Destination Wedding in Paris: Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

Are you good with details? Do you have time to be on the phone with vendors in Paris during their work hours? If not, you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner.

Bridal couples strolling the streets in Paris usually look pretty calm. Did someone plan their wedding for them?

Bridal couples strolling the streets in Paris usually look pretty calm. Did someone plan their wedding for them?

Planning a wedding — any wedding — is hard work. You decide on a wedding date, a theme, a guest list, your wedding attendants and attire, ceremony and reception venues, flowers, music. It’s a lot to pull together. Now, consider the headache those details might give you and multiply it by 10: for those not detail-oriented, this is what you might face if you’re planning a destination wedding in Paris, given the distance and time and language differences. Perhaps you should consider hiring a wedding planner and let them have headaches for you. Here is information on three destination wedding planning services.

1. Destination Weddings.comAccording to their website, Destination Weddings.com has planned over 20,000 destination weddings and is an award-winning, Certified Destination Wedding Specialist. They’ve planned weddings in 100 regions and 42 countries. What I really like about them is that you can talk to a live human being during the planning process and they offer 24/7 emergency travel support. Your wedding dress didn’t arrive at your destination? Your flower vendor has shown up with the wrong flowers? They give you someone to contact to handle those details.

To get started, you create your profile by providing information like your name, how many guests you expect, your wedding date (even approximate), and the destinations you’re considering. They assign you a wedding planner suited to your needs.

The only thing I didn’t like when I did research for this post was that when I called and asked them how they can provide their services 100% free…the customer service person didn’t want to answer my question! One would think this would be straightforward: are their services free or aren’t they? Turns out you pay $50 to get started and the fee is recouped by being applied to services paid for; Destination Weddings.com is paid a commission from those services. You don’t have to use their Preferred Partners (hotels and the like) to take advantage of their service, but they do have a Preferred Partner Perks program in which you can get value-added amenities.

Destination Weddings.com
Phone: 1-888-536-1923, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M., EST
Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M., EST
(This is if you want to speak someone up front.)

2. Perfect Paris Wedding.comThe company is owned by a Parisian named Claire Bay. She is not only a wedding planner but also a celebrant (someone who conducts weddings). She also works with two other celebrants.

Perfect Paris Wedding offers three packages: 1) Eiffel Tower Wedding (outdoors); 2) Notre Dame Wedding (outdoors); and 3) Paris Chateau Wedding (indoors). (Note: Paris Chateau is a specific place and was once owned by Louis XV.) In addition to ceremony photos, the outdoor packages include a 2-hour chauffeur-driven photo-tour around Paris with a professional photographer; you have your photo taken at sites such as Place de la Concorde and Trocadero (near the Eiffel Tower).

The Paris Chateau Wedding package includes ceremony photos, a shoot in the chateau and grounds, plus a photo session around the Louvre.

The standard price for the outdoor packages is 2,600 euros (with a conversion rate of $1.08 to 1 euro, that’s $2,808.00); for the indoor Paris Chateau package it’s 3,950 euros ($4,266.00). Included in the standard package:

*Symbolic Ceremony
* Commemorative Wedding Certificate
* Luxury Wedding Vehicle & Chauffeur
* Professional Photographer
*Bride’s bouquet, hair & make-up

You can also add extras.

The site is easy to navigate. You complete a form to get a quote, which is not binding. As a test, I selected the Paris Chateau package, with a wedding date of Saturday, June 11, 2016 (dates are input in European style, DD/MM/YY), 20 guests, a tailor-made ceremony (extra for 150 euros), a half-bottle of champagne for a wedding toast (extra 50 euros), a Day-of bilingual coordinator (extra 350 euros), with a departure date 1 week from wedding date. My quote: 4,500 euros ($4,860.00).

Perfect Paris Wedding.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., Central European Time
A phone number is not offered on the site for questions.

3. Wedding Light Events.com. Wedding Light Events.com offers luxury wedding planning and other services; for an elopement of just a wedding couple, they suggest a budget of 5,000 euros ($5,400.00 with current conversion rate), and for 50 guests they suggest 25,000 euros ($27,000). They believe in making your event unique rather than offer every couple the same package.

According to their site, an elopement package of (presumably) 5,000 euros includes:

*Officiant
*Ceremony location
*Professional Photographer – Olivier Lalin, whose work has appeared in The New York Times
*Restaurant reservations
*Planning fees

Oddly, after “restaurant reservations” there is an “etc.” If ever there is a time to be exact, this is it.

