12.11.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 6:38 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit…” Henry David Thoreau
Such is a summer day well spent in Provence. Though Provence should not be missed at any opportunity, I was delighted to have finally timed my visit perfectly with the arrival of lavender season.
With the high-speed TGV train, one can make it from Paris to Avignon in about 2 ½ hours. What a change of scenery and lifestyle, from the city life of Paris to the slower-paced culture of Provence!
One of our favorite hotels, Hotel d’Europe, offers excursions with a wonderful driver/hostess to explore the surrounding regions of Provence. Our first trip to the lavender fields was in the care of Mika, who made sure we did not miss the Abbey of Sénanque or any of the best sites for viewing the French flowers.
The fields were alive with bunches of lavender all blending together like a carpet of color with the French countryside as its backdrop. The rich smell was indescribable! With the warm sun of Provence and the air filled with lavender, the experience was one I will always remember. Today, just the faint smell of real lavender conjures up a world of happy thoughts!
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12.02.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:28 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
The Seine has always been at the center of Parisian life. From Paris’ beginnings on the Ile de la Cité, the Seine was strategic in determining the settlement’s location. Today, the river that creates its Right Bank and Left Bank still defines Paris.
The bridges of the Seine are celebrated for their romantic settings. There are over thirty bridges in Paris. Your cruise will probably lead you past seventeen of them. From the most ornate bridge, Pont Alexandre III, to the oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, you will experience some of the history and personality of Paris.
River cruises are offered by a number of companies. One that we particularly enjoy is the quaint cruise of Vedettes du Pont Neuf, which is accessed from the Pont Neuf bridge. The open top cruise gives an incredible view of the sights during this hour-long tour with commentaries in both French and English. Our favorite summer tour time is at sunset. The cruise begins as the sun sets and before long, you are enjoying the lights of Paris against the evening sky. It is hard to imagine how beautiful Paris is at night!
For more information about departure times, prices, and discount offers visit the Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf web site: www.vedettesdupontneuf.com
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11.25.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 3:55 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
I must say, I am constantly being asked what new treasure I have discovered to buy in Paris. Most shoppers, I guess, are motivated by the hunt for the newest fashion, the best deal or that no one-else-will-have-it prize. For years, we anticipated trips to Paris to have a larger selection of Lacoste shirts, Longchamp bags, or the premier perfume that had not yet reached our shores. But, alas, our global world is too small. French goods adorn our department stores, and some have even debuted in the outlet malls. So, every year I continue my quest to find what I cannot find at home.
Wandering down a quiet street in the 6th arrondissement, I discovered my favorite French find – a fabulous handbag line, Rue Princesses. Yes, the purse bears the same name as its address, 11 Rue Princesse, located in the heart of Saint Germain. The boutique, French in every way, called my name. When I saw the windows lined with striking bags, I immediately obliged.
Receiving a particularly warm greeting, I relaxed a little, not usually liking too much personal attention. Within moments, I knew my “just looking” was over. The discretion of not touching was also thrown out the window, as I was seated with 5 purses surrounding me trying to decide which one would do best.
Rue Princesse is now a must-do in Paris, but for a virtual visit, you can go to: www.RuePrincesse.com
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11.18.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:20 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Planning a trip to Paris…trying to figure out which day trips to work into your visit? If it is May or early June, the choice is made for you; you must see Monet’s gardens and home in Giverny. Claude Monet, the Impressionist painter, drew inspiration for his paintings from his two-acre water lily garden and almost three acres of flowers. Carefully planned to give a beautiful show as the seasons change, the gardens are one of Monet’s greatest works of art.
The gardens are open from April 1st to October 31st from 9:30am – 6:00pm everyday except most Mondays. I have visited Giverny in late May and in early June, both of which were absolutely breathtaking. My pictures of the roses and the peonies in full bloom will keep the memories fresh. When I visited Giverny in October, the look was completely different with the gardens overgrown in autumn colors. You might enjoy going to the web site to see what is in bloom each month:
www.Giverny.org/gardens/fcm/calendar.htm
The gardens are spectacular! Don’t forget to bring your camera. Every area seems to have its own delights from the arched walkways filled with flowers, to the fruit trees, and on to the water lily pond. Monet’s home is also charming and gives unique insights into the artist.
