrated this in any way, but because of my love of all things French, doing business in Paris, and if the truth be known, the multitude of French courses I have begun. I started taking French with my girls and as each of them passed me by, they kindly offered encouragements like, “Oh, Mom, you have so many other things going on…” Or “Isn’t it suppose to be easier when you are younger?” (Of course, that was one of my particular favorites, as you can imagine!) On the heels of that one, I encouraged myself remembering the experts do say that doing crossword puzzles and learning foreign languages are ways to prevent brain deterioration, or something scary. So I am encouraged to continue my efforts.
I also do hope that I have learned enough to “fudge” every now and then. Perhaps, I will pronounce just one word so correctly that even my French friends will stand in awe. However, I think I find it most troublesome when I am reading educated authors who drop little French phrases adding to the ambiance of their literary work, and I do not have a clue what they mean. Some are obvious, or at least an educated guess will get you close. But other times I am purely baffled. Unfortunately, looking the words up in a French dictionary does not always help, if the saying is an idiom for something different than what an exact translation will render.
So, just in case there are those of you in the same boat, I will update you on some of my previous findings.
What is it when girl friends are having a “tête-à-tête” or a “head to head?” Definitely, it is guessable, but that is code for a private conversation.
When a globetrotting writer refers to her “pied-à-terre,” does that mean she is down to earth or literally “foot on the ground?” No, guess again. “Pied-à-terre” is a small living quarter usually in a large city, and typically a second home.
Recently, I read one author who was describing the French fashion sense as having a certain “je ne sais quoi.” This sounded so chic, but how does “I don’t know what” become a compliment? Perhaps because the phrase in this usage has come to mean a certain indescribable or indefinable characteristic that makes it stand out from others.
Well, we all must start somewhere. Sometimes I just start apologetically with, “Je ne sais pas.”
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03.27.09
Posted in Expert Advice at 4:44 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Could it be so simple? Being a very thorough person and sometimes given to excessive research, every now and then I find that I have completely outsmarted myself. But after years of trial and error, I have finally succeeded in simplifying my French cell phone adventures.
The adventures began years ago with an 8-week stay in Paris while my 18-year-old studied at the Sorbonne. We had rented an apartment, and she would be walking to class. Addicted to the convenience and security of a cell phone, I began researching the most economical way to have 2 cell phones for our trip. Since my cell phone company was astronomically high for overseas use, I finally decided to buy 2 inexpensive cell phones and order French Orange SIM cards online, so we would have a smooth transition from the moment we landed.
Unfortunately things do not always go as planned. This was certainly the case when I discovered our cell phones had the language set to Turkish! (As if French was not enough to navigate!) Later I was to discover that I had paid much more to order the SIM cards online, than if I had purchased them at an Orange store in Paris.
As the years rolled on, I clung to my well-used “French” phones, trying numerous different pay-as-you-go plans. Until this January, when it finally came together! As we arrived in Paris, I located the nearest Orange boutique and headed to buy SIM cards. When the assistant greeted me and offered to sell me 2 new cell phones and SIM cards for less than the SIM cards cost online in the U.S., I was beside myself! This was my best deal of the whole trip! (And I love good deals.) Could it really be that simple? Yes, just take your passport and find the closest Orange boutique in Paris; in one stop you can get your phone, your SIM card and purchase the minutes you need - Voilà!
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03.25.09
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 9:45 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
The cobblestone square of Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers a starting point for exploring this fabulous Left Bank area of Paris. From here, in one direction via rue Bonaparte one may visit antique and fabric shops and the irresistible Ladurée tea salon. Or one may take the wider thoroughfare, rue de Rennes, the opposite direction leading to more contemporary shops.
This exploration certainly can offer a day or afternoon well spent, and is often one of my favorite ways to savor moments in Paris. The area is also home to some of the city’s most well known cafés, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, whose reputations were fueled by their literary and artistic patrons from Hemingway to Picasso. As you explore, don’t miss the all the side streets that offer specialty shops and fabulous bakeries. Though the charm of Saint-Germain is no secret, I have not ceased to find a new discovery with every visit.
