Closer even than Luxembourg Park or the Pantheon, it's Les Papilles. With its casual atmosphere it really seems like a genuine, Parisian bistro. Upon entering, you'll be surprised by the many bottles of wine arranged all along one of the walls. Yes, this is a place where you can drop in for some wine, an appetizer, or an after dinner snack and even take it with you if you'd like.
In addition to standards like salads, foie gras, and escargot, they also serve a daily special made with fresh ingredients purchased right there in town. (At night, only the meal is available.)
During my visit, I had the cold pea soup as an appetizer. Dishing other ingredients into your own soup can actually be a lot of fun. It's interesting to see how the different ingredients used, like poached eggs, croutons, and radishes, and their varying textures, can change the whole meal.
For the entrée, out came a big pot filled with a giant roasted duck. The duck is great, but even better are all of the perfectly crisp vegetables with it. And finally, dessert was panna cotta.
With hearty enough portions to fill you up, this is an address where you can enjoy fine dining at ease.
Les Papilles
Address : 30 rue Gay Lussac 75005
Phone : 01 43 25 20 79
Metro : - Luxembourg RER Line B, then a 1 minute walk
- Cluny la Sorbonne Line 10, then a 5 minute walk
Business Hours : 12:00-14:00, 19:00-22:30
Holidays : Sundays, Mondays
Budget :
- Daily Special (Four Courses: Appetizer, Entrée, Cheese, Dessert) 31
- Daily Special (Two Courses: Appetizer, Entree) 24.5
- Daily Special (Two Courses: Main, Dessert) 22
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Europe Travel Directory
Published on: 2008-12-05
Sightseeing
Our Europe Travel directory is a wonderful resource you may want to use while planning your Paris Vacation.
These sites are unique in that most of them are created by natives of the countries and cities they present. Pride of place really comes through in these sites. The authors of the sites in this Europe Travel directory truly want to share with you the beauty and uniqueness of their home countries.
These sites also benefit from a homegrown knowledge that you rarely get from a guide book.
Take a good look. The listings are added to regularly, but we are selective in the sites we place here.
Many people use their Paris vacation as but one stop on a trip to other Europe Travel destinations. These sites offer you insights and ideas you may not find any where else.
Source: paris-walking-tours.com
Church in Paris
Published on: 2008-12-05
Sightseeing
There are churches in every neighborhood of Paris. Few visitors leave without having seen either the Notre Dame de Paris on the Ile de la Cité or the Basilica of Sacré Coeur on top of Montmartre.
The earliest known example of Paris Churches was actually built before Paris was Paris. While the city was Roman, known as Lutèce, there was built a Temple to Jupiter. On these foundations a church to Saint Etienne was later built which is actually the spot where Notre Dame cathedral now stands.
The ruins of these and other ancient constructions can be visited in the Crypt of the Notre Dame.
With the spread of Christianity, many Paris churches were built by the Merovingian and Carolingian kings, though little remains of those today.
When Clovis I made Paris his capital in the middle of the 6th century, he built the abbey of Saints Peter and Paul on Mount Ste. Geneviève, where now stands the Panthéon and the church of St. Etienne du Mont.
The historic Paris Churches can be a mixture of architectural styles, mostly Romanesque and Gothic. Some excellent examples of Gothic architecture are the churches of this city, including Sainte Chapelle, considered one of the world's finest constructions of Gothic architecture.
The churches of Paris offer the visitor a unique perspective on art, architecture and history.
Many of the churches in Paris house some stunning and priceless art treasures.
There are wood carvings in the pulpits, frescoes and murals on chapel walls and ceilings, sculptures and paintings from recognized masters and, of course, stained glass.
Source: paris-walking-tours.com
Paris Tours
Published on: 2008-12-05
Sightseeing
Paris Guided Tours offers private and personalized tours exploring the neighborhoods, monuments and museums of Paris. Have a private guide help maximize your time.
Source: theparisblog.com
Limousine in Paris
Published on: 2008-11-25
Having fun
Have fun by being drived in Paris in Limo : http://www.elitelimousines.com/
You can even make your reservation online their
Source: allparisnews.com
List of Paris Restaurant
Published on: 2008-11-25
Restaurant
Here are websites providing list of famous Restaurants in Paris and make your reservation online:
The other day while shopping at Agnes B. I was given a free sample of this really cute bottle of Perrier. It's a bottle made in collaboration between Agnes and Perrier. You may remember that they had collaborated with Paul & Joe last year.