Make sure you save time for a visit to the gift shop. Gardeners will especially enjoy the books that describe Monet’s planning for all of the seasonal blooms. The one I purchased was Monet’s Passion, which details how you can bring Giverny home. What an inspiring thought!
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11.13.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:40 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
What history lives in the Louvre! Originally built as a medieval fortress, the Louvre first served as protection for Paris. The Louvre would then become the palace of the French kings, until Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles. In 1793, the Louvre became an official museum of the French Republic, currently receiving over 6 million visitors a year.
Endless hours could be spent drinking deeply of all this museum has to offer. I can remember on my first trip to Paris as a college student; we had 4 hours do Paris. Being the optimistic youth that I was, I felt confident we could give it a good shot. One of our most strategic moves was to buy a ticket to the Louvre and quickly find our way to the Mona Lisa. Upon beholding her beguiling smile, we turned around and exited the museum.
Since then, I have discovered that many people have very similar “quick trips” to the Louvre. Our visit was accomplished in less than an hour, but a full exploration would require several days and to study it all, perhaps a lifetime! May I give you my fullest confession? The several hour visit to the Mona Lisa and a few other stops is still my most requested tour for first time visitors. For some reason, most of the friends that I take only want the “quick trip.” I think that with only a short time to see Paris, the museum can seem somewhat overwhelming.
In other words, there are many ways to do the Louvre, depending on your interests and desire to peruse the museum. The best idea is to decide before you go what you are most interested in seeing. The museum offers an online site where you can get an overview of the different exhibits at: www.louvre.fr After the flash, select English and under Museum choose the virtual tour. You may click on the exhibit that interests you and plan your visit.
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11.06.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip, Sights in Paris at 5:01 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
The Tour Eiffel is an international symbol of Paris. Built by the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, for the Universal Exhibition in 1889, the tower was not always a favorite among Parisians. During its initial construction, many Parisians worried that it would endanger French art and history, and wrote a petition against this “monstrous” Tour Eiffel. However, upon its completion, the tower met with enormous popularity. Today, a trip to Paris would not be complete without a view of the Tour Eiffel.
The Tour Eiffel has three levels. Tickets may be purchased at varying rates for each of these levels. Unless heights bother you, going to the highest level is quite an adventure. Some may enjoy the “stair master” approach. With 360 steps to the first level, 700 steps to the second level, and a whopping 1,652 to the top, be my guest. Actually, the stair access is only open to the first and second levels. That is my excuse!
The view from the top is wonderful by day and glittery by night. Since the millennium celebration in 2000, this amazing landmark gives a special light show after dark on the hour for ten minutes until 1:00am (2:00am in the summer). So don’t forget to check your watch for this beautiful display.
The restaurant with the most spectacular views is Le Jules Verne Restaurant on the second level. Because of the restaurant’s popularity, a reservation of several months in advance is often required. Don’t forget to request a window view!
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10.31.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:54 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
“Paris is always a good idea.” Sabrina
Though any time is a great time to visit Paris, some times are better than others. Often trips are scheduled around work, vacations, or the low season for special rates. Under these circumstances, go whenever you can! However, if you are able to choose your times, there are some things to consider.
Typically, the best times to visit are considered high season by the travel industry. For Paris, high season is May-July and September-October. In August, Parisians depart the city for their holidays. Typically, their vacation leaves Paris less congested. However, many of the privately owned shops and smaller businesses close during this time. Also, with fewer Parisians, you may find less of the personality that makes Paris so distinctively French.
The French holidays are another consideration. There is nothing like having a few days in Paris, only to discover that it is a French holiday and everything is closed! Though there are not many of these holidays, it is important to note them. Almost everything closes on May 1, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
We love to visit Paris during the Christmas holidays, when the streets are lined with lights and the stores are decorated for the shoppers. As in most places, the French decorate early for Christmas and leave the decorations up through the first part of January. What a wonderful way to experience Paris!
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