Tuesday, October 31, 2006

HALLOWEEN A LA FRANCAISE




Halloween is a recent phenomenon in France. It's now officially cool to dress up and party, but it definitely is no tradition. In fact, the fad only started to seriously affect the Frenchies about five or six years ago. Instead, France traditionally celebrates La Toussaint (all saints) on November 1st, which is a catholic holiday, and is often much more serious and grim. People usually dine in an intimate atmosphere, visit their family tombs and remember the dead, pretend they care, so on and so forth. Since today it is Halloween I decided to post a few somber images of Paris, some of which I got from this wonderful site: www.pebourgouin.com
Paris can strangely be most appealing when it is somber. It's eerie feel on days like these would always make me think of Gotham city.























To read more on the subject check this out: gofrance.about.com/cs/festivals/a/halloween.htm

Monday, October 30, 2006

SPENDING IN LE QUARTIER LATIN



Fueled by the small yet potent French espresso, you could easily shop yourself to oblivion while in Paris. Sounds alluring? I think I can help. Yes, there is a mind boggling choice of boutiques among the many eclectic districts of Paris and it might be hard to decide where to begin.
The left bank is a good place to start just because you might want to experience le vieux Paris first hand and check out the legendary Quartier Latin while you drain your credit.


RUE DE RENNES AND RUE DU FOUR

Boulevard Saint Germain, well, you probably have heard of this place right? It is known for its artist and literary hang outs such as Café de Flore, or Café Les Deux Magots, for the innumerable restaurants, for its Church of St Germain, the oldest in Paris and the myriad of jazz clubs and bookstores. In fact the rich history of the district makes it one of the most popular quarters in the City of lights.
A few steps away from Boulevard St Germain you will find two winding roads crossing each other; Rue de Rennes and Rue du Four. Both are very well known for their countless boutiques and this is precisely where you can start spending your money.

Rue du Four is filled with tiny and cozy shops, often beautifully adorned and styled up to date. Yes you are entering trendy land. Color and décor are king here, while “le paraitre or the appearance is the key word.

Rue de Rennes is a rather large avenue leading from Place Saint Germain de Pres towards Gare Montparnasse in the 14th district of Paris, popular after WWII among the lost generation and the likes of Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. You will find there an array of small concept stores, countless shoe boutiques and big name brands. Again, here you are only steps away from the unique, renowned and hip department store “Le Bon Marche”. In need of a break? Grab the legendary macaroon cookie with a café au lait at the prominent and very snug “La Duree patisserie also in the neighborhood but be sure to get a table upstairs.

Rue du Four

Place: Bootshop
20 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: In this tiny haven you will find fabulous suede and leather boots for any occasion and almost in any color
They sell: Boots, shoes, selected belts and necklaces
Contact: 01 46 33 60 73

Place: Candy Rocket'’s
22 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: First of all the clothes are moderately priced, and secondly there is lots to choose from, so surely there is something waiting just for you
They sell: Casual clothes and accessories, frilly dresses, and long beaded necklaces, they also carry a full stock of the sexy “Anti Flirt” brand
Contact: 01 43 26 96 85

Place: Pom D'Api
28 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This wonder of a little shop resembles a kindergarten playground. This is a baby shoe store par excellence. The tiny shoes and galoshes in a myriad of styles and colors will have you gaping even if you don'’t need to buy them just yet
They sell: Shoes, sneakers, sandals, and galoshes for babies
Contact: 01 45 48 39 31
www.pomdapi.fr

Place: Free Lance
30 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: You will find here the wildest boots and shoes you can imagine. Boots in crocodile or python skins, heels in shiny treated leather, and stilettos worthy of red carpet galas are scattered all over the shelves.
They sell: Shoes, boots and accessories
Contact: 01 45 48 14 78

Place: Alambic
34 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This place is for lovers of stylish casual wear. A large and rich stock of Miss Sixty jeans and bags, Jean Paul Gaultier jeans and other informal gear is waiting for you.
They sell: Laid back and sporty clothes for women
Contact: 01 45 48 49 48

Place: Maje
42 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: This place is a gold mine for fab, unique pieces from hippy to Boho chic in modern fabrics and stylish cuts. All the latest looks straight from the runways are on display at this small shop. You'’ll also find great bags in leather and funky accessories.
They sell: Everything you may want and need to fill your ever-hungry closet
Clientele: Hip fashion lovers
Contact: 01 42 22 47 80

