French Wink: The Go-to U.S. Online Boutique For French Items

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Missed the Paris January sales but still want to shop for French things in the U.S.? French Wink offers French products from French artisans who want to break into the U.S. market.

Source: French Wink: An Online Co-Op with a Certain Je ne Sais Quoi – French Morning

French Wink = French Style.

French Wink = French Style.

French Wink is the brainchild of Claire Obry and Emilie Chassagne, two French women who wanted to help small French businesses break into the U.S. market.

One look at products featured on their website is enough to convince you of their products’ French authenticity: A pair of red shiny shoes (called “Sheen” by Laureymondie) is the first product you see, with the purr-fect “Stand out from the crowd” enticing you to look closer. While many women in Washington I know might be hesitant — God forbid they stand out in a crowd — a French woman knows that a few pricey, high quality, stand-out items elevate everything else in her wardrobe.

For $581.00, the red shiny shoes better. Though they are hand-made by the House of Lareymondie, whose philosophy is a quote by Vivienne Westwood: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” This is the essence of French style.

But French Wink sells more than pricey shoes or cashmere sweaters from Hector & Lola. They offer men’s furnishings and shoes, items for the home, works of art, furniture — they even offer an iPad app called “Experience Paris” that allows a user to interact with the city of Paris. Are you stuck in traffic and want to get away from it all? With this app, you can take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, walk across Pont Alexandre III, or make it snow on Montmartre. See the app here.

French Wink offers Americans authentic French ware for those who love the French way of life but can’t jump on a plane just now to go on a shopping trip to Paris. I wonder if they still have those red shiny shoes in my size.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image of blonde woman winking by Marina Funtikov, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. All other images from FrenchWink.com.

Destination Wedding in Paris: Reception Venue

Planning the reception for a destination wedding in Paris is likely the toughest part of the entire process, simply because there are so many details to coordinate from a distance. If you don’t have a planner helping you, arm yourself with reception checklists and feedback from others to check you haven’t forgotten anything. Like a proofreader of a book, it’s good to have a second pair of eyes to review what you’ve planned.

Raph & John selected Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris as their reception venue for a romantic and elegant setting.

Raph & John selected the Opera Ballroom at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris as their reception venue for a romantic and elegant setting.

Hopefully, you’re getting an idea as to where to hold your ceremony in Paris (see my previous post in this series), and now you’re thinking of a reception venue to complement it in theme and tone.

While researching for this post, I realized I could probably write a small book on planning a destination wedding’s reception. (And perhaps I will!) There are so many checklists and books with checklists and magazines with checklists out there! (Whew!) It’s been tough to wade through them all. I decided to think like (an older) bride would: I went to a bookstore to see what they had available in the planning-a-wedding department. They had plenty of bridal magazines (I bought two), and they offered a few wedding planning booklets (soft cover books): Unbelievably, I didn’t think the destination wedding booklet was very informative because it didn’t give much specific information on planning a wedding in France. Instead, I bought Modern Wedding Planner from modernwedding.com.au (that “au” is for Australia, folks). Do you think I’m ridiculous for purchasing a wedding planner meant to plan a wedding in Australia, when I’m writing about Paris? Before you pass judgement, take a look at it. It is 128-pages on virtually every topic a newly-engaged bride needs to know about planning her big day — and yes, it contains checklists galore. The section on planning a reception is very informative and a lot of information for someone to absorb if they’ve never planned an event before. (That doesn’t include me, by the way.) It made me realize that this post should be more about opening your eyes to the possibilities of reception venues in Paris, with a few key questions.

I bought the Modern Wedding Planner because it is so informative and well-organized.

I bought the Modern Wedding Planner because it is so informative and well-organized.

Most of the information I found on the internet about planning a destination wedding in France was about planners who would plan it for you — not do-it-yourself information. In my view, even if you hire a wedding planner to do it for you, you should still have an overall idea of what you want your day to look like. Working with a wedding planner is best when it is collaborative with a give-and-take, and not just a planner asking you questions.

Key questions for possible reception venues:
1. How many people does your venue hold?
2. Do you have your own caterer, or do I have to hire my own?
3. Do you have a list of vendors you often work with? (This can save you time.)
4. If indoors: How many people sit at each table? (Called “rounds of 10” if a table seats 10 people.)
5. If outdoors: What provisions do you make in case of rain? (More than a light sprinkling.)
6. What is your cancellation policy?
7. How many guests are served by each waiter?
8. Are there places for the wedding party to change?
9. How many bathrooms serve the guests?
10. What is the time limit for my reception?

