See You in Paris

In his book, A Writer’s Paris, author Eric Maisel writes about the practise of flanerie, the French invention of strolling as an art form. The flaneur, according to Eric, is an observer who wanders the streets of a great city on a mission to notice with childlike enjoyment the smallest events and the obscurest sights he encounters. It is in Paris, says Eric, that the delicious, dreamy strolling of the flaneur can be perfected. So what can a first-time visitor to Paris observe as a flaneur? Here is my list which you can compare with yours:
1. Carousel – it might surprise you but Paris is also a city for children. There are a number of Carousels throughout the city, in almost every park and public square as well as in tourist places like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Montmarte, Trocadero, Tuilleries, Luxembourg garden, Champ de Mars, or Jardin des Plantes. It is said that the Carousel is a French invention which started from Louis XIV as an entertainment for his nobles during an equestrian festival. The French Revolution made the carousel accessible to the masses at the end of the 18th century.

2. W. C. which stands for water closet or toilet in England. For some reason, the French have adopted the English initials for water closet and not toilette in public signs. My guess is that the W.C. is a more discreet way of announcing public toilet. Then there is the matter of flushing. If you can’t find the string that needs to be pulled up (and not pushed down) to flush, the flush could be on the floor which means you need to step on it. If it’s a lever type of flush, it works opposite the American way. You need to lift the lever up and not down.

3. Sounds of Paris – if you would like to hear some classic accordion music, head for the Notre Dame across the Seine River. At the bridge, you might chance upon an accordion artist playing classical French songs. Another good place is at the Metro (where you can hear various artists) or at the steps around Sacre Coeur in Montmarte. It is also interesting to note that announcements at the train stations (Gare) are preceded by a short musical sound, before the “Madame et Monsieur,” spiel. Finally, I like the “musical” sound of the police siren or ambulance that you’ll often hear in the city.

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Paris Cafes – A Cultural Phenomenon

Cafes in Paris, as well as buvettes, restaurants and bars, are on almost every street corner, which just goes to show that food and drink is an essential part of Parisian culture. Finding the best from such a choice is a challenge, but those that are long-established may be a good indicator.

Coffee in Paris is different to elsewhere in the world. Instant coffee is a rarity here, and free refills are unheard of (as is the case in Europe generally). Traditional hot beverages in France also include tea (served without milk and sometimes with a slice of lemon), and hot chocolate. Incidentally cafes in France also serve alcohol including wine throughout the day.

Cafes in Paris traditionally have different scales for drinks depending on where you sit. The most expensive seats are out on the sidewalk and window seats, while the cheapest seats are at the rear of the cafe or standing at the bar. A big part of the enjoyment of Paris cafes is to linger and people watch, and there is always so much to see.

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Transform Your Patio into a Parisian Sidewalk Cafe

Glamour, romance, and a magical atmosphere – all terms that come to mind when one thinks of cafés lined up along the sidewalks in Paris, packed with people looking for that unique French experience. Whether you’ve been to one yourself or have only imagined going, you can re-create the highlights of a Parisian sidewalk café in your own backyard, front yard, or even small spaces like balconies. Even if you’ve only got a patch of dirt outside your door, you’ll find that it’s easy to put together a romantic café setting with minimal effort.

If you’ve already got a deck, concrete slab, or other type of outdoor flooring, you’re off to a great start. Otherwise, consider laying down an outdoor rug, some stepping stones or pavers (all found at any home and garden superstore) to set the scene. Then, you’ll need a table and chairs – a bistro set is the perfect solution. Bistro sets normally come with a round table and two to four chairs, perfect for an intimate meal or coffee break. For a personal touch, you can purchase bistro tables separately and pair them with benches, bar stools or whatever seating strikes your fancy. You’ll get the most authentic Parisian-looking effect with wrought iron or other metal designs.

Next, choose lighting that will lend a romantic ambiance – candles and garden torches are wonderful choices. One creative and beautiful lighting solution is to wind a string of white lights around a garden trellis, placed in the ground or in a planter. Plant some ivy or flowering vines around the base, and soon you’ll have a stunning custom piece with a designer look. Tabletop garden torches, European style patio lamps and planter lamps can also provide a touch of Paris.

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Finding Great Coffee in Paris, France

OK, I admit it … I’m a bit of a coffee evangelist, someone who loves the taste of good coffee. My background is that I’ve had coffee in many countries of the world, and my favourite is Italian coffee, made in an espresso machine. Luckily for me, there is a huge Italian population in Australia and many of us have become connoisseurs because of the wealth of fantastic cafes in Sydney, Melbourne and other locations.

My favourite type of coffee is a latte which is comprised of good strong Italian coffee, topped off by thick creamy hot milk and a bit of foam. What’s that I hear you ask? “Have you ever been unhappy with a coffee?” Yes, I’ve sent back lukewarm tasteless coffees in many cafes. This doesn’t mean I’m a coffee snob, it just means I like to have a bit of coffee in my coffee if you know what I mean :-)

When I was visiting Paris, France recently I knew I’d need to find some good coffee. I’ve lived in Paris and visited many times, and the French are not known for their coffee. Or milk. My experiences on this trip brought back vivid memories of when I lived there … lots of cafes served coffee that tasted like tar, and the milk added was almost always UHT milk – milk which doesn’t need refrigerating, and which has a smell which is hard to describe.

