The Paris Traveler

Most people don’t think of going to a cemetary to take an afternoon stroll, but Père Lachaise is no ordinary burial ground. As a matter of fact, it is the most visited cemetary in the world. There are over 300,000 people buried on these 118 acres of land that make up the largest cemetary in the city of Paris which is located in the 20th arrondissement.
There is a crematorium and a columbarium which holds the remains of those who have chosen this type of burial here as well. A very close and dear friend …read more

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The French have a great expression for window shopping, it’s called “le leche vitrine” which literally means, “to lick the window”. Well that’s exactly what I did when I use to go to work everyday for a group of international lawyers who have their offices on this avenue right off the Champs-Elysées. My philosophy was and still is, if your going to lick windows, then why not pick some of the best and most expensive windows to lick?!
The Avenue Montaigne is just the place. It is filled from one end of the street to …read more

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Think nightlife in Paris and many people will think of the Lido, the Crazy Horse Saloon, or the Moulin Rouge, but if you’re looking for somewhere to laugh and have fun, and is a little outside the norm, then Michou’s is the place to go.
Michou who’s been an entertainer for years, started his cabaret in the 60’s and is still the director of his show. Quite the character, Michou is always dressed in blue; his large spectacles are no exception.
The stage is rather small, but the entertainment by a bevy of transvestite performers is anything …read more

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Alegría is a Spanish word meaning merriment, joy, happiness and that is exactly what you’ll feel at the Cirque du Soleil. Their shows never fail to delight and amaze spectators young and old. If you’ve ever been to one of them you know exactly what I mean.
Alegría is a story of power; of youth taking over the reins of those who have come before them. This is not without a struggle, however, as those who have aged resist the idea that youth has escaped them, and they are no longer what they use to …read more

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I found some great bargains at the shops in Bercy Village. This is a walking area full of boutiques, restaurants, pubs and a multi-plex movie theater not far from the Palais Omnisport and across from the Parc de Bercy. At one time this was the largest wine market in the world and the destination for wine coming in from the south of France.
The warehouses that were converted into specialty stores has something for just about everyone. It was fun going from shop to shop, tasting the Mediterranean olive oils and other goodies at Oliviers …read more

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Paris has always been a city made up of little villages called quartiers. When you live in an area for some time, you begin to know your local merchants and they begin to know you as well, but more often than not, people just don’t seem to know their neighbors very well.
Well all that started to change when a website called Peuplade started bringing people in each village a lot closer together. The way it works is sort of like a virtual bullentin board. You answer a questionaire about yourself, (there are no questions …read more

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I love the Luxembourg Gardens and I love Lalique, so it was a nice surprise when a friend and I were walking through the Gardens and happened upon an exhibit by René Lalique at the Musée du Luxembourg. Lalique is known as the inventor of modern jewelry and was very influential in the Art Nouveau style during the Belle Epoque.
The exhibit contains a vast number of works by the master himself which includes some 150 drawings, paintings, photographs, as well as glass pieces and jewelry, most which were created between 1890 to 1912. There are a number of pieces that …read more

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So you’ve been in Paris for awhile and you still haven’t met any Parisians to tell your friends about when you get home, well fear not. There’s a restaurant in the 13th arrondissement where you can rub elbows with the locals; and when I say “rub elbows” I’m not exaggerating!

Le Temp des Cerises is a worker’s co-operative restaurant run by a number of people all taking turns doing different jobs. The atmosphere is congenial, where you’re treated more like an old friend rather than a customer. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine invited me to have dinner …read more

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And I don’t mean the Tour de France! Bicycling in the streets of Paris has doubled in popularity since the new millennium thanks to bicycle paths, (370 km worth and counting), that have sprouted up throughout the city. Well you haven’t seen anything yet! Starting this summer there will be nearly 750 stations where you can rent a bike at one place and drop it off at another.
The goal from city government is to have 1,451 stations and 20,600 bikes in operation by the end of the year! They envision a station about every 300 metres (328 yds). The service will …read more

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Tennis lovers, what better place to watch a great match than at the French Open? The big news this season is the prize money for the women’s tounament will be the same as for the men! Finally women are becoming equal partners as they well should be! Some of the best matches in tennis have been played between women!
The official starting date is May 27 until June 10th. You can buy tickets in advance. Starting price for first round games begin at 315 €. For the semi-finals and finals, prices do jump. Women’s finals run: 435 € on the upper …read more

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