 

Here are three types of reception venues in Paris:

1.Rooftop Terrace

The breathtaking view from the Shangri-La's rooftop terrace.

The breathtaking view from the Shangri-La’s rooftop terrace.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris
10 Avenue d’Iena
75116 Paris

Phone: +33 01 53 67 19 98 (Hotel)
+33 01 53 67 19 38 (Weddings)

Metro: Iena, Line 9

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines shangri-la as “a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life approaches perfection: utopia.” James Hilton originated the word as a paradise four travelers find in the Tibetan mountains in his 1933 novel entitled “Lost Horizon.” With that as background, you should expect the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris to be very luxurious — and very pricey. Their rooftop terrace is available for rental for events during the summer months.

They do not give a minimum number of people required to rent space, nor do they advertise on their website that they rent out their terrace (that I saw): it looks like this is one of those details you can only find out from someone who lives in Paris, as I did. Click here for Shangri-La’s Wedding page; you’ll see several links, including a Start Proposal Request link. Write in the comments that you’d like to rent the terrace for “X” number of people, and inquire as to whether you have your choice of catering from any of their three restaurants: La Bauhinia, which offers Asian/French fare and has a casual atmosphere; L’Abeille, which offers authentic French gourmet, or Shang Palace, which offers authentic Chinese (Cantonese) food. All three restaurants are under the helm of Executive Chef Christophe Moret; each of the latter two have a
1-star rating in the Michelin Guide.

 

Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter offers a less formal atmosphere in the 20th arrondissement.

Mama Shelter offers a less formal atmosphere in the 20th arrondissement.

109 rue de Bagnolet
75020 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 48 48 48 (Hotel)
+33 01 43 48 48 08 (Events)

Email: events.paris@mamashelter.com

Metro: Alexandre Dumas

Mama Shelter is, in the mind of this writer, an ultra-hip hotel with a millennial vibe located in the 20th arrondissement (Gambetta); the 20th is itself in transition from being an old working-class neighborhood to one with renewed life as the younger set moves in. The 20th arrondissement is most known by tourists as the location of Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Mama Shelter is not as luxurious as the Shangri-La, but it also isn’t as pricey. To privatize the Rooftop Restaurant, they list:

For 15 people or less, 1035 euros ($1,121.00) TTC
For 16 people or more, 69 euros ($74.73) per person, TTC

Click here for their Rooftop Restaurant menu for groups. Note they also can provide Add-Ons.

Click here for their “Instant Quote ” link.

Note: TTC in French means toutes taxes comprises, or “Grand Total.” In other words, all taxes, including VAT, are included in the price.

2.Hotel

Compare this picture of the event room in the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel, with the one above of Raph & John's reception. What a difference their color choices make.

Compare this picture of the Opera Ballroom in the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel with the one above of Raph & John’s reception. What a difference their color choices make.

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)
+33 01 40 07 35 35 (Sales/Events)

Email: parhbevent@ihg.com

Metro: Opera

The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. How grand is Le Grand Hotel? It has hosted royalty and public figures throughout its long history, and has been the subject of novels. It is also the setting of Roman Polanski’s 1988 film “Frantic,” starring Harrison Ford.

Unfortunately, while they offer a section on Meetings/Events (and “Weddings” is a subset of this) along with a Request a Quote link, when you click on the link you only see information on corporate meetings and events; for weddings, they seem to prefer contact by email. They do not have a full-fledged Wedding section where you can learn about wedding services. I have notified them of my findings and that this makes it hard for couples to investigate what they have to offer. Though, in all honesty, this could also be to purposely limit the number of people they have to get back to: only seriously interested people will take the time to email an inquiry.

They do offer the menu of their Cafe de la Paix online, and their Discovery Menu is 82 euros ($88.81) per person, TTC; this might give you an idea as to how much you’ll pay (for food) for an event.

 

The Maison des Polytechniciens is lit up for the "Forfait Passion" wedding package.

The Maison des Polytechniciens is lit up for the “Forfait Passion” wedding package.