Their venue selections are as follows:

*Paris Outdoors – at Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Pont de Alexandre III, the Louvre
*Luxury Hotels – such as Shangri-La, Hotel de Vendome, and Hotel de Crillon
*Chappelle Expiatoire – a beautiful chapel commissioned by Louis XVIII
*Riding Along the Seine – in a boat on the Seine River

The company recommends at least 12 months to plan a wedding, 18 months if you want a popular ceremony or reception venue. For smaller events, such as a couple-only elopement, they can probably take you last minute.

To get started, you complete an easy form requesting your name and contact information, general time period for event, number of guests, and specific needs; you can request a time for a conversation via telephone or Skype. (The site does not offer a phone number to call.) You can also contact them by email: info@weddinglightevents.com.

Hope this helps. My Destination Wedding in Paris series will continue next Friday with a post about developing your wedding timeline.

 

Au revoir!

 

 

Image of Bridal Couple with Moms by Dustin Diaz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

 

7 Reasons to Visit Paris in January

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.

 

25 Paris Sites in the Movies

Paris is a beautiful city with sites to be seen for their own historical significance. But sometimes it’s fun to see sites featured in movies, either to imagine yourself in a role or to figure out how the filmmakers worked their magic at that location. Here are 25 Paris sites featured or mentioned on film, identified by arrondissement, and how to get each one.

I. M. Pei's pyramid at the Louvre is gorgeous at night.

I. M. Pei’s pyramid at the Louvre is gorgeous at night.

1. Louvre
1st arrondissement
Metro: Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and is known by many as the home of the Mona Lisa. It was originally built as a fortress by Phillip II in the 12th century; the only remnant of the original building still visible is in the crypt. The Louvre was altered frequently in the Middle Ages, and Charles V converted the building into a residence. Francis I renovated the site in French Renaissance style, and it was his collection (including the Mona Lisa) that became the nucleus of the Louvre’s holdings. After Louis XIV chose Versailles as his residence in 1682, the Louvre was used as a residence for artists. During the French Revolution, the Louvre was transformed into a public museum.

It has been featured in many movies, of late at the beginning and the end of The Da Vinci Code (2006). I. M. Pei’s pyramid in front of the Louvre is gorgeous lit up at night.

A grieving mother is aided by a magical cowboy in a segment of Paris je t'aime.

A grieving mother is aided by a magical cowboy in a segment of Paris je t’aime.

2. Place des Victories
2nd arrondissement
Metro: Bourse, Pyramides or Etienne Marcel

The Place de Victories is a round-about (circle), located a short distance northeast from the Palais Royal and straddling the border between the 1st and the 2nd arrondissements. It is at the confluence of six streets: rue de la Feuillade, rue Vide Gousset, rue d’Aboukir, rue Etienne Marcel, rue Croix des Petits Champs, and rue Catinat. At the center of the Place des Victoires is an equestrian monument in honor of King Louis XIV, celebrating the Treaties of Nijmegen, which concluded in 1678-79. King Louis XIV negotiated the Treaty of Nijmegen which ended the Franco-Dutch War of 1672-78; this lay the groundwork for other treaties involving France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Brandenburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Prince-Bishopric of Muster, and the Holy Empire – collectively, The Treaties of Nijmegen.

In Paris, je t’aime (2006), in a story of the same name as the arrondissement, a mother (Juliette Binoche) has a hard time accepting her son (Martin Combes) has died, and she is helped by a magical cowboy (Willem Dafoe), which her son loved. This also seems to be a commentary on French culture: In America, it wouldn’t be unusual for a mother to mourn for months, but in this segment, a father (Hippolyte Girardot) tells his wife, “It’s been a week, already.”

 

The beautiful garden at Square du Templar used to house the Knight Templars' palace before being torn down to modernize. On the main lawn, there is a plaque with the names of 85 children from the 3rd arrondissement deported to Auschwitz -- one of France's many memorials to those lost in WW II.

The beautiful garden at Square du Templar used to house the Knight Templars’ palace before being torn down to modernize. On the main lawn, there is a plaque with the names of 85 children from the 3rd arrondissement deported to Auschwitz — one of France’s many memorials to those lost in WWII.

3. Square du Temple
3rd arrondissement
Metro: Temple

The Knights Templar are only referred to in flash back in The Da Vinci Code. Still, they are an integral part of the story, since in Dan Brown’s storyline, they were charged with protecting a secret bloodline of Christ.

The Knights Templar were real, though Dan Brown mixed fact with fiction in his portrayal of them in "The Da Vinci Code."

The Knights Templar were real, though Dan Brown mixed fact with fiction in his portrayal of them in “The Da Vinci Code.”

In reality, they protected pilgrims in the Holy Land, and were officially endorsed by the Catholic Church. Their secret initiation ceremony created mistrust of the order and Phillip IV ordered many of the Knights Templar to be rounded up and burned at the stake on Friday, October 13, 1307. Some believe this is the origin of Friday the 13th being an unlucky day.