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Cafes in Paris – Ancient But Modern

Among the various exciting experiences one will have at Paris, spending an evening in one of the famous Paris cafes with tables on the lovely pavements is exclusive. Though it will be an expensive affair, one should have this amazing experience at least once during the stay in Paris. The bars at the Parisian cafes offer variety of tastes. These restaurants are busy throughout day and night. The thousands of tourists who visit Paris for culture and specialized shopping make it a point to spend some time at least once in one of the famous cafes in Paris.

Most part of the Paris restaurant menu consists of high-priced cocktails. Those who are not willing to spend much will satisfy themselves with a glass of wine. The leading cafes in Paris will be opened for seven days of the week and the visitors include bikers, tourists, students and local Bohemians. For all the customers’ sitting outside on the pavement terrace is the most interesting aspect of their visit to the café. The chains of cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques have transformed many sleeping parts of Paris to centres of brisk activities. Those who are very particular of getting a place outside on the pavement will go earlier and grab their seat.

Montparnasse in Paris where Picasso, Hemingway and Modigliani lived once has undergone a massive change with the upcoming of many modern cafes and restaurants. Being a place where thousands of tourists gather, here also the Paris restaurant menu \is too costly. However, apart from eating a snacks or having a glass of wine it will be much interesting to watch around the students engaged in serious discussions on their lessons, meeting among business men and the fashion loving local people just taking a break from their busy shopping.

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City Breaks – Paris

Paris simply has that je ne sais quoi. While you may want to avoid the city in high season due to the high density of tourists, Paris is beautiful the whole year round and anybody who’s been there will tell you how there’s always something new to discover. If you’re planning a trip there or just looking for some ideas for what to do when you’re there, look no further…

Getting around
Getting around Paris is simple. Locals recommend taxis for the speediest way across town, but they can be expensive. A cheaper option is the Metro, which is cheaper and very extensive, although it can be crowded. Otherwise, you can go by foot or rent a bike as part of the city’s Vélib’ system. Paris is an incredibly pedestrian-friendly city and one of the greatest pleasures is simply strolling through the streets and seeing what hidden gems you find.

Weather
During summer, the weather is often warm and can be humid. In autumn, winter and spring, it is cool, with wetter winters. Still, even if it rains, there is a wealth of museums and galleries to see, or you could simply while away your time in a trendy cafe.

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Where to Eat in Paris

So, you’re headed to the City of Lights and want to know where to eat in Paris. That is a tough call. Paris has the most romantic and enchanting restaurants, bistros, and cafes in the world. Not to mention the food. One can’t think of Paris without thinking of the food! Their elaborate dishes, amazing cheeses, crusty, flavorful breads are known worldwide. It’s enough to scramble the senses. But, whether you’re into foie gras, or a good cheeseburger, Paris has a place for you. When you get there, just look around you. Wherever you choose to stay is bound to be surrounded by scrumptious dishes offered by fancy sit down restaurants, casual bistros, brasseries, or outside cafes.

Where to eat in Paris is only limited by your own imagination. Not everyone is a foodie, so your typical tourist eatery may suffice. You can find these all over Paris. They cater to travelers by offering not only local fare, but food you can find back home as well. And, the menus usually have an English section so you know exactly what to order. Servers are usually well versed in English as well. This style of eating gives you a mixture of local flavor mixed with the comfort of home. Maybe it’s not the most adventurous way to sample the Parisian flare, but hey, if you’re not there for the food, it will suffice very well.

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10 Things to See and Do in Paris

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris is a city for the senses. Not only has it captured the imaginations of romantics the world over, it is a city of art and culture. Tourists flock to this city on the Seine to partake of a life rich in all the things Paris represents. Whether sitting in a cafe or floating down the Seine, Paris is an adventure that few can forget.
There are so many things to see and do while visiting Paris, yet these top ten items surely reflect the best of what is surely a city full of riches.

One – Arc de Triomphe
Located on the most famous street in Paris, the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe was built by Napoleon in 1806 in honor of his victories in war. The largest arch in the world, the Arc de Triomphe has been the location of solemn occasions, both of French state funerals and, most notably, when the Germans took Paris in World War II. Yet, like Napoleon, it was also the spot where victories reign, and the French marched victoriously beneath the arch after having been liberated at the end of World War II. This is also the site for France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Two – Basilica du Sacre-Coeur
Built as a tribute to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the cathedral was constructed between 1987-1914 from a design by Paul Abadie. Its luminous white façade, huge dome of more than 200 feet, and Byzantine style make it an unusual church, even for Paris. So elaborate is its gingerbread façade that it looks like it belongs in a patisserie. With one of the world’s largest mosaics inside and a stunning hilltop location overlooking the city, it’s a marvel to see.

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Eating Cheaply in Paris

It’s easy to eat cheaply in Paris. Eating out in Paris does not have to be an expensive or an extravagant thing – you can eat well and very cheaply if you know whereto look.

In Europe in general – and Paris is no different – it’s a good idea to make lunch your main meal of the day. Almost all cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants offer fixed price menus at lunchtime and will often throw in a glass of beer or wine for free included in the price. Even at dinner time if you look around you can find restaurants with menus offering three courses for less than fifteen euros.

Students who have an international student card can use the dining facilities of the Paris university campuses – and the local student food caterer called CROUS also provides food outlets around the city. Just search for CROUS Paris online for a list of addresses.

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