3.Garden

The Maison des Polytechniciens
12 rue de Poitiers
75007 Paris

Phone: +33 01 49 54 74 74

Metro: Solferino, Line 12
RER: Musee d’Orsay

The Maison des Polytechniciens is an 18th century mansion built in the Second Empire Style, and is a short walk from Musee d’Orsay. It’s located in the 7th arrondissement, about a 10 minute drive from with Eiffel Tower. For a minimum of 100 people, it can be privately let (rented), and can accommodate 250 people for a sit-down dinner and up to 600 people for cocktails. Le Poulpry, headed by Chef Ygor Swietlik, is the on-site restaurant that provides catering; it is rated #1,813 of 13,924 restaurants in Paris by TripAdvisor reviewers, which I consider pretty impressive.

But what really got my attention is the garden with a terrace and the availability of air-conditioned tents. Writers shouldn’t let their pre-conceived ideas to influence their writing, and I have to admit here my general reluctance to feature gardens as a wedding venue because…what would you do if it rains? Still, even though I wouldn’t want a garden as a wedding venue (okay, I admit: I hate bugs), many other people wouldn’t care if it rained and thundered on their ceremony, or if they had a beetle crawling up their leg while being congratulated for marrying the person of their dreams. I love the outdoors — to a point. Not in bridal dress or formal wear. But with air-conditioned tents available, rain and bugs would be no problem.

Maison des Polytechniciens offers three wedding packages:

*Forfait Tendresse (Tenderness)        173 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Bonheur (Happiness)            183 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Passion (Passion)                   199 euros per person, TTC

Notes: “Forfait” means “flat rate.” Also, these quotes are to rent the entire Maison; ask if you can rent just the gardens, if that is your desire.

The wedding packages vary according to their menu.

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

Image of Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom of Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Modern Wedding Planner from modernweddings.com.au, CCBY 2.0. Image of Shangri-La Rooftop Terrace by Wicker Paradise, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Mama Shelter Rooftop Terrace from mamashelter.com, CCBY 2.0. Image of Opera Ballroom at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Twiga269, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Maison des Polytechniciens from en.convention.parisinfo.com, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

 

 

 

The 40 Best Things To Do In Paris February 2016

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There is more to do in Paris during the month of February than celebrate Valentine’s Day, but where better to do so than in the City of Love?

Source: The 40 Best Things To Do In Paris February 2016 | Paris Insiders Guide

What better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than in Paris?

What better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day than in Paris?

With February approaching, so does Valentine’s Day — or in France, “Saint Valentin” — in many countries around the world. Unfortunately, February also brings with it the coldest temperatures of winter in France. If you’re thinking of going to Paris in February, don’t let their possibility of snow stop you. It doesn’t snow much in Paris, and even if it does, the city isn’t hard to get around, with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a large metro system at your disposal.

You do need to dress warmly, however: I highly recommend warm gloves and boots, a scarf, and a hat or earmuffs. If you like to take lots of photographs, give thought as to how difficult it is to maneuver your camera. When I was last in Paris in late fall, the temperature didn’t give the whole story: while the thermometer generally read about 46 degrees Fahrenheit ( 7.7 degrees Celsius), it was a damp cold, and my hands (well, my fingers, actually) got very red in the time it took to get my camera out of its case. As long as I kept moving I was fine; it was only when I stopped to take a picture that I felt what I will call “frostbite-creep.”

Perhaps I am just more susceptible to cold: Even in the coldest temperatures, I saw Parisians sitting outside in heated areas of cafes, huddled over the coffee of their choice with friends and family alike. I saw parents and children in coats enjoying rides on the Champs-Elysees. I saw plenty of people just enjoying the sites of Paris. In short, Parisians don’t let a little cold weather stand in their way of enjoying the moment — and neither should you.

Here are three activities that intrigued me:

1. Gourmet Bus Tour of Paris. The glass boats of the Seine have arrived on land: view Paris attractions on a luxury coach (bus) while dining on a multi-course meal of fine French cuisine. What an elegant way to experience the city. You can even ask your waiter for an audio commentary of the tour.

