Hotel De La Paiva Brings Versailles to Paris
Have you ever wondered what life in Paris was like during France’s second Republic (1848 – 1852)? Tucked away on the world’s most famous boulevard is a magnificent private house offering visitors an immersive experience of 19th century Paris. But it’s not just any house, Hotel de la Païva was the home of one of Paris’ richest and most famous courtesans, and the story of how she acquired the house, and what she made of it, is quite incredible. Readers of Zola’s ‘Nana’ and ‘Lady of the Camellias’ by Alexandre Dumas Fils, will be familiar with the more commonplace version of the lives of Paris courtesans in the 1800s. During…
The Best Champagne Tours in Reims and Épernay
Planning a trip to the French Champagne Region? Head to the heart of the region – the city of Reims, or the town of Épernay. Many champagne producers offer cave tours, information about production, the factors making each producer unique, and a variety of tastings. You can easily spend a few days exploring the various caves (there are plenty to keep you busy), and indulging in a few delicious tastings… Which champagne producer should I visit? Do you have a favourite champagne? Maybe that’s a good place to start. If not, there are subtle differences between the set-ups and tours offered by champagne producers. Are you a fan of modern…
Which is the Best Galette des Rois in Montmartre?
Do you like delicious buttery pastry and frangipane, and a bit of fun with your decadent French pastries? You’re in the right place, especially if you’re in France in early January! What is a galette des rois? Traditionally eaten around Epiphany, galettes des rois or King cake is a round cake made of puff pastry, and filled with almond frangipane filling. While that is a treat in itself, there is also a fève inside (originally a bean, but these days usually a small ceramic token or toy). When the cake is cut, the youngest member of the party, usually a child, sits under the table and chooses the order…
Imagine the Lives of Artists at the Musée de Montmartre
Aside from being a must-see for fans of Renoir, Utrillo and Valadon, the Montmartre Museum is a true gem of a museum for anyone interested in Montmartre’s rich history, in terms of local history and the culture of the community. The gardens and surrounds also provide a green and tranquil space to enjoy for a few minutes off your feet! The Collection The permanent collection focuses on the local area and contains wonderful old photographs of Montmartre showing many views that are recognisable when compared to the streets today. Historic posters expose Montmartre’s boisterous character, bohemian spirit and zest for life, such as those promoting nightlife and entertainment venues such…
English Bookshops in Paris
Paris is a city of bookshops, but is even spoiled for English bookshops. It seems despite the heyday of the writers of the left bank being long over, If the number of English bookshops is anything to go by, Paris remains a firm global hub of literature. As a bookworm, or in French, rat de bibliotheque (library rat), this pleases me greatly. Are you looking for English books in Paris? Here’s where you need to go. Shakespeare and Company Probably the most famous of the English Paris bookshops, Shakespeare and Company, opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, has long been attracting book fans due to it’s history as a gathering place…
Montmartre Street Art
Street art thrives in Paris’ Montmartre district, where the famous staircases and smaller streets are given an edgy feel by the colour, feeling, celebration and wit expressed by street artists from far and wide. The art comes in all forms: paintings, stencils, pasted prints, mosaics and 3D casts. The following works were all photographed in 2020. I have decided not to give precise locations of the works, as I think seeking them out adds to the magic. Also, street art is constantly evolving and not around forever and, while it is sad to see a favourite work go, it definitely keeps things fresh. Indeed, no two walks around Montmartre are…
Books to Read if You’re Going to France
One of the world’s most visited countries, the wealth of literature about life in France comes as no surprise. With so many people jotting down their take on the country, there really is something for everyone. Memoirs, tick. Historical fiction, absolutely. There’s loads of non-fiction for those wanting to learn more about France too, and foodie books, bien sur. What a pleasure for Francophiles the world over! My bookshelf is pleasingly overflowing with titles about or set in France. It is probably the largest collection, by country, in my possession. This is the longest list I’m publishing in my little series of ‘Books to read before you go’. Obviously, I…
Visit the Amélie Film Locations in Paris
Amélie, or Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, to give it the complete title, is one of the funniest and most charming films of recent years to be set in Paris. It makes a wonderful preview of Paris for many visitors and the best bit? This area of Paris really has the ‘village feel’ depicted in the film, and it is possible to visit it. Here’s where to find the Amélie filming locations in Paris. Paris is a large city but the area Amélie calls home is relatively compact. Montmartre is spread out across the Butte de Montmartre (a hill in the north of Paris), on top of which stands Sacre…
Things to do in Honfleur
Spending time in the picture-perfect port of Honfleur is a treat for history buffs and fans of the arts. Famed for it’s appealing harbourside, Honfleur has a long and interesting history which definitely makes it worth exploring. Honfleur is a small place that is easy to explore by foot. If you were determined to, you could visit most of the sights in two days, but why hurry in such a pretty place? You could easily spend several days taking in all Honfleur has to offer at a leisurely pace. Le Vieux Bassin Ports don’t come any prettier than Honfleur. The 17th century port is surrounded by tall 6-7 storey medieval…
An evening wine tasting in the Loire Valley? Yes, please!
What do you think of when you imagine visiting France? If, along with the glorious food and scenery, it’s the splendid wines of the Loire Valley that come to mind, you’re in for a treat. Since 2016, Chateau Chenonceau has hosted an evening’s wine tasting each summer in the Chateau and its manicured gardens, and the best news? There are lots of wines to try, and it’s open to all. What better way to decide which Loire Valley vintage is your favourite than by trying them all? The producers of the Touraine Chenonceaux wines come together each year at the ‘Degustation sous les etoiles’ (Wine tasting beneath the stars), held…
