Destination Wedding in Paris: Your Flowers

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Flowers have a direct affect on the mood of your event. They are nature’s way of showing us the beauty of color. When selecting flowers for your wedding, think of the overall feel you would like your guest to experience. If you are looking to create a romantic feel, choose softer palettes of colors with larger blooms like roses or peonies. And if you are looking for a more festive feel, choose flowers with brighter hues and interesting shapes like daisies or hydrangea.

— Andrea Davis, Event Expert & Creative Director, Entyse Lyfe Entertainment

Notice how the flowers for Raph & John's reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

The flowers for Raph & John’s reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

When a bride first thinks of flowers for her wedding, the first thing she usually thinks of is her bouquet. While it is true that pictures of a groom arm and arm with his new bride holding her bouquet will be an enduring memory, as Andrea Davis is quoted above, flowers set the mood for guests, as well. To illustrate how right she is, purchase a bunch of three types of flowers you’re considering, one type for three weeks straight. Put them in a place in your home in which you spend a lot of time. Do you notice yourself and others speaking softer when you have pink roses displayed, as opposed to another flower? Do you feel happier around one flower more than another? You can also get feedback from members in your family. Chances are, different flowers will have a different affect on you and those around you (and don’t forget to consider if anyone might be allergic). Consider this information, as well as the color(s) for your theme when making your selection.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Most wedding planners suggest you budget 8-10% of your overall wedding budget for flowers. Since the average wedding in 2015 cost roughly $31,000, that’s $3,100 for flowers. It sounds like a lot to spend on flowers until you look at the flower checklist from Brides.com. The list is long! When selecting your flowers, my suggestion is to keep your theme in mind and prioritize the list: Is it more important to add life to a dark-wooded house of worship, or to have more flowers throughout a reception venue? I’m not suggesting to cross off anything on the above list; rather, to simply spend less on placements that have a lower priority. Also, be sure to read The Knot’s 15 Most Common Wedding Flower Mistakes to Avoid.

Here are three florists/wedding flower designers to consider:

1. L’Artisan Fleuriste (2 locations)
95 rue Vielle du Temple
75003 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 78 40 40

Hours: Not given

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

Fax: +33 01 42 78 20 40

Metro: Saint-Sebastien-Froissart

L’Artisan Fleuriste
6 rue Commaille
75007 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 84 40 40
Fax: +33 01 42 84 40 41

Metro: Sevres-Babylone

Contact Page

Detail of hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your "something blue."

Detail of Hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your “something blue.”

Facebook Page

Contacts:
Alexis de Matharel, Communications & Media
Telephone: +33 06 27 18 48
Email: amatharel@gmail.com

Anne Wehr, Direction de Creation, Graphic Design
Telephone: +33 06 70 67 71 64
Email: wehranne@gmail.com
Personal Website: www.annewehr.com

I selected L’Artisan Fleuriste because they are so accessible – a real plus when planning a destination wedding.

 

2. Estelle Preston
Estelle Preston is an independent floral designer who “specializes in haute couture wedding work tailored to a bride’s exact wishes.” She says she was inspired by Christian Tortu, a master floral designer, largely considered to be the leading seller of flowers in New York City, and who taught her how to buy the very best flowers. She was featured in Meet the Experts in French Wedding Style.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Contact Page

Telephone: +33 06 03 13 02 15

Hours: Not given

Email: estelleprestonflowers@gmail.com

 

3. Un Jour de Fleurs 
22 rue Jean Nicot
75007 Paris

Reception flowers by Eric Chauvin.

Flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs.

Telephone: +33 01 45 50 43 54

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Contact: commandeparis@ericchauvin.fr

Metro: Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg

Eric Chauvin on Pinterest

Eric Chauvin, owner of Un Jour de Fleurs, was voted Paris’s poshest florist by W Magazine in 2009. His creations are sought after by Dior and the Hermes’ Paris Flagship Store, among many
others.

Flowers by Eric Chauvin for Opera Garnier.

Flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs.

 See if you can imagine your flowers in any of these settings:

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

 

Detail of image of Raph & John’s reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Roses+Peonies+Flowers by Maegan Tintari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of dark-wooded church by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of detail of Hydrangea by Nyaman Kamome, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Peony by Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0. Image of flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of Art Nouveau lighting at reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at an entrance to a garden wedding by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flower-covered chuppah by Sarah, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers giving light to an area at a wedding by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of White Calla Lily Wedding Cake (created by Graceful Cake Creations) by Grace Tari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of tall vase of flowers on a table by Anne Ruthmann, Flickr, 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.