Notre Dame has grounds on the other side for quiet contemplation -- or for learning the one you loved loved you in return, as in "Midnight in Paris."

Notre Dame has grounds on the other side for quiet contemplation — or for learning the one you loved loved you in return, as in “Midnight in Paris.”

4. Notre Dame
6 Parvis Notre Dame – Place Jean-Paul II
4th arrondissement
Metro: Cite, Hotel de Ville, or St. Michel

Notre Dame was completed in 1345 and is among the first buildings in the world to use flying buttresses. It was built in the French Gothic architectural style.

In Midnight in Paris (2011), Notre Dame plays a supporting role, since the action doesn’t take place in its hallowed interior, but rather in the serene park surrounding the cathedral. While sitting on a park bench, a museum docent (Carla Bruni) translates a diary for Gil (Owen Wilson) written by Adriana (Marion Cotillard), a 1920s French woman he falls in love with by going back in time while visiting Paris.

Shakespeare and Company plays only a minor role in "Midnight in Paris," but like a good-looking actor who is destined to be discovered, you notice it.

Shakespeare and Company plays only a minor role in “Midnight in Paris,” but like a good-looking actor who is destined to be discovered, you notice it.

5. Shakespeare and Company
37 rue de la Bucherie
5th arrondissement
Metro: St. Michel

The original Shakespeare and Company opened in 1919 and moved in 1922. In the early 1920s, it was a gathering place for writers such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. This first location closed during the German occupation of Paris and never re-opened.

The current Shakespeare and Company opened in 1951 under another name and was later renamed in tribute to the original book store.

There are lots of nooks and well-used chairs in Shakespeare and Company to curl up in and read.

There are lots of nooks and well-used chairs in Shakespeare and Company to curl up in and read.

Shakespeare and Company only plays a minor role in Midnight in Paris (a walk-by, more or less), but like a good-looking actor who is destined to be discovered, you notice it. The bookstore has lots of nooks and crannies and used chairs to curl up in and read. You can even buy a book if you want.

With such an emphasis on fresh food in France, it makes sense there would be many outdoor markets like the one on Rue Mouffetard.

With such an emphasis on fresh food in France, it makes sense there would be many outdoor markets like the one on Rue Mouffetard.

6. Rue Mouffetard
The market starts at Place Contrescarpe and ends below at St. Medard Church.
5th arrondissement
Metro: Censier Daubenton

Rue Mouffetard is one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, dating back to Neolithic Times. Since food – especially fresh food – has always been a national passion in France with many people shopping for food daily, it makes sense that fruit, vegetables, and meat would be sold at such street markets at their peak of freshness.

The interior shots of St. Sulpice in "The Da Vinci Code" were filmed on a sound stage. You might be surprised by how dark the interior really is.

The interior shots of St. Sulpice in “The Da Vinci Code” were filmed on a sound stage. You might be surprised by how dark the interior really is.

In Julie & Julia (2009), Julia Child (Meryl Streep) shops for groceries at rue Mouffetard where she ingratiates herself to the locals with her charm and personality.

7. St. Sulpice
2 rue Palatine
6th arrondissement
Metro: St. Sulpice or Mabillon

St. Sulpice is the second largest church in the city and is dedicated to Sulpitius the Pious, a 7th century bishop of Bourges, France. Coincidentally, the church is the second built on the site: the original was built in the 13th century. Construction of the current structure began in 1646 and took over 100 years to be what it is today.

Can you imagine being trapped in a falling elevator in the Eiffel Tower's elevator shaft?

Can you imagine being trapped in a falling elevator in the Eiffel Tower’s elevator shaft?

In The Da Vinci Code, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks)  searches for the “Rose Line,” a fictional name given to the Paris Meridian which is marked by a brass strip on the interior floor of the church. The real exterior of the church is used, but the interior was digitally recreated in the studio.

8. Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars, 5 avenue Anatole
7th arrondissement
Metro: Bir-Hakeim or Trocadero

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 to be that year’s entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair. It is named after Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed it. Many people didn’t think the design was feasible; later, it was criticized for being an eyesore and many people called for it to be dismantled. Cooler heads prevailed. Today, it is one of the most recognized structures in the world: One cannot think of France without envisioning the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower has played many starring and supporting roles in movies, but perhaps one of the most unforgettable is in Superman II (1980) when Superman (Christopher Reeve) saves Louis Lane (Margot Kidder) by flying under the falling elevator she’s in and hurling it into space (letting her off first!), inadvertently freeing three villains from a glass prism-jail when the elevator shatters it in space. This was a white-knuckle stunt to watch at the time.

The Pont Alexandre III is behind the Grand Palais, which is at the east end of the Champs-Elysees.

