October 17, 2007
My Paris Pics
I finally uploaded most of my Paris pictures. You can see them here:
I even uploaded this (crappy) video:
If you're wondering how to get all those photos you've got online, I highly recommend Flickr. Take a tour to learn about how it works or even sign up (basic membership is free). It's very easy to use, and the hardest part is just creating the account.
Update: Alex has uploaded her pics!
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September 30, 2007
Plans for Saturday, Oct 6th
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Plans for Friday, Oct 5th
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Plans for Thursday, Oct 4th
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Plans for Wednesday, Oct 3rd
Since we're all staying in slightly different places in Paris, I'll be making posts ahead of time for each of the days I know everyone will be there. If you have plans, or even if you think of something that day, please post them in the comments. Or if you're not sure what you want to do, check out the site and see what others are up to.
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September 23, 2007
Variety of Paris Maps
My mom reminded me about Gridskipper, a travel blog from the same people that publish Gawker, Gizmodo, and Defamer (and Lifehacker, Valleywag, etc, etc.). They have some excellent Paris maps:
- Where to eat crepes in Paris
- The Best Restaurants for game in Paris
- The best places for Southwestern French cuisine
- Gift Shopping
- Paris Coffee that doesn't taste like M----
- The Best Paris Drive Bars
- Brunching in Paris
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September 20, 2007
Dali Museum Discount
Belinda wanted me to pass on this 20% discount coupon for the Dali Museum:
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September 19, 2007
Guide Books
I find guidebooks to be very helpful when traveling - carrying them with you at all times (discreetly, of course) helps when you spontaneously change your plans, or need to make restaurant reservations.
I prefer the Rough Guides, but since the current Paris Rough Guide is from 2005, and the new edition doesn't come out until Jan 2008, I went with their Mini-Guide. It seems to have everything I need, plus it fits nicely into almost any bag.
Also, I wanted to get a restaurant guide - because I hate wondering around hungry, indecisive about where to eat. Now, I had thought there were only two options in this field: Michelin and Zagat. However, I ended up buying Pudlo Paris. Apparently, this is the guidebook Parisians actually use. It's in its 17th edition, but the first time its being published in English.
If you purchased any guidebooks, what did you buy? It's always good to have a variety.
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September 18, 2007
Visting the Louvre
Not sure if we're going to visit the Louvre (we'll probably go for the D'Orsay instead), but if you are planning on going, you should know these facts:
- The Museum is closed Tuesday.
- You can buy your ticket ahead of time (online or at your local FNAC) and enter the Museum though some of the other, less crowded entrances.
- If you go after 6:00 PM, you'll most likely get a discounted ticket.
- The Museum is free the first Sunday of every month (Oct 7).
Read more at the Louvre's Website.
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August 30, 2007
Restaurants & Bistros in Paris
This is going to be very hard. No matter what anyone says, France is the true mecca for all foodies, and Paris is the capital of French cuisine. It's hard to truly plan out what restaurants I want to go to because there. are. just. too. many.
Anyway, I've started to make a dent. Here are some recommendations from Chowhound for restaurants (in the Parisian sense, rather than bistros) to get us started:
- Chowhound thread: The one place I "must" eat in Paris
- Chowhound thread: Our seven nights of dining in Paris
- Chowhound thread: Chez L'Ami Jean or Aux Lyonnais
- Chowhound thread: Narrowing down the list again
- Chowhound Thread: What do you think of my 'food itinerary'?
The Chowhound boards are filled with recommendations, and if you're so inclined, take a moment to look up those things you're interested in. A few more links:
- Paris Guide to Cheap Eats
- An interactive map/guide to local bistros recommended by Parisians
Chowhound also has some excellent tips for eating out in Paris:
- Info about cheese courses
- Tips on ordering aperitifs
- Dinner attire
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August 29, 2007
Renting Bikes in Paris
Paris' new bike rental program has caused quite a stir, and I have to say, after renting bikes in Amsterdam, it really is a great way to travel around town. If you're curious about it, you should know the details, and here they are:
- NY Times: A New French Revolution’s Creed: Let Them Ride Bikes
- Offical Vélib site (with Google Translate)
- The Scoop on Vélib
- Roue Libre Bike Rentals - seems to be a different option sponsored by RATP, the company that runs Paris' Metro.
And in case you were wondering is there are enough stations to make this work, here's a screenshot of a map of all their stations:
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Sleepless Night 2007
Apparently, a big art festival will be taking place in Paris on the night of October 6th, called Nuit Blanche (literally translated at "White Night," but more appropriately translated as "Sleepless Night). It seems that from 7PM to 7AM the next day, lots of Museums and cultural institutions are open all night, along with bars, cafes and the Metro.
I haven't been able to find a lot of information about it translated into English, but apparently, the official site says the full program will be available at the beginning on September. The events are all supposed to be near the Metro line 14 (Saint-Lazare Station - Olympiads, new station open to the south of the capital), so you can get to events and installations easily. However, some sites did note that there are often long lines at popular free events, so you may want to avoid the whole thing altogether, if that's your style.
Links:
Fodor's 'Hot List' for Paris Events
More information from Nozio (apparently some sort of travel site)
The Official Site for Nuit Blanche 2007 (en francais)
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April 30, 2007
Steak Frites: Paris
Mark Bittman reviews steak frites in Paris for the NY Times - may be interesting to some of you.
The most important piece of info, for those who don't know it, is this:
Many Parisian restaurants assume you will take your steak “saignant,” which is seen as correct and translates as underdone. If you want it medium-rare, say “à point,” pronounced “ah pwan.”)
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March 05, 2007
Belinda's Paris Info
From Belinda:
I will be traveling on the evening of the 3rd arriving in Paris on the 4th and leaving on the 9th. Bonnie and her family will be coming in on the same flight (AA 120 from JFK to CDG) but leaving on the 8th. I noticed that it was difficult to get a room on the 9th of October for some reason (must be something exciting happening on the 10th) so if you want to stay longer I suggest coming in a few days earlier.The plan is to have a birthday party at the Jules Verne on the 6th or the 7th but we have not had final confirmation on which day yet.
As far as hotels go, I suggest the area of Saint Germain Des Pres (6th arrondissement) Here are a few possibilities:
Le Regent - this is where we are currently booked.
Hotel Du Danube this is a little cheaper than Le Regent but also very nice and just around the corner.
Hotel Dauphine St Germain - I haven't stayed here but it looks good and it's close to the other two.
If you want to look at other alternatives, I suggest going to france-hotel-guide.com and searching in the 5th or 6th arrondissements for a 3 star hotel. Another useful site is http://www.pariserve.com/saint-germain.htm. Some of the Hotels you can book online but others you can do via email.
I did find an apart'hotel in the neighborhood but I have not ever stayed there so can't vouch for it. It's pretty close to the hotels above so I can say it's a lovely area. If you want a kitchen, this might be an
alternative.Hope this gives you all a good start. It will be fabulous if you can join us! Call or email if you need help or have any questions.
I'd also like to add that my parents usually recommend the Hotel Saint Louis, and I think Sophie and John stayed there.
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