Choose between a 2-hour, 4-course lunch tour, or a 2.5 hour, 6-course dinner tour, both serving gourmet meals with 2 glasses of wine, mineral water and a coffee per person. Dinner includes a glass of champagne. Here is a sample lunch menu:

Starter: Artichoke soup with duck foie gras, ginger bread, and truffle oil
Fish course: Roasted sea bream filet with baby artichokes, dried tomatoes, and basil
Meat course: Guinea fowl breast with polenta and chanterelle mushrooms
Dessert: Raspberry macarons with lemon curd, honey, and fresh herbs
Drinks: 1 glass of white wine with Fish course
1 glass of red wine with meat course
1 coffee or tea
50cl still or sparkling mineral water

Cost of Lunch:

Adult: From $93.41

Child (11 and up):  $93.41

Child (3-10 years): $43.96

Child (0-2 years): Free

 

Cost of Dinner:

Adult: From $142.86

Child (11 and up):  $142.86

Child (3-10 years): $54.94

Child (0-2 years): Free

Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Board and alight near the Arc de Triomphe at 2 Avenue Kleber, 75016 Paris.

Additional information:
*Tables available for up to 8 people.
*The chef offers a sampling (“a la carte”) menu of 4 dishes for lunch or 6 dishes for dinner, served with wines by the glass selected for each meal. This menu must be booked 48 hours in advance.
*The Gourmet Bus Tour can be rented out for special events, with or without restaurant services.
*February 14 is sold out for lunch and dinner.

 

2. Nikolai Lugansky on Piano at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, Main Hall.
Luganski is a classical Russian pianist who will perform selections from Shubert, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. He will perform at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, a mere babe among concert and opera venues in Paris, having been built in 1913. The theatre was meant to be suitable for contemporary works of music, dance and opera. Read here about its “scandalous” beginning.

Where: Theatre des Champs-Elysees
15 Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris

Metro: Alma-Marceau or Franklin D. Roosevelt

When: Monday, February 15, 2016, 20:00 hours (8:00 P.M.)

Price: 30 – 72 euros ($32 – $77)

Due to heightened security precautions:
*There will be metal detectors and bag checks at the entrance.
*They request you arrive no later than 15 minutes before the event begins.
*There is no admission after the event begins.
*No large bags are permitted in the venue.
*One small bag allowed per person.

 

3. The Barber of Seville.
The Barber of Seville was originally a French play by Pierre Beamarchais, written in 1773. Giochino Rossini wrote an opera buffa based on the French play, and it is said to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music. The story is about a Spanish count who falls in love with a girl named Rosine. To make sure she loves him and not just his money, he disguises himself as a poor college student named Lindor, and sets out to woo her. He encounters problems, most notably her guardian, who wants her for himself. After enlisting the help of his ex-servant Figaro, love triumphs.

Where: Opera Bastille, Main Auditorium
75012 Paris

Metro: Bastille

When: Tuesday, February 2 – March 4, 2016

Cost: 173.00 euros ($186.80)
219.00 euros ($236.47)
Don’t forget sans visibilite tickets 30 minutes before each performance! (May not be available for this particular performance, but it’s worth a try.)

 

Au revoir!

 

References: “Theatre des Champs-Elysees,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0. “The Barber of Seville,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

Image of Valentine’s Day coffee and chocolates by CanStockPhoto.

 

 

 

Discover Paris by the Seine

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Paris offers a variety of ways to see the city, including walking, driving, biking, or viewing it from a two-tier bus – but for me, seeing Paris by water is especially magical. Here are 3 ideas to see Paris from the Seine River.

1. Batobus Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Cruise

If you like the idea of seeing Paris on a hop-on, hop-off bus, why not try the same concept in cruise form? You can purchase tickets that are valid for 1-day, 2-consecutive-days, or 1 year (validation day starts on January 1, not the date you purchase it). Children under age 5 board free with a paying adult. Purchase tickets at any of the stops or on the internet and hop on.

The stations in order are:

  1. Eiffel Tower
  2. Musee D’Orsay
  3. St. Germain des Pres
  4. Notre Dame
  5. Jardin des Plantes / Cite de la Mode et du Design
  6. Hotel de Ville
  7. Louvre
  8. Champs-Elysees
  9. Beaugrenelle

If you’re travelling to Paris during winter, have no fear, they have heated boats.  Check their website (www.batobus.com) for group offers. One special offer that caught my eye is a Treasure Hunt (available only in French) for children aged 7-12 (16 euros). Sounds like fun!

Here are the details on their passes:

One day pass

Adult: 16 euros

Child (3-15 years): 7 euros

Child (under 3 years): Free with paying adult

Two consecutive days pass

Adult: 19 euros

Child (3-15 years): 10 euros

Child (under 3 years): Free with paying adult

Annual pass (validation date starts on January 1, not the date you purchase it)

Adult: 60 euros

Child (3-15 years): 38 euros

Child (under 3 years): Free with paying adult

Note: Some prices will increase on March 21, 2016. No telephone number is offered.