But a bottle with a green, crawling lizard is pretty cool too, right? I haven't drunk it yet, but I wonder if the flavor was influenced by Agnes as well?! You can get these at either Agnes B. boutiques or at larger supermarkets.
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Enjoy French lessons
Published on: 2008-11-10
Events
While in Paris...
Enjoy French lessons
and cultural outings at your pace
with a bilingual and experienced
graduate from the Paris Sorbonne University.
Ideal for singles or couples. Why not?
Get in touch with:
PARIS QUAI N°1
Call: 33 (0)1 43 35 20 19 or 06 43 48 40 34
Write: 123renon orange.fr
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle
Published on: 2008-10-07
Museum
This is an image of the Grand Gallery of Evolution (Grande Galerie de l'Evolution) from the National Museum of Natural History which inherited a huge collection from the zoology gallery that was built into a corner of the botanical gardens in 1889, the same year the Eiffel Tower was constructed. The museum reopened in 1994 and now boasts a total area of 6000 m2 and exhibits of 7000 different types of flora and fauna. As soon as you enter, you will be overwhelmed by the enormous skeleton of a whale.
The ground and first floors deal with Biological Diversity , the second floor is Mankind's Effect on Biology , and the third is themed Biological Evolution . The biggest highlight is the legion of taxidermied animals lined up like a parade, with a huge mammoth at the head. You'll also notice that the exhibit methods are done in very interesting ways, like you would expect from the French. There are rare and extinct animals that have been put on display, and this is a big part of the museum's history.
You should definitely check out the Room of Extinct and Endangered Species.
It's a wonderfully complete museum of natural history, but don't forget to enjoy the beautiful late-19th century architecture, like the high, glass ceiling. And, of course it's a place the whole family can enjoy. On nice days, head out to the botanical garden, and try some of the excellent mint tea on the terrace of the Mosquee de Paris next door.
National Museum of Natural History - Grand Gallery of Evolution
Adresse : Jardin des Plantes - 36, rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire 75005
Metro : Censier Daubenton line 7, or Place Monge line 7, then a 3 minute walk
Tel : 01 40 79 54 79
Open : 10:00-18:00
Close : Tuesdays, May 1st
Fees : Gen. Adm. 8, Ages 4-13 6, Ages 3 and under Free
Paris Museum Pass : No
Web : www.mnhn.fr
Source: cahierdeparis.us
La Seine
Published on: 2008-10-07
Sightseeing
The Seine River (780km) is the second longest river in France after the Loire River. The earliest recorded Parisians lived on the Ile de la Cité, which is an island in the Seine. The Seine was as indispensable to ancient Parisians as it is to modern Parisians. The Seine has inspired many paintings and romantic interludes. Remember An American in Paris? Although you may not find Gene Kelly here, you will still find book vendors and souvenirs for sale along the Quais. Historical bridges such as Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts or Pont Alexandre III are also beautiful.
Source: cahierdeparis.us
PARIS NEWS
Paris is a smaller town than everyone
imagines. You can walk from the north of Paris to the south in less than
three hours. Furthermore, the places where tourists tend to go, like shopping,
restaurants, sightseeing spots, and so on, fit into an even smaller area.
So, if you use the Metro or buses,
or even the newly opened bicycle rental service Velib', then no matter
where you are staying you'll be able to have access to all of the sightseeing
spots, shops, restaurants, and so on within 10-20 minutes.
Now, although finding your own way
while walking around, gazing at the rows of shops and houses, is one of
the best parts of a trip, during your limited time in Paris you'll want
to enjoy some worthwhile shopping and sightseeing as well, so you can
see the various faces of the city. That's why your preparation before
the trip is so important. This Paris information site, "Cahier de
Paris", is your reassuring supporter, dispatching the latest information
everyday concerning the boutiques, restaurants, art museums, sightseeing
spots, and events of Paris and France. gCahier de Paris h will show you
how to get the hang of Paris so you can enjoy it 100%.
Filled With the Days
of Paris and France, a Notebook of Treasure
The France and Paris
sightseeing trip information site, Cahier de Paris. Delivering shopping,
restaurant, and event news everyday.