 

 

For Men Only: A Travel Gift for Valentine’s Day She’ll Never Forget

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They’re not just pictures in a photo book – they’re my most precious memories.
This is who we are.

Source: Shutterfly.com/photo-books

If you and your significant other like to travel, what better gift than a personalized photo book as a keepsake for those memories? Shutterfly offers you three options: Custom Path, Simple Path, or Make My Book — to organize your book.

Custom Path
*Your book, your way, with many choices of layouts. Click here to view their “Bon Voyage” layout.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Simple Path
*Pictures arranged for you, which you can rearrange and add captions.
*More than 40 styles with preset backgrounds and layouts.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Make My Book
*Their designers do the layout.
*Choose your size and style.
*Upload your photos.
*Ready for your review in 3 days.
To make your Valentine’s Day gift complete, you can get a gift box and a dust cover for your book.

You can even create your photo book on an iPad online or offline, edit it and order from your computer. Chick here for more information.

While there are other websites to create a photo book, Shutterfly was voted the best website to do so by Good Housekeeping.

It also gets Elsa’s seal of approval for a thoughtful gift.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image by CanStockPhoto.

For Men Only: The Perfect French Woman: Myth or Not?

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French women know one can go far with a great haircut, a bottle of champagne, and a divine perfume.

–Mireille Guiliano, author of “French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure”

If a French woman is the quintessential woman, Catherine Deneuve was the quintessential French woman for her generation.

If a French woman is the quintessential woman, Catherine Deneuve is the quintessential French woman for her generation.

Source: The Myth of the Perfect French Woman isn’t New, but it’s Not Getting Old Either – French Morning

French women are viewed by many as the quintessential model for women: elegant, classy, thin, mysterious. Ever wonder where this view started? According to a lecturer at La Sorbonne, it all started at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris (“Exposition Universelle”). The Fair showed off many French technological achievements — the Grande Roue de Paris Ferris Wheel, escalators, and talking films, to name a few — but the first thing visitors to Paris saw at that time was an effigy of a French woman, wearing fashionable clothes and an ‘insouciant’ attitude. She appeared on the scene at the precise moment when French businesses needed a unique way to market their products (though I’m not saying they were conscious of this need). Virtually overnight, a star was born: the image was used to promote French fashion and beauty and luxury products. To own these products was to be as beautiful and remote as that 1900 image. French fashion and beauty products, and by extension, French women, became synonymous with style, elegance, class.

Coco Chanel's influence in French haute couture is unparalleled.

Coco Chanel’s influence on French haute couture is unparalleled.

Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was 17 years old at the time of the 1900 World’s Fair. Like all French women (and men, for that matter), she would have seen how this beautiful, fashionable, non-chalant image was a driving force in French culture. She certainly wanted to be on the inside of this force rather than outside looking in, but having been born into poverty, she either had to marry well or make her own fortune. Having learned to sew while living in an orphanage, she started work as a seamstress, and eventually opened her own millinery shop. Her business took off when an actress of the time wore her hats in the play Bel Ami in 1912.

We’ll never know if it was the ‘insouciant’ attitude that influenced her early designs, but whatever it was, she made jaws drop by designing elegant, casual clothes in fabric previously reserved for men only. Casual clothes? Pants! A revelation for women at the time. She went on to design suits, “the little black dress,” handbags, and perfume, her most famous being Chanel No. 5. (You know the story, don’t you? The 5th formula that the designers presented her with was the one she liked; Chanel No. 5 is now the world’s best selling perfume.) Coco Chanel may not be the first French designer to design perfume — but she perfected it.

Today, Marion Cotillard carries the torch of the quintessential French woman.

Today, Marion Cotillard carries the torch of the quintessential French woman.

With this as background, French Morning reports that La Sorbonne offers a course during the summer months on the myth and reality of idealizing French women. What do you think? Do you think French women have an edge over all others? I can only say this: When I was last in Paris and walking along the Champs-Elysees, this well-dressed young French woman walked by, and every male head in a 5-meter radius whipped their head around to take a look. Many American women think men don’t appreciate feminine women; my experience says otherwise.

Something to think about the next time you meet a woman who has that…certain something…that je ne sais quoi (“I do not know what”) that holds your attention.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image of Catherine Deneuve in a 1979 ad for Chanel No. 5 by Classic Film, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Coco Chanel by Hto2008, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Marion Cotillard by Studio Harcourt, Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0.

Reference: “Exposition Universelle, 1900” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

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.

 

 

 

 

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.