They are open every day from 10:00 A.M. – 9:30 P.M., though Station Beaugrenelle closes at 8:45 P.M. Click here for a list of free public toilets in Paris, since there are no restrooms on-board or at their stations. After clicking on the link, you’ll see a map with quite a few public sanisettes, and to the left will be a list of the restrooms in French. If you click on a star to the right of a restroom location on the list, its address will be given.

If you go to their website, under the “Practical Information” tab, they offer this updated list of “Free Public Toilets of the city of Paris.” I will save this link for future trips to Paris!

2. Seine Cruise

Rather than hopping on and off, take an uninterrupted cruise to see the sights of Paris.

Bateaux-Mouches (“Boats fly”)
According to the company’s website www.bateaux-mouches.fr, Jean Bruel started the company in 1949 so the French people could relax and enjoy themselves again after WWII. His 400-ton boats of wood and glass were a technological marvel of the time, and they continue to inspire awe with the views of Paris they offer.

Boarding and landing take place at the Port de la Conference, Pont de l’Alma, on the Rive Droite (Right Bank), in the 8th arrondissement.

RER: Pont de l’Alma

Here are the details of their 1-hour, 10-minute cruise:

Adult:                                  13.50 euros

Child (under 12 years):     6.00 euros

Child (under 4 years):       Free with paying adult

School child:                        From 4.20 euros

Groups of 20+:                    Contact company by clicking here.

To see a map of their cruise route, click here.

Telephone: 01 42 25 96 10

Bateaux Parisiens (“Boats of Parisiens”)

Board at Jetty 3, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. For a map to get to the jetty click here (Google translation). Boarding times vary by season, so check their website by clicking here.

Metro: Bir-Hakeim or Trocadero, or
RER: Champs de Mars

Note: Due to security precautions, you will be searched before boarding, and large luggage over 16 liters (approx. 35 lbs.) will not be allowed on board. Small backpacks, handbags, and computer bags are allowed.

Details of their 1-hour cruise:

Adult:                               14 euros

Child (under 12 years):  6 euros

Child (under 3 years):   Free with paying adult

To see a map of their cruise route, click here.

Telephone: 01 76 64 14 45

Vedettes du Pont Neuf (“Pont Neuf Cruisers”)
Board at Pont Neuf, near the Louvre. Boarding times vary by season so check their website by clicking here. At the bottom of the linked page you can download a .pdf file with the circuit and comments about each monument.

Metro: Pont Neuf

Details of their 1-hour cruise:

Adult:                                   14 euros

Child (4-12 years)                5 euros

Child (under 4 years)          Free with paying adult

Click here for off-season specials via internet booking.

Cruise circuit:

  1. Louvre
  2. Place de la Concorde
  3. Eiffel Tower
  4. Musee d’Orsay
  5. Notre Dame
  6. Hotel de Ville

Telephone: 01 46 33 98 38

3. Dinner Cruise

Nothing beats viewing Paris lit up at night eating French cuisine on a boat cruising the Seine River. My dinner cruise was one of my most memorable experiences of my last trip to Paris. Don’t worry about getting cold: all of the boats are heated. Proper dress is required for a dinner cruise in Paris.

Bateaux-Mouches (“Boats Fly”)
Board at the Pont de l’Alma in the 8th arrondissement from 7:30 P.M. – 8:15 P.M.

RER: Pont de l’Alma

Departure:     8:30 P.M.
Return:          10:45 P.M.

Select from 2 fixed menus (view current menu selections by clicking here):

99 euros per person (215 euros with show) or
155 euros per person (263 euros with show).
No child prices for dinner cruise.

To see a map of their cruise route, click here.

Telephone: 01 42 25 96 10

Bateaux Parisiens (“Boats of Parisians”)
Board at Jetty 3, Port de la Bourdonnais, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. As it is currently the coldest of the off-season, their dinner cruise ranges from 69 euros – 99 euros (a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise [3 hours 30 minutes] is available on February 13 or 14 that ranges from 150 euros – 215 euros.) Price depends on departure time, seating, and menu option. Some dinner cruises offer live music.

Boarding times vary by season so check their website by clicking here.

Metro: Bir-Hakeim or Trocadero, or
RER: Champs de Mars

Telephone: 01 76 64 14 45

To see a map of the cruise route, click here.