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03.20.09
Posted in Expert Advice at 3:14 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Every once in a while, you stumble upon a restaurant that suits you perfectly. This was our experience with La Bastide d’Opio. Staying in an apartment only a stone’s throw away, we would walk past the numerous restaurants lining the narrow streets near Sainte Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. I have such fond memories of the delicious food in Provence that my attention was immediately drawn to La Bastide d’Opio. My husband loves a seat with a view, and the first little table was wide open and seemed to have our name written on it.
As we scanned the menu, we found just we are looking for under the Entrées or appetizers, cassolette de ravioles du Royan à la crème de basilic. We asked if we might order a larger portion for our meal. After checking with the chef, the waitress agreed to do so.
We were thrilled with the results. The delicate raviolis and goat cheese with basil cream became our newest comfort food. We must have repeated this same experience 4 times in our 7-day visit! Visit the web site and enjoy a moment at 9, Rue Guisarde : http://www.bistrot-opio.com/video.html
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03.18.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 11:34 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Relaxing in the Cour Marly is one of the highlights of my visits to the Louvre. With room after room of spectacular works of art, sometimes finding your own favorite spot - as we say in Texas - brings it all down home. I find this personal space in the Cour Marly.
Once an outside courtyard, the Cour Marly now has a glass roof designed by the same architect who created the Louvre pyramid. The natural light warms the space filled with statues from the park of Château de Marly, the favorite residence of Louis XIV. The brightness of the room, the scattered benches, and the monumental statuary create an inviting and peaceful atmosphere that makes a perfect stop to rest and reflect during your visit to the Louvre.
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03.10.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 9:58 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
One of my favorite stops at the Chateau de Versailles is the magnificent Orangerie. After touring the chateau, I immediately buy a garden ticket and go directly left to peer over the wall into the Orangerie. Designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, its fountains and perfectly ordered planters must have made a spectacular setting for entertaining. Created for the 3,000 orange trees of Louis XIV, it was the largest orangerie in all of Europe.
Hardouin-Mansart was truly a genius and one of the most famous 17th century European architects. His other contributions to Versailles include the design of the Hall of Mirrors (decorations by Charles Le Brun) and the Grand Trianon. In Paris, his architectural contributions range from the stunning Dôme des Invalides, to the Place Vendôme, and Place des Victoires.
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03.06.09
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 12:00 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
On a cold winter day, with the wind whipping through the Tuileries Gardens, we bundle up and take a walk. Many of the trees are stripped of their usual foliage, and the crowds are thinned by the season and the weather. But even in these imperfect conditions, one can hardly resist the opportunity to rent a wooden sailboat to float in the fountain. Memories of the children chasing their toy boats with sticks around this vast pond inspires the desire to recreate the atmosphere. Spring will be here soon, and all will begin to change. As the warm sun beats down, the chairs, benches, paths and walkways of the Tuileries will overflow once again. For me, I hope to find a spot by the pond to watch the children with their sailboats. With so many options to fill your days in Paris, sometimes it’s nice to have a quiet moment to reflect on the simplest pleasures.
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03.04.09
Posted in Expert Advice at 1:18 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Strolling past the Poilâne bakery at 8 rue du Cherche-Midi, a photograph was irresistible. I guess it was my way of enjoying the bread vicariously. Instead of wearing it, I took a photo. Perhaps, this was a more enjoyable memory in the long run. (Though, I have definitely enjoyed eating the bread on several other occasions!)
Ever the curious tourist, I wanted to know more about this bakery. It seemed everywhere I looked its name was popping up in specialty shops or being advertised as the bread of choice on different restaurant menus. I discovered that Poilâne was a bit of a new kid on the block compared to some of the more ancient establishments.
It was 1932 when Pierre Poilâne left Normandy to open his shop in Paris. The Cherche-Midi store was his first location. In the artsy Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, the competition was fierce. When he began, there were five bakeries on the street. Now, there is only Poilâne. At last count, the Poilâne bakeries were producing over 10,000 loaves a day for their shops, retailers, and restaurants that offer their breads!
To learn more about the interesting history of Poilâne, visit their website: http://www.poilane.fr/
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