Paris Art Museums and Sightseeing
Spots
Paris Art Museums
Certainly the places you
will most want to visit are Paris's world-renowned art galleries
and museums. There's the three most popular, the Louvre, Orsay,
and Orangerie, of course; the newly created Musee du quai Branly;
Pompidou Centre, which will introduce you to modern art; the Musee
Picaso; the Musee Rodan, with the work of the famous artist; Musee
Marmottan with its full collection of Monet; the Musee National
du Moyen Age (National Museum of the Middle Ages); Petit Palais;
c and so on. And then there are museums outside of Paris we can't
overlook.
In addition to the museums,
travelers to Paris are fascinated with the solemn churches and beautiful
buildings that make you feel the history around you. The symbol
of Paris, the Eiffel Tower; Central Paris; Notre Dame Cathedral,
which rises up from the island of le de la Cité, floating
in the River Seine; the Pantheon, where many great men have slept;
the white walls of Sacré-Cœur Basilica, erected on Montmartre;
the most beautiful and famous of all of Paris's plazas, the Place
Vendome c The whole city of Paris is dotted with buildings more
wonderful than any you've ever seen.
There's also Chagall's magnificent
ceiling paintings at the famous Opéra Garnier; the Chapel
of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal where people from all over the
world come seeking the miraculous medals; the Canal Saint-Martin
and the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) which are perfect
for those wishing to sit down on a bench and take a rest; the Palace
of Versailles, which you'll want to visit at least once c There
are a lot of spots spread all over that you'll want to check before
your departure.
The Paris Museum Pass is
good for access to over 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the
surrounding areas of France. Get rid of the time and effort it takes
to buy tickets. No need to stand in line every time you want to
see something. This pass is extremely handy for getting right inside
the building. During your limited time in Paris, your time is precious,
and this Museum Pass will really let you have a good time.
There are three kinds of passes:
2 Day, 4 Day, and 6 Day.
While lining up a trip filled
with sightseeing in Paris is a lot of fun, let's not forget about
the shopping! For starters there are famous department stores like
Galeries Lafayette and high-class French brands like Louis Vuitton,
but you'll also want to get a pair of ballerina shoes from Repetto,
some beautiful silverware and crystal from Christofle, chocolate
from the famous chocolatiers La Maison du Chocolat and Pierre Herme,
as well as any other sweets you may like from our recommended patisseries
and gourmet food stores. You'll find a lot of stores that are really
convenient for buying souvenirs. We've also got the best addresses
for some lovely general stores, the small shops of young creators,
and other charming places.
The orthodox school of Classic
French, the refinement of Casual French invented by the younger
chefs, the unchanged traditional French food you can taste at brasseries c
In the gourmet capital of Paris, even if you were to spend everyday
trying out food at various places, there are more delicious restaurants
waiting for you than you'll have time for. The wise way to do things
is to figure out which restaurants you most want to go to during
your stay, and make reservations beforehand here on Cahier de Paris.
Of course, we also have lots of recommendations for, and information
on, inexpensive and quick cafes and salon de thes, places that cater
to single diners, and, for those times when you yearn for some rice,
Japanese restaurants where the staff can make delicious dishes for
you.
Metro, Buses, Velib' c A Guide
to Paris's Public Transportation
Let's get a grasp of Paris's transportation information
The key to fully enjoying
Paris (hitting the sightseeing spots, shopping at the boutiques,
eating at the restaurants you want to) during your limited time
there, while still being able to move around freely, is, without
a doubt, being able to handle the Metro and the buses well. If you
learn the basics of the Parisian transportation system ahead of
time, it'll come in very handy when need arises.
The latest information on the Metro's routes is here
The
rental bike service provides even more freedom.
The city of Paris began Velib',
it's rental bike service, in July of 2007. If you're riding around
the streets of Paris on a bicycle you can eliminate the waiting
time for the Metro or buses, and there's no need to worry about
a strike bringing them to a halt. Registration for a 1 day card
is merely 1 Euro. And since the first 30 minutes of use is free
each time, you can really do well with this if you get good at finishing
your rides. Once you've mastered how to use Velib' from this page,
you'll be ready to head out into Paris.
Paris monuments and hallmarks
The Eiffel Tower : This world-famous landmark was built for
the Universal Fair of 1889, held to commemorate the centenary of the
French Revolution. It stands 1050 ft high. Admission (elevator to
the top) is EUR 9.90 for adults, EUR 5.30 for children under 12. Opening
hours: Jan 1-Jun 13: 9:30am-11pm daily (stairs: 9:30am-6pm); Jan 14-Aug
31: 9am-midnight daily.
Notre Dame Cathedral : Work on the Hunchback's gothic home
began in 1163 AD and was completed circa 1345 AD. The house of God
can accommodate over 6,000 worshippers. Admission in the Cathedral
is free, going to the towers costs about EUR 6. No elevator, people
with a heart condition should abstain. Opening hours: 8:00AM-6:45PM
daily. Towers: 9:30AM-6:45PM daily. Masses: 8AM, 9AM, 12AM, 6:45PM.
Champs Elysees and the Arch of Triumph : The Champs Elysees
avenue probably only deserves its nickname of "most beautiful
avenue in the world" for its lower section, starting Place de
la Concorde and ending at Grand Palais. The rest of the avenue mainly
features overpriced shops and restaurants - with a few exceptions
in the side streets. Walk to the Arch of Triumph, at the top of the
avenue, and visit the 50-meter high structure built to commemorate
Napoleon's victories. Admission is about EUR 6, and free for children
under 12. Opening hours: 9:30AM-11:00PM daily from April to October,
and 10:00AM-11:00PM daily from Nov-March.
Montmartre
and the Church of the Sacred Heart : The Romano-Byzantine basilica
crowns the Montmartre hill. Its construction began in 1875 and was
completed in 1914. Admission is free, except for the crypt and dome
(about EUR 5). For a fun ride, go to the Anvers metro station, walk
to "Rue Tardieu" and take the "funiculaire" (a
one-car train which brings you almost to the top of the hill). Montmartre
itself used to be a village outside Paris. The hill is famous for
its architectural landmarks, its artistic life, and more recently,
for 'Amelie'. It counts no less than 7 museums!
Invalides
: Its building started in 1671 under the reign of King Louis the
XIVth, and about 30 years later. From its inception, the place was
designed to serve as a home to impoverished soldiers and wounded veterans
of the French army. It comprises the veteran hospital itself, a church,
several museums, and the tomb of Napoleon I. Admission is EUR 6 for
adults, and free for children under 12. Opening hours: October to
March 31: 10AM-4:45PM, April-September 30: 10AM-5:45PM
Saint
Germain des Pres / Latin Quarter : Even today this quarter is
associated with the existentialism of the 1950's, with Jean Paul Sartre
and Simone de Beauvoir writing at the Cafe Flore, and with Boris Vian
and Raymond Queneau. The "invasion" (over the past 30 years)
of luxury boutiques is replacing the book stores and cinemas from
this aera, although a historical preservation association has now
been created to preserve that which still remains.
Place
des Vosges : Its construction started in the early XVIIth century
under Henri IV. It was completed in 1612. Initially named 'Royal Square',
it was renamed 'Place des Vosges' by Napoleon I as an homage to the
inhabitants of the Vosges region who had been particularly quick to
pay their taxes. The square is remarkable both by its style (it is
lined with 36 buildings, all dating from Henri IV) and by its shops
and its little park where Parisians like to loaf on sunny Sundays.
œ Here you can pick out
the exhibitions, movies, and concerts that catch your attention
from all of the events being held in Paris. And since there's information
on events relevant to France that are being held in Japan, even
those not currently planning a trip there can find some great recommendations.
Walking in Paris : Paris offers a number of interesting
itineraries for strollers. You can follow the waterways (river Seine,
St Martin Canal, river Bièvre) or the 17-km long railway transformed
into a most surprising walkway hung some 50 feet above the hustle-bustle
of the city. You can also spend some quality time in any of the
large public parks which the city counts (Luxembourg, Buttes-Chaumont,
Montsouris, Georges Brassens), discover the gardens of the 14th
district, or else decide to learn live history and architecture
in areas like St-Sulpice and St Germain-des-Prés. Walking
in Paris
Explore Paris
Courtesy of Paris Eiffel Tower News and Monument Paris
Welcome to Paris! This page was designed especially for you who may
visit Paris for the first time. The idea is to give you advices to
acquaint you with the City of Light, and help you prepare for this
exciting trip. Read on!
Prepare well for a stroll
Once you have settled down in your comfortable hotel room and are
getting ready to take your first stroll, take some time to dress
appropriately.
First, put on a really good pair of walking shoes to feel comfortable
in the Parisian streets. Walking in Paris means stopping often to
look at amazing details and buildings. This constant stop-and-go
will wear you down if you aren't comfy in your shoes.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower means waiting often over 30 minutes
to gain access to the ticket booth, then waiting some more for the
elevator on the way up, and waiting some more for the elevator on
the way down. So to your feet, a pair of good shoes will make a
big difference!
Parisian weather is fickle in springtime and during fall:
what starts out as a great clear day can turn rainy and chilly in
the afternoon. Pack a sweater and a rain breaker if you are visiting
during these seasons. Summer is usually fine (70-85 F), August is
generally hotter (80-95 F). Winter is rainy and cold, almost as
cold as in NYC.
In any case, take your umbrella along, it may become your best
friend -- especially if you intend to take pictures of everything.
Rain and camera lenses don't like each other.
Street-savvy tips
Now that you're dressed and all ready to venture outside, here are
a couple of useful tips:
Avoid taking a taxi during the day, and notably in the morning
until 11:00, and in the late afternoon from 4:00 to 8:00. Streets
are jam-packed during those periods, and seeing the meter run while
you're a sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is a disheartening
experience.
Taxi fares: taxi meters show your fare and one of three letters:
A, B, or C. If you are within Paris and on the ring outside Paris
(the peripheral boulevard), the A rate applies from 6:00 PM and
8:00 PM, and the B rate turns on from 8:00 PM till 6:00 AM. When
you leave Paris intra-muros, the driver will turn on the B rate
during the day and the C rate from 8:00 PM. If you are far from
Paris, the C rate always applies. You will pay extra for every luggage
you load in the trunk and if you take the cab from an airport. Don't
try to hail a cab in the street too close to a train station: taxi
drivers can't load passengers within a 100-meter radius from the
train stations. Go to the station taxi head instead, or further
away from the station.
French people do lunch between 12:00 and 1:30 PM, and dinner between
7:30 and 10:00 PM. If you wish to avoid the crowd, lunch at 12:00
tops and dine out from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Restaurants rarely serve
between 2:00 and 6:00 PM.
Having a drink at the terasse of a sidewalk cafe is a necessary
experience in Paris (skip it between November and March though,except
if weather permits). However, terasse drinks are often charged premium
prices.
Although they are saddled with a reputation, cafe waiters are not
necessarily rude: they're just in a hurry. So don't take offense
if they are impatient with you. Smile and show them what you want
on the menu. They won't return the smile, but you will get your
order quickly.
In Parisian restaurants, it is not customary for your waiter to
come back to you once you are served to see if everything is allright:
they assume this is the case. So don't feel you are ignored: just
call the waiter when you wish to have your bread basket replenished.
If you dine out at an expensive restaurant, waiters will tend your
table diligently. Otherwise, it won't be the case.
Gratuity: your restaurant/cafe check already includes a 15% gratuity.
If you feel like giving an extra tip to your cafe waiter, leave
EUR 1 ( .97) on the table. In a restaurant, you may leave EUR 3-5
( 2.7-4.5, more if you are in an expensive place) but again, that's
not expected in either case. Your credit card receipt won't show
any gratuity line.
Armed with these few basic advices, you are ready to conquer the
asphalt. On to places to visit!
Check what you should be wearing for the weather in Paris everyday.
Paris's weather can change frequently from day to day. Since just
knowing the temperature doesn't let you know what to actually pack
in your suitcase, the Cahier de Paris staff living in Paris record
what garments they're wearing each day in the "Stylish Meteor",
a weather calendar designed to perfectly help with this issue. Study
up on the "Stylish Meteor", and you'll be able to pack
efficiently!
Hôtel Grand Hôtel
Saint Michel
19 rue Cujas - 75005 Paris
tel: 33 (0)1 46 33 33 02 - Fax: 33 (0)1 40 46 96 33 grand.hotel.st.michel@wanadoo.fr
___________________________________________
copyright (c) 2005 Grand Hôtel Saint Michel - All rights reserved
