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…
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…
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…
The best Christmas markets in Paris
Experience the Paris Christmas markets and no other market will ever match up. Parisians take markets very seriously, and the city’s Christmas markets are no different. No matter what you’re looking for, be it fresh food, regional produce, Christmas food, mulled wine, cheese, crafts, jewellery, clothing, Christmas decorations or gifts, you will be spoilt for choice at the Paris Christmas markets. Inspired by the way nearby Germany embraces Christmas, France’s tradition of Christmas markets originated in the Alsace region, and the products sold at the Paris Christmas markets come from all over the country. Paris is popular year-round, but the iconic wooden chalets clustered together to form the traditional Christmas…
Embrace your inner bohemian – Things to do in Montmartre, Paris
While other Paris neighbourhoods drift in and out of fashion, bohemian Montmartre, scattered across a large hill to the city’s north, has long been my favourite area of the city. With its unique streetscapes and reputation for liberalism, revolutionary politics, extravagant entertainment, and as the birthplace of modern art, there are lots of things to do in Montmartre, and it certainly has character. Moulin Rouge Neighbouring districts Montmartre and Pigalle are the notorious entertainment centres of Paris, and some of the liveliest bistros and restaurants are found in these areas. One of the city’s icons, the Moulin Rouge (red windmill) is where the can-can dance was created. While nowadays the…
How to save money in Paris
Glamorous Paris has an extravagant and luxurious reputation but you don’t need the Sun King’s budget to be able to enjoy a visit to the City of Lights. Here are my top tips on how to save money in Paris. When to visit Paris Paris enjoys the best bright, sunny weather between June and August. However, if you are looking to keep costs to a minimum visiting between April – May or September – October will mean you are not hit with peak prices. The weather may be more mixed at those times but you can always plan your museum trips for the iffy days. Paris also hosts various events…
The Rodin Museum in Paris and why I love it
The ‘Musee Rodin’ or Rodin Museum is one of my all-time favourite places to spend time in Paris. I never tire of visiting and always recommend friends go there to enjoy the sculpture, art and the peace and tranquility of the gardens in the heart of always bustling Paris. The museum building is compact but the garden surrounding it means it never feels crowded. There are so many galleries and museums in Paris that small establishments can be overshadowed by the larger, more famous galleries such as the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. However, if you are a fan of sculpture the Musee Rodin is a must-see. Even if you’re…
