The Paris Traveler

Someone asked me yesterday where they could find a place in Paris that had everything close by. I responded, “Do you mean like a mall?!” What they were looking for was a place where you could shop, eat, visit a museum, and sit outside without walking all over Paris to do it.
I had just the place for them! No don’t worry, I didn’t tell them that the Place des Vosges, which happens to be the oldest square in Paris, was a shopping mall! It is not! But…it does have places to shop, a number …read more

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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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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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Melissa over at Europe String has chosen a theme this month for our travel blogs entitled “What Women Want”. I think women love to get out of their daily routine from time to time. They love to dress up and look beautiful, and go somewhere glamorous and exciting. Well this got me to thinking about the Cannes Film Festival, which turns 60 this year!
I can just hear the groans of men around the world thinking, “Oh no! Paris isn’t enough?!” Well yes, Paris is wonderful, but wouldn’t it be nice to hop on a TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) and …read more

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I was thinking last night, why should my readers just read about Paris? Wouldn’t it be nice if one, or maybe even some of you, could win a trip to this incredible city?!
Well if you feel lucky, then click on some of the links below and go for it! Today may be your lucky day!
Think you know who the Bachelor is going to give the final rose to? If you guess right, it could win you that dream trip!  The Bachelor Final Rose Ceremony - Deadline – 05/21/07
If you’re a tennis fan, then you’ll “love” this one. Not only will you win …read more

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And I don’t mean Paris Hilton!  Just about everyone who goes to Paris goes up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for its spectacular view.
Well this is my list of other great places that you should definitely go to the top of for a fantastic view. (These are in no particular order; they’re all great for one reason or another!) Yes, I’ll include the Eiffel Tower because if I don’t, someone will be sure to say, “Where’s the Eiffel Tower?”
The top 10 are:
 1.     Eiffel Tower
 2.     Arc of Triumph
 3.     Notre-Dame Cathedral
 4.     Grande Arche de la Defense
 5.     Pompidou Center *
 6.     Galeries Lafayette
 7.     Institut …read more

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Okay, after my last blog, I thought it would be nice to do something a little more romantic and what can be more romantic than having dinner on the Seine? There are a number of cruise boats offering day and evening tours, but I find the Bateaux-Mouches near the Pont de l’Alma to be the best.
You are greeted with an apéritif, which is served in the lounge to each guest before dinner. There is a pianist and a violinist which only adds to the whole ambiance of romance. Seeing the monuments of Paris light up as you sail down the river will make you …read more

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As everyone probably knows by now, the votes are in and Nicolas Sarkozy has become the new President of France. 85% of the registered voters showed up to let their voices be heard in a very divided election. Sarkozy, the conservative right candidate received 53% of the votes, 47% went to Segolene Royal, the liberal left.  While half of France is happy and celebrating. The other half is disappointed and demonstrating.
The elections remind me of Paris. Paris is a city that is divided by the Seine River with the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The Right Bank of Paris …read more

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One of my favorite places in Paris is the Place Saint-Sulpice. This little square neatly tucked away is right smack in the middle of the Latin Quarter, just a few hundred yards from the Luxembourg Gardins in one direction and Saint-Germain-des-Près and the famous café, Les Deux Magots in the other. For some reason, many tourists seemed to entirely miss this beautiful square.
Believe me, I didn’t mind.  It was my quartier where I would sit on a bench under the trees around sunset, and watch the neighborhood children skate around the fountain, or observe other locals taking an evening stroll. It was the simple …read more

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Who isn’t looking for a terrific little restaurant in Paris that not only serves good traditional French cuisine, but is also very friendly, and not very expensive!? Just about everyone, right! Well I know just the place. “Parnasse 138″ is that kind of restaurant.
They have several menus to choose from, plus a large variety of daily specials written on a blackboard which changes daily. I was a little skeptical at first with such a wide selection, but everything we tried was excellent. The service is very friendly, but somewhat chaotic and the whole ambiance feels almost like you’re having dinner …read more

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