Place: EV by et vous
46 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: Et Vous is a famous French chain of stylish stores, EV by Et Vous is the updated, modern spin on it, especially designed for the trendy young clientele from the left bank.
They sell: Progressive clothes and ornaments.
Contact: 01 45 44 70 21


Place: Via Venise Collection
50 rue du Four, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: Great cuts and styles, modern and unobtrusive. This shoe shop will have you confused as to which pair to choose from; all are hot and desirable. Come with a trusted advisor or a personal shopper.
They sell: Boots and shoes
Contact: 01 42 22 52 38

Rue de Rennes


Place: Comptoir des Cotonnieres
47 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: The ad always features a mother and a daughter, sometimes it'’s hard to tell which one is which. Yes these clothes make them look fab. Many basics, sober colors with only a handful of bright color each season. The styles are relaxed, poised and of the moment. Whenever in one of the stores (this is a chain) there is always something I want for days on after.
They sell: Women'’s apparel
Contact: 01 42 22 58 53

Place: Lancel
43 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: The softness of the leather and suede, the color combinations and intricate work, the classy yet so very hot styles, oh dear! There isn't a season I don'’t wish one of those bags or wallets was mine. The ads feature Liz Hurley sporting the sexy Lancel gear.
They sell: Leather bags, wallets, belts and timepieces.
Contact: 01 42 22 94 73
www.lancel.com


Place: Georg Jensen
51 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: The famous Danish silversmith who is known for making the most contemporary and modern jewelry and watches, has a style which best translates to that of refinement and understatement. His fragile and yet sober lines leave no one indifferent.
They sell: Jewels and watches, all with precious stones, in gold or sterling silver.
Contact: O1 45 44 49 49
www.georgjensen.com

Place: Celine
58 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: It is the famous French brand of ready to wear, handbags and accessories with few stores all over Paris, but when in Paris this one is probably the most intimate and fun to visit.
They sell: Luxury products ranging from leather goods, sunglasses, watches, clothes and bags.
Contact: 01 45 48 58 55

Place: Just a Dream
61 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it's hot: This is a design store with a goal of bringing you comfort, all of the goods are made from silk, cashmere or other high quality fabrics. What'’s great is that you can find a cozy blanket as well as the softest pillow you ever laid your head on but you'’ll also find lingerie and clothes.
What do they sell: Anything soft, comfortable and comforting, from house décor to bed sheets to slips.

Place: Secret Dessous
74 rue de Rennes, 75006, Paris
Why it'’s hot: This place has a wide variety of sweet to sexy lingerie at quite affordable prices. You'’ll be able to pick from a large stock of styles, cuts that flatter virtually any female morphology and also from the almost rainbow like colors.
What do they sell: Lingerie
Contact: 01 44 39 30 10

Thursday, October 26, 2006

PARIS CHOCOLATE TOUR





I am, as you are probably guessing right now, a highly dependent chocoholic, with an addiction for the darkest of the dark cocoa creations. My obesession gave me quite a reputation, and so, as I was leaving Paris I got a chocolate scented candle from La Durée, a box of Maison du Chocolat minis and a giant chocolate Eiffel Tower, plus a few less memorable, yet cocoa derived cadeaux.
Yes, I ate it all to.
Anyhow, Paris has a few truly wonderful places for people like me, and because I know that I am not alone, here is a short list of some of the best places for the most orgasmic chololate in Pariggi.
Enjoy it for me if you go.



La Durée, has an amazing cup of hot chocolate, the best macaroons in Paris, and a mind-boggling choice of pastries as well as chocolates. You can also grab an omelet or a salad at all the locations. Also, be sure to take home a chocolate or caramel scented candle.


Several locations in Paris, including Les Champs Elysées, Rue Royale, and Blv St-Germain

www.laduree.fr



Lenôtre is a classy traiteur, with several shops scattered throughout Paris.
But beyond great terrines and soufflés they also offer extraordinary chocolate treats.For those a little more curious about the world of chocolate and who wish to learn its secrets, Lenôtre offers morning and weeklong classes

Ecole Lenôtre
48 avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris
Tél: 01 45 02 21 21
Métro: Victor Hugo
www.lenotre.fr


Paris' best ice cream can be found chez Berthillon on Ile St-Louis. Here is an idea for a decadent afternoon snack pair a scoop of their chocolate sorbet with a mug of frothy hot chocolate. Their Salon de Thé next door to the ice cream shop also has unbelievable desserts, including perhaps the best, tarte Tatin in Paris.