The Pont Alexandre III is behind the Grand Palais, which is at the east end of the Champs-Elysees.

9. Pont Alexandre III
8th arrondissement
Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (walk down length of the Champs-Elysees to the Grand Palais, the bridge is behind it), George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Champs-Elysees, or Concorde

Gabrielle (Lea Seydoux) loves Cole Porter and Paris in the rain in "Midnight in Paris."

Gabrielle (Lea Seydoux) loves Cole Porter and Paris in the rain in “Midnight in Paris.”

The bridge spans the Seine River and connects the Champs-Elysees quarter with those of Invalides and Eiffel Tower. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful and most ornate bridge in Paris. It was built to celebrate a treaty between France and Russia.

At the end of Midnight in Paris, Gil (Owen Wilson) runs into Gabrielle (Lea Seydoux), a young French woman whose values reflect his own. It starts to rain while they are walking on the bridge, and she tells him she doesn’t mind getting wet, and that Paris is most beautiful in the rain. Since his ex-fiancee hated getting wet and couldn’t see the beauty of Paris, philosophically speaking, the bridge serves as a transition for Gil to follow his values and find personal happiness as a result.

The Arc de Triomphe has exquisite detail, including 6 reliefs on the facades of the Arch and 21 sculpted roses on its interior.

The Arc de Triomphe features exquisite detail, including 6 reliefs on the facades of the Arch and 21 sculpted roses on its interior.

10. Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle
8th arrondissement
Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile

The Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 to honor France’s war dead of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was featured in The Day of the Jackal (1973) when French President Charles de Gaulle (Adrian Cayla-Legrand) rides in a parade to celebrate Liberation Day (August 25, 1944) when Paris was liberated from the Germans at the end of WWII. During filming, the actor playing de Gaulle was mistaken for the former French President – even though he had died in 1969 – causing at least one person to faint. The filming took place during a real Liberation Day parade.

Fountain at Place de la Concorde at sunset.

Fountain at Place de la Concorde at sunset.

11. Place de la Concorde Fountain
8th arrondissement
Metro: Concorde

There are 2 fountains at Place de la Concorde: the south fountain, Maritime Navigation, and the north, River Commerce and Navigation — so named because they were built in the shadow of the Ministry of the Navy.  They were completed in 1840 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.

In The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Andy (Anne Hathaway) throws her phone into one of the fountains when she’s “done” with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).

The Theatre de l'Athenee is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris.

The Theatre de l’Athenee is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris.

12. Theatre de l’Athenee (also known as Theatre de l’Athenee-Louis-Jouvet)
7 rue Boudreau
9th arrondissement
Square de l’Opera-Louis Jouvet
Metro: Havre-Caumartin, Opera; RER: Auber

 The theatre was built in 1894 from the foyer of the previous theatre on the site. It is named after Louis Jouvet, who directed the theatre from 1934 – 1951. The theatre is classified as an historical monument.

In Hugo (2011), a boy (Asa Butterfield) lives alone in a clock tower after his father (Jude Law) and then a guardian (Ray Winstone) die. The boy tries to find a key to operate a robot his father left him. A magician named Georges Melies (Ben Kingsley), who eventually helps him, performs a magic trick in the theatre.

Gare du Nord serves approximately 190 million passengers per year.

Gare du Nord serves approximately 190 million passengers per year.

13. Gare du Nord
112 rue de Maubeuge
10th arrondissement
Metro: Gare du Nord

The original Gare du Nord (“North Station”) was built in 1846. It was partially demolished in 1860 so it could expand. The station serves approximately 190 million travelers per year, making it the busiest railway station in Europe.

The Arc de Triomphe has exquisite detail, including 6 reliefs on the facades of the Arch and 21 sculpted roses on its interior.

Gare du Nord railway station is enormous by anyone’s standards.

When Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in The Bourne Identity (2002) first arrives in Paris, he locks his duffle bag full of spy paraphernalia in a locker in Gare du Nord. I’ve been in Gare du Nord several times and I’ve never seen lockers – I would think they would be a security risk – but I’ve never looked for them, either. I’ve always been too busy getting to where I want to go, similar to Mr. Bourne.

 

Le Pure Cafe is said to be a "genuine bistro experience."

Le Pure Cafe is said to be a “genuine bistro experience.”

14. Le Pure Café
14 rue Jean Mace
11th arrondissement
Metro: Charonne

Le Pure Café is decorated in the Art Deco style and offers classic French dishes as well as burgers and cappuccino. It is often described as “a genuine bistro experience,” and is well-regarded by local Parisians.

Many people now associate Le Pure Café with the film "Before Sunset."

Many people now associate Le Pure Café with the film “Before Sunset.”