Le Capitaine Fracasse (“The Captain Smashes”)
Chef Martial Enguehard heads the kitchen, and he has been awarded the title of “Meiller Ouvier de France” (“One of the Best Craftsmen of France”), a title he will hold for life. I did not know about this when I selected Le Capitaine Fracasse for my dinner cruise; rather, it was listed as the budget option in my guidebook. I knew I was in for quite a treat, however, when the waiters started to bring out the dishes: they looked like they tasted of perfection — and they did.

My three-course meal included a tray of three appetizers, an entree of fish with potatoes in light sauce, a tray of three desserts (a pastry puff was particularly delicious), and wine and Espresso. My ship floated along the Seine as I ate, and I floated with it. The sites lit up at night were just as beautiful as I knew they would be.

Two cautions: Get to the slip early to make sure you can find it (I only did with the help of a French couple who saw my distress, map in hand) and secure a good seat — the line will likely get incredibly long — and remember that there is always the possibility that a large group might book the same night of your romantic dinner cruise. If you don’t like your table and there are tables available, don’t hesitate to ask to be seated elsewhere. I did, and it was no problem.

Le Capitaine Fracasse 2-hour Dinner Cruise on the Seine River

Board: Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris, France, near the Eiffel Tower. Boarding times vary by season. Check the website by clicking here  or call ahead. It is best to reserve online and get in line early. Your boarding time will be on your reservation printout.

Metro: Bir-Hakeim, or
RER:    Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel

Cost: 65 euros, “Smashes” Menu: Meal without drinks
75 euros, “Admiral” Menu: Meal with wine
85 euros, “Champagne” Menu: Meal with Champagne

The menu offers a selection of entrees in addition to the other two courses.

There is a “Petit Matelot” ticket (40 euros) available for children under 10 years old.

Telephone: 01 46 21 48 15

Website: www.lecapitainefracasse.com/en/

Le Capitaine Fracasse offers Smartphone apps to serve as your route map with detailed descriptions of the monuments as you pass by them. Click here to see the list of apps. (At the time of this posting, the app page does not translate to English. I have notified the company.)

 

Au revoir!

 

Image of water boat on the Seine River at sunset by Genji Arakaki, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To me, seeing Paris by water – which is to say, by the Seine River – is especially magical. I can’t account for this except to say that I’ve always been drawn to water, whether it be the ocean, a waterfall, or even a pool to swim in.

Boutique Hostel Hunting in Paris? Plug-Inn Hostel is the Ritz of Hostels

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Conveniently located between Blanche and Abbesse metro stations in the 18th arrondissement, Plug-Inn Hostel is the Ritz of hostels.

Plug-Inn's reception area is a mix of form-meets-function and edgy coolness.

Plug-Inn’s reception area is a mix of form-meets-function and edgy coolness.

I chose to stay at Plug-Inn Hostel during my last trip to Paris for a variety of reasons: the price was right, it offered free Wi-Fi and computer use in their lobby, a free breakfast, and it was very close to two metro stations. I also admit I was taken by the beautiful photographs on their website. I will return because it was incredibly clean and the staff was super-friendly.

They have a huge, purple banner outside their door, so you can’t miss it. With a 24-hour check-in, arriving there at 11:30 P.M. was not a problem. After paying for my stay I was in bed within minutes.

A typical dorm room in Plug-Inn Hostel.

A typical dorm room in Plug-Inn Hostel.

I stayed in several rooms, mostly in all-female dorms, all of which had their own bathroom. Rooms are nicely, if sparsely, furnished, as space is tight, but remember, you’re IN PARIS and not paying very much, all things considered. Their interior designer knew how to make the most of a small space using color and amenities, such as a spiral staircase. (Note: Their lift, or elevator, is one of the smallest I’ve ever seen. But then I live in the United States where elevators are often twice as big as a walk-in closet.) Plug-Inn offers so much: besides the things I’ve already mentioned, included in your room fee are towels and bedding, self-locking lockers for your personal valuables, and showers for early arrivals (if you arrive before the room is ready). They also have large screen TVs in their private rooms, and a large screen TV in a common area, which is always locked or under the watchful eye of the front desk person. Guests often leave their luggage here instead of taking up space in their dorm room.

Moulin Rouge is a short walk from Plug-Inn Hostel and even closer to Blanche metro and a bus stop.

Moulin Rouge is a short walk from Plug-Inn Hostel and even closer to Blanche metro and a bus stop.