Berthillon

31 rue St. Louis-en-L'ile
Métro: Pont Marie or Sully-Morland
Closed Monday and Tuesday
www.berthillon.fr


The prestigious Ritz-Escoffier school for amateur and professional gastronomes offers courses, which are given with a translator and a Ritz chef. If you wish to learn your chocolate ABC's at this establishment, book yourself for the chocolate class - well in advance. It's as high in demand as its chocolates!

Ecole Ritz Escoffier

15 place Vendome (student entrance: 38 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris)
Tél: 01 43 16 30 50
Métro: Concorde/Opera/Madeleine
www.ritzparis.com


Antoine Rumpelmayer founded this grand Viennese café, in 1903. It was a favorite with Proust, Coco Chanel and George V. Angelina is a must for Parisians and tourists alike. The thick as honey, sweet hot chocolate, is accompanied with cream and served on a silver tray, and yes you should definitely try the pastries to. I know, I know, you can go on a diet some other lifetime.

Chez Angelina

226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Tél: 01 42 60 82 00
Métro: Tuileries
www.angelina.fr

This is the chocolate lover's dream come true. Some 100,000 chocoholics, and chocolatiers from all over the world, descend on the Carrousel du Louvre for chocolate fashion shows, chocolate sculpture, chocolate awards, chocolate workshops and chocolate tasting.



Le Salon du Chocolat
31 Oct-4 Nov
Carrousel du Louvre, 99, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
www.chocoland.com


Maitre Jean-Paul Hevin's boutiques are on the chocolate A-list. He has won numerous international competitions for his creations in cocoa, and recently designed the chocolate rabbit, which starred alongside Juliette Binoche and Jonny Depp in the film adaptation of Joanne Harris' novel, Chocolat.
Hevin's boutique on the rue Saint-Honore also has a Salon de Thé on the second floor, where besides indulging in creamy hot chocolate you can actually order a meal.

Jean-Paul Hevin

Boutique et Salon de Thé
231 rue Saint-Honore, 75001 Paris
Tél: 01 55 35 35 96
Métro: Tuileries

Other locations: 3 rue Vavin, 75006 Paris
and 16 avenue de la Motte-Picquet, 75007 Paris

Chocolates may be ordered over the Internet at www.hevin-chocolatier.com


Delicabar is located in Le Grand Epicerie, and it isn't uncommon to see a line of shoppers waiting to savor chocolate créateur's Sébastien Gaudard's chocolat chaud.

Delicabar
At Le Grand Epicerie
26-38 rue de Sévres
Métro: Sévres-Babylon
www.delicabar.fr



Robert Linxe is an old master, who helped put France on the world map of chocolate in the 1970s when he opened his first boutique. He is known among the crème de la crème of international chocoholics who appreciate the sophisticated choice of subtle and smooth, classic flavors such as caramel and plain but also intriguing tastes such as fennel and lemon zest.


La Maison du Chocolat
225du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008 Paris
Métro: Ternes

(Other locations: 52 rue Francois 1, 75008 Paris, 8 boulevard de la Madeleine, 75009 Paris, 19 rue de Sevres, 75006 Paris and 89 avenue Raymond Pincare, 75116 Paris.)
www.lamaisonduchocolat.fr


This tiny, and modern chocolate shop is located on the trendy rue Montorgueil near Les Halles, the busiest neighborhood of the City of Lights. Be sure to order a cup of their dark, bittersweet brew, which gushes from their well-polished copper cauldron.

Charles Chocolatier
15, rue Montorgueil
Métro: Les Halles

Pierre Hermé has been dubbed by the international press as the "Picasso of Pastries, and his passion for technical precision has redefined the art of pastry making.
While you are there get Hermé carré Yu: orange zest cream, raw and cooked apples flavored with orange and yuzu, sablé breton crust, covered with a thin layer of white chocolate, or Yu: a milk chocolate casing filled with layers of praline meringue and whipped cream, raw and cooked apples flavored with orange and yuzu, praline cream. the macaroons are not only creative but orgasmic as well!