While Paris landmarks, like A-List stars, are easy to spot in movies, cafés often play minor roles like that of an “extra” – important to the scene, though nameless. One such café is Le Pure Café in the 11th arrondissement, in Before Sunset (2004), where Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) connect.

Le Train Bleu Restaurant, inside Gare de Lyon station, was named after a luxury train of the same name.

Le Train Bleu Restaurant, inside Gare de Lyon station, was named after a luxury train of the same name.

15. Le Train Bleu Restaurant
Gare de Lyon, Place Louis Armand
12th arrondissement
Metro: Gare de Lyon

Le Train Bleu is a restaurant built in 1901 in a hall of Gare de Lyon railway station. Initially called “Buffet de la Gare de Lyon,” it was renamed in 1963 after a luxury train of the same name that ran between Calais and the French Riviera. It is decorated in the Renaissance style with frescoes on the walls and ceilings, gilded cherubs, and light fixtures with numerous bulbs.

Le Train Bleu serves as the backdrop for Nikita’s (Anne Parillaud) first mission as a trained assassin in La Femme Nikita (1990). I fully admit I included Le Train Bleu because the décor is so gorgeous I couldn’t resist.

Avenue de Choisy, part of the Asian Quarter in Paris.

Avenue de Choisy, part of the Asian Quarter in Paris.

16. Quartier Asiatique (“Asian Quarter”)
13th arrondissement
Metro: Tolbiac, Olympiades, or Port d’Ivry

 Quartier Asiatique is roughly the shape of a triangle formed by the confluence of avenue de Choisy, avenue d’Ivry, and boulevard Massena, as well as the Les Olympiades complex. It is the largest commercial and cultural center for the Asian community of Paris.

 In the Port de Choisy segment of Paris je t’aime, a new beauty products salesman (Barbet Schroeder) runs into “sales resistance” by a salon owner (Li Xin) in Chinatown.

Doc (Roy Scheider) in "Marathon Man."

Doc (Roy Scheider) in “Marathon Man.”

Le Dome Cafe opened in 1898 and offers sumptuous seafood meals.

Le Dome Cafe opened in 1898 and offers sumptuous seafood meals.

17. Le Dome Café
108 boulevard du Montparnasse
14th arrondissement
Metro: Vavin

Le Dome Café opened in 1898, and similar to Shakespeare and Company, served as a gathering place for writers and artists on the West Bank. Today, it is said to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Paris.

In Marathon Man (1976), Doc (Roy Scheider) meets with his superior Janeway (William Devane) at Le Dome Café to talk about his concerns for his safety.

 

Le Cordon Bleu was closed during the German occupation of France and reopened in 1946 under the tutelage of Madame Elisabeth Brassart.

Le Cordon Bleu was closed during the German occupation of France and reopened in 1946 under the tutelage of Madame Elisabeth Brassart.

 

18. Le Cordon Bleu
8 rue Leon, Delhomme
15th arrondissement
Metro: Convention

Le Cordon Bleu (“The Blue Ribbon”) is one of the world’s most renowned and prestigious cooking schools. The school has its roots in La Cuisinere Cordon Bleu Magazine founded by Marthe Distel in the late 19th century. The magazine featured cooking lessons by some of the best chefs in France. Le C0rdon Bleu opened in 1895 but closed during the German occupation of France (1940-1944). Madame Elisabeth Brassart relaunched the school in 1945 and managed it until her retirement in 1984.

In Julie & Julia, Julia famously attends Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, where she learns to master the art of French cooking.

The folding-over of rue Bouchut is a stunning special effect in "Inception."

The folding-over of rue Bouchut is a stunning special effect in “Inception.”

19. Rue Bouchut
15th arrondissement
Metro: Sevres-Lecorbe

Rue Bouchut is a quintessential Paris street due to its architecture: buildings with many stories and windows, wrought iron bars holding window boxes, and decorative molding giving the building facades definition and character. There is also a round-about at one end of the street. Perhaps it is the street’s quintessential French character that persuaded Christopher Nolan to select the location for a sequence in Inception, in which Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) teaches Ariadne (Ellen Page) about the dream state while they walk around Paris. While the two are talking, Ariadne folds rue Bouchut unto itself.

Rue Bouchut has a round-about at one end.

Rue Bouchut has a round-about at one end.

Unfortunately, there was construction underway on rue Bouchut when I was in Paris in the fall of 2014, so I couldn’t take my own picture. I hope you are more fortunate.

A beautiful sunset at Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

A beautiful sunset at Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

20. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Connects 15th & 16th arrondissements
Metro: Bir-Hakeim (15th arrondissement)

The bridge was constructed between 1903 – 1905, and replaced a bridge built in 1878. Pont de Bir-Hakeim has two levels: one for motor vehicles and pedestrians, and a viaduct above for Line 6 of the Paris metro.