You’re right in the middle of Montmartre here, the 18th arrondissement, which has a bohemian or village feel to it; you’re close to Moulin Rouge and Sacre-Coeur (in different directions). You’re also close to Montmartre’s hill, with bakeries, vegetable and seafood stands, clothes and trinket shops, and even a small grocery store and dry cleaner nearby. A short walk from the hostel, I discovered Le Basilic, a French restaurant on rue Lepic that was so good I ate there five or six times. I also ate or grabbed take-away numerous times at a near-by Asian restaurant on rue Lepic near the bottom of Montmartre’s hill.

Not all cab drivers know of Plug-Inn Hostel, however. I showed my cab driver the written address and he said he “thought” he knew where it was. It was a 50 euro cab ride to the hostel from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Sure, I could have taken the metro, but I was very tired and had landed late at night. Better to be safe and take a cab.

Plug-Inn’s value and customer service are hard to beat. I highly recommend it.

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel
7 rue Aristide Bruant
75018 Paris France
+ 33 (0)1 42 58 42 58
http://plug-inn.fr/

Click here for how to get to Plug-Inn Hostel.

 

Au revoir!

 

Images of Plug-Inn Hostel from their website. Image of Moulin Rouge by Elsa L. Fridl.

 

7 Reasons to Visit Paris in January

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Fewer tourists, cozy cafés, twinkling lights… all to yourself.

Source: 7 Reasons to Visit Paris in January – French Morning

1. January Sales (Les Soldes)

January Sales + Fashion Week = Unique Paris Experience in January

January Sales + Fashion Week = Unique Paris Experience in January.

Sure, you don’t have to leave the U.S. to take part in sales. But it’s Paris! On January 6, 2016, Paris shops and boutiques begin their January sales. While I’m not into shopping so much that I’d travel to Paris just to shop, I love my cape that I bought in Paris. Click here for French Morning’s suggestions on where to purchase that undefinable je ne sais quoi (I do not know what) French item that will have your friends oohhing and ahhhing.

2. Paris Fashion Week
You can’t purchase tickets to Fashion Week, but there will be plenty of fashion designers and models of both sexes walking the streets to make Paris in winter a little more interesting. Fashion Week will take place at the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall in the 1st arrondissement (Metro: Tuileries). Men’s fashion will be shown from Wednesday, January 20 – Sunday, January 24; Haute Couture from Sunday, January 24 – Thursday, January 28. Watch the fashion shows live by clicking here.

3. Warmer Temperatures during Winter Than You Might Expect
When I was in Paris during winter recently, temperatures hovered in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (about 7.2 degrees Celsius) and it tended to rain/sprinkle more than snow. Since many cafes have heated outdoor seating, you’ll see plenty of Parisians sitting outside drinking Espresso without a care of feeling cold. Besides, sitting outside during winter gives you a good excuse to snuggle up to someone you love.

4. Fewer Tourists
Are you an art lover who yearns to spend quality time in Paris museums but don’t like crowds? January would be a great time for you to go. There won’t be long lines to get in or people elbowing you for a better look. (That goes for attractions and shows of all types, too.) Click here for Paris Insiders Guide to museum exhibits in January.

5. Great Skiing 4 Hours Away
So, perhaps you want to go to Paris to beat the crowds, but your honey doesn’t want to miss snow skiing. No need! Click here for Ski & Snowboard’s recommendations for French skiing.

Mmmmmmm…..La Gallette des Rois!

6. La Galette des Rois (The Cake of Kings) is Plentiful in Boulangeries (Bakeries)
You need only to look at the picture (or should I say, “salivate over the picture”?) to know why it is so named: flaky, rich, and slightly sweet, meant to be consumed with Espresso or another hot drink to keep you toasty warm.

 

Pont de Alexandre III lit up at night.

Pont de Alexandre III lit up at night.

7. It Gets Dark at 3:30 P.M.
More time to enjoy the City of Light lit up in all of its splendor. How I love those old fashioned gas lights and the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.

 

 

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Image of Paris Fashion Week poster by Paris Insiders Guide, CCBY 2.0. Image of French Alps by David-Michael Photography, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of La Gallette des Rois by Gael Chardon, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Pont de Alexandre III by CanStockPhoto.

 

Thinking of a Destination Wedding in Paris? 9 Points to Consider

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This is the first of a series of posts on planning a destination wedding in Paris. Look for them on Fridays.

