France is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating countries in Europe. It’s no surprise that over 80 million tourists per year are lured to L’Hexagone (the French nickname for France, which refers to the physical shape of the country) by its culture, gastronomy, fashion, history, and lifestyle. Indeed, it’s hard to adequately describe France’s appeal, that certain je …
A few years ago, after visiting Picasso museums in Spain and Switzerland, my husband and I set out to find Picasso in Paris. Spanish born, Picasso came to Paris as a young man at the dawn of the twentieth century where he influenced the art world for more than fifty years. As a young man, …
Ancient sporting halls, monastic buildings, former monasteries and nunneries are all options for accommodation in Paris, which has so much more to offer than standard chain hotels. With more than 73,000 guest rooms, including 10,000 in four-star hotels and above, the French capital has the widest choice of accommodation in all of Europe. The most attractive …
Paris has the deserved reputation of being one of the world’s most romantic cities, but it holds plenty of opportunities for family vacation fun as well. Public parks and gardens are great escapes from the tiring tedium of a typical tourist regimen. At The Luxembourg Gardens, children ride ponies, float miniature sailboats in the central fountain …
Paris has a myriad of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops clustered throughout the city’s twenty arrondissements. In need of a French comic book or two? Visit the row of comic book shops on rue Dante in the 5th Arrondissement. In Paris, restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisine are also found gathered together in concentrated areas. …
Le Château de Versailles was originally built as a royal country escape from the malodorous conditions of 17th century Paris. The gardens span several hundred acres and contain 55 diverse and beautifully sculpted fountains. With its proximity to Paris and famous reputation, Versailles is visited by over 4 million people every year; however, the …
Looking for traditional Japanese food in Paris? Look to Rue Sainte Anne, which runs through the first and second arrondissements, near the Opera District. With a high concentration of Japanese businesses, the street forms a Japanese haven in France’s capital city. Wander the street and sample the best of what the district has to offer, …
“Paris has another Paris under herself”, said the novelist Victor Hugo, in reference to 1300 miles of sewers, caverns, catacombs, alleys, and intersections underneath the great city. On my trip to Paris we had originally planned to tour the elaborate sewer network in honor of Hugo, who described the medieval labyrinth at length in his …
The “Arrondissement de Ménilmontant,” the 20th arrondissement, is located on the right bank of the River Seine. It is known for its diverse demographics, including large immigrant populations (primarily from North and West Africa). The Père Lachaise Cemetery (were many famous French and international figures are buried) is also located in the 20th arrondissement. Metro …
Located on the right bank of the River Seine, the 19th arrondissement is known for its interesting natural and man-made geographical features, including the Canal Saint-Denis, the Canal de l’Ourcq, as well two very popular parks, Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Parc de la Villette. The major tourist draw in this area is the Cité …