In Inception, Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) instructs Ariadne (Ellen Page) to never create dreamscapes from memory while the two walk on the pedestrian walkway. Ariadne finds out why in the form of Mal (Marion Cotillard) walking up to her and “killing” her – which wakes her up.

If you're interested in the history of fashion, the Palais Galliera is the place for you.

If you’re interested in the history of fashion, the Palais Galliera is the place for you.

21. Palais Galliera (more formal, Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, “City of Paris Fashion Museum”)
10 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie
16th arrondissement
Metro: Iena

The museum was a gift of Duchess Galliera and was built to display her family’s works of art. It was designed by Leon Ginain, who also supervised its construction. The museum formally opened in July 1894, and only has temporary exhibits, due to the delicate nature of its collections. The museum is closed between each exhibit. [Note: The museum is temporarily closed until November 2015.]

The Paris Fashion Show that Andy (Anne Hathaway) attends in Emily’s (Emily Blunt) place is held here in The Devil Wears Prada, which was strictly for filmmaking purposes.

A bird's eye view Hotel Camelia International, 17e.

A bird’s eye view Hotel Camelia International, 17e.

22. Hotel Camelia International
3 rue Darcet
17th arrondissement
Metro: Place de Clichy or La Fourche

Hotel Camelia is a budget hotel in pricey Paris. Just remember: You get what you pay for.

In Taken (2008), Bryan (Liam Neeson) finds a girl who had been taken hostage and takes her to the first safe place he can think of: Hotel Camelia, run by an old friend.

The steps to Le Basilique du Sacre-Coeur have been featured in many films.

The steps to Le Basilique du Sacre-Coeur have been featured in many films.

23. (Steps to ) Le Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
(“Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris”)
18th arrondissement
Metro: Abbesse

Le Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, "Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris" is the crown jewel of Montmartre.

Le Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, “Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris” is the crown jewel of Montmartre.

The Basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. It was constructed between 1875 – 1914. Being the highest point in the city means you have to climb many steps to get there: 270, to be exact.

 

 

 

The obelisk at Place des fetes is the site of a sad story in "Paris, je t'aime."

The obelisk at Place des Fetes is the site of a sad story in “Paris, je t’aime.”

24. Place des Fetes (above ground)
Metro: Place des Fetes
19th arrondissement

As a place, it is nearly entirely concrete, though the Square Monseigneur-Maillet, one of Paris’s oldest gardens, is nearby.

The “Place des Fetes” segment of Paris je t’aime is a sad story about a man (Seydou Boro) who dies from a stab wound while being tended by the female medic (Aissa Maiga) he is secretly in love with.

There are many feral cats at Pere Lachaise Cemetery to keep the dead company.

There are many feral cats at Pere Lachaise Cemetery to keep the dead company.

Frederic Chopin's gravesite at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Frederic Chopin’s gravesite at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

25. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
20th arrondissement
Metro: Gambetta

Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris. It takes its name from Pere Francois de la Chaise (1624-1709), a Jesuit priest who lived on the property. Napoleon established the cemetery in 1804 and declared, “Every citizen has the right to be buried regardless of race or religion.” Few people wanted to be buried here at first due to its location (and its lack of blessing by the Catholic Church). That changed after the cemetery’s administrators decided to move the remains of Jean de la Fontaine and Moliere to Pere Lachaise; soon after, people clamored to be buried with the famous.

Frances (Emily Mortimer) and William (Rufus Sewell) are an engaged couple in a Paris je t’aime segment who argue because he cannot make her laugh. William gets a little help from Oscar Wilde (Alexander Payne) in patching things up with his fiancée.

I went for a coffee after visiting the cemetery. You might want to, too.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image credits by entry: 1) Louvre by CanStockPhoto; 2) Place des Victoires by Alex1961, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 3) Square du Temple by David McKelvey, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; Knights Templar drawing by Steve Nimmons, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 4) Notre Dame by NBPhotostream, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 5) Shakespeare and Company by Elsa L. Fridl; Interior Photo by Alexandre Duret-Lutz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 6) Rue Mouffetard by Wally Gobetz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 7) St. Sulpice Church by Linus Mak, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 8) Eiffel Tower Elevator Shaft by Linus Mak, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 9) Pont Alexandre III by Jean-Marc, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; Photo of Lea Seydoux courtesy of Blu-ray, used by permission; 10) Arc de Triomphe by Richard, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 11) Place de la Concorde Fountain by Christine Kalina, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 12) Theatre de l’Athenee by Haguard DuNord, Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0; 13) Gare du Nord facade by CanStockPhoto; Gare du Nord panorama by Mitch Barrie, Flickr, CCBY 2.0;  14) Le Pure Café by Bertrand, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; Image of Before Sunset courtesy of Blu-ray, used by permission; 15) Le Train Bleu Restaurant by Brendan Lynch, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 16) Quartier Asiatique, Avenue de Choisy by Antoine, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 17) Le Dome Cafe in the Public Domain; Image of Roy Scheider courtesy of Blu-ray, used by permission; 18) Le Cordon Bleu by Tara Tiger Brown, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 19) Rue Bouchut by ParisRiveGauche.com, CCBY 2.0; Rue Bouchut by Mathieu Marquet, Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 2.0; 20) Pont de Bir-Hakeim by Zoltan Voros, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 21) Palais Galliera by Panoramas, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 22) Hotel Camelia International by Hector Parayuelos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 23) Steps of Le Basilique du Sacre Coeur by CanStockPhoto; Sacre Coeur by Cbarbi, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 24) Place des Fetes by Witguide.free.fr, CCBY 2.0; 25) Pere Lachaise, Photo of Chopin’s Grave by CanStockPhoto; Cat at Grave by Daniel Racovitan, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

