Sunday April 10, 2016
SPRING IN PARIS - WHAT TO DO
We all know the song famously sung by Ella Fitzgerald "I Love Paris" (now I'm singing it!). Paris is beautiful anytime, but it's something about the Spring that breathes new life. Maybe it's the gorgeous cherry blossoms whose soft pink petals open up to smile at us. Well no matter what it may be, just know there's always something wonderful to do in Paris in the Spring.
Day trip to Monet's house - Take a short trip outside of Paris and visit Monet's house! The flowers are spectacular! Take a tour of the house also.
Tour Versailles - You can take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles and enjoy a walk around the gorgeous gardens and tour the palace!
Tuileries Gardens - One of my most favorite things to do! I absolutely love walking around this massive garden. Sitting in front of the large water fountain in one of the lounge chairs, eating a pastry and people watching. One of the most relaxing things to do!
Jardin du Luxembourg - Located in the 6th Arrondissment, this is another lovely garden to walk around and enjoy the scenery!
Sunday July 12, 2015
BASTILLE DAY IN PARIS 2015
BASTILLE DAY IN PARIS 2015
Paris always puts on a spectacular celebration and fireworks display every July 14th, after all it is Bastille Day! If you're going to be in Paris for the festivities, here's some useful information on the events and best places to see the fireworks! There's three events going on: The military parade, the fireworks and the balls (the balls take place on July 13). You can also check out Parisianist.com for more information.
The military parade usually starts at 10:00AM on the Avenue Champs-Elysees and begins at the Arc de Triomphe and finishes at the Place de la Concorde. Be sure to get there early for the best spots along the Champs Elysees!
The spectacular fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower / Trocadero begins at 11:00PM. You definitely want to get the best seat in the house for this, and get it early! Here is a list of the best places to see the fireworks (remember, get there early for the best spot).
- The top of the Tour Montparnasse
- The Arc de Triomphe
- The Champ de Mars - definitely get here early to stake claim on a spot! Bring wine and food and make a lunch / dinner of it!
- Montmartre and Sacre Coeur
- The Pont des Arts or Pont Alexandre III - get to either of these bridges early to claim a spot!
- The Bateaux - Dinner on the river boat and prime seating to watch the fireworks!
The Fire Department Balls happen on July 13 and are located throughout Paris.
Thursday June 18, 2015
WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS
Paris is such an enormous city! There are 20 different arrondissements in Paris and there are so many places to chose from when it comes to finding a place to stay. My advice is to narrow down the area that you want to stay in and go from there! Below is a map of the 20 arrondissements and some of the main attractions in those arrondissements.
Once you have narrowed down the area you want to stay in then you need to decide if you want to stay in a hotel or rent an apartment. It all depends on your taste, needs and comfort level. Some people like to be catered to and some want to experience that true Parisian lifestyle. Again, it's all up to you! If you like catered service then a hotel should do you just fine. If you want to experience Parisian lifestyle then renting an apartment is the way to go! There are tons of hotels all over Paris so you'll have to do your homework. I personally prefer to experience Paris like a local, so I rent apartments.
You still have to do your research when renting apartments in Paris. There are quite a few rental companies so make sure the company is reputable! Check to see if the company has a website, Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Also, see if they have been reviewed on TripAdvisor. My "go to" company for apartments is Paris Perfect. Paris Perfect has a lot of apartments in the 7th arrondissement (near the Eiffel Tower) and other areas as well. I rented their "Chablis" apartment several months ago and loved it so much that I reserved it again for my upcoming trip next month! Here's a slideshow of several pics I took of the Chablis. I enjoyed my view of the Eiffel from this apartment. Talk about up close and personal!
You still have to do your research when renting apartments in Paris. There are quite a few rental companies so make sure the company is reputable! Check to see if the company has a website, Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Also, see if they have been reviewed on TripAdvisor. My "go to" company for apartments is Paris Perfect. Paris Perfect has a lot of apartments in the 7th arrondissement (near the Eiffel Tower) and other areas as well. I rented their "Chablis" apartment several months ago and loved it so much that I reserved it again for my upcoming trip next month! Here's a slideshow of several pics I took of the Chablis. I enjoyed my view of the Eiffel from this apartment. Talk about up close and personal!
Another really good apartment rental company I've heard of is Haven in Paris. I have not rented from them before but I know of people who have, and they have enjoyed them and the services they provide. Time and Place is another luxury brand rental apartment company that is very reputable. So no matter if this is your first time or tenth time in Paris there is always something new to discover and that includes where you'd like to stay! If you have any questions contact me. Like Hemingway said "Paris is a moveable feast"! Paris is always a good idea too!