To be married in Paris is the quintessential romantic dream for many people. With a lot of planning, your dream can come true.

To be married in Paris is the quintessential romantic dream for many people. With careful planning, your dream can come true.

Thinking of planning a wedding in Paris, but not sure what’s involved? Here are a few points to consider to help you determine if planning a destination wedding in Paris is right for you.

1. You can’t get legally married in France unless you establish residency and are able to provide documents to prove it. To do this, either you or your intended spouse, or one of your parents (since 2013) must have a connection to the French town you wish to marry in, or you establish residency by living there more than 40 days consecutively near the location of your wedding. You will need to be able to provide to the town’s city hall two pieces of ID to prove this, such as: a lease, utility bill or French social security card, as well as information on witnesses. You would marry at city hall for legal purposes and then follow-up with another ceremony at the location of your choice — though you most likely can’t rent a national landmark, since they are public spaces.

Even to be married in a Catholic Church in France – which is not legally binding – you need: a letter from your own church’s parish priest and Bishop, Baptism and Confirmation certificates, and a marriage certificate from your civil ceremony. France is a Catholic country, and it’s possible that not all Catholic churches in Paris (and France, in general) will allow anyone other than their church members to marry in their respective churches.

Most couples opt for a civil ceremony in the U.S. (or whatever your native country is) before their wedding in Paris.

2. Consider hiring a wedding planner. It is hard enough for most couples to coordinate the details of a wedding that takes place in their home town, much less across the Atlantic in a locale with a time and language difference. While the language barrier is lessening since more and more French people are learning English, it’s the nuances of French and English that might prove troublesome. For instance, you might be somewhat allergic to heavily scented flowers, so you ask a florist if your choice has an “odor.” Unfortunately, odeur in French means “fragrant,” so it might seem that all flowers are off your list. You need not hire a wedding planner who speaks French, just one who will triple-check details and asks questions in a variety of ways to make sure you pay for exactly what you want.

Having said that…………….

3. Be prepared for a minor detail to not be exactly what you want. I’m not saying to count on it, just that there’s a higher risk of it happening given the distance. You’ll need to be flexible. Your guests won’t know that you wanted blue and white Hydrangeas in the hotel bathrooms and instead you got Calla Lilies like the rest of your flowers.

4. Plan to overnight EVERYTHING you and your wedding party need for your big day. Don’t try to save money by checking the bridal dresses, tuxes, shoes, hair decorations, pantyhose, or the like in your luggage: if it is lost, you’ll be scrambling to replace them in Paris. You’ll want to put EVERYTHING on your bed that you and your wedding party needs, and then make a list to be sure you remember it all. Then run it by your wedding planner after you make your list to see if you’ve overlooked anything. And don’t forget several clothing steamers! Here’s one I recommend: Corporate Travel Safety’s Dual Voltage Travel Pro Steamer.

5. Check with your hotel about what they recommend for receiving your wedding party paraphernalia (#4). I would send your package(s) to arrive in Paris before you leave the U.S. so you can track the progress of your package(s). This might mean you will have to pay for a room for the hotel to put them in. Your peace of mind knowing your packages are safe will be worth the expense.

6. Give yourself at least 2 days in Paris to recover from jet lag before the ceremony. Even if you think you won’t need it – you and your spouse-to-be might be experienced travelers – your guests probably will. Think of the oldest person (or whoever will suffer the most from traveling) you’re inviting to your wedding and ask yourself: How many days will this person need to fully recover from jet lag? Then give yourself that much time.

7. Think twice before planning a wedding in Paris during the month of August: many businesses shut down for a month-long vacation. When I was in Paris during August about 20 years ago, I was astonished at how empty it was. French people take their vacation time (vacances) seriously.

8. Plan for a 15-20% emergency cushion in your spending plan (otherwise known as a budget). It always makes sense to have an emergency cushion; in this case, there might be legal fees or taxes that will take a bite out of your spending plan. Then, if you don’t need the emergency cushion, you can either save it or spend it on your honeymoon in Paris.

9. Give yourself 6 months to plan a small wedding, at least a year for a larger one. Consider who you want to be in your wedding, then find out if they have any prior commitments within the next 6-12 months. You won’t want to have secured your wedding and reception venues, only to find out your Maid of Honor or Best Man has a prior commitment.

 

Bisou Bisou!

 

Image of wedding couple, Aileen and Rafik, by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.