 

Verbiage references by entry: 1) “Louvre” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for The Da Vinci Code (2000),” by Movie-locations.com; 2) “Place des Victoires,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 3) “Knights Templar,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Square du Temple” by David McKelvey, Flickr, CCBY 2.0; 4) “Notre Dame de Paris,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for Midnight in Paris (2011)” by Movie-locations.com; 5) “Shakespeare and Company (bookstore),” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 6) “Rue Mouffetard,” Wikipedia, for fact market dates back to Neolithic Times; 7) “Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for The Da Vinci Code, Movie-locations.com; 8) “Eiffel Tower,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 9) “Pont Alexandre III,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 10) “Arc de Triomphe,” by Wikipedia, for fact the Arc was completed in 1836 to honor France’s war dead of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars; Day of the Jackal, by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 11) “Fontaines de la Concorde,” by Wikipedia, for fact that two fountains were completed at that location in 1840 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe; 12) “Theatre de l’Athenee,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for Hugo (2011),” Movie-locations.com; 13) “Gare du Nord,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for Bourne Identity (2002),” Movie-locations.com; 14) “Le Pure Café,” TripAdvisor; “Film locations for Before Sunset (2004),” Movie-locations.com; 15) “Le Train Bleu,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “La Femme Nikita (1990), Filming locations,” IMDb; 16) “Quartier Asiatique,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Paris je t’aime,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 17) “Le Dome Café,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for Marathon Man (1976),” Movie-locations.com; 18) “Le Cordon Bleu,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 19) Rue Bouchut, no references; 20) “Pont de Bir-Hakeim,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 21) “Musee Galliera,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; “Film locations for The Devil Wears Prada (2006),” Movie-locations.com; 22) “Film locations for Taken (2008),” Movie-locations.com; 23) “Sacre-Coeur, Paris,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0; 24) “Place des fetes,” Witguide.free.fr; 25) “Pere Lachaise Cemetery,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

 

Entries with CCBY 3.0 licenses are available under the “share and share alike” clause.

 

Paris Trip Day 27

Sunday. A lot of attractions are free today. Unfortunately, it’s cold and rainy…the type of cold that seeps into your bones. I took the Metro to Champs-Elysees, mostly to go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. I took pictures all around it and while I was on the top level. I happened to get there just before a crowd came (which I saw on my way out). The lift was broken, so I had to walk up a lot of stairs in a very winding staircase – I thought I heard someone say there are 222 steps to get to the top – but hostel staff told me there are 284. While the width of the staircase was small, there were occasional landings where you can step aside and rest while allowing others to pass; as someone who studied design, I found that design detail impressive. Sometimes it has seemed to me that designers and architects forget much-needed details, like having spaces for people to catch their breath on staircases while not holding up people behind them. There were exhibits in the Arc de Triomphe on military uniforms and aspects of the monument’s design. There was also a shop for souvenirs. I people-watched for a bit: I love seeing the joy on people’s faces as they investigate Parisian sights.

After I took plenty of pictures (and had a couple taken of me), I was so cold I had to leave. I didn’t want to. I went to the McDonald’s on the Champs-Elysees to use the restroom, and took some more pictures until my fingers were too frozen to handle the camera. It might have been the coldest day of the trip. Funny enough, I was feeling so frozen, I decided to take a couple of pictures of Queen Elsa.

I headed back to the hostel and grabbed a Grand Marnier crepe on my way. It was hard to eat with frozen fingers, but I managed.

Queen Elsa on the Champs-Elysees. It was so cold, I'm sure she felt right at home.

Queen Elsa on the Champs-Elysees. It was so cold, I’m sure she felt right at home.