Pierre Hermé Boutique
72 rue Bonaparte
75006 Paris
Tél: 01 43 54 47 77
Métro: Saint-Sulpice
(Also at 185 rue de Vaugirard 75015 Paris Tél:01 47 83 89 96)

Friday, October 20, 2006

WHEN IN A HURRY DON'T WAIST YOUR TIME:10 hot Paris treats in a rush



Every time a friend, yoga classmate, a dentist or a friend of his is on their way to Paris, I am usually asked for recommendations. Obviously I don't waist my time suggesting a visit to the Centre Pompidou, or a stroll on the Champs Elysées, but rather I try to concentrate on a few more amusing alternatives. Over the years I noticed that some of these addresses seem to be particularly popular!
This said, if you've never been to Paris, and your trip is a brief run through, you definitely wanna check out a few cool spots that go beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Here is a short list of ideas

1) INFO:

Get fusac, www.fusac.fr
French-USA Contacts magazine, mainly with classifieds for English speaking expats, it has all of the valuable info you may need to get a place, get a job, find a nanny, move your stuff etc. You can find it free in most tourist locations such as the English bookstore
W.H Smith
248 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Métro: Concorde, Tuileries

and at other countless shops, bagel places, etc

Also check out all of the many métro pass possibilities on www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/index.php
métro is the best way to get around town. Cabs are great at night (because the métro closes at 1:00 am), although on weekend nights they are hard to come by, same on early mornings, and are really not a good idea at peak hours. In other words, take the métro!

2) CULTURE:

Check out le Musée d'Orsay on Thursday nights, it's open till 9:45 for a nocturne, and you'll get one of the most beautiful views ever, plus if you're with someone the balcony is one of the best make out spots in Paris:
www.museeorsay.fr

After you can walk across the Seine to the Louvre, where you can eat or grab a coffee at Cafe Marly while you enjoy the most amazing nocturnal view of the museum (the terrace is heated so even winter chills shouldn't get in your way).
Where: Cour Napoléon; 93, rue de Rivoli; 1st Arrondisement.
Tél: 49 26 06 60
Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre.

For novelty’s sake worth checking out is the new museum that opened about ten months ago, Quai Branly: www.quaibranly.fr

The Grand Palais, just reopened last year but is already one of the most popular fashion show lieues among brands such as Chanel and Dior. It is worth checking out just for the beauty of the colossal dome www.rmn.fr/gngp-gb/index.html.

And for fashion freaks, check out Musée de la Mode et du Costume aka musée Galliera,
Palais Galliéra; 10, av. Pierre Ier de Serbie, 75116 Paris
Tél: 47 20 85 23
Métro stop: Iéna, Alma-Marceau
Open: 10 a.m.-5.40 p.m.
Closed: Mondays, 01/01, 25/12

and Musée de la Mode et du Textile.
au 107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Tél : 01 44 55 57 50

Oh la la, I could go on, but I won't

3) EXERCISE:

Friday Night Fever
Since 1994 every Friday thousands of roller-bladders take to the streets, especially prepared for the event, and roll through the old capital. Don't miss it!
www.pari-roller.com

The day after you may want to visit the cult spa where models, stars and the rest of the pampered girls escape from reality and into an oriental inspired realm of pleasures. Please reserve at least ten days in advance, but believe me it is worth the wait!
Les Bains du Marais
31-33 rue des Blancs Manteaux
75004 Paris
Tel: 01 64 02 02
Métro: Hotel de Ville
www.lesbainsdumarais.com

4) PARTY:

For night time fun go to this highly in demand, renovated bordello, which was transformed into a night club:
Le Baron
6, avenue Marceau
75008 Paris

Le Paris, Paris
5 avenue de l'Opera
75008 Paris
www.leparisparis.com

If you wish to party at an earlier hour than 1:00 am, which is the standard time for starting a night in Paris, then go to Favela Chic, an eclectic and funky Brazilian joint where you can eat early and then dance starting from about 11:00 pm
Favela Chic
18 rue du Faubourg du Temple
75011 Paris
01 40 21 38 14
Métro: Republique
www.favelachic.com