Salut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information on the Arc de Triomphe taken from Wikipedia article, “Arc de Triomphe,” retrieved July 26, 2015.

Paris Trip Day 13

The Eiffel Tower, a catalyst for joy.

The Eiffel Tower is viewed by the world-over as a symbol of France. I have come to view it as also a catalyst for joy.

Sunday. I walked along the Seine River after taking the #30 bus to Trocedero again. I soaked up the energy near the Eiffel Tower and had a take-away sandwich. I love watching people in their excitement being at the Eiffel Tower: they all have such joy on their faces. There are now large stones in front of E.T. that people can stand on and take selfies (what a word!) or regular pictures. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower again. (!) It never gets boring. It is so awe-inspiring. The views are so gorgeous.

An aerial view of the City of Paris as seen from the Eiffel Tower.

An aerial view of the City of Paris as seen from the Eiffel Tower.

After the Eiffel Tower, I started my journey to the slip of my dinner cruise. I looked and looked and looked and didn’t see what the gentleman from Le Capitaine Fracasse spoke of, a part jutting out from the Seine River, meaning their slip. A French couple saw my distress and offered to help me find the slip. We found it in plenty of time and I waited in line. I struck up a conversation with an American couple. They were here on business and decided to take some vacation time to see Paris. One thing I’ve noticed: Paris brings out the joy in people, because the tourists I speak to all seem to be in great moods, even serene. The line started to get lonnngggggggg; glad I got there early. When I was asked where I wanted to sit I said that I wanted to sit near a window, and I was told it would be an extra 10 euros for a better view. I said no thanks, as I reflected on Rick Steves’ description of the dinner cruise in which he said to “get there early for good seating;” there was no mention of paying more for a good seat. Then I was seated by myself in full view of a rowdy party, and patrons were using my table as a shortcut to get to their table. I nearly left. After all, a dinner cruise isn’t just about the food: the atmosphere is part of what you pay for. First I moved my table next to the table next to me, and a server smiled in recognition of how I was keeping patrons from brushing past me. (Since he saw my distress, why didn’t he seat me somewhere else?) Then I asked if I could sit farther in the back since there was so much space available. (The ship was at most half-full.) I sat next to a French couple who didn’t take their eyes off of each other. I could not believe that this petite woman ate EVERYTHING presented to her, as thin as she was. She ate basically what I did: a tray of 3 appetizers, (including Foie des Grais, which I didn’t eat), fish with potatoes in a light sauce, a tray of 3 desserts, including a puff pastry that was out of this world, and wine and espresso. Culinary heaven.

A Capitaine Fracasse dinner cruise is an elegant way to experience the views along the Seine River.

A dinner cruise is an elegant way to experience the views along the Seine River.

When I disembarked and started to walk, I felt so alive! I happened to exclaim to no one in particular what a beautiful night it was. The response of a French couple who got off the same dinner cruise: “Of course, you’re in Paris!”

I got back to the hostel and found I had a new roommate. I floated off to sleep.

 

Salut.

Paris Trip Day 12

  • The Eiffel Tower seen from the Seine River.
  • The Arc de Triomphe.
  • Retired French soldiers (mostly!) near the Arc de Triomphe.
  • The energy of Paris at night is something to experience.

Saturday. What is it about Paris in winter that makes me so lazy in the A.M.? The sun even acts like it wants to stay hidden under the covers (of clouds). I will say the anti-histamine knocked me out pretty good. I felt a little “other worldly” when I first got up, though I got up earlier than yesterday. I ate breakfast. My appetite was back. I went to the grocery store and the dry cleaner. I tried to go to the Post (Office), but it closed at Noon. Then I took a bus (#30) to Trocedero to see the Eiffel Tower. I took a few pictures, including a couple of a pair of newlyweds, and then had an espresso and glace chocolat (chocolate ice cream). Then I walked to Champs-Elysees, and along the way, I took some beautiful pictures of Christmas windows and other Christmas decorations. The French do everything with beauty and style. The decorations are a feast for the eyes.

At the top of Champs-Elysees I took a few photos of the Arc de Triomphe. I walked some more, took a few pictures of some French soldiers (retired) and headed into the Metro. I ate, worked out, took a bath, and now am settling in for the night.

I forgot to say that when I came back to the hostel yesterday 2 women had arrived from Pakistan. I had a conversation with one of them and she told me how much she loves makeup. She said that when she recently went shopping with her husband she told him she wanted another eye shadow. “But you have one just like it,” was his response. “But I want that one!” she said. It was such a riot to hear her talk. I think the only people who don’t think human beings are the same world over are people who don’t travel. I nearly fell off my bunk from laughing. They leave tomorrow for Italy. They are both sweet, but one is so…..messy. Why leave dirty tissue on the bed?

Salut.