Le Pop in is also quite a crazy place if you like packed, eclectic and a little nuts!
105 rue Amelot
75011 Paris
Tél: 01.48.05.56.11
Métro: Sébastien Froissard

5) CHOCOLATE AND OTHER TREATS:


Get some breakfast at La Durée, be sure to get a hot chocolate and an assortment of macaroons, and to take home a chocolate or caramel scented candle. Several locations in Paris, including Les Champs Elysees, Rue Royale, and Blv St-Germain
www.laduree.fr

Also, Check out Angelina's, the best hot chocolate in the world, although I warn you, your spoon will stand upright
Chez Angelina
226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Tél: 01 42 60 82 00
Métro: Tuileries
www.angelina.fr

6) FOOD:


Well, for this you should probably just get the red Michelin guide, because the topic is so vast, but I'll give you three price range favorites in excellent French cuisine, just for the sake of this list:

L’amis Louis - neither good for your diet nor your packet, but your palette will dig!!!
32 rue Vertbois
75003, Paris
Tel: 01 48 87 77 49

Chez Georges
- plain good French food that won't ruin you
1 rue du Mail,
75002
Tel:01 42 60 07 11

Les Philosophes
- an affordable Parisian classic spot in the heart of the Marais
28 Rue Vieille du Temple
75004 Paris
Tel: 01.48.87.49.64

7) WINE:

Get some wine while you read a book at Belle Hortense, a little cozy spot across from les Philosophes. They both belong to the same owner along with the neighboring Petit Cheval and Les Chaises au plafond
Belle Hortense
31 rue Vieille du Temple
75004 Paris

8) SHOPPING:

Colette - the concept store par excellence
213 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris

Maria Luisa - small boutique with the best designer clothes you can dream of (ask about her other locations in the hood, including a men's store)
2 rue Cambon
75001 Paris

Le Bon Marché
-the best of le grands magasins (be sure to check out their gourmet section, or rather building)
24 rue de Sévres
75007 Paris

And of course while you're at it I would recommend the beaten in style paths of Rue St-Honore and Avenue Montaigne, both legendary in the domain

9) VINTAGE:

Didier Ludot the Baron of vintage clothing from retro couture to the little black dress, a must visit pour une coquette respectable.

Didier Ludot
19-24 galerie de Montpensier
75001 Paris
Tél: 01 42 96 06 56
Second shop “Little black dress”: 125 galerie de Valois,
75001 Paris
Tél: 01 40 15 01 04

Chez Mamie - a prodigious address known to professionals in the field de la mode
73 rue de Rochechouart,
75009 Paris


10) COOL SLEEPING:

I won't speak here about the palaces such as Plaza Athénée, the Ritz, or even the slightly jaded Costes, instead check out these cool concept hotels; Le Murano, Le Petit Moulin and Kube

Kube
1-5, passage Ruelle
75018 Paris
Tél: 01 42 05 20 00
www.kubehotel.com

Murano
13 Blvd du Temple
75003 Paris
Tél: 01 42 71 20 00
www.muranoresort.com

In the heart of le Marais lies a magical and quiet lieu entirely designed by Christain Lacroix himself
Le Petit Moulin
29-31 rue du Poitou
75003 Paris
Tél:01 42 74 10 10
www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com

L'INTRO




Well, hello!

This is just a quick post, the first post and so a formal hello. Its purpose is to let you all know that after spending nearly half of my life dreaming of living in Paris, and then spending the other half of it actually living there, I decided to create this space in order to help all of the future expats and travelers, all of the romantics and dreamers to make that dream and the process of getting there as seamless and as wonderful as possible.

I decided to name this blog "I want to go to Paris" simply because that's where the story begins. While I was still in primary school, I was already seriously obsessed by the myths and stories of the City of Lights. My god mother was french, my mother lived and studied in Paris, both my parents vacationed there almost every year, I loved the poets, writers, painters and thinkers all linked to Paris. It was inevitable. So I got, I can't remember where, this t-shirt that read in a continuous and uninterrupted stream "iwanttogotoparisiwanttogotoparisiwanttogotoparisiwanttogotoparisiwantogotoparisiwanttogotoparisiwanttogotoparisiwanttogo..."
When my dad saw this, he decided to finally take me there during summer vacation instead of taking me to the south of France.

The rest is history and I